America's Great Desert National Parks End Tucson
America's Great Desert National Parks End Tucson
$3423
America's Great Desert National Parks End Tucson
10 Days Starting in Las Vegas, USA and ending in Tucson, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, Death Valley, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Yuma, Tucson, Saguaro National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DGDNTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through America's Great Desert National Parks, starting in the vibrant city of Las Vegas and concluding in the culturally rich Tucson. This tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree National Park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Discover the mid-century architecture of Palm Springs, explore the eerie Calico Ghost Town, and learn about renewable energy at the Palm Springs Windmill Tours. Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, and delve into the history of the Yuma Territorial Prison. In Tucson, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Borderlands Brewing Company, and savor the flavors of the region. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on sustainable travel, this tour promises an enriching adventure through some of the USA's most iconic desert landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: See The Neon Lights Of Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Horseshoe Las Vegas
Meals Included: Dinner
America’s captivating desert landscapes take center stage on this epic journey which begins in the playground of Las Vegas. Relax after your journey or tame Lady Luck. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant just off the Strip before settling in for your desert adventure tomorrow.
Day 2: Trek Through Vibrant Red Rock Canyon
Location: Death Valley
Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley
Accommodation Name: The Ranch at Death Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the towering red cliffs and sandstone peaks of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area this morning. Keep a keen eye out for its highest peak, La Madre Mountain, before continuing to Death Valley, one of the largest national parks in the USA. Aptly named for its unforgiving landscapes, Death Valley is a stunningly beautiful land of extremes. Settle into a free evening enjoying your hotels amenities including the on-site restaurant.
Day 3: Venture Into Vast Death Valley
Location: Death Valley
Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley
Accommodation Name: The Ranch at Death Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley on a guided tour of the park’s most famous sites including Zabriskie Point, and Badwater Basin Salt Flats - the lowest point below sea level in the western hemisphere. Free time this afternoon to enjoy our desert oasis and relax at one of the most remarkable spring-fed swimming pools in the world.
Day 4: Voyage To Palm Springs
Location: Palm Springs
Accommodation: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the Mojave National Preserve, visit the desert Ghost Town of Calico. Our destination tonight is gorgeous Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. Tonight, you'll dine at a restaurant that has been serving local residents for over 20 years.
Day 5: Feel The Vibes Of Palm Springs
Location: Palm Springs
Accommodation: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your morning with a celebrity and lifestyle tour of Palm Springs shedding light on the city's unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes. This afternoon, we learn about industrial wind energy farming on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Palm Springs Windmill Tours. Get the inside scoop on wind energy production and leave with a better understanding of how this renewable energy will help us in our fight against climate change. Later, perhaps join an optional ride on the Palm Springs’ Aerial Tramway and walk along the top of the mountain, with spectacular views of the valley. Don't miss Village Fest in downtown Palm Springs this evening, a festive pedestrian street fair located just across the street from the hotel.
Day 6: Adventure Awaits In Joshua Tree National Park
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Accommodation: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the peculiar outstretched boughs of the Joshua Tree when you explore the national park that bears the name of this unusual-looking desert plant. Learn how the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems come together here and keep an eye out for the incredible variety of plants and animals that find sanctuary in its vast protected wilderness. You’ll have some free time at the resort this afternoon to soothe body and mind at the Spa before an evening at leisure.
Day 7: Around The Salton Sea To Yuma Connect With Locals
Location: Yuma
Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites Yuma
Accommodation Name: Fairfield Inn & Suites Yuma
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel around the Salton Sea, one of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on Earth at over 230 feet below sea level. Stop at the Visitor Center to learn about the area’s geological and historic features. Journey to Yuma Territorial Prison. Rich in controversial history, the prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this living museum of the Old West, discover the history of the prison and learn about the 3,069 prisoners it held over the years. See the cells, main gate and guard tower as you unlock the history of Yuma over a century ago.
Day 8: Revel In The Diversity Of The Sonoran Desert Dive Into Culture
Location: Tucson
Accommodation Name: The Leo Kent Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spot the saguaros as you travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Touted as the most biologically diverse of all North America’s deserts, the Sonoran Desert is also home to an array of archaeological and historical sites including three mountain ranges and the saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Old West. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into an old Western as you traverse this epic landscape. Your next stop is Tucson, a culturally diverse town surrounded by mountains which is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Taste it for yourself over lunch and a Be My Guest experience at Borderlands Brewing Company. Check into your centrally located downtown hotel and explore the local restaurant scene on your terms.
Day 9: Saguaro National Park Make Travel Matter
Location: Saguaro National Park
Accommodation Name: The Leo Kent Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we travel to Saguaro National Park, named after the giant saguaro, the largest species of cacti in the country, and a symbol of the American southwest. You’ll learn about the national park’s mission to protect these majestic plants, which are only found in a few places in America. Enjoy lunch on your own in Tucson's bustling downtown food scene before settling in tonight for a savory Farewell Dinner to end your tour.
Day 10: Depart The Desert In Tucson
Location: Tucson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey through desert landscapes is at its end as you make your own way to Tucson International Airport.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Airport transfers
Transfers to and from the airport are not included unless specified.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through America's stunning desert landscapes. Enjoy seamless transport and transfers as you explore iconic national parks and vibrant cities.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style with stays at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, The Ranch at Death Valley, Palm Mountain Resort and Spa, Fairfield Inn & Suites Yuma, and The Leo Kent Hotel. Each offers unique amenities, from naturally fed swimming pools to spa services, ensuring a relaxing retreat after your desert adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Palm Springs?
In Palm Springs, the tour offers a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Palm Springs Windmill Tours, where you will learn about wind energy, how wind turbines work, and the history of the wind farm. This experience aims to provide a better understanding of renewable energy and its role in combating climate change.
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What can I expect during the visit to Death Valley National Park?
During the visit to Death Valley National Park, you will explore famous sites such as Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin Salt Flats, the lowest point below sea level in the western hemisphere. You will also have free time to enjoy the desert oasis and relax at one of the most remarkable spring-fed swimming pools in the world.
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What activities are included in the tour of Joshua Tree National Park?
In Joshua Tree National Park, you will explore the park to see the unique Joshua Trees and learn about the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems. You will have the opportunity to observe the diverse plant and animal life that thrives in this protected wilderness.
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What is the Be My Guest experience in Tucson?
The Be My Guest experience in Tucson includes a visit and tour of Borderlands Brewing Company, where you will learn about the beer-making process from Head Brewer Ayla Kapahi. You will enjoy a flight of four of their best brews and a southwest-inspired lunch with options like carne asada, shrimp, and veggie tacos.
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What historical site will be visited in Yuma?
In Yuma, the tour includes a visit to the Yuma Territorial Prison, a living museum of the Old West listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will learn about the prison's history and see the cells, main gate, and guard tower.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions