Nature of the Wild West & Las Vegas

Today, you’ll set your sights on the western United States, where you’ll later arrive in Las Vegas – one of the country’s most extraordinary cities, located in the state of Nevada. From the plane, you’ll soon see the famous saying “all roads lead to Las Vegas” come to life. From above, it’s easy to spot how the city appears as a bright dot amid the vast Mojave Desert, with four main roads extending out like antennae towards each corner of the horizon. As you descend, you’ll notice a striking collection of buildings rising from the desert floor. Spot a pyramid or something resembling the Statue of Liberty? Don’t worry – it’s not your jet lag playing tricks on you. They’re just some of the many themed hotels lining the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as The Strip. If you arrive in the evening, you’ll see the lights from the hotels glittering on the horizon.

After arriving, go through immigration and collect your luggage. Follow the signs for the Rental Car Shuttle Bus and take the airport’s free transfer service to the car rental office, which is about a 5-minute drive away. Here, you’ll pick up your rental car, and from there it’s just a 10-minute drive to your hotel, conveniently located for the next stage of your journey tomorrow. 

On your way to the hotel, you’ll pass one of the city’s major outlet malls – Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Here, you can get a taste of some “supersized” American-style shopping. Or perhaps take a 10-minute detour to stop by the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

If all you want is to stretch your legs and relax, head straight to the hotel, where a lovely pool and swaying palm trees await you.

Welcome to “Sin City”.

Today’s driving distance: 6 km / 10 min.

You’ll probably wake up earlier than you usually would on holiday. But your jetlag will soon be cured with a dip in the pool and breakfast at the hotel restaurant before you set off on your adventure. Today is when your road trip really begins – and the experiences will soon start flooding in.

You might want to pick up some snacks for the road trip, which today will take you from one state to another*. With the palm-lined roads and towering hotels of Las Vegas disappearing in your rear-view mirror, you’ll head east towards the part of the Grand Canyon known as the South Rim. After around 45 minutes of driving, you can make an exciting detour to the magnificent Hoover Dam. Spanning the Colorado River, this impressive feat of engineering stands 221 metres tall and stretches 379 metres in length. It’s a real adrenaline rush when you stand on the edge and gaze down into the depths below. Hoover Dam sits right on the border between Nevada and Arizona, which are one hour apart in time – something clearly shown at the site by a huge clock.

As you continue your journey, you can choose to make a detour at Kingman and take a stretch of the original Route 66 that leads you to Seligman. In both Kingman and Seligman, you’ll come across several fascinating remnants from “back then”, when the bustling trade route made life sweeter for travellers stopping off at the iconic diners and petrol stations along the way.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive at your hotel in the small town of Tusayan, around 12 minutes from the rim of the Grand Canyon. This means you can experience one of the absolute highlights of your tour today – the Grand Canyon itself. You may have imagined what awaits you, but nothing compares to the feeling that washes over you when you’re standing there in person. For a moment, time seems to stand still as you’re struck by the awe-inspiring sight of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 440 km / 4 hrs 30 mins.

*Please note that today you’ll leave Nevada and enter the state of Arizona. You’ll also be crossing into a new time zone: Arizona is one hour ahead of Nevada.

Even though you’re on holiday, today might be worth setting the alarm for. After all, who wouldn’t want to witness a sunrise over the Grand Canyon? As the sun climbs above the terracotta-coloured cliffs, take in the tranquil moment as nature slowly awakens around you. Both Mather and Yaki Point are among the most popular viewpoints for watching the sunrise.

The best time to hike into the canyon is early in the day, before the sun sends the temperature soaring. Consider the popular Bright Angel Trail, where you can enjoy a moderately challenging hike that takes you close to the towering red cliffs and offers countless breathtaking views. Along the trail, it’s not uncommon to spot birds of prey, mountain goats, and mules. You can easily choose to walk just a small section of the route and turn back – it’s still an unforgettable experience. 

Although it might seem impossible, this afternoon will make you lose all sense of time and place, as something truly extraordinary awaits you*. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and, together with your fellow travellers and a local guide (maximum of nine people per vehicle), you’ll return to the national park – this time in a jeep. Over the next 1½–2 hours, you’ll take in views unlike any you’ve seen before, as the day slowly draws to a close. The landscape has undoubtedly taken your breath away several times already, but wait until you see the park from new angles and remote corners you’d probably never reach on your own. After the tour, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel, ready to reflect on the day’s many impressions over dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Before today’s excursion, you’ll also have the chance to experience the Grand Canyon on the big screen from the comfort of your seat in the park’s IMAX cinema, where you’ll have a ticket for a current film screening (approx. 30 minutes). It’s entirely up to you whether you wish to use it (follow the instructions for redemption on your voucher).

*Jeep excursion: please check your voucher for the meeting time and location.

Although you’re leaving the Grand Canyon today, your adventure through the natural wonders of Arizona and Utah is only just beginning. Today’s route is an experience in itself, as you’ll depart from Tusayan and follow the shortest and most scenic road out of the National Park.
We recommend setting off in the morning so that you have plenty of time to make stops along the way. From your accommodation in Tusayan, drive towards Grand Canyon Village and then turn east onto AZ-64E (Desert View Drive), stopping at Desert View Watchtower. From this historic tower, you’ll be rewarded with an outstanding view of the National Park and the Colorado River.

As you continue towards Monument Valley, you’ll notice how the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with long straight roads stretching out across the desert. After about 1½ hours of driving along Highway 160 (Navajo Trail), you’ll pass a sign reading “Dinosaur Tracks” (officially Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks). If you decide to stop at the small car park, you’ll likely spot a local offering to show you around — and if not, you can explore the surrounding rocks on your own, where countless dinosaur fossils are imprinted into the stone.

Shortly after, you’ll pass through Tuba City, where you can learn more about the Navajo people, who have a particularly strong presence here in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Along the way, you may also come across stalls filled with beautiful local handicrafts. 

The final stretch to Monument Valley is exactly as you might imagine – long and straight. And that only heightens the awe when the valley’s famous, towering red rock formations finally come into view. These are the so-called “buttes” rising from the horizon – a mesmerising sight in the heart of the vast emptiness.

The rest of the day is yours to soak up the grandeur of the area. You might want to visit some of the well-known viewpoints featured in more than 100 films shot in the valley. You’re in the Wild West, and it’s an unforgettable experience to stand where John Wayne once swung his lasso in westerns at John Ford Point, or to recognise the stretch of road made famous by Forrest Gump at Forrest Gump Point.

You may also choose to join one of the optional tours below – for example, saddle up and embrace your inner cowboy on a horse-riding adventure.

Round off the day with dinner at the hotel perhaps, and take in the sunset over the magnificent valley.

Driving distance today: approx. 292 km / 3 hrs 15 mins.

You’ll wake up in the heart of the Wild West and gaze out across Monument Valley’s glowing red landscape. And the view becomes even more magical as the sun rises.

Your central location means you can make the most of your time in Monument Valley before continuing your road trip from Arizona into the raw beauty of Utah. We suggest setting off during the morning, so you have time to experience one of Utah’s spectacular natural wonders later today.

Today’s destination is Moab – or more precisely, the national parks that stretch out at the foot of the town. Here, you can lose yourself in one breathtaking park after another. If the scenery has already captured your heart, you’re in for a treat with visits to Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

Today, it makes the most sense to explore Canyonlands – a national park divided into three districts, as the dramatic canyons have cut the landscape apart so deeply that the areas aren’t connected by roads. The most popular district is called “Island in the Sky”, located around a 35-minute drive north of Moab. This section of the park offers easily accessible viewpoints that reward you with endless vistas across canyons and river valleys unfolding like a vast panorama below. Look forward to seeing the park’s most iconic arch, sculpted by millions of years of erosion – the remarkable Mesa Arch – which can be reached via a short, gentle hike.

Round off the day at one of Moab’s many restaurants.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 237 km / 2 hrs 45 mins to the hotel, or approx. 361 km / 4 hrs 15 mins if you visit Canyonlands National Park.

From early morning, an extraordinary experience awaits as you’ll set out to explore more of the area’s breathtaking nature. This time, you’ll visit Arches National Park – the world-famous park with over 2,000 sandstone arches, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.

Moab directly borders the park, so it only takes a few minutes before you can begin your adventure amongst the park’s fascinating natural rock formations. You can easily explore the park by car, with good parking at the many viewpoints and well-marked hiking trails leading from there. Here, you’ll have the chance to discover highlights such as Marching Men, Eye of the Whale Arch, and Tower Arch.

If you’d rather have a local guide show you around, we recommend booking the optional excursion below, where you can, for example, experience the park in an off-road jeep that takes you close to some of the area’s hidden gems.

If you’ve always dreamt of feeling the rush of adrenaline on a river rafting adventure, this area offers fantastic opportunities to do so on the Colorado River, which winds its way through the town.

Set off after breakfast so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy today’s route – one that’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps more than once along the way. Make sure to allow time for stops en route, especially as you’ll be passing through the impressive Capitol Reef National Park.

From Moab, your journey continues towards Capitol Reef National Park (Visitor Centre). Part of the route follows UT-24, which is well worth experiencing in itself. The park greets you with dramatic rock formations, deep gorges, petroglyphs, and natural arches – and even though you’ve likely seen quite a few by now, the sight never loses its magic. The park is easy to explore by car, with plenty of spots to park and head out on foot. It’s particularly famous for the vast Hickman Bridge, which you can reach on a moderately challenging walk. Near the Visitor Centre, you’ll pass the lush Fruita Valley, home to orchards planted in the late 1800s and well-preserved pioneer buildings established by Mormon settlers in the early 1900s. Consider taking the ‘Scenic Drive’ route, which offers countless stunning viewpoints. If you prefer to simply drive through the park with a few short detours, you’ll find popular viewpoints along UT-24 such as Goosenecks Overlook, Panorama Point, and Sunset Point.

After a few adventure-filled hours in Capitol Reef, we recommend you drive along the famous Utah Scenic Byway 12 – also known as the “Journey Through Time Scenic Byway” – to Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s not the fastest route, but in our opinion, it’s by far the best.

Upon arrival at your hotel in Bryce, take some time to relax before tomorrow’s adventure awaits.

Today’s driving distance: 429 km / 5 hrs (recommended route via Scenic Byway 12)

Today, you’ll have the entire day to explore the unique Bryce Canyon at your own pace. Towering, pillar-like rock formations known as ‘hoodoos’ rise dramatically from the ground, as if an underground cave had turned itself inside out. Their vibrant orange, red, and white hues create an almost otherworldly landscape. Walking among the spires – some reaching up to 30 metres high and arranged in amphitheatre-like tiers – is truly an unforgettable experience. One of the park’s most popular hikes is the 2.1 km Navajo Loop Trail, which offers viewpoints from different elevations and brings you up close to some of the tallest hoodoos in the canyon.

As the day draws to a close, head to “Sunset Point”, where you can watch the sun’s final rays illuminate the hoodoos, making them glow a deep, fiery red.

Today, you’ll visit the last of Utah’s breathtaking national parks as your journey continues southwest towards Zion.

Don’t miss out on one of the most beautiful routes of this tour. Leaving Bryce, you’ll head south and join Highway 9 (UT-9) at Mt. Carmel Junction to follow the Mount Carmel Highway. As you approach Zion National Park, the road will award you with stunning views of red-hued mountains and deep valleys.

Upon arrival at Zion National Park, it’s worth stopping by the Visitor Centre to check hiking routes, current weather conditions, and transport options within the park. During the summer months, you can easily get around using the free shuttle service, hopping off at any of the popular hiking trails.
You can also explore the park by bike, giving you the freedom to stop wherever you like and take in the sights at your own pace.

During the warm months, it’s wonderfully refreshing to take a dip in the cold waters of the North Fork Virgin River, which winds gracefully through the stunning Zion Valley.

End your day at your centrally located hotel, surrounded by plenty of dining options. Enjoy a relaxing moment by the pool while admiring the magnificent mountain views.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 140 km / 1.5 hours.

Spend the day amid the enchanting landscapes of Zion. We highly recommend hiring a bike in the morning and cycling freely around the park’s hidden corners, stopping whenever you fancy. You might even spot some of the park’s many animals, including foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, beavers, desert bighorn sheep, ring-tailed lemurs, and a wide variety of birds, insects, and fish.

There are several spots where you can cool off in natural pools. You might also like to visit the huge rock perpetually dripping with water that looks like tears, earning it the name “Weeping Rock”.

You can easily spend the morning in Zion National Park before heading towards Las Vegas, the city of entertainment. If you didn’t manage a bike ride in Zion yesterday, this morning would be a great time to do so.

Or simply relax at the hotel, take a dip in the pool, and continue your drive towards Vegas at an easy pace.

On your way to Las Vegas, you can make a detour to the candy-striped, red and white cliffs of the Valley of Fire, located about an hour’s drive from the city.

Alternatively, you can take the direct route to “Sin City”. It’s quite a contrast, going from days surrounded by magnificent scenery to suddenly spotting skyscrapers on the horizon. Along the 6.8 km long Las Vegas Blvd, better known as The Strip, the themed hotels line up one after another. If you arrive in the evening, you’ll see the lights of the hotels rising like a mirage on the horizon long before you actually reach the city.

You’ll drop off your car at Las Vegas Airport later in the day (details can be found on your voucher) and take a taxi to your hotel*. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes just 10 minutes. Getting around Las Vegas is easiest on foot, by taxi, or by using the city’s modern version of a tram – the Monorail.

When you arrive at your themed hotel, it’s hard not to smile at the sight of the countless flashing machines and rows of hopeful players pulling the levers. Settle in, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, and head out for dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants. This evening, you might stop by the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel, which has been captivating onlookers with its magnificent water shows set to classical music ever since the hotel opened in 1998.

*You’ll usually return your car today. However, it’s possible to extend your car hire so that you don’t return it until your departure day. Ask your travel specialist about this option.

*Please note that today you’ll leave Utah and head into the state of Nevada. You’ll also be entering a new time zone: Nevada is one hour behind Utah.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 270 km / 2 hrs 45 mins.

Start your morning by experiencing a true Vegas phenomenon – the buffet.

“Sin City”, as it’s often called, is a place where every desire can be fulfilled, so why not go all in on the culinary side? A breakfast buffet in Vegas can feature everything from sushi and soup to delicate pastries, chocolate-covered strawberries, towers of pancakes, and a chef whipping up your omelette just the way you like it.

The essence of Las Vegas is best experienced by visiting its many themed hotels – a unique “hotel hop” unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Take a gondola ride and enjoy a delicious gelato at The Venetian, or savour crepes in the Eiffel Tower at Hotel Paris. The iconic Bellagio Fountains entertain with their daily water show in front of the hotel, while the New York-New York Hotel offers a lively café culture in its indoor version of Greenwich Village.

Although The Strip is the very essence of extravagance, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the unique atmosphere here – a blend of dedication and high-paced energy.

If you need to switch off for a while, there’s every opportunity to relax by the pool with a good book and a cool drink in hand.

If you’re after something a little more special for dinner, consider a meal at the restaurant “Top of the World”, located in the 350-metre-high tower of The STRAT hotel. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes, and with its location at one end of The Strip, you’re in for a dinner accompanied by spectacular views of the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas gradually lighting up as the sun sets.

The city’s entertainment scene is as vibrant as anywhere on Earth, and you might like to round off your evening with one of the many shows on offer. Or how about a visit to the impressive dome-shaped Sphere, resembling a gigantic eye?

Today, you’ll begin your journey home to Europe.

Unless you’ve chosen to add extra days of car hire in Las Vegas, you’ll take a taxi to the airport, located at one end of Las Vegas Boulevard. If you’ve had a car during your stay in Las Vegas, you’ll need to return it at the airport (details are provided in your voucher). The process is straightforward, and afterwards, you can take your luggage into the airport, from where you’ll fly back to Europe.

If you wish to extend your stay with a visit to another major American city, you will continue today to your chosen destination.

You will land at your selected airport after an adventure-filled tour.