Arizona Winter Escape

featuring The Grand Canyon

Escape the dreary winter for the vibrant colours of Arizona where the sun shines over 300 days of the year. Step into a land of contrasts and natural wonders, where rugged desert landscapes collide with vibrant urban centers and ancient Native American cultures blend with modern amenities. This desert adventure spans six states including California and the incredible Grand Canyon. Enjoy the best of Arizona during this experience of a lifetime!

 

TOUR ITINERARY

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

The drive through Oregon, Montana, Utah and Arizona is an experience in itself.  The majestic Grand Canyon and its mile-deep canyon will overwhelm your senses in the best way possible.  Saguaro National Park is a wonderland of towering Saguaro Cacti, the symbol of the American Southwest.  The historic town of Tombstone is a town that thrives on its Wild West past.  With the many saloons and gunfight reenactments, you’ll be transported back in time to a bustling frontier town.

DAY 1 – OMAK, WA

Leave the cold, gray chill of winter behind as we journey south towards bright blue skies and warm days. Our first night is 12 Tribes Casino in Omak.

DAY 2 – BUTTE, MT

Continue south through the rolling hills and farmlands of Idaho to the rugged mountain ranges and wide-open spaces of Montana. Tonight settle into the highly rated Best Western Plus Butte Plaza Inn, Montana.

DAY 3 – SALT LAKE CITY, UT

Leave Montana and enter Idaho, travelling through the picturesque Monida Pass where you’ll be treated to high desert plateaus with sagebrush, rugged snow-capped peaks and forested slopes of the Rocky Mountains.  We arrive into Salt Lake City, Utah for the evening at the friendly Crystal Inn to relax and recharge.

DAY 4 – MOAB, UT

Heading toward the enchanting town of Moab, Utah, we begin today’s adventure at the spectacular Arches National Park where you will bear witness to the spectacular Arches National Park and the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. We end our day at Mainstay Suites in Moab.

SPOTLIGHT

Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring tock fins and giant balanced rocks.

DAY 5 – GRAND CANYON, AZ

Embark on a truly unforgettable journey travelling Hwy 163 surrounded by the stunning vistas of Monument Valley and its’ iconic 1,000-foot buttes.  The highlight of our adventure unfolds as we approach the magnificent Grand Canyon. After arriving at the beautiful Squire Resort, get a head start on our Grand Canyon experience with an IMAX showing of ‘Grand Canyon Rivers of Time’ and see what only 5% of visitors see beyond the rim of this incredible Natural Wonder.

SPOTLIGHT

New Studies suggest that the Grand Canyon’s rock formations may have begun 70 million years ago. It is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

DAY 6 – MESA, AZ

Welcome to the edge of the world – the majestic Grand Canyon!  Mather Point offers an easily accessible, panoramic view of the 7th Wonder of the World, showcasing the vastness and majesty of the extraordinary landscape. Leave breathless heading towards the vibrant city of Mesa, first making a stop in the charming town of Sedona. Take time to explore, shop, or sample the many dining options. Stay four nights at the Country Inn & Suites in Mesa.

DAY 7 – MESA

Today travel the  historic Apache Trail through the iconic Superstition Mountains.  Tour the Lost Dutchman Museum and the historic ghost town of Goldfield. Get lost in the legends and intrigue of the Old West.  Then, board the Dolly Steamboat for a scenic nature cruise along spectacular Canyon Lake. Head back at the hotel for a well-deserved night’s rest.

DAY 8 – MESA

Today take an agricultural tour of Queen’s Creek Olive Mill.  Combine education with entertainment and discover how olive oil is made and taste samples under the direction of a professional olive oil sommelier.  The next stop is the upbeat Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet featuring over 1,500 colourful vendors where you’re sure to find that perfect souvenir. Later, enjoy a festive live dinner theatre performance at Silverstar Theatre.

DAY 9 – MESA

Today is yours to relax and enjoy some free time!

DAY 10 – TUCSON, AZ

Depart for nearby Tucson and the heart of the Sonoran Desert where Saguaro Cactus will be prominent features of the landscape. The first stop is the Tucson Botanical Gardens and its many fascinating exhibits followed by an electric tram tour through the wonders of Sabino Canyon.  The exciting Desert Diamond Casino Hotel is home for the next two nights.

DAY 11 – TUCSON

The excitement continues in the legendary town of Tombstone, known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”. Feel like you just stepped back in time to the gunfighting days of the Old West as you meander the historical streets that Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday walked over 140 years ago.  Visit the iconic OK Corral and hop on a fascinating narrated Trolley Tour, highlighting the historic landmarks including the famous Boot Hill Cemetery.  Enjoy the evening back at Desert Diamond Casino Hotel.

SPOTLIGHT

At its peak, Tombstone had over 100 saloons and restaurants, a large red-light district, its own newspaper and one of Arizona’s first public swimming pools.

DAY 12 – PALM SPRINGS, CA

Say hello to the sun-soaked paradise of Palm Springs. First stop at the San Xavier del Bac Mission, one of the oldest Spanish churches in the United States. People come from all over the world to marvel at the preservation of its historical background. Enjoy the next two nights at the gorgeous Palm Mountain Resort and Spa, just steps from the excitement of downtown Palm Springs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Founded in 1692, San Xavier del Bac Mission is the longest continuously operating Catholic Mission in the United States. The church’s interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and murals.

DAY 13 – PALM SPRINGS

Today is yours to explore the palm fringed Palm Canyon Drive and wallow in the vibrant mix of shopping, art galleries, and restaurants.  Tonight check out Villagefest, Palm Springs’ downtown night street fair featuring over 180 vendors, food and entertainment!

DAY 14 – THOUSAND OAKS, CA

Departing Palm Springs, make our first stop at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.  The museum features numerous exhibits including a replica of the Oval Office and hundreds of never-before-seen artifacts. Tonight’s stay is the Old Hollywood style Palm Garden Hotel.  Celebrate love tonight with a group Valentine’s Dinner.

DAY 15 – SACRAMENTO, CA

Today continue the journey towards Sacramento, California and the Holiday Inn located in Old Town.

DAY 16 – CANYONVILLE, OR

Say goodbye to the Golden State, heading north into Oregon. Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville is tonight’s stay.

DAY 17 – TULALIP, WA

Return to the Evergreen State of Washington for the final nights’ stay at the luxurious Tulalip Resort Casino.

DAY 18 – RETURN HOME