Explore unparalleled natural beauty from September 20-27, 2024
Utah's Mighty National Parks
Welcome to Utah’s Mighty National Parks, renowned for awe-inspiring views, impressive rock formations and otherworldly landscapes that must be seen to believed.
Enjoy 5 nights at one-hotel on this very relaxed tour that features Canyonlands & Arches National Parks along with Dead Horse Point State Park and Monument Valley.
Explore the unparalleled beauty of Utah's national parks, where nature's grandeur takes center stage. Utah's national parks promise an unforgettable journey through stunning geological wonders and a rich tapestry of natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the striking landscapes, where the contrast of vibrant colors and unique rock formations create a visual symphony that beckons exploration and appreciation for the marvels of the American Southwest.
September 20 - September 27, 2024
Package Includes
- Roundtrip Airfare - IAD,
- RIC (+$100 pp) and ORF (+$100 pp)
- 6 Nights First Class Hotels
- 10 Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
- & 3 Dinners
- Professional Tour Director
- Motorcoach Transportation
- Admissions per Itinerary
- Comprehensive Sightseeing
- Baggage Handling at Hotels
- Hotel Transfers
Itinerary Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Canyonlands by Night Cruise
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Scenic Byway 128
- Colorado National Monument
- Monument Valley
- Monument Valley Scenic Drive Tour
- Lunch at Goulding’s Lodge
- Goulding’s Museum & Trading Post
- Colorado Wine Tasting
- 5 Night Stay in Moab, Utah
Overnight Accommodations
- 1 Night - Doubletree Hotel, Grand Junction, CO
- 5 Nights - Hyatt Place, Moab, UT
Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
DAY 1 - OCTOBER 6:
ARRIVE GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO Upon arrival meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel. The ‘River City’ extends a warm welcome as your gateway to an in-depth encounter to explore Utah’s National Parks. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get acquainted with your traveling companions.
(D) Overnight: Grand Junction, CO
DAY 2 - OCTOBER 7: GRAND JUNCTION - MOAB
This morning travel to see the Colorado National Monument along the Rim Rock Drive. Then enjoy Wine Tasting in Colorado’s burgeoning wine region near Grand Junction. Later head to Utah and travel along Scenic Byway 128 referred to by locals as the River Road and one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives imaginable. Travel through canyons carved by the Colorado River and see the iconic Fisher Towers, towering cliffs and mesas, incredible rock formations, beautiful ranch resorts, painted canyons and enough red rock to overload the senses. Check into your hotel in Moab and unpack for a five-night stay before joining your fellow travelers for dinner.
(B, D) Overnight: Moab
DAY 3 - OCTOBER 8: CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK – DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Today visit Canyonlands National Park featuring deeply eroded canyons interspersed with sheer-sided mesas and a variety of spires, arches and unusual rock formations. The area was established as a national park in 1964 and is known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. Later stop at Dead Horse Point State Park, towering high above the Colorado River offering breathtaking views of canyon country and the snaking Colorado River. This afternoon an optional Hummer ride will be available.
(B) Overnight: Moab
DAY 4 - OCTOBER 9: MOAB - MONUMENT VALLEY
This morning embark on a full day adventure to Monument Valley. Enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal area offering vistas of stunning rock formations on your way to Monument Valley, the most filmed area in the west. Enjoy an included lunch at Goulding’s Lodge and free time to visit Goulding’s Museum & Trading Post to see a collection of Indian artifacts and a movie set from a John Wayne film. Later enjoy a Monument Valley Scenic Drive Tour with a knowledgeable Navajo guide aboard a four-wheel vehicle. Explore the areas oddly shaped monoliths, buttes and mesas of red sandstone. This area was the setting for some of John Ford’s most memorable films. Return early this evening to Moab.
(B, L) Overnight: Moab
DAY 5 - OCTOBER 10: CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Depart Moab this morning for the scenic drive to visit Capitol Reef National Park, which lies in Utah’s south-central desert. The area is an oasis of colorful sandstone cliffs, impressive domes, and soaring monoliths, and was designated as a national park in 1971. The park got its name from the great white rock formations which resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and from the sheer cliffs that presented a barrier to early travelers. Early inhabitants referred to the area as the “land of the sleeping rainbow” because of its beautiful contrasts: multi-colored sandstone surrounded by verdant riverbanks and arid desert vegetation. Stop at several points of interest including Hickman Bridge and the Visitor Center to learn more about this national treasure. The evening in Moab is at your own pace.
(B) Overnight: Moab
DAY 6 - OCTOBER 11: ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - CANYONLANDS BY NIGHT
This morning tour Arches National Park, one of our country’s great national parks. Explore and see some of the famous arches, over 2,000 in total and marvel at other red rock formations and canyons. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its contrasting colors and formations. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Moab on your own. This evening enjoy your Farewell Dinner at Canyonlands by Night. The experience features a cowboy-style Dutch oven meal followed by an evening Colorado River Cruise down the calm-water section of the river. The cruise guide will point out things of interest then as darkness settles the unique 40,000 watt natural light
DAY 7 - OCTOBER 12: MOAB - GRAND JUNCTION – FLIGHT Home
Depart Moab and transfer to Grand Junction for your flight home filled with wonderful memories of your time and adventures in Utah.
Tour Rates
- Booking Discount Rate: $3,575 per person based on double occupancy
- Regular Rate: $3,675 per person based on double occupancy
- Single Supplement: An additional $1,150 for single occupancy
These rates include a booking discount; see the reservation information in the document for details about the booking discount.
For reservations and more information:
Please contact Amanda Speer at ASpeer@PremierWorldDiscovery.com, or call 877-953-8687 ext. 4
For a complete itinerary, please visit VirginiaLiving.com/Trips
Additional Information
What to expect from a Virginia Living trip:
Traveling with Virginia Living connects our vivacious readers to new cultures, people, and places in different parts of the world. Our custom-curated trips provide exciting and safe travel opportunities with guidance from experienced tour directors and the area’s best local guides. With exciting domestic and international destinations offered, Virginia Living gives the discerning traveler the ability to join like-minded people who appreciate discovery, culture, and good fellowship.
Other important Virginia Living Trips information:
Your entire trip will be planned, arranged, and guided by experienced travel professionals, all with your utmost enjoyment, comfort, and safety in mind. You’ll be traveling with a peer group who appreciates learning about new regions and cultures. And, you’ll have ample opportunity to forge new friendships with an interesting and dynamic group that will continue long after the trip ends.
Virginia Living Trips are comprised of approximately 35-50 travelers who are also readers of our magazine. A Virginia Living host will be available on each trip to assist in making your experience exceptional.
Virginia Living travelers will have exclusive access to many sites and activities not ordinarily available to tourists. But should you choose to, travelers will have the flexibility to opt out of parts of the itinerary with options to choose another activity coordinated by the Trip Director. In addition, free time is built into every itinerary.
Land travel is on comfortable motor coaches that make regular rest stops. Restroom facilities are on board. Many meals are included; suggestions are provided for meals that are not included.
Physical Requirements:
Virginia Living tours do require some physical activity, with most days being moderately paced, covering approximately two to three miles per day. However, they are not meant to be strenuous, but there will be times when you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, in all weather conditions and terrain, with stairs and inclines, particularly in European villages. Travelers who are mobility challenged and require individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion; trip directors and guides cannot provide individualized assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one guest.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions - Update:
Effective January 1, 2023, Virginia Living highly encourages, but no longer requires, COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters for travelers on our domestic tours. This policy goes into effect for international travelers on April 30, 2023. We will keep all participants updated of any changes to these requirements.
