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Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic city offers travellers the chance to explore the over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply indulge in a spot of people watching. A welcome meeting will be held at approximately 18:00 hrs* in the evening with free time afterwards to explore the cityscape at night and see the neon lights in all their glory.Accommodation: OYO Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (or similar)
After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the State of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their `promised land'. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA can be found here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two night stay we have plenty of time to discover Zion. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools as an introduction to Zion National Park.Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Altitude Gain: 45
Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. There are many great trails but a really good option to start with is the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint which offers stunning views of Watchman Peak. In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun. Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ section.Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Altitude Gain: 453
Driving out of Zion National Park we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range in difficulty.The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations with your tour leader. Some of you may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun makes its way across the wide-open sky. The inspiring hoodoos will make a lasting impression and leave you yearning for more.Optional activities:• Western horseback riding at Bryce US$65-$90Accommodation: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar)
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 437
We make tracks for Arches National Park. Stunning red sandstone arches have been created over millions of years by the whipping winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers hiking trails through spectacular sandstone landscapes with intriguing names like the Devil's Garden. One of the more widely recognised arches, and by far the most visited, is Delicate Arch, a 65ft., freestanding arch that has become one of Utah's most famous icons (visited on Day 5).On Day 6 you'll walk on the Primitive Trail to Double O Arch, with free time in the afternoon to spend the afternoon ‘off the trail’, experiencing the charms of Moab - the small eclectic town that serves as the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands. Day 7 is mostly a free day for optional activities, but your leader will take you on a very short scenic walk to view Mesa Arch before an afternoon drive out to Canyonlands National Park. You’ll also experience the iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the Colorado River snaking its way through the water channels.Optional Activities: Mountain biking US$60Extreme off-road hummer tour US$79Accommodation: Adventure Inn Moab (or similar)
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 88
Today you travel south-east to the Navajo Nation's greatest treasure - Monument Valley. A sacred land to those who call it home, the red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless Western movies. After arriving to the hotel, we sout on a backcountry 4x4 (vans in winter) driving tour, heading deep into the heart of the valley. After stops to photograph both the famous and lesser-known sights in the park, we come to 'the end of the road'. Your local Navajo guide will then lead you even deeper into the park on foot where you'll be walking to explore places that very few non-Native Americans ever to get to see. Accommodation: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar)
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
On to Grand Canyon National Park; one of those rare places that has yet to be adequately described, painted or photographed in its entirety. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277 miles (445 km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide and over one mile deep (1.6km). Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450 miles (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states.Watch as the sun sets on this incredible place and attempt to comprehend this canyon's staggering proportions and power. There are many rim trail walks that you can enjoy using the parks transport, as well as the park ranger's guided nature walk, or you may just wish to sit in quiet contemplation on the edge of this natural wonder. However, with a full free day we highly recommend lacing up your hiking boots and walking the Bright Angel Trail down to Plateau Point. For a unique bird's eye view, why not opt for a scenic flight over the canyon, which offers perspectives that cannot be seen when visiting on foot.NB: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps, but are not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails.Optional activities:• Grand Canyon helicopter flight US$289Accommodation: Yavapai Lodge (or similar)
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 11
Altitude Gain: 914
This morning we begin our journey back to the desert city of Las Vegas. En route we drive along a section of the original Route 66, stopping at the town of Seligman which is filled the brim with pure Americana. This stop makes for some wacky photos but also echoes back to a time when the mother road was the main highway to cross America.This incredible adventure comes to an end as we return to Las Vegas - if you fancy trying your hand at a spot of gambling, you've come to the right place! Nowhere else in the world will you find as many resort hotels, clubs and all-you-can-eat buffets, making Las Vegas the perfect place to celebrate an amazing trip.This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
7 hotel and 3 motel nights9 days walkingReasonable fitness requiredAltitude
maximum 2,400m, average 800m
2 breakfasts are included on this trip.On this tour we will usually eat out
in local restaurants. To help you budget for your meals on average hotel
breakfasts cost from US$6-12, lunches from US$8-15 and dinners from US$13-30;
this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per
glass and beer US$4 per bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of
approximately 15%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants.
Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.Your tour
leader may offer your group the option to operate a ‘lunch only’ food
kitty, this has proven to be a popular alternative to three daily restaurant
meals. The leader will explain this option while on your tour, and the whole
group will have to agree for this system to run.Please make sure we are aware
of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to
accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of North
America certain food types can be limited.
7 hotel and 3 motel nights9 days walkingReasonable fitness requiredAltitude
maximum 2,400m, average 800m
This tour has an activity level of 3: ModerateThis is a walking tour
designed for active adults and offers a well-paced mix of walks
for differing levels of fitness. Most walks are of moderate difficulty and
are up to four hours in length. For the more adventurous there are often
optional, moderate to strenuous hikes of up to eight hours duration in some
locations. Your tour leader will organise these on your behalf and you will
pay locally. You’ll find the main optional activities listed above under
each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be
possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.Although each tour
follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time
to time your tour leader may suggest changes.This may be due to road
conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens
to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a
highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and
may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and
time of year.Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park:During the itinerary
we have time to enjoy Zion National Park and its network of trails. One of
the more strenuous and popular hikes in Zion is called ‘Angels Landing’.
In response to growing concerns about crowding and congestion on the trail,
the National Park Service in the USA has recently announced that after April
1, 2022, everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Permits
cannot be booked by a tour operator and instead individual customers would
need to apply for a permit via a lottery system – unfortunately there is no
guarantee of being successful in receiving a permit via this system. There
are two options in the Permit Lottery System: Seasonal Lottery (you can
apply for a permit 1-3 months before trekking date) and Day-before Lottery
(you can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike). All guests are
responsible for applying for their own permits if they wish to attempt this
hike. Zion is renowned for its hiking and there are many excellent trails
with wonderful views, such as the Watchman’s trail or the Narrows. Our
group walk will be planned to discover these alternative trails. Anyone who
is successful in securing their own permit will be able to hike at Angels
Landing whilst the group complete an alternative trail.All guests interested
in further information about Angels Landing permits, such as application
dates and prices should visit National Park Service page found here.
Hotels & Lodges7 hotel and 3 motel nights. Accommodation will be in clean, comfortable
hotels and motels with en-suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their
friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will
be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two
people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout the trip - he/she will drive the van taking you from A to B and
make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure
you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing
information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out
any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests or things you
would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the
beginning of the tour and he/she will do their best to help you. As interests
and capabilities usually vary, leaders will typically guide day hikes
according to group’s needs and the difficulty of particular hikes. Our
leader enjoys spending as much time as possible on the trail with his/her
groups however please bear in mind that it will not always be possible for a
tour leader to accompany every hiker when groups divide up to hike different
trails. On odd occasions your tour leader may need to stay behind to do some
food shopping or arrange other optional activities.Working hour regulations
for Leaders - We would like to note that US Law regulates the total number of
hours your group leader is available to work. Tours are designed to make the
most of your time in the States, but please understand that there will be
certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work in
order to rest and recuperate. Due to these restrictions, particularly after
the longer driving days, your leader may not be able to join you for some of
the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
2 breakfasts are included on this trip.On this tour we will usually eat out
in local restaurants. To help you budget for your meals on average hotel
breakfasts cost from US$6-12, lunches from US$8-15 and dinners from US$13-30;
this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per
glass and beer US$4 per bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of
approximately 15%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants.
Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.Your tour
leader may offer your group the option to operate a ‘lunch only’ food
kitty, this has proven to be a popular alternative to three daily restaurant
meals. The leader will explain this option while on your tour, and the whole
group will have to agree for this system to run.Please make sure we are aware
of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to
accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of North
America certain food types can be limited.
You’ll travel in air-conditioned private vehicles, which offer great
flexibility and guarantee to get you further off the beaten path. Our
vehicles are equipped with:• Extra-large windows for better viewing•
Wider seats with additional leg room• A 6’3 interior height for added
comfort• Full-height electric bi-fold entry door for a quicker and easier
exit• Overhead luggage racks, reading lamps and TV screen for those longer
journeys.
START HOTELOYO Hotel and Casino LAS VEGAS 115 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV
89109You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your
tour. You are free to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please
ensure you leave plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your
welcome meeting. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting
will be available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting you
will meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes
filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents,
passport and tour documentation to the meeting.ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONSSometimes
the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it!
If you have missed your tour departure, first check with the hotel to see if
your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency
number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the
group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses
incurred due to you missing your tour’s departure, so please be on
time.FINISHING POINTOYO Hotel and Casino LAS VEGAS 115 E Tropicana Ave, Las
Vegas, NV 89109Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which will
be around 17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the
last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you
should not book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be
responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier
flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour
departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential
that you book this before your tour departs.
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and
outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as Southern Europe and
Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in Northern
Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are
at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. In
summer, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures ideal for
hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter temperatures. On
warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late afternoon walks,
leaving time for midday rest. The hottest time of day in the desert is
actually 3pm, and most nights will be mild to warm. Be prepared for afternoon
thunderstorms in the summer months, and look out for the plentiful mountain
wildflowers.
It is advised that you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm
and cool climates to suit the season. Please see the temperature guide
showing the highs and lows that can be expected in key locations that your
tour visits. However please remember that this is just a guide and you may
encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and
unforeseen weather conditions - so it’s best to be prepared!Besides your
essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you should take:•
Small day pack• Waterproof jacket• Warm sweater / fleece• Casual
‘evening out’ clothes• Hiking shoes / boots• Thick walking socks•
Blister packs and plasters• Hiking poles• Comfortable day shoes•
Sandals or flip-flops• Warm hat / gloves (for early or late season
departures)• Swim wear• Sun hat / sunglasses• Camera / binoculars• SD
memory card / Spare camera batteries• 2x Water bottle• Dry bag• Small
flashlight / head torch• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)• Travel
power adaptor• Toiletries / personal medicineFOOTWEARWe recommend walking
shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support will make all
walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers will
suffice although this is a personal choice. It is recommended to bring thick
walking socks for comfort.CLOTHES WASHINGYou will have the opportunity to
wash your clothes whilst you are on tour, and this can often be done at the
hotel or in town. Ask your tour leader for local information.LUGGAGE
ALLOWANCEOne suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person. A
small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel,
please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as
this may be less than 23kg.We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities
however, some of our pre and post tour hotels will provide this service
although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for
further information.
We recommend you take at least US$50 dollars per day for meals not included
in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for
expected tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like
to do.
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and
anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage
and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re
confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how
much to offer. For this reason we have listed guideline prices below.A 15-17%
tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1 per drink
in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters as will 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also
typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional
activities.Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour
and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-$10 per passenger per day if
your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
FlightsTravel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsOptional activities
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.