Red Rocks, Canyons & Rail Holiday

Day 1 – Welcome to Laughlin!

From our departure points we set off on our journey this morning onboard our deluxe motorcoach for Laughlin's picturesque river setting. After a morning rest stop and a stop for lunch on your own in Barstow, we’ll arrive in Laughlin this afternoon. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Aquarius Casino Resort, the largest and highest-rated hotel in Laughlin. Situated along Laughlin’s Riverwalk, the hotel features Laughlin’s newest hotel rooms and a 60,000 square foot casino. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure.

Day 2 – Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona

Following an included breakfast, we continue on our journey east arriving in awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll soon find yourself gazing at the most awesome landscape for which no postcard could do justice. Eons of time are represented in the many colors of earth uncovered by millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River. At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and one mile deep, it’s easy to see why the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Following time at leisure for lunch on your own in Grand Canyon Village, we’ll take in some of the most scenic views in the National Park as we continue east along the South Rim towards Flagstaff. We’ll stop at several of the most picturesque viewpoints including Lipan Point, often said to be the most spectacular viewpoint of the Grand Canyon. We’ll make a stop at Desert View where we’ll find the Watchtower, a re-creation of the unusual towers erected by the ancient native peoples of the Southwest. The view of the Grand Canyon from atop the Watchtower is nothing short of breathtaking. Later this afternoon we travel through Oak Creek Canyon – a magnificent steep-walled canyon considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the country. Every rock-bordered curve, every tree-formed tunnel, every climbing turn of this road features more natural beauty than the one before, and the romance that shrouds this area hangs from the giant, creek-side cottonwoods and sycamores. This evening we arrive in picturesque Sedona – said to be unparalleled for its scenic beauty – you’ll be amazed by the spiraling towers of red sandstone. Enjoy a relaxing three-night stay at an upscale hotel beautifully decorated for the holidays and set amidst the spectacular beauty of the magnificent red rock formations surrounding Sedona – the recently-renovated, luxurious guest rooms provide stylish décor, convenient amenities and extra space with a private balcony or patio. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad

After an included breakfast, we’ll make the short drive west, climbing the twisting road up Cleopatra Hill to the spectacular cliffside town of Jerome. This former copper mining camp was a boomtown of 15,000 people between the late 1880s and early 1950s. But then it was abandoned to become Arizona’s largest ghost town. Today it lives again as a thriving artist’s community known for its “billion dollar view.” Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and browsing its unique shops and museums. This afternoon we arrive in Clarksdale and the depot for the Verde Canyon Railroad. Here we’ll board this wilderness train that will take us into Arizona’s other “grand canyon” and along the upper Verde River – a lush riparian habitat blessed with astonishing beauty. Verde Canyon is only accessible by train and features spectacular, panoramic views of this unique, geological area. You’ll be enthralled as this vintage train rolls past crimson cliffs, high-desert rock faces, and ancient Indian ruins. All of these sights are even more spectacular seen from the train’s open-air viewing cars. We top off this memorable day at the Blazin ' M Ranch for a Western experience of a lifetime! When the dinner bell rings it’s time to feast! Enjoy the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil wrapped potato, cowboy beans, prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and homemade caramel apple crisp with ice cream. After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys will entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents, cowboy poetry and humor during a holiday-themed, western stage show. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 – Sedona

Following an included breakfast, we’ll board Sedona Trolley for a narrated driving tour of the Sedona area with extraordinary photo opportunities. This fun, informative tour highlights the area’s history, geology, flora, fauna and vortexes! See the areas finest sites and landmarks including a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. We return to downtown Sedona and visit the spectacular Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Named after a suburb of Guadalajara, Mexico, this village is filled with 40 specialty shops and renowned art galleries. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure to browse the many galleries and boutiques in Uptown Sedona, relax at the hotel, or take advantage of an optional Red Rocks Jeep Expedition, available for an additional $135 per person (payable with your balance payment). On this two-hour, backcountry tour aboard a state-of-the-art Jeep Wrangler, a knowledgeable driver-guide will take you off-road into Sedona’s famous red-rock landscape which offers adventure at every turn. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure with multiple restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Welcome to Las Vegas!

Enjoy an included breakfast before we depart Sedona and head towards Las Vegas. We’ll make a stop for lunch on your own in Kingman, located on historic Route 66. Continuing on, this afternoon we come face-to-face with the mighty Hoover Dam as we travel over the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge on our way to Las Vegas. This bridge is the highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the second-highest bridge of any kind in the United States. Its setting is what sets it apart it − it is perched 890 feet above the turquoise Colorado River, only 1,500 feet from the Hoover Dam. Las Vegas welcomes you this evening and invites you to discover its many resort hotels and gaming options. Our accommodations at the AAA Four Diamond Treasure Island Hotel & Casino provides easy access to the many nearby hotels including Wynn, Encore, The Venetian, The Palazzo, Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Mirage – each of their lobbies exquisitely decorated for the holidays. Enjoy the balance of the evening at your leisure in Las Vegas. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Journey Home

Following an included breakfast and a late morning departure, we begin our journey home, returning to our drop-off points this evening. Mother Nature’s scenic wonders, geologic phenomena and Old West towns combined with holiday displays and twinkling holiday lights will have provided great memories. (Breakfast)