Explore the most famous national parks, monuments, and recreation areas of USA’s Grand Circle. This exceptional self-drive begins with the bright lights of glitzy Las Vegas before taking to the open road and exploring the striking landscapes of Monument Valley and Zion and  Bryce Canyon National Parks and the beautiful natural icon of the awesome Grand Canyon.

 

Day 1: Las Vegas
On arrival into Las Vegas airport make your way to your downtown hotel. Las Vegas is the city of fabulous entertainment – try your luck in the casinos and watch some fantastic shows.
2 nights: Tropicana Las Vegas or similar.

 

Day 2: Las Vegas
Round the clock amusement, wining and dining, and relaxing at the poolside of your hotel are what this city is all about. Visit the many 'themed' hotels, from ancient Egypt to present-day New York and Paris, is an excursion event in itself. Stroll along the ‘Strip’ and soak up the colourful and amazing spectacles of these most wonderful hotels.

 

Day 3: Las Vegas – Grand Canyon National Park
Collect your car this morning at Las Vegas airport and drive past the engineering masterpiece of the Hoover Dam and beautiful Lake Mead to the awesome sight of the Grand Canyon. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the Grand Canyon, why not ride along the rim in the park’s free buses or walk between the different viewpoints. Approx 300 miles

2 nights: Maswik Lodge or similar.

 

Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park
This morning why not start the day with an awe inspiring memory and rise early and view  the Grand Canyon at sunrise.  For an unsurpassed aerial view take an optional flight over this epic wonder.

 

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park – Lake Powell
Drive north  to Lake Powell and make a picture stop at Glen Canyon Dam before arriving in Lake Powell, the second largest man-made lake in America. This afternoon why not take a boat tour on to the lake to Rainbow Bridge, the tallest natural bridge in the world. Approx 132 miles.

Overnight: Courtyard Page at Lake Powell or similar.

 

Day 6: Lake Powell – Monument Valley
Backtrack slightly today and drive through the Navajo Nation and western landscapes to the massive red rocks of Monument Valley, made famous by John Wayne and western movies. This is one of the most photographed places in the USA – an overwhelming flat landscape interrupted by striking red rock spires rising hundreds of feet into the air. This afternoon we recommend taking a guided tour along the 17-mile loop road past mesas, buttes and gigantic sandstone masterpieces. Approx 125 miles

Overnight: Gouldings Lodge or similar.

 

Day 7: Monument Valley – Moab
This morning before heading to Moab, you may wish to take a side trip to Natural Bridge National Monument. Next stop is Moab, the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Both parks are really worth exploring with Canyonlands offering a colourful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes, whilst Arches National Park has a unique and mesmerising backdrop with over 2000 natural sandstone arches and other unusual and magnificent rock formations. Approx 180 miles

2 nights: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn or similar.

 

Day 8: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
This morning take a tour of Mesa Verde before enjoying the afternoon on a choice of optional excursions that take place within the parks that include hiking, biking, boating, four wheel drive expeditions and scenic flights.

 

Day 9: Moab – Bryce Canyon
Start your day early this morning and drive to Capitol Reef National Park, named due to its enormous rock ridge that runs through it for over 100 miles. Several trails and drives provide scenic views of this most wonderful park. Enjoy the most of the park before you continue your journey to Bryce Canyon through some of the most awe inspiring landscapes in the whole of America. Approx 296 miles

2 nights: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar.

 

Day 10: Bryce Canyon National Park
Spend today inside the park and marvel at the multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles. Drive to different look out points, walk along the rim or take one of the loop trails through colourful rock formations called ‘ Hoodoos’.

 

Day 11: Bryce Canyon – Zion
After a short drive arrive in Zion National Park where desert terrain and huge, sculpted rock formations co-exist with waterfalls and hanging gardens. Enjoy Zion Canyon, a spectacular gorge carved through strangely coloured sandstone by the Virgin River. Approx 84 miles

Overnight: Best Western Zion Park Inn or similar.

 

Day 12: Zion – Las Vegas
Conclude your magical self-drive in the glittering and spell binding city of Las Vegas. Arrive at your hotel and relax poolside or take in a spectacular show. Approx 135 miles

Overnight: Tropicana Las Vegas or similar.

 

Day 13: Las Vegas
Enjoy a morning at leisure for some shopping in Las Vegas fabulous stores or outlets, before returning your hire car to Las Vegas Airport.

 

Hotels may be altered, upgraded or extended upon request
Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. This will be advised at the time of booking.

 

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY
From Bryce Canyon head towards Capitol Reef National Park, named for the enormous rock ridge that runs through it, and on to the majestic scenery of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Alternatively, on your journey between Grand Canyon and Las Vegas take a detour to stunning Lake Havasu, home to world famous London Bridge.