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Tour Info

Tour Length: RETURNED with SMILES

Leave Sun. Apr. 24, 2022
Return Wed. May 04, 2022

$3,330 - Land Only
$720 - Hawaiian Air


$75 - possible Sign-up Discount
Apply Globus Welcome Back Credit

* This program may be back
   in 5 to 8 years.


More Information


 
Questions?
alex@doldworldjourneys.com / (808) 732-9430

2022 The Canyonlands RETURNED with SMILES

 

Day by Day Itinerary

This Tour is CLOSED. For questions, please contact alex@doldworldjourneys.com or (808) 732-9430.

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our Canyonlands journey starts with a morning non-stop departure to Las Vegas, Nevada. Touching down in the later afternoon we are met by the effervescent Barbara Buryiak (special director) and transferred to the Treasure Island Hotel.

The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore this city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. Barbara and Alex, our Hawaii host, will be on hand to assist us. The preliminary flight schedule is displayed here. (Welcome Drink)

Day 2 Via the Mojave Desert to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

This morning we “get our kicks on Route 66” as we drive through Mojave Desert known as the driest desert in North America to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. On arrival we explore the canyon rim and experience breathtaking views. For a truly unique experience we stay inside the park at the Kachina Lodge - Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. (B), (D).

Day 3 To Lake Powell.

Wake up to the backdrop of the Grand Canyon and enjoy some peace and tranquility before the day trippers arrive. The daring may want to start their day with an optional helicopter "flightseeing" ride for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Later this morning, we travel north to the majesty of Lake Powell.

Created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam held back the waters of the might Colorado River, forming a vast blue lake surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls. With a shoreline longer than the entire west coast of the United States, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the country. Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise taking in the fascinating scenes created by the sharply eroded walls. Our next two night at the Lake Powell Resort with sweeping lake views. (B), (D)

Day 4 Leisurely Discovering Lake Powell.

This morning savor the view of one of the most recognized and visited places in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Head up to the trailhead of the overlook, where we hike over a hardened path, up a gentle incline. Once at the top, take in the beauty and try your luck at getting the quintessential shot of this horseshoe-shaped meander in Glen Canyon.

Enjoy the rest of our day to do as we please. Perhaps consider an amazing “flightseeing” option; join a highly recommended Antelope Slot Canyon visit (for those how are good walkers and stable on your feet); or simply take in the beautiful views across the lake from the comfort of our hotel. (B)

Day 5 To Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah.

Journey on through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to Goulding’s Lodge, our home for the night. For an awesomely unique experience our Lodge is in the heart of Monument Valley. As we approach the lodge witness one of the most dramatic and photographed places on earth. Upon arrival take some time to enjoy the Goulding’s Museum and Trading Post, home to a wonderful collection of movie memorabilia and Indian artifacts. Tonight, a local Navajo guide lead us into the red rock backcountry to savor a private cookout. During our meal, we hear the stories and legends of the Navajo people. (B), (D)

Day 6 Exploring Monument Valley and on to Moab.

In the cool hours of the morning, we set out with a Navajo guide in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore Monument Valley. The area is also the backdrop for many western Hollywood hits, including Stagecoach and Fort Apache. While exploring the backcountry we visit a Navajo Hogan (traditional housing) for a rug weaving demonstration.

In the afternoon we continue north to Moab, an outdoor mecca, for a relaxing 2-night stay at the ranch-like Red Cliffs Lodge which sits high on the banks of the Colorado River surrounded by cliffs and situated where the Western favorites such as Wagon Master and Rio Grande were filmed. Our highlight tonight is a wine tasting at the resort’s winery, followed by a western BBQ overlooking the Colorado River. (B), (D)

Day 7 Excursion to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

After breakfast we visit Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arc. Be on the lookout for the majestic desert big horn sheep high on the cliff sides. Then on to magnificent Canyonlands National Park and it’s Grand View Point for spectacular scenes of the Canyonland area.

As the largest national park in Utah, it preserves 527 square miles of colorful landscape that has eroded into countless canyons, mesas, arches, and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Finally savor the view from Dead Horse Point State Park of the winding rivers through deep red rock canyon. Then back our hotel with some leisure time to enjoy the outdoors or relax in this beautiful natural setting. (B)

Day 8 Via Capital Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park.

This morning we travel along Utah’s Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, witnessing diverse, remote, and ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Our coach continues through pristine Capital Reef National Park where the lands bends into a giant ripple having been tortured and twisted over millions of years. Marvel at the engineering as the road travels over hogbacks, slick rock, and trough steep canyons. Keep our cameras ready as this route is one of the most spectacular in North America. We continue through the land of natural brides, narrow canyons, and expansive views to Bryce Canyon National Park. He we spent two nights at Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand. (B)

Day 9 Exploring Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park.

A day rich in contrasts leads us to Bryce Canyon National Park. The slow erosion of the land has created a fantastically sculptured rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires and squatting goblins. We head to Rainbow Point to experience the pink cliffs out of which the Hoodoos have been sculpted. Then we continue to Inspiration Point to view the canyon from three levels.

As the light changes throughout the day, the natural amphitheaters and canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. As we cruised through the park, we learn how wind, erosion and iron oxidation created the spellbinding region. At the same time keep your eyes open for the one of the dozens of species that call this unique place home (B)

Day 10 Via Zion National Park to Sin City.

After breakfast we descend into half-mile-deep Zion National Park. Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s colorful sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the verdant valleys of vermillion cliffs high bout the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Once a refuge for Mormon pioneers, Zion’s unique array of scenery, plants, and animals – plus rich history – makes this a breathtaking and memorable day. Take advantage of today’s photo opportunities galore.

Depart the natural beauty of the park to arrive in the bright lights and glamour of Las Vegas. We spend the night at Treasure Island Hotel in the heart of the “Strip.” Celebrate the end of our amazing journey with a farewell dinner hosted by Barbara. (B), (D)

Day 11 To Honolulu.

Wonderful memories of our scenic exploration of some of our nation’s most beloved parks and canyons are with us as we head to the airport this morning. We leave with a deeper appreciation of our country's natural beauty. Our flight arrives home in the early evening. (B)