Spirit of the American Southwest Landscapes & Cultures of New Mexico & Arizona

Delve into the spirit of America’s Southwest, where striking desert landscapes are interwoven with the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples. Arrive in New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment," and begin your journey in Santa Fe — the multicultural state capital. With arrival times varying, there are no scheduled activities today. If time allows, you might acquaint yourself with this historically layered city, shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and other influences.

Start your day with a locally guided walking tour of the Santa Fe Plaza area, the historic heart of the city and a lively gathering place for locals for over 400 years. As you meander through the plaza, stop at some of the city’s landmark sites like the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Palace of the Governors, and Palace Avenue. Continue with a visit to the Loretto Chapel, a former Roman Catholic church turned wedding chapel and museum. Here, you’ll find the “miraculous staircase,” a structure with origins as legendary as its spiral shape. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit some of the colorful art galleries and world-renowned museums sprinkled throughout the downtown area. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Venture to Bandelier National Monument, a landscape of canyons and mesas that exists as part of a volcanic complex. It was in this sculpted landscape that Ancestral Puebloans lived between 1150 and 1550 CE, and today, the monument protects numerous cliff dwellings and village ruins. Explore this fascinating site your way because it's your choice! Hike into the Frijoles Canyon with a local guide -OR- walk along a paved path with a local guide for an up-close look at the cliff dwellings and ruins. Return to Sante Fe for lunch on your own before a free afternoon and evening in the city. Enjoy Sante Fe however you wish, soaking in the small-town feel of the oldest capital city in the United States.

This morning, depart Santa Fe and make your way to the Sky City Cultural Center and the Acoma Pueblo — the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. Perched atop a mesa, the village known as "Sky City" remains home to a vibrant community of Acoma people. Take a shuttle to the pueblo, where an Acoma community member will guide your tour. Wind through narrow streets lined with homes and ancient structures that tell the story of the Acoma Pueblo. Visit the Spanish mission church, the oldest surviving European church in New Mexico. At the Cultural Center, you’ll have the chance to browse intricate Acoma pottery sold by artisans. After your visit, continue to Chinle for an evening on your own.

Wake up in Chinle, a town encompassed within Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States. Set off to explore Canyon de Chelly National Monument, where dramatic canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs frame a current-day community of Navajo families and the remains of ancient cliff dwellings. Embark on a guided Jeep tour led by a local Navajo guide, taking in the canyon that has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years as your guide shares Navajo history and stories. This afternoon, continue your journey through Navajo Nation as you make your way to Monument Valley, another beautiful desert landscape with deep cultural, spiritual, and historical importance.

This morning, you may choose to join a local guide on an optional sunrise hike, watching as the landscape's colors transform in the first light of day. Later, head into Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for a guided tour of one of the most photographed places on Earth. The site’s natural wonder comes not from canyons, but from towering red rock formations that stand like giants above the vast desert, rising 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Take in this ancient, sacred land that is still inhabited today. End your day with a BBQ dinner set against a backdrop of red sandstone, as Navajo musicians fill the air with music.

Bid farewell to Monument Valley as you journey south to Sedona. Before departing the Navajo Nation, stop at the small but fascinating Navajo Code Talkers Museum, which tells the story of the heroic Navajo soldiers who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II. Later in the day, arrive in Sedona, a vibrant city nestled among red rock formations. Full of restaurants and unique shops, the city is known for its outdoor recreation and striking scenery. Sedona is widely considered a place of spirituality and renewal. Settle in and enjoy a free evening, perhaps finding a spot to watch the sunset.

Make the most of a day at leisure in Sedona, maybe going for a hike, perusing one of the numerous art galleries, or visiting the sites that many consider to be energy vortexes. Or, join a local guide for an optional full day excursion to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Witness one of the natural wonders of the world, taking in the might and painted hues of those dramatic canyon walls as your sprinter van brings you to scenic viewpoints. Spend more time soaking in the breathtaking scenery as you sit down for a picnic lunch overlooking the canyon. After marveling at the canyon's grandeur, return to Sedona and explore the city's charm with an evening to yourself.

This morning, make your way south to Scottsdale, a city known for its thriving arts scene, upscale shopping, and desert scenery. Step into a symphony of cultures when you visit the Musical Instrument Museum, which showcases thousands of instruments from around the world. Discover the sounds and stories of global music traditions as you explore the galleries and interactive exhibits. Tonight, toast to your travel companions and the adventures you’ve shared at a farewell dinner.

Say goodbye to the landscapes and cultures of New Mexico and Arizona as you depart for home.