Overview
Even as adults we play the "pioneer game" every time we visit this monumental trio of national parks. It goes like this: Imagine cresting the hill in your Conestoga wagon to behold these sights. How would you have reacted to canyons so deep, rock this red, bridges of stone and boulders poised on slender spires? These days, many visitors on Grand Canyon guided tours miss that sense of wonder as they RV past major points of interest. The Classic Journeys approach is different. We partner you with our knowledgeable guides who interpret what you see. (Did you know, for example, that the original Grand Canyon may have been created cataclysmically by the sudden draining of an inland sea?) We’ll make sure you get to less visited areas and experience the richness of the area’s geologic and human history. Yet we do it all without undue exertion. We’ve found easy trails—not to mention gracious lodges—to make certain that this journey of discovery is memorable in every way.
Highlights
DAY 1 – GRAND CANYON'S NORTH RIM
We meet for our Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Zion adventure in St. George, Utah, and enter the first of the scenic canyons in our dramatic week together. A streamside walk includes a stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of a cottonwood grove. Then it’s on to Grand Canyon National Park (1 night) and a welcome dinner in the historic lodge.
Next morning, sleep in or join us for a sunrise rim walk. We’ll visit the vermilion canyons where Butch Cassidy’s gang holed up. Then head for a remote but easy trail walk on the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
DAYS 2-4 – BRYCE CANYON
Bryce Canyon (2 nights) is a natural gallery of red rock wonders—fins, spires, arches and mazes. We’ll journey into the heart of the canyon, as our guide leads us through ancient rose-colored pillars of sand and stone that resemble a city of spires and minarets.
DAYS 5-6 – ZION
On to Zion National Park (2 nights), we add new experiences—a walk along the Virgin River with hanging gardens of wildflowers…a fine picnic lunch in an organic apple orchard…and gallery-hopping in Springdale. A final walk offers great chances to spot wildlife as we loop through lower Zion Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon before returning to St. George.
Map
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Starting Point:
St. George – 9:00 am – Lobby of Inn on the Cliff -
Ending Point:
St. George – 3:30 pm – Downtown city center
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.
Talk to an expertSelect our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.
Why Choose Classic Journeys
- Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
- Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
- Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
- Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
- Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
- Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
- Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.
Accommodations
Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Ruby’s Inn was established in 1916, when rancher Reuben (Ruby) Syrett, built canvas shelters near the canyon’s rim for visitors. The hotel, is still owned by the Syrett family is known for its western hospitality and friendly service.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Located inside the National Park near the canyon’s rim, the Bryce Canyon Lodge is on the National Historic Register. Its grand lobby has been restored to its original rustic 1920s elegance. Relax by the fireplace after a full day of exploration.
Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim)
The Grand Canyon Lodge is warm and welcoming, with limestone walls and timbered ceilings that complement the North Rim’s rugged beauty. The lodge’s terrace, with rustic wooden rocking chairs, is the ideal setting for a glass of wine at sunset.
Desert Pearl Inn
A riverside oasis of sun hued stucco, old railroad timbers and native stone grace this beautiful property. Rooms feature private terraces or balconies and Adirondack chairs. Relax at the end of the day in the heated outdoor swimming pool or hot tub.
What’s Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
- Admissions to scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
- Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
- All land transportation during the trip
- Well-sited boutique hotels and lodges that provide you unrivaled access to the people and places, culture and natural environment you came to experience
Above & Beyond Benefits
Invisible Check-In
- When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.
Privileged Access Events
- One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.
Image Gallery
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