Tour overview
Join SITA as we explore the impressive National Parks in Southwest USA on this women’s small group tour.  In Arizona, take in Scottsdale, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and Sedona’s beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.  Stay on the rim of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.  A highlight in Utah is the remarkable Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  Gaze in wonder at the crimson-colored hoodoos in Bryce Canyon and the thousands of sandstone arches in Arches National Park.  Marvel at the cliffside pueblos of Mesa Verde.  And in New Mexico, visit Taos and charming, artsy Santa Fe.

Day 01 – Oct 03, 2021, Arrival Phoenix/Scottsdale

We will be met and greeted by our guide and transfer to our hotel.
Welcome dinner tonight with a glass of wine.

Overnight at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Located in the North Mountain Village 11 miles from downtown Phoenix, this luxurious resort offers a wide range of activities for a fun-filled vacation. Here, guests will be able to explore eight pools with waterfalls and whirlpools, relax in a cabana by the private pool, golf at an 18-hole championship golf course, and admire the Sonoran Desert and North Phoenix mountain scenery. Guests can energize for the day at the gym, enjoy a massage or beauty treatment at the spa, and play a game of tennis.

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner with Wine

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Day 02 – Oct 04, 2021 – Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon (240 miles)

Stop at Tlaquepaque, an arts & crafts village, just outside Sedona Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is an incredibly special place. Some say Tlaquepaque is the very heart of Sedona. Entering the grounds feels like a dreamily enchanting Mexican Village from a time gone by.

Lunch stop in Sedona. Continue via Oak Creek Canyon (photo stop) and Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park.
Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful spots in the state. Here is where people come to interact with nature and its wonders, and where people come to get away from the busy city life with the goal of ultimate relaxation. There are many different ways to get in touch with nature and to get away from the city in Oak Creek Canyon.

Overnight at the Thunderbird Lodge
The hotel is conveniently located between the El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge hotels, in the heart of the Grand Canyon Village Historic District. The refuge is central to the Grand Canyon Native American Indian arts and crafts stores. This contemporary retreat sits on the canyon’s edge. The gastronomic establishments of both El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge can be easily reached on foot. Guests can check-in at Bright Angel Lodge. Features include 2 queen-size beds, television, coffee maker, in-room safe, hairdryer, and telephone. The property also has a non-smoking room and rooms specially equipped for people with reduced mobility. All of the bedrooms have air conditioning.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Day 03 – Oct 05, 2021 – Grand Canyon – Marble Canyon – Page (180 miles)

Morning sightseeing along the Grand Canyon South Rim before departing for Cameron (Trading Post).
“The South Rim” is the colloquial term for the Grand Canyon National Park. This area features some of the most world-recognized sights: the striped canyon walls and deep rocky gorges. The South Rim is surrounded by the lush Kaibab Forest, which is home to elk, mule deer, mountain lions, rock squirrels, and endangered California condors. Nestled along the canyon rim is the historic Grand Canyon Village, which offers visitors a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as several antique hotels and significant pieces of architecture.

Continue to Marble Canyon (photo stop) before arriving in Page/Lake Powell.
Marble Canyon, so named for its colorful rocks and cliff walls is just below Glen Canyon Dam and extends from this area of the Colorado River to the confluence with the Little Colorado River. Along with Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon at its most western point. The cool waters of the Colorado River offer a stunning contrast to the ancient rock walls that rise to form the majestic Marble Canyon, a prelude to what will give way to the Grand Canyon downstream. A veritable southwestern paradise, Marble Canyon is a sightseer’s delight. Located just beyond Lee’s Ferry along the river, Marble Canyon is a gorgeous gateway to one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

Overnight at the Lake Powell Resort
Lake Powell Resort is located in Page, Arizona. The Resort offers comfortable lodging and suites, terrific dining, and an ideal place to return to each evening after a day of fun and relaxation. This 2-story hotel comprises a total of 369 rooms. It has a lobby with a reception area open 24 hours a day. The building houses a bar and the Rainbow restaurant. The well-equipped rooms have a bathroom with a hairdryer. They are also equipped with a direct dial telephone, satellite or cable TV, a Keurig coffee maker, 2 queen-size beds, carpeted floors, a hire safe, individually regulated air conditioning, and heating. In the well-kept outdoor complex, there are 2 swimming pools available. The hotel also has a jacuzzi, gym, sauna, and massage service (extra charge).

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 04 – Oct 06, 2021 – Page – Zion – Bryce Canyon (200 miles)

Morning visit of Zion National Park (includes walk/light hike).
Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also, along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.

Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park (includes walk/light hike).
Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. There are overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.

Overnight at the Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Nestled among the red rock cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park, this hotel offers exceptional amenities, including free hot breakfast, completely non-smoking accommodations, and easy access to area attractions. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. The hotel also features an on-site fitness center along with an outdoor swimming pool.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 05 – Oct 07 – Bryce Canyon – Capitol Reef – Moab (260 miles)

Continue via Capitol Reef National Park (photo stops) to Moab.
Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah’s south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Water pocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons, and striking rock formations. Among the park’s sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.

Visit Dead Horse State Park (photo stop) before arrival at the hotel.
Dead Horse Point is located at the end of a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. The vista offers outstanding views of the river and surrounding canyon country. Many excellent photos are taken here. It’s also a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Overnight at the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Welcome to the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn located in the heart of downtown Moab, Utah. Guests staying at this Moab hotel will be conveniently near the Colorado River for river rafting and four miles from Arches National Park. The Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn proudly offers 80 spaciously appointed, non-smoking guest rooms that have been recently remodeled, each complete with cable satellite flat-screen televisions and free high-speed Internet access. Guests will wake each morning to a delicious complimentary full hot breakfast buffet. This Moab hotel’s additional amenities include a seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and exercise facility.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 06 – Oct 08 – Moab to Mesa Verde (245 miles)

This morning visit Arches National Park (includes walk/light hike).
Arches National Park lies north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park.

Continue to Mesa Verde National Park for touring (includes walk/light hike).
In the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and boasts a landscape of mesas and canyons. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts history and archaeology buffs who go to marvel at the pueblos built into cliffs, which were inhabited from about 1190 to 1300 AD.
Overnight at the Far View Lodge
This Colorado lodge is located in the Mesa Verde National Park. This lodge offers 3 restaurants and a refrigerator in every room. Free Wi-Fi is available. Guest rooms at the Far View are equipped with a coffee maker and hairdryer. The rooms have a balcony and a small refrigerator. Guest at the Far View Lodge can visit attractions within the Mesa Verde National Park including archeological sites and cliff dwellings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 07 – Oct 09 – Mesa Verde – Taos (235 miles)

Continue to Taos for sightseeing that includes the Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza, the historic Saint Francis de Assisi Catholic Church.
Museum suggestions are The Millicent Rogers Museum (quality collection of Native American and Hispanic Art, as well as Anglo-European works), the Taos Art Museum (a collection of more than 600 works of art, including drawings, prints, and paintings, with the body of work concentrating on local artists), and/or the Harwood Museum of Art (wide-ranging collection of art from northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, including works from Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American settlers and artists)

Overnight at the El Pueblo Lodge
Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-round hot tub. Free WiFi is featured in rooms. All rooms have a patio or terrace, cable TV, and an en suite bathroom. A refrigerator is also included in rooms for guests’ convenience. Rooms are styled in period furnishings and bright-colored accents. A free hot breakfast buffet and afternoon cookies are offered daily at Lodge El Pueblo. Near the pool, guests can lounge in the hot tub or relax by the pool. Offering local shops and restaurants, Taos Plaza is less than 5 minutes walk away.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 08 – Oct 10 – Taos – Bandelier National Park – Santa Fe (157 miles)

This morning we visit Pueblo de Abiquiu, followed by Bandelier National Monument (includes walk/light hike).
Bandelier National Monument is a 33,677-acre United States National Monument near Los Alamos in Sandoval and Los Alamos counties, New Mexico. The monument preserves the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans of a later era in the Southwest.

Continue to Santa Fe for the final stop of our tour.
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

Overnight at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Find us just over 300 yards from Santa Fe Plaza, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Our historic hotel is housed in a 300-year-old hacienda. Featuring traditional Southwest décor and details throughout, there is even a kiva fireplace next to our outdoor pool and hot tub.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Day 09 – Oct 11– Santa Fe

Guided walking tour of central Santa Fe incl. visit O’Keefe Museum. Other highlights are the Palace of the Governors, the New Mexico History Museum, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Loretto Chapel, and the New Mexico Museum of Art (pieces range from drawings, paintings, and photographs to more unique displays like prints, textiles, and quirky installations). All are within walking distance of the historic Plaza and can be visited after leisure in the afternoon (after the walking tour)
Farewell dinner on Oct 11 – details TBA (we typically offer a 3-course plated meal, including coffee/tea/soft drinks, a glass of wine, tax, and gratuity)

Meals Included: Breakfast& Farewell Dinner with Wine

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Day 10 – Oct 12 – Santa Fe – Albuquerque (ABQ) Airport (65 miles)

Departure transfer and end of the tour

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