Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix, Arizona

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona, a wonderful city for art and culture in the middle of a fascinating desert – the Sonoran Desert. We meet at 4 pm in the lobby of our base hotel. Together, we visit the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden filled with local and rare desert plants, animals, and native culture. While eating dinner in the garden, you get to know your travel companions. The tour leader will inform about the upcoming tour. Tour documentation will be handed out.

Day 2: Phoenix – Cameron/Tuba City, Arizona

We travel north through Sonoran desert landscape, home to Saguaro cacti as tall as trees, and make our first stop in the artist community of Sedona. Fall tour only: participate at a nearby Powwow Gathering of Native tribes in Prescott.  Our route continues through scenic Oak Creek Canyon up to Flagstaff. On walks at Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments, we immerse ourselves in the volcanic history of the landscape and the human history of the Native Americans. Two nights in the lodge decorated with Native American art at Cameron Trading Post.

Day 3: Day Trip to Grand Canyon, South Rim

Today’s highlight is world famous Grand Canyon National Park. We enjoy the awe inspiring view from different vantage points, explore the Desert View Drive, stop at Desert View Watchtower, and wander along the rim at Hermit’s Rest, depending on snow conditions. The views from the most impressive canyon of the world are unforgettable. An optional helicopter trip can be reserved.

Day 4: Cameron – Second Mesa – Winslow

In the morning, we visit the Hopi reservation. We enjoy a Hopi guided tour through pueblo settlements that have been inhabited for many hundred years while learning about Hopi history. A visit to Hopi artists introduces us to their unique art and culture. In the later afternoon, we travel to Winslow which is traversed by Route 66. The city became famous through the song “Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow” by the Eagles. We stay for the night at an exquisite Hotel of historical interest.

Day 5: Winslow – Petrified Forest National Park – Canyon de Chelly

On short walks in the Petrified Forest we explore the beautiful colors of million-year-old tree trunks–the largest collection of petrified wood in the world. We discover Indian Petroglyphs dated back to ancient times. In this area one of the most diverse collections of prehistoric pottery fragments have been found within the Southwest area. In the afternoon, we travel through the Navajo reservation to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. A deep canyon was once home to ancients and later the Navajo people. We explore the rim of the Canyon. Night in nearby Chinle.

Day 6: Canyon de Chelly – Acoma Sky City – Albuquerque

In the morning, we visit some impressive viewpoints along the Canyon de Chelly. In the afternoon, we reach Acoma Sky City, an ancient pueblo village on top of a table mountain that was inhabited for more than 2000 years. Local guides introduce us to their interesting and dramatic history. Later we drive on to Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, where we spend the night in walking distance to the old, attractive downtown.

Day 7: Gathering of Nations Powwow (May date only), Day trip to Taos (September date only) – Tent Rock National Monument – Santa Fe

Today’s highlight is the largest Powwow of North America, the Gathering of Nationals (September tour visits the traditional Prescott Powwow on Day 2). Thousands of Native Americans and First Nation peoples of different tribes in the U.S. and Canada come together once a year to join in the dancing and cultural exchange. Enjoy Native art and music all day long in and around a large convention center in Albuquerque. In the later afternoon, we visit Kasha Katuwe National Monument for a hike through the fascinating eroded landscape that includes an impressive slot canyon. September tour only: visit famous Taos Pueblo north of Santa Fe. 2 nights in Santa Fe, the beautiful capital city of New Mexico

Day 8: Santa Fe

Santa Fe is historically a very interesting small city that has entirely been built in Adobe style architecture. The warm brown colors and smooth corners of all buildings attract many tourists. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and within walking distance from our hotel. We visit the Capitol building of New Mexico which is built in a very unique style, then go on a short walking tour through old Santa Fe. There are many art galleries, great museums, and good restaurants. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own.