Monument Valley, Arizona
In association with: Brand USA
From verdant forests to open deserts, the US is known for its vast and varied national parks. But they’re not all about the scenery – there are thousands of years of history behind these lands, which American Indian cultures call home. And that’s particularly the case in the south of the US. These itineraries take visitors into the heart of these parks, where they can learn about their significance, as well as get to know some of the southwest’s key cities.
National Parks and American Indian Cultures
This itinerary covers three of the southwestern states, where visitors can really learn about the American Indian cultures of the US, all while exploring some impressive national parks.
The journey starts in Phoenix, Arizona, a city surrounded by some incredible landscapes, including the Sonoran Desert to the south, which is best seen from above in a hot-air balloon tour. Keen hikers should stretch their legs in the northeast of the city at Camelback Mountain, with beautiful views of the city.
The route then takes visitors over three hours north to the Grand Canyon National Park. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including ‘spiritual oasis’ Sedona, where healers and artists reside. The canyon itself, stretching 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and over a mile deep, is an awe-inspiring spot. It’s even possible to raft down the river at the foot of the canyon. In the northeast corner of Arizona is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, home to recognisable sandstone monuments that stand tall against the horizon.
Crossing into Colorado, the next stop on the route, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, is an important spot for Puebloan and American Indian cultures. There are more than 6,000 archaeological sites to see here, on around 176,000 acres of land. Meanwhile, in Mesa Verde National Park, well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan dwellings can be found in North America’s largest Cliff Palace.
Heading back south visitors should stop at Chaco Culture National Historic Park, an important ancestral home of both the Hopi and Pueblo people, before heading to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona. Here, visitors can tour the Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo ruins where people have lived for nearly 5,000 years.
Finally, venture back to Phoenix along Route 66, stopping at the Petrified Forest National Park where unique landscape formations make for a memorable last stop.
Download the full ‘National Parks and American Indian Cultures’ itinerary here.
Do you have a client who is interested in making this trip a reality?
Gold Medal offers this six-day itinerary from £1,399 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes return flights with Delta from Heathrow, five nights’ accommodation and four-door compact car hire for the duration of the tour, with pick-up and drop-off at Phoenix International Airport in Arizona. The price is valid for departures from April 26-May 22, 2023.
To book, please call Gold Medal on 0800 014 7777.
Route 66 and Texas Hill Country
On this itinerary, visitors can explore one of the most famous roads in the US as well as take in some highlights of the country’s second-largest state: Texas.
Start in Dallas and explore some of the city’s biggest sites, including the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, for unparalleled 360-degree views. Then, head north into Oklahoma City, stopping halfway at Sulphur, Oklahoma, where visitors can learn all about the Chickasaw culture at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Join Route 66 in Oklahoma City and head west, stopping at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, to learn about the history of the well-known highway.
Continue across the north of Texas on Route 66 through Amarillo and into New Mexico. Capital Santa Fe is an arty hub with more than 100 art galleries to visit along Canyon Road, along with some fantastic foodie spots. Stop at Roswell, where a UFO sighting was reported in 1947, before reaching Carlsbad Caverns National Park where visitors can marvel at the huge labyrinth of caves.
Take your time passing through Texas Hill Country into Fredericksburg where you’ll be spoilt for choice with authentic barbecue options. Head into Kerrville to stop by restaurants, bars and shops before reaching San Antonio. The city has a famous river walk, which comes alive in the evening with plenty of dining spots.
Austin, also dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World, is just under two hours away, but be sure to take a dip in the hot springs en route to see more of the beautiful Texas countryside. Live music, from country to rockabilly, can be found all over Austin, the perfect accompaniment to its Tex-Mex and barbecue-based cuisine. Whether you order from the city’s famous food trucks or a fine dining restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.
End the journey in Fort Worth, home to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, where visitors can learn more about the city’s cowboy roots.
Download the full ‘Route 66 and Texas Hill Country’ itinerary here.
Do you have a client who is interested in making this trip a reality?
Gold Medal offers this 11-day itinerary from £1,629 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes return flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, 10 nights’ accommodation and four-door compact car hire for the duration of the tour, with pick-up and drop-off at Dallas Fort Worth airport. The price is valid for departures from April 26- May 18, 2023.
To book, please call Gold Medal on 0800 014 7777.
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PICTURES: Brand USA; Karlen Mkrtchyan; Josh Johnson