Best of the southwest

Spend the day exploring the city, stopping in at the many hotels along the strip, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. We can also highly recommend visiting the Hoover Dam or the Neon Museum to learn more about Las Vegas history.

Set off on your three-hour drive today and enjoy breathtaking views of majestic mountain ranges. Along the way, you might want to take a break and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming town of St George. Upon your arrival in Springdale, relax and unwind in comfort at your hotel, enjoying the picturesque views of the red rock peaks unique to Zion National Park.

Zion National Park is a natural wonderland awaiting your discovery today. If you're up for a scenic drive, the 9.7 km (6 miles) drive is a great way to see the park's highlights. You'll be treated to views of the towering red rock formations, sweeping vistas, and the serene Virgin River that meanders through the canyon. However, the best way to truly experience Zion National Park is by foot. The park has a vast network of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, each offering unique perspectives and scenery.

The drive from Springdale (Zion National Park) to Bryce Canyon National Park is a scenic two-hour journey through the unique landscape of southern Utah. As you wind through the red rock canyons and plateaus, you'll pass through quaint towns and awe-inspiring vistas. On arrival at Bryce Canyon, you'll be greeted with one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world — the park's famous hoodoos, which are towering spires of rock formed by erosion.

A great way to start your day in Bryce Canyon National Park is by driving to the various overlooks and taking in the panoramic views of the park's unique hoodoos and amphitheatres. Explore some of the park's trails on foot, ranging from easy to more challenging hikes. We can highly recommend a guided tour of the park, which offers a more in-depth insight into the park's geology, history, and wildlife.

Depart Bryce Canyon National Park this morning and drive three hours south to the arid desert around Page, Arizona. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic drive through Utah's rugged landscapes. This afternoon, you may wish to take a boat trip on nearby Lake Powell, a vast reservoir on the Colorado River which straddles the state border between Utah and Arizona.

This morning, we highly recommend a visit to the famous Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon Dam. In the afternoon, continue your journey east and make the two-hour drive from Page to Monument Valley. Here, you have the afternoon free to explore this dramatic copper landscape, an iconic panorama synonymous with the American Wild West. The highlight of the area is the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and long-abandoned adobe and stone houses, which are surrounded by vertiginous cliffs.

Take a native Navajo-led guided tour through the valley this morning. The Navajo Nation have lived in the region for hundreds of years and your guide will explain the history, geology, flora and fauna of Monument Valley from a Navajo perspective. This afternoon, drive three and a half hours west to the Grand Canyon. There are many breathtakingly beautiful spots to stop for views of the Colorado River en route. The rest of the day is then free for you to take in the amazing views from the many viewpoints along the canyon's edge.

Spend a full day at leisure exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. Don't miss an exhilarating helicopter trip over the canyon for an incredible bird's eye perspective of this natural wonder. Alternatively, you may wish to take a hike down into the valley. It's definitely worth gazing out over the canyon at sunrise or sunset when the park's at its most beautiful.

Depart the Grand Canyon and drive for two hours through the lush forests to the red rock region of Sedona. You could stop en route in the town of Flagstaff, which has several museums detailing the lives of the region's indigenous cultures and early settlers. When you arrive in Sedona, take a leisurely stroll along the downtown area, browsing in the many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can go on a hike on one of Sedona's many scenic trails.

A day at leisure to explore Sedona where we highly recommend taking a 4x4 jeep trip to explore the region's remarkable red rock scenery or visiting one of the many spiritual and energy vortexes that Sedona is known for. Nearby is Boynton Canyon, considered to be the birthplace of the Yavapai Apache, and you'll find more well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings. Alternatively, you could relax and rejuvenate at one of Sedona's world-class spas, enjoying a massage or other treatments.

The final 185 km (115 miles) of your southwest road trip takes you two hours south through the arid and rocky landscape of Arizona to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Drop your car off at the depot in time for your return flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.