Day 1 – Welcome to the Southwest

Your Southwest Trains & Deserts adventure begins with a flight into Albuquerque, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and transfer to the hotel. After a warm Welcome Reception, take some time to settle in before gathering for a delicious group dinner—the perfect start to your spectacular journey. (D)

Day 2 – Petrified Forest & Painted Desert

After breakfast, we’ll journey to the breathtaking Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Formed millions of years ago, these wonders are unlike anything else on earth. The colorful landscapes of the Painted Desert will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. (B, L)

Day 3 – Sedona Canyons & Verde Canyon Railroad

Your day begins with a rugged jeep adventure through the iconic red rock canyons of Sedona, where towering sandstone formations and scenic overlooks make every turn a photo opportunity. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the area’s fascinating geology, rich cultural history, and the legends that still echo through the canyons. After lunch, sit back and relax as you board the Verde Canyon Railroad for a four-hour journey through Arizona’s breathtaking high desert. Travel in comfort through remote wilderness, crossing trestle bridges and passing through historic tunnels as the train winds its way along the Verde River. Enjoy open-air viewing cars, narration, and the chance to spot bald eagles, rock formations, and hidden ruins in this untouched landscape. (B, L)

Day 4 – Grand Canyon Scenic Railroad

Step aboard the vintage Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic and nostalgic ride through Arizona’s changing landscapes. With roaming musicians and cowboy characters onboard, the journey to the South Rim is both entertaining and relaxing. At the canyon, enjoy about three hours to explore Grand Canyon Village at your own pace—walk the rim, snap unforgettable photos, or visit the historic lodges and shops. On the return trip, unwind with cocktails and music as you soak in more spectacular views. This is a day you’ll remember forever. (B, L)

Day 5 – Sweet Treats & Southwest Flavors

Indulge your taste buds as we journey through the flavors of the Southwest. Start with a visit to Ethel M Chocolate Factory, where you’ll sample gourmet chocolates and stroll their charming desert botanical garden. Then it’s off to Sanders Family Winery, where a curated wine tasting flight awaits amid a scenic desert backdrop. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a fun and flavorful group dinner, the perfect way to end a day of sweet and savory experiences. (B, D)

Day 6 – Discover Death Valley

Today we journey into Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes, mystery, and stark natural beauty. Begin with a visit to the historic ruins of the 1883 Borax Works, where the story of “20-mule team” wagons and early mining life comes alive. Next, explore the Rhyolite ghost town, once a booming mining hub—now a haunting relic of the Wild West, with crumbling stone buildings and an eerie silence that whispers of the past. From there, continue to the dramatic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where windswept ridges stretch to the horizon—perfect for photography or a peaceful walk on the sand. Finally, stand in awe at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The salt flats stretch endlessly, creating an otherworldly landscape you’ll never forget. (B, L)

Day 7 – Hoover Dam & Las Vegas Lights

This morning, explore one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century—the legendary Hoover Dam. Built during the Great Depression, this colossal structure harnessed the power of the Colorado River and changed the course of the American Southwest. Enjoy a guided tour and take in sweeping views of the dam, Lake Mead, and the surrounding desert landscape from the observation deck. Then it’s off to the glittering lights of Las Vegas! Check into your hotel and take some time to relax or explore before coming together for a festive Farewell Dinner—a chance to toast new friends, share memories, and savor one last delicious meal together. Cap off the evening with a nighttime drive down the Las Vegas Strip, where neon lights, world-famous landmarks, and electric energy make for a dazzling end to your journey. (B, D)

Day 8 – Farewell, Southwest

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Las Vegas—try your luck at the casinos, stroll the dazzling Strip, or savor the city’s endless dining and entertainment. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of a spectacular journey through the great Southwest. (B)