Grand Canyon National Park is a "must see." It covers more than 1.2 million acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, deserts, canyons, and plateaus. Five of North America's seven life zones and three of its four deserts are found within and around the Canyon making this a truly unique destination. The canyon's grandeur at sunrise and sunset is breathtaking. Included in this wonderful trip will be three nights at the Grand Canyon, South Rim, a flightseeing excursion over the canyon, and a visit to Sedona, AZ - known for the spectacular red rock formations in and around the town. We love this part of the country and are sure you will too.
This trip is guaranteed to depart...Come join us!
Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sunday, May 20: Arrive Phoenix Airport; Heard Museum, Group Dinner (D)
Arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport no later than 1:30pm. Take the provided hotel shuttle to the hotel. We will meet in the lobby of the hotel at 2:30pm for our initial group meeting. Afterwards, we will visit the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art. With exhibitions of cultural objects and fine art to jewelry and fashion, the Heard Museum offers the best in traditional and contemporary American Indian art. Later this evening we will have dinner together.
Monday, May 21: Montezuma's Castle, Grand Canyon (B,L)
We will travel to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with a stop at Montezuma's Castle National Monument, a 20 room cliff dwelling nestled into a towering limestone cliff. It is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America that tells a 1,000 year-old story of survival in a desert landscape. We will make a stop in Flagstaff for a light lunch of sandwiches before continuing on to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, we will check into our hotel with the remainder of the day free. Consider joining an interactive Ranger program, walking down a portion of Bright Angel Trail, or just taking in the majestic sights.
Tuesday, May 22: Tour of the South Rim; Flightseeing excursion, group dinner (B,D)
This morning we will be joined by a local guide who will spend a 1/2 day will us as we visit the various overlooks in the park. We'll learn about the natural forces that carved the canyon. Later today we see the canyon from a different perspective as we fly over the canyon. What an exciting day. We finish with dinner at El Tovar overlooking the canyon.
Wednesday, May 23: Free Day at the Canyon (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or get up early and watch the sun rise over the canyon. There are morning interpretative Ranger programs, mule rides down the canyon or along the rim, there are walks, and hikes and so much more. There are no shortages of things to do and see. The WTT tour leader will help pair up travelers with similar interests, or you can go exploring on your own. Make this your day for a very personal tour of the Canyon.
Thursday, May 24: Sedona, Pink Jeep Tour (B)
We leave the Grand Canyon today on our way to beautiful Sedona. We will travel through Oak Creek Canyon and get our first glimpse of the Red Rocks. We will make a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Spectacularly situated between red-rock towers in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Catholic chapel with amazing views. The chapel is a fine example of modern architecture, focusing all attention on a great window and cross behind the altar. This afternoon we will go on a jeep tour into the heart of the Red Rocks. Stunning vistas await you at nearly every turn. It’s a great way to gain a different perspective on this beautiful land.
Friday, May 25: Sedona - Free Day; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Enjoy a free day in Sedona. The town is famous for the natural red-rock formations, as well as for the wonderful artist crafts that can be found in numerous galleries around town. Sedona is a haven for everyone who loves spectacular scenery and open spaces. You can be active and hike, shop at the arts and crafts shops, take a balloon ride or just bask in the beauty all around you. Your WTT tour leader will have lots of ideas for a great day in Sedona. This evening we will gather for dinner together and reminisce about the great week we've had together.
Saturday, May 26: Return Home (B)
We will depart Sedona for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in the morning, returning to the Phoenix aiport by 10:00am. Make your return flight to depart Phoenix no earlier than 12 noon.