Trains and Canyons of Southwest USA

Introduction

Experience the sheer beauty of Sedona; the world’s most famous canyon; and Santa Fe’s historic Town Plaza and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery accessible only by rail. Explore a ghost town in Jerome, walk where dinosaurs once roamed in Petrified Forest National Park and enjoy a demonstration and dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.  Learn about the various Native American tribes of the area. Adventurers will love the unforgettable vintage Verde Canyon Railroad and a ride on the longest cable car way.

Overview

Below is an itinerary suggestion for an escorted tour holiday that includes a journey onboard the Grand Canyon Railway.

During this holiday, you will have the chance to relive the Old West aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Journey through fantastic Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, and spend some time with a local Native American tribe member. Then, step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park.

 

Day 1: Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins 
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town.”

Today dinner will be included. 

 

 

Day 2: Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale 
A local guide introduces you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewellery-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale.

Today breakfast will be included. 

 

 

Day 3: Scottsdale - Jerome - Sedona 
Begin your day with a visit to America’s largest ghost town, Jerome. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on the Verde Canyon Railroad – this is certain to be an unforgettable experience! Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Soak in enthralling views as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680 foot man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience its sheer, exuberant beauty. Wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West. 

Today breakfast will be included. 

Day 4: Sedona 
Discover the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, hop aboard for a trolley tour of Sedona that features a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time at leisure for lunch – perhaps buffalo and cactus fries – and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewellery. The remainder of your day is free to explore the local galleries, sip latte in a coffeehouse or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included. 

Day 5: Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona 
Upon arrival at the train station in Williams, it’s “all aboard” the Grand Canyon Railway. This adventure relives the excitement of the Old West as it travels through northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Behold amazing views of the most famous canyon in the world when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included. 

 

 

Day 6: Sedona - Apache County - Santa Fe 

Travel east towardss New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” You travel through the Painted Desert, a long expanse of badland hills and buttes that makes up a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colours. Step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park. There will be plenty of stops inside the park to enjoy the unusual views. This evening’s special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner served with local flare.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included. 

 

 

Day 7: Santa Fe 
Today is dedicated to exploring Santa Fe. Learn about this fascinating city from a local guide. During a walking tour, see the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase; St. Francis Cathedral; the historic Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail; and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy Santa Fe at your leisure.

Today breakfast will be included. 

 

 

Day 8: Santa Fe - Sandia Peak - Albuquerque 
Experience at close range what only a rock climber could see – the rugged and inaccessible rock escarpment of Sandia Peak during a trip on the world’s longest cable carway, the Sandia Peak Tramway, for a panoramic view of stunning terrain. There will be time to enjoy lunch on your own and visit the gift shop. Once in Albuquerque, stroll the streets of Old Town where unique shops and sights are everywhere. Tonight, a farewell dinner with your fellow passengers celebrates fond memories and friendships made along the way.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included. 

Day 9: Albuquerque - Tour Ends 

Today breakfast will be included. 

Essential Information

Weather

Arizona’s weather is popularly categorized as hot and dry, but what most people outside the state don’t realize is that Arizona’s climate is actually quite varied. While Central Arizonans are basking in mild weather with cool breezes in January, folks in Northern Arizona might be swooshing down the state’s ski slopes enjoying a cool winter day. And in the summer, Southern Arizonans could be sunbathing, while people in North-Central Arizona might slip on sweaters and enjoy the crisp night air.

The climate in New Mexico is arid to semiarid, and the state experiences a range of temperatures across its different regions. The summer months from May to October are the warmest and wettest, with about 30 to 40 percent of the annual rainfall falling in August, during brief thunderstorms. In July, usually the hottest month, temperatures can range from about 78°F (26°C) at higher altitudes to 92°F (33°C) at lower altitudes and in January (the coldest month), temperatures can range from about 55°F (13°C) in the central and southern valleys to 35°F (2°C) at higher elevations in the north. Snowfall tends to be higher in the northern regions.

Passports and Visas

The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journeys that are permissible under the VWP include general travel/tourism, certain types of business and when transiting to another country.

The US requires all those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to provide details online at least 72 hours prior to travel. This is known as an Electronic Travel System Authorisation or ESTA. This is mandatory.  If you do not have an ESTA you will be refused travel to the USA.  For more information, and to apply online, please visit the ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. ESTA is valid for a period of two years, or the validity of the traveller's passport (whichever is shorter)

To visit the USA, your p assport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for the USA, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.