NATIONAL PARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST
Faculty: Kelsey Johnson, Professor of Astronomy, President of the American Astronomical Society
I traveled on this trip in September 2022, and it was incredible. I was amazed that you don’t drive for an hour between two amazing sites; instead, you go from one amazing sight to another in minutes! I know the national parks are places that people always say they will visit on their own. I also know that most don’t. My wife and some friends want to explore the West, and they want me to lead them. But after being on tour last year, I realized that’s not the way to go. With an excellent tour director and coach driver, Cavalier Travels is a much easier way to see the stunning Southwest, and that’s what I want to do!
Join us!
_________________________________
Kevin Conley | Senior Director of Alumni & Parent Travel
University of Virginia
434-243-4984 | 866-765-2646
Price: $4,795 per person, double occupancy, land only
$5,295 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC.
Gateway Cities are available upon booking.
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,095 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Program Highlights
- Encounter spectacular Southwest scenery
- Phoenix sightseeing, including Desert Botanical Garden
- Enjoy immersive experiences in three national parks
- Tour Sedona’s red-rock landscape in an open-air Jeep
- Experience the world-renowned Grand Canyon, with hotel stay inside the park
- Stay in a lakeside hotel at Lake Powell
- Embark on a motorized rafting excursion on Colorado River
- Admire the “flowing” rock walls of Antelope Canyon
- Take guided hikes in national parks
- Observe natural hoodoo rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park
- See Zion National Park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife
Kelsey Johnson is an astrophysicist and Professor of Astronomy at the University of Virginia and the current president of the American Astronomical Society. She is also the past president of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the founding director of the award-winning Dark Skies Bright Kids program. She has won numerous awards for her research, teaching, and promotion of science literacy. Her TED talk on the importance of dark skies has more than 2 million views, and her writing has appeared in nationwide publications, including the New York Times, Scientific American, and Washington Post. Her children’s book Constellations for Kids is consistently in the top 10 children’s astronomy books. She lives in rural Virginia with her family, including two very large dogs, and does watercolor painting as a side-hustle to keep her sanity.
We depart today for Phoenix, Arizona. As guests’ arrival times may vary, we have the day at leisure to explore Arizona’s capital city as we wish. This afternoon we check in at our hotel, where we enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner together.
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Dinner (D)
This morning we visit the acclaimed Desert Botanical Garden, the 140-acre tribute to the flora of the Sonoran Desert. With more than 4,000 species of plants, including almost 500 rare and endangered types, the Botanical Garden features nature paths and walking trails showcasing the beauty of the desert environment. We continue on to Old Town Scottsdale, the city’s historic core where we have free time to browse the shops and galleries and have lunch on our own. Then we return to our hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the outdoor pool and other amenities. Dinner tonight is on our own.
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Breakfast (B)
Day 3 - Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Phoenix/Sedona/Williams
This morning we depart Phoenix and head north to Sedona, known for the red rock sandstone found only in this area. Originally a rural ranching community, Sedona went undiscovered for years until the motion picture industry shot movies such as Broken Arrow, Johnny Guitar, and Mystery Ranch in the area, ultimately attracting travelers. We have time for lunch on our own and to do some exploring before we encounter this dazzling landscape in style, as we take a Pink Jeep Tour for an educational off-road excursion. Winding over dirt roads, we enjoy stunning panoramic views and learn about the region’s cultural and geological history on this guided tour to Honanki Heritage Site, a 700-year-old Sinaguan cliff dwelling. Then we continue on to Williams and our hotel, just a few blocks from Route 66 and a short distance from the Grand Canyon. We have dinner together tonight at our hotel.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
(B,D)
Day 4 - Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Williams/Grand Canyon
It’s a day to remember as we visit one of the country’s most famous natural landmarks: the Grand Canyon. Considered a wonder of the natural world, this UNESCO site stretches nearly 300 miles in length and 10 miles across the Arizona desert. We see truly awe-inspiring vistas: banded layers of rock rise to plateaus and bluffs thousands of feet overhead, while the mighty Colorado River rushes one mile below. On our guided tour, we learn about the canyon’s geological history, and also about human history here: it dates back some 10,000 years and includes Native peoples, explorers, miners, entrepreneurs, conservationists, and of course, visitors–who today number some six million annually. Then we have time for lunch on our own and an afternoon at leisure to appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the six-million-year-old canyon as we wish. After this bucket-list day, we return to our hotel; dinner tonight is on our own.
Thunderbird Lodge
(B)
Day 5 - Thursday, October 5, 2023
Grand Canyon/Page/Antelope Canyon/Lake Powell
Today we travel to Page, Arizona, gateway to the imposing Glen Canyon Dam and its reservoir, Lake Powell. After reaching Page early this afternoon, we have lunch on our own then visit the sinuous – and spectacular – Upper Antelope Canyon. We travel onto Navajo land to reach this slot canyon, known to local tribes as “the place where water runs through rocks” – and one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Our tour through this stunning passageway reveals red-orange walls of “flowing” rock rising to heights of nearly 120 feet – the narrow canyon’s hard edges smoothed away by eons of water and sand erosion. We check in at our lakeside hotel this afternoon then enjoy dinner together there tonight.
Lake Powell Resort
(B,D)
Day 6 - Friday, October 6, 2023
Colorado River/Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Our long, but incredibly scenic, day of travel begins with a rousing motorized rafting excursion on the smooth waters of the Colorado River. Controlled by a series of dams and reservoirs, the river provides hydroelectric power, irrigation, and municipal water supply to nearly 40 million people in the western U.S. Our adventure begins at the base of one of these structures: the 710-foot-high Glen Canyon Dam. The dam holds back man-made Lake Powell, the nation’s second largest artificial lake at 186 miles long and with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline. As we drift downstream between soaring sandstone cliffs on either side, we’re on the lookout for ancient Native American petroglyphs on the canyon walls, as well as local wildlife. We continue on to southern Utah and Bryce Canyon National Park, stopping for lunch along the way. We dine together tonight.
Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
(B,L,D)
Day 7 - Saturday, October 7, 2023
Bryce Canyon National Park
Despite its name, Bryce isn’t truly a canyon at all, but a series of natural cliffs and amphitheaters carved into the region’s plateaus. The result: a stunning array of hoodoos, natural stone pillars and spires reminiscent of a child’s drip sandcastle, as we see today. Thousands of these delicate structures stand side by side along the canyon’s ridgelines, lending a dramatic atmosphere to this remote location. In the park’s visitor center, we see a film about the unusual geology here then have the day free to explore at our own pace. Our full day of natural splendor concludes with dinner together tonight.
Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
(B,D)
Day 8 - Sunday, October 8, 2023
Zion National Park
We depart this morning for another celebrated Utah destination, Zion National Park. Upon arrival mid-day, we have lunch on our own then begin our visit at Zion’s nearby visitor center, where we learn about this inimitable region, which encompasses four separate biomes: desert, riparian (or riverbank), woodland, and coniferous forest. Zion itself is so named for the 15-mile-long, 2,500-foot-deep Zion Canyon cutting through the park’s western half. We get our first taste of Zion’s wonders this afternoon then have the evening free for dinner on our own.
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale
(B)
Day 9 - Monday, October 9, 2023
Zion National Park
We spend the day amid the wondrous natural world of Zion National Park. Despite its modest size, Zion counts as one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. Deserts and forests, rivers and canyons, buttes and natural arches all greet us here, along with numerous plant and animal species. As with most of the Southwest, the area is dominated by red-rock bluffs that show eons of sediment buildup; indeed, the rock formations here represent about 150 million years of geological history. We take a guided hike and have ample free time for exploration and lunch on our own. This evening we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale
(B,D)
Day 10 - Tuesday, October 10, 2023
St. George/Las Vegas, Nevada
En route to Las Vegas today, we stop in St. George, Utah, site of the winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young and where the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin converge in a stunning setting. We have time to explore and have lunch on our own before we continue on to Las Vegas, arriving late this afternoon. Tonight, we celebrate our Southwestern sojourn at a farewell dinner.
Westin Las Vegas
(B,D)
Day 11 - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Depart Las Vegas
This morning we transfer to the Las Vegas airport for our flights home.
(B)
Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven terrain in a natural environment. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest. While not severe, elevations at some hotel locations (Grand Canyon at 6,800 ft. and Bryce Canyon at 8,000 ft.) could pose problems for guests with certain health conditions. You should consult your personal physician if you have concerns.
- Phoenix – Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - 2 nights
- Williams – Grand Canyon Railway Hotel - 1 night
- Grand Canyon – Thunderbird Lodge - 1 night
- Page – Lake Powell Resort - 2 nights
- Bryce Canyon City – Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – 2 nights
- Springdale (Zion NP) – Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale – 2 nights
- Las Vegas – Westin Las Vegas - `1 night
18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
$4,795 per person, double occupancy, land only
$5,295 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC.
Gateway Cities are available upon booking. There are no discounted flights for this domestic trip.
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,095 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Price Includes
- 10 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
- Luggage handling for one bag per person
- Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, hotel porters, and all drivers
Not Included in Tour Price:
Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; immunizations, inoculations, and COVID-19 testing; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communication charges; optional sightseeing; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10–$15 per traveler, per day); and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or 434-243-4984, or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (June 28, 2023).
Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA, or by personal check. If paying by check, please make check payable to our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc.
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a refundable $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Payment Schedule: A refundable deposit of $500 per person confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (June 28, 2023) before departure.
Cancellation, Refunds, and Changes: If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon the University of Virginia’s receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: cancel 95 days or more before departure: full refund; cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price; cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; cancel 29-0 days: no refund. If you make any changes to your reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, or of their employees, agents, servants, or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise lines, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in good health to participate in this University of Virginia tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or e-mail us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information: Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities, and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignment on your international flight is usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols: The well-being of our guests and staff members on tour will continue to be our highest priorities. To maintain a healthy environment for travel, we will be establishing and adhering to a detailed set of health and safety protocols for all facets of your tour. We are committed to following the guidelines of the State Department, CDC, WHO, and authorities of respective countries regarding travel to a particular destination. Detailed protocols for this tour, based on conditions at the time, will be provided prior to your departure.