Overview
National Parks of the American Southwest
Desert skies and mountain highs beckon you to discover the magic wonders of the American Southwest. From the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the endless stars above Death Valley, you’ll discover the ancient cultures and awe-inspiring canyons of Arizona, as well as the verdant glades of the oasis of Palm Springs. From the mysterious shapes of the Joshua Trees to the magnificent expanses of the Sonora Desert, this vacation in the National Parks of the American Southwest evokes a time of courageous frontier life and traditional living of Native Peoples in the natural world of the desert.
Highlights of National Parks of the American Southwest
City Highlights
Price Details US
Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.
Related Tours
Transportation
Notes
On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.This vacation visits national parks and other remote locations where some facilities may not be up to the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges within the parks do not have televisions and other amenities you would expect from most Globus hotels.
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Welcome to Las Vegas! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!
Day 2
LAS VEGAS–ASH MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE–DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA High Rollers & Desert Refuges Morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Mob Museum. On a guided tour, learn the history of organized crime from Las Vegas and beyond. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history in this one-of-a-kind museum. Travel to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a desert oasis, home to nearly 30 species of plants and animals that do not exist anywhere else on earth. Continue to Death Valley National Park for 2 nights at the Ranch at Death Valley. Free time this evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The Ranch at Death Valley sits in the middle of Death Valley National Park providing visitors an oasis from the surrounding desert. This former working ranch has been thoughtfully transformed into a classic mid-century resort with sprawling lawns, natural springs, towering date palms, and the lowest elevation golf course in the world, a restored historic saloon, and even a spring-fed pool to enhance the experience of this historic gem.
Day 3
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Sand & Sky Scenic drive into the beautiful solitude of Death Valley National Park. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a [LF] private guided stargazing program of this International Dark Sky Park. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Take a ride through the stark and spectacular landscapes of Death Valley. Despite its foreboding name and record summer heat in the below-sea-level elevation, the valley is a land of great biodiversity and fascinating extremes. The rare rainstorms here reward visitors with vast fields of wildflowers below towering snowcapped peaks. See the parks most famous sites including Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park Visitor Center, Badwater Basin, and more.
Day 4
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK–CALICO–PALM SPRINGS Mining Treasures Travel south, traveling along the Mojave National Preserve, to visit the desert ghost town of Calico. Continue to the desert oasis of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT This old West mining town, dating back to 1881, was abandoned in the mid-1890s when silver lost its value. Today, it has been lovingly restored to offer guests a glimpse of the past through 30 wooden and adobe buildings, a jail, blacksmith shop, saloon, and more.
Day 5
PALM SPRINGS. EXCURSION TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK Desert Oasis This morning, travel to Joshua Tree National Park. Return to Palm Springs for a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Hear the stories of the city’s famous residents and its unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes. The evening is free. Spend time at the hotel or venture out to the VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs – a festive pedestrian street fair featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Explore the striking beauty of Joshua Tree National Park with its bent and sprawling branches of the iconic tree for which it is named. Visit the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center, Hidden Valley, and more on this visually stunning adventure.
Day 6
PALM SPRINGS–SALVATION MOUNTAIN–YUMA, ARIZONA Garden Hues & Grand Views This morning, enjoy a ride on the Palm Springs' Aerial Tramway for stunning views of the valley. Later, travel along the Salton Sea to [LF] Salvation Mountain. Continue through kaleidoscopic and dancing sand dunes to Yuma, Arizona. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE ART & NATURE Visit Salvation Mountain, a hillside visionary environment created by local resident, Leonard Knight. Hear how the artist and his passion lovingly created this "outsider art" masterpiece with flowers, trees, waterfalls, suns, bluebirds, and many other fascinating and multi-hued objects. A piece of Americana not to be missed!
Day 7
YUMA–SONORAN DESERT NATIONAL MONUMENT–TUCSON Southwestern Haunts This morning, visit the Yuma Territorial Prison Historical State Park, recently named the “Best Haunted Destination in the U.S.” by USA Today. On a Docent-led tour, learn the history of the prison dating back to 1876 before venturing out to see the original cellblocks, guard tower, and more. Later, travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument, spotting the iconic saguaros. Touted as the most biologically diverse of all North America's deserts, the Sonoran Desert is also home to an array of significant archaeological and historic sites. Our next stop is Tucson with a guided visit to the [LF] historic Spanish Fort and the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum. Tonight is free to explore the many restaurants, shops, and galleries in town. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum is a re-creation of the Tucson Presidio built in 1775. Visitors travel back in time to learn about life in early Tucson. Experience life in the Santa Cruz Valley for early Native Americans and Territorial Period settlers while exploring the archaeological ruins, original Presidio wall, and 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house.
Day 8
TUCSON. EXCURSION TO SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK The Living Desert Begin the day with a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, continuing to Saguaro National Park. Return to Tucson for free time before a festive Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a 100-acre outdoor museum that tells the unique story of the Sonoran Desert Region, home to more than 300 species of animals and 1,400 species of plants. Then onto Saguaro National Park, home to the country’s largest cactus, the giant saguaro. Spend time at the Visitor Center, take in the breathtaking views of the saguaro forest, or take a short walk to explore ancient petroglyphs.
Day 9
TUCSCON–PHOENIX Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends at Phoenix Airport. Please schedule departing flights after 1 pm. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2024-11-10 | 2024-11-10 | 2024-11-18 | $3399 | $0 | $3399 | AK41110 | Not Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Treasure Island | The hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, fitness center, gift shops, beauty salon, business center, several restaurants, lounges, nightlife, and casino. Guestrooms are equipped with cable TV, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, and Internet access. | Las Vegas | 3300 Las Vegas Blvd South | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | The Ranch at Death Valley | The Ranch at Death Valley offers accommodations in a casual, family-like setting. As you wander around the western-themed grounds, you'll feel like you've been transported back to the 1800's when this site was established as a working ranch. Yet, you'll enjoy modern amenities like quiet, recently refurbished rooms, a Golf Pro Shop, a spring-fed swimming pool, tennis courts, and the National Park Service Visitor's Center nearby. | Death Valley National Park | 328 Greenland Blvd. | Moderate First-Class |
| 3 | Hilton Palm Springs | Located in downtown Palm Springs just off of the main strip, Hilton Palm Springs offers beautiful views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The hotel features an outdoor pool, Elements Spa, fitness center, and onsite restaurant and bar. | Palm Springs | 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way | First-Class |
| 4 | Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point | Footsteps from Pivot Point Conference Center and the Colorado River. Paradise Casino and local restaurants and bars are all within a five-minute drive. | Yuma | 310 N. Madison Ave | First-Class |
| 5 | Embassy Suites Tucson Paloma Village | Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, within seven miles of the University of Arizona. Sabino Canyon, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and downtown. En joy the outdoor pool with space to relax, and a fitness center. | Tucson | 3110 E Skyline Drive | First-Class |
