DAY 1: UK - Scottsdale.
Fly to Phoenix where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Scottsdale for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Scottsdale - Tucson.
This morning, travel south to Tucson, one of Arizona's most attractive cities. Enjoying a dramatic setting in the Sonora Desert, this fascinating city boasts a colourful Mexican, Spanish and traditional Indian heritage and is surrounded by the soaring Santa Catalina Mountains. Your city tour includes a visit to the historic neighbourhood of El Encanto Estates, the University of Arizona, downtown, and the 200-year-old Mission San Xavier del Bac. Next, admire the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonora Desert on our visit to the acclaimed Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. More than 300 species of live animals and 1,200 species of plants, indigenous to this area are exhibited in naturalistic habitats.
DAY 3: Tucson - Saguaro National Park - Tubac - Tucson.
This morning, head out into the incredible Saguaro National Park, a reserve famed for its Giant Saguaro cacti. Only found in the Sonoran Desert, these monumental cacti epitomise America's Wild West and can live for 150 years and grow as high as 45 feet. Continue on to historic Tubac, site of Arizona's first Spanish colonial garrison. Explore the many art studios, and enjoy unique shopping, from southwestern spices to regal paintings of western life. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 4: Tucson - Tombstone - Las Cruces.
Today, travel to Tombstone, the most authentic Western town left in the United States. Here you can walk the same dusty streets that saw the famous gunfight at the OK Corral in 1881, enjoy entertainment in a local saloon, and witness a re-enactment of a gunfight on Main Street. Later, cross into New Mexico, known for its breathtaking desert landscapes, and arrive in the charming town of Las Cruces.
DAY 5: Las Cruces - White Sands National Monument - Albuquerque.
Today begins at one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the White Sands National Monument. Here, gigantic sand dunes rise from the Tularosa Basin, creating an awesome 275-square mile scenic canvas. In the afternoon, arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city. Framed by stunning mountains and with a captivating mix of Mexican, Spanish and native Indian cultures, this vibrant city bursts with fascinating landmarks. Your sightseeing includes a walking tour of its historic Old Town, with its 300-year old Plaza, Spanish church and fine museums. This evening, there's time to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional outing to towering Sandia Peak, which involves a thrilling cable car ride.
DAY 6: Albuquerque - Santa Fe.
Today enjoy a leisurely morning, before travelling to Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital. Tucked beneath the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is praised for its art, culture, cuisine and spas. After exploring the town on a walking tour you'll visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, featuring the paintings of one of America's best known artists, and the leader of a 1920's New York avant-garde art movement.
DAY 7: Santa Fe - Bandelier National Monument - Santa Fe.
The Bandelier National Monument is a vast wilderness threaded by precipitous canyons and home to the ancestors of today's Native American 'Pueblo' people, who lived here 600 years ago. This morning, view their centuries-old cliff houses and canyon dwellings, before exploring the fascinating Bandelier Visitor Centre. The rest of the day is free.
DAY 8: Santa Fe - Taos - Durango.
Today, stop en route in picturesque Taos, which was once home to frontiersman Kit Carson and novelist DH Lawrence. Next, we cross the mighty Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans a magnificent 650-foot canyon, before continuing into the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico and the town of Durango. Founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, this charming town was once run by gunslingers. Tonight, why not explore the historic downtown or stroll along the Animas River.
DAY 9: Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Kayenta.
First stop today is the wondrous Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to walk in the footsteps of the ancestral 'Pueblos' and see their mysterious, centuries-old cliff dwellings. Next we catch a glimpse of the jaw-dropping Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Straddling the Arizona border, this incredible place is instantly recognisable for its flat-topped mesas, rock spires and sandstone buttes.
DAY 10: Kayenta - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon National Park.
This morning enjoy an exhilarating four-wheel drive tour of Monument Valley - the setting for countless movies, including 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon' and 'Thelma and Louise'. At the amazing twin 'Mitten' buttes, see the epic 'Totem Pole' and other sights forever associated with the Wild West. Later, our odyssey takes you to the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Overnight stay inside the park.
DAY 11: Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale.
This morning, don't miss the optional 'flightseeing' excursion for a unique bird's eye view over the canyon - it's the thrill of a lifetime! Later, travel to Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning Red Rock Country. Browse its eclectic shops, feast on southern cuisine or just breathe in the incredible scenery. This afternoon you'll return to Scottsdale, marking the end of your exciting adventure.
DAY 12: Scottsdale - UK.
Transfer to Phoenix airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 6,695 ft.