Discover the beauty of Arizona and New Mexico on this scenic tour through the colorful southwest. Experience the area's culture at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made during a jewelry-making demonstration. Visit the studios of local artists in Sedona and learn about their inspirations and influences. Enjoy sacred moments you can only find in this part of the world like gazing out over the Grand Canyon's famous South Rim or traveling aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. Journey through a diverse landscape and discover what lies beyond the scenery.

Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary

• Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
• Excursion aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad
• Excursion aboard the Grand Canyon Railway
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 12 meals
• Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Scottsdale
• Phoenix
• Verde Canyon Railroad
• Sedona Trolley Tour
• Grand Canyon Railway
• Santa Fe
• Petrified Forest National Park

Day 1 - Scottsdale, Arizona
Your tour through the colorful southwest begins in sunny Scottsdale, "The West's Most Western Town." Overnight Doubletree Paradise Valley. (D)

Day 2 - Explore Phoenix and Scottsdale
Today a local guide will introduce you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale. Overnight Doubletree Paradise Valley. (B)

Day 3 - Verde Canyon Railroad / Sedona
The day begins with a visit to Jerome, America's largest ghost town. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, embark on a roundtrip rail excursion on the Verde Canyon Railroad-certainly a highlight of the day and a truly unforgettable experience! The Verde Canyon is accessible only by rail and is located between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Keep your cameras handy to capture the spectacular views you'll see as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering crimson cliffs and ancient Indian ruins. Enjoy the evening in magical Sedona, marveling at the beauty of its windswept buttes and sandstone cliffs. Overnight Orchards Inn. (B).

Day 4 - Discover Sedona
This morning you will learn about the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, embark on a trolley tour of Sedona. Highlights include a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time for lunch on your own and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewelry. The remainder of the day is free to explore the local galleries or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Overnight Orchards Inn. (B, D)

Day 5 - Grand Canyon
Travel to Williams, where you will board the Grand Canyon Railway and relive the excitement of the Old West as it travels through the northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Upon arrival at the South Rim, you'll be met with amazing views of the world's most famous canyon. After spending the day exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, return to Sedona where you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Orchards Inn. (B, D)

Day 6 - Petrified National Forest / Santa Fe
Today's travels take you through the Painted Desert, along a colorful expanse of badland hills and buttes. Enjoy a stop at Petrified Forest National Park, a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago. This evening's special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner. Overnight Inn and Spa at Loretto. (B, D)

Day 7 - Santa Fe Sightseeing
Learn about the fascinating city of Santa Fe on a walking tour with a local guide. See the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase, St. Francis Cathedral, the historic Town Plaza that marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy Santa Fe at your leisure. Overnight Inn and Spa at Loretto. (B)

Day 8 - Santa Fe-Albuquerque
Drink in the diverse scenery on today's drive to Albuquerque. Once in Old Town, there will be plenty of time to stroll the streets filled with unique shops and restaurants. Overnight Albuquerque Marriott. (B).

Day 9 - Albuquerque
Your tour comes to a close today.

Doubletree Paradise Valley: The 378-room hotel offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, rooms that feature private patios or balconies and amenities that include an outdoor pool, spa, bar, restaurant and fitness center.

Orchards Inn: Located in uptown Sedona on a hillside overlooking Sedona's famed Red Rocks, the hotel is conveniently located to dining, shopping and entertainment. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub and as well as an on-site restaurant and bar.

Inn and Spa at Loretto: Located at the end of the Santa Fe Trail near the famous Loretto Chapel, this hotel is decorated with Native American décor and offers amenities that include internet access, a spa, a restaurant and bar.

Albuquerque Marriott: Conveniently located at the heart of the restaurant and shopping district and overlooking the Sandia Mountains, it features an indoor and outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.