An adventure across the Southwest

usa

An adventure across the Southwest

A region of western movie sets, wave-like canyons, and glittering skylines, the American Southwest is an adventurer’s paradise. Taking you to the neighbouring states of Nevada and Utah, we’ll show you the best of both worlds.

On this dazzling adventure, you’ll weave your way east from the shimmering casinos of Las Vegas to the lunar landscapes of Utah’s Mojave Desert. Throughout, you’ll be led by some of the Southwest’s warmest guides. Let’s begin.

When

May or November

Price

From £14,500pp excl. flights

(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

6 nights

Ideal length

Day 1

Las Vegas

The Silver State’s biggest city, Las Vegas (or “Sin City”) is known for its singing slot machines and glittering city lights. But beyond the Strip lies the Mojave Desert – a land of native Joshua trees and plunging red canyons. We’ll show you.

Day 1

helicopter over grand canyon west near las vegas in nevada in usa

champagne picnic in the grand canyon in nevada in usa

las vegas helicopter tour at night in nevada in usa

Day 1

Viva Las Vegas

Touching down in Las Vegas, you’ll head straight to the heart of the city – and Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, your stylish hotel. After settling in, you’ll take to the skies in a private helicopter; soaring over the red sandstone slopes of Grand Canyon West. Landing on a private plateau at the bottom of the canyon, you’ll enjoy a champagne picnic beside the mighty Colorado River before heading back to the city. In the evening, you’ll attend Cirque du Soleil’s water-inspired “O” theatrical performance, watching as world-class acrobats, artistic swimmers, and divers perform in, on, and above water.

welcome sign in las vegas in nevada in usa

slot machina in las vegas in nevada in usa

neon lights in las vegas in nevada in usa

grand canyon helicopter flight in nevada in usa

Days 2-3

Springdale

At the intersection of three major ecosystems – the Colorado Plateau, the Mojave Desert, and the Great Basin – Zion National Park is home to Springdale, Utah’s “gateway to Zion”. In the shadow of towering red cliffs, this small town (just 500 people strong) has flourished from a Mormon farming community into a hiking mecca.

Days 2-3

Day 2

Hit the road

Saying farewell to Las Vegas, today you’ll weave you way northeast to the small town of Springdale. Swapping the state of Nevada for Utah, you’ll hit the highway. After driving between the towering cliffs of Virgin River Gorge and the Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert, you’ll pull up at the enchanting Cliffrose Lodge, your home for the next two nights.

the narrows in zion national park in utah in usa

narrows of the virgin river in zion in utah in usa

canyon in the narrows in zion in utah in usa

virgin river gorge in springdale in utah in usa

Day 3

Down by the riverside

Today, you’ll hike the Zion Narrows, an intricate river system flanked by 1,500-foot-high sandstone walls. Trekking beside and through the Virgin River (don’t worry, we’ll provide the dry suits), you’ll delve deep into Zion National Park’s geological history as you explore with your expert local guide.

deer in zion national park in utah in usa

kayaks in virgin river in zion national park in utah in usa

river in zion national park in utah in usa

road at zion national park in springdale in utah in usa

virgin river gorge in zion national park in utah in usa

zion national park canyon in utah in usa

Days 4-7

Big Water

Originally named Glen Canyon City by the Glen Canyon Dam workers who lived here in the 1950s, the ironically small town of Big Water is the perfect desert wilderness. Welcome to the home of protected starlit skies, dinosaur fossils, and top filming spots for Hollywood westerns like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and Disney space movies like “John Carter”.

Days 4-7

Making smores at Amangiri hotel in canyon point in utah in usa

Day 4

Your own desert oasis

Putting your foot on the gas once more, this morning you’ll leave Springdale behind and head east towards the town of Big Water – and Amangiri. Literally meaning “peaceful mountain”, this remote hotel is tucked into a tranquil protected valley in Canyon Point. Encircled by 600 acres of sweeping desert, you’ll spend the evening settling in; relaxing with a “floating” meditation at the spa and dining beneath the stars.

canyon in canyon point near Amangiri hotel in utah in the usa

boat in lake powell near Amangiri hotel in canyon point in utah in usa

Day 5

Into the canyon

Accompanied by your private driver and local Navajo guide, you’ll explore three of the southwest’s most iconic canyons: Upper Antelope, Rattlesnake, and Owl. After pulling up at the mouth of each one, you’ll set off on foot; walking between the smooth, swirling canyon walls and learning about the rich history of the Navajo Nation. In the afternoon, you’ll take to the waters on a private boat trip across Lake Powell. Encompassing almost 2,000 miles of shoreline, here you’ll glide over glass-like waters, seeking secluded bays and otherworldly red-rock canyons.

horseriding in canyon point in utah in usa

Day 6

Take the reins

Saddling up, today you’ll ride horseback across the sweeping Utah desert with one of the hotel’s seasoned wranglers. Following trails to the ridgetops, you’ll marvel at Utah’s maze of plains and canyons below. Whether you’re experienced riders or first-timers, we’ll tailor the experience entirely to you and your loved ones.