Canyon Spirit and Red Rock Explorer
Rail & Self-drive tour
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest on this unforgettable 16-day journey combining luxury rail travel, spectacular national parks and an iconic self-drive adventure. Travel aboard the iconic Canyon Spirit through Colorado and Utah before exploring Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Grand Canyon, finishing amid the bright lights and world-class entertainment of vibrant Las Vegas.
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK-Denver
Collect your car at the airport and drive to your downtown hotel for a 2 night stay to explore maritime Halifax.
Day 2 : Denver
Enjoy a full day in Denver. Visit the historic Lower Downtown district, take in mountain views from one of Denver’s parks or venture to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre just a short drive away. This afternoon, check in with the Canyon Spirit team at your hotel ahead of your rail journey.
Day 3 : Canyon Spirit to Glenwood Springs
Board the Canyon Spirit today at Denver’s Union Station and enjoy breakfast and lunch as you travel west following the Colorado River into the Rocky Mountains. Arrive in Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay.
Day 4 : Canyon Spirit to Moab
Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll start your day off with a hearty breakfast followed by a light lunch. You'll cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background and see red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.
Day 5 : Canyon Spirit to Salt Lake City
Depart Moab by motorcoach to Thompson Springs in the early afternoon where you will board the Canyon Spirit train. Onboard, you'll enjoy a light lunch and dinner and enjoy sweeping views of majestic rock formations as you wind your way through Castle Gate. You’ll travel through the Price River Canyon ascending the historic Soldier Summit and travel through the historic Thistle Tunnels, continuing your journey past Provo before arriving in the vibrant heart of Salt Lake City.
Day 6 : Salt Lake City
Spend a day at leisure in Salt Lake City. Visit beautiful Temple Square, stroll through downtown or relax and enjoy excellent restaurants and cafés.
Day 7 : Torrey
Collect your car hire this morning as you journey south through Utah’s striking landscapes, passing mountain ranges, open desert and colourful rock formations before arriving in peaceful Torrey, located on the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park.
Day 8 : Capitol Reef National Park
Spend the day exploring one of Utah's hidden gems. Discover the colourful cliffs, domes and canyons of Capitol Reef National Park before joining an included guided Jeep excursion into the spectacular Cathedral Valley. Accessible only by high-clearance vehicles, this remote landscape showcases towering monoliths, ancient rock formations and unforgettable desert scenery.
Day 9 : Bryce Canyon
Experience some of Utah’s most spectacular scenery on your drive to Bryce Canyon today on Scenic Byway 12. Arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park in time for a night sky experience or ranger-led stargazing program to view some of the clearest and least polluted skies in the world. You may even spot the Milky Way as you enjoy a stay beneath the stars at Under Canvas, combining safari-style luxury with the great outdoors.
Day 10 : Springdale
This morning there is time to enjoy Bryce Canyon and its hoodoos before driving towards Zion National Park. Arrive in the charming town of Springdale nestled beneath Zion’s towering cliffs.
Day 11 : Zion National Park
A full day is yours to experience Zion National Park at your own pace. Ride the park shuttle through the spectacular Zion Canyon, enjoy one of the many walking trails, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery of soaring cliffs, emerald pools and the winding Virgin River.
Day 12 : Flagstaff
Depart Zion and travel across the colourful landscapes of northern Arizona. Pass dramatic desert scenery and historic Route 66 before arriving in the mountain city of Flagstaff, an ideal base for exploring the Grand Canyon region.
Day 13 : Grand Canyon National Park
Today's highlight is an unforgettable Canyon Dancer helicopter flight over the magnificent Grand Canyon. Experience one of the world's greatest natural wonders from above, taking in its immense scale, colourful rock layers and winding Colorado River. The remainder of the day is free to explore the South Rim's spectacular viewpoints.
Day 14 : Las Vegas
Leave Arizona behind as you journey through the Mojave Desert to dazzling Las Vegas. Return your hire car in downtown Las Vegas before checking into your hotel. Spend the evening experiencing the city's world-famous entertainment, restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 15 : Las Vegas
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Las Vegas. Wander along the iconic Strip, browse the themed resorts, watch the spectacular fountain displays, indulge in world-class dining or simply relax by the pool.
Day 16 : Las Vegas departure
Your unforgettable journey through America’s Southwest comes to an end today as you make your way to the airport in time for your departing flight.