The Scenic Southwest

br />Experience the sheer beauty of Sedona; the world’s most famous canyon; and Santa Fe’s historic Town Plaza and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery accessible only by rail. Explore a ghost town in Jerome, walk where dinosaurs once roamed in Petrified Forest National Park and enjoy a demonstration and dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Learn about the various Native American tribes of the area. Adventurers will love the unforgettable vintage Verde Canyon Railroad and a ride on the longest aerial tramway.

Day 1: Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town.”

Day 2: Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale
A local guide introduces you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale.

Day 3: Scottsdale - Jerome - Sedona
Begin your day with a visit to America’s largest ghost town, Jerome. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on the Verde Canyon Railroad – this is certain to be an unforgettable experience! Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Enjoy enthralling views as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680 foot man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience its sheer, exuberant beauty. Wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West.

Day 4: Sedona
Discover the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, hop aboard for a trolley tour of Sedona that features a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time at leisure for lunch – perhaps buffalo and cactus fries – and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewelry. This afternoon experience art in Sedona as you meet local artists, view their work and discuss their inspirations. Discover why Sedona is one of America’s great art cities.

Day 5: Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona
Upon arrival at the train station in Williams, it’s “all aboard” the Grand Canyon Railway. This adventure relives the excitement of the Old West as it travels through northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Behold amazing views of the most famous canyon in the world when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Sedona - Apache County - Santa Fe
Travel east towards New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” You travel through the Painted Desert, a long expanse of badland hills and buttes that makes up a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colors. Step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park. There will be plenty of stops inside the park to enjoy the unusual views. This evening’s special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner served with local flare.

Day 7: Santa Fe
Today is dedicated to exploring Santa Fe. This morning enjoy a docent tour of the famed Georgia O’Keefe Museum, including a discussion about her work and accomplishments. Then, an expert from the New Mexico Museum of Art will lead you on a walking tour of the city to discover the many treasures of Santa Fe. Learn about spectacular art and architecture of such great sites as the Loretto Chapel with its spiral staircase and the ultramodern state capitol building. Your tour ends at the Museum of Art where you will tour their wonderful collection.

Day 8: Santa Fe - Sandia Peak - Albuquerque
Experience at close range what only a rock climber could see – the rugged and inaccessible rock escarpment of Sandia Peak during a trip on the world’s longest aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway, for a panoramic view of stunning terrain. There will be time to enjoy lunch on your own and visit the gift shop. Once in Albuquerque, stroll the streets of Old Town where unique shops and sights are everywhere. Tonight, a farewell dinner with your fellow passengers celebrates fond memories and friendships made along the way.

Day 9: Albuquerque - Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/24/2010 - 10/4/2010	$2,399
10/3/2010 - 10/13/2010	$2,399
10/6/2010 - 10/16/2010	$2,399
10/8/2010 - 10/18/2010	$2,399
10/22/2010 - 10/31/2010	$2,049
11/5/2010 - 11/14/2010	$1,999
3/11/2011 - 3/20/2011	$1,999
3/25/2011 - 4/3/2011	$2,049
4/1/2011 - 4/10/2011	$1,999
4/8/2011 - 4/17/2011	$1,999
4/15/2011 - 4/24/2011	$1,999
4/29/2011 - 5/8/2011	$2,049
5/13/2011 - 5/22/2011	$2,099
5/20/2011 - 5/29/2011	$2,299
6/10/2011 - 6/19/2011	$2,049
7/8/2011 - 7/17/2011	$2,049
8/12/2011 - 8/21/2011	$2,049
9/2/2011 - 9/11/2011	$2,099
9/9/2011 - 9/18/2011	$2,299
9/28/2011 - 10/8/2011	$2,399
9/30/2011 - 10/10/2011	$2,399
10/3/2011 - 10/13/2011	$2,399
10/5/2011 - 10/15/2011	$2,399
10/7/2011 - 10/17/2011	$2,399
10/14/2011 - 10/23/2011	$2,299
10/21/2011 - 10/30/2011	$2,099
11/4/2011 - 11/13/2011	$2,049
11/11/2011 - 11/20/2011	$2,049
3/9/2012 - 3/18/2012	$2,049
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

FREE Door to Door Service

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Travel Improves Your Health
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Ever wonder why glacier ice looks blue?
• Costa Rica and Panama Ecotourism
• Best Time to See Fall Foliage
• About Ireland Tours
• Places to Visit in Chile
• Fall Foliage Season Approaches
• Touring Australia and New Zealand
• Spectacular South America