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This tour will take you through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in Western USA. We will visit Zion, Bryce and Arches National Parks, renowned for their beautiful rock formations and the world famous Grand Canyon. The tour will also take in Monument Valley, which has been the setting of many American films.

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> This tour is operated by our sister company.

> Eclipse Information - Eclipse Track:
The annular eclipse of 2012 will begin on 21st May in China before crossing the sea to Japan and onwards across the Pacific Ocean, before passing through the International Date Line and making landfall in the continental US on 20th May. Our choice of viewing location in Southern Utah reflects both the stunning intrinsic beauty of the area and the high probability of clear skies for the eclipse. This late afternoon annular eclipse should illuminate the rocks in a warm pastel glow of pink and orange hues.

> Our Observation Point / Weather Prospects:
We will be based at Bryce Canyon and although the weather prospects are exceptionally good, the decision about the precise observing location won't be reached until closer to the time of the eclipse as the weather will be monitored over the preceding days. The average cloud cover across the region in May is very low with typically less than 20% of the sky covered. What cloud there is along the eclipse track is due mostly to the influence of the prevailing westerly wind on the mountains, and areas on the leeward side of range tend to enjoy longer hours of sunshine.

> Dr John Mason:
The eclipse part of the tour will be led by our astronomy expert Dr John Mason who will enrich the trip with his infectious enthusiasm for astronomy

An applied physicist by profession, John has been actively involved in science for over 30 years, with astronomy, astrophysics and space technology as his main areas of expertise. He is currently Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester.

Dr Mason lectures extensively in the UK and overseas on a wide range of scientific topics to audiences of all ages and varying degrees of expertise. He is a sought-after speaker with an international reputation as an enthusiastic and entertaining communicator of science. He is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television and has appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's The Sky at Night.

Dr Mason has also published numerous technical and more popular articles in journals, magazines and newspapers, and has authored or edited over 70 books on astronomy, astrophysics, space exploration and the Earth sciences. He is currently Co-Editor with Sir Patrick Moore for the Yearbook of Astronomy.

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Day 1: Las Vegas

You arrive in Las Vegas, check in to our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day and evening to experience the bright lights of Las Vegas or simply relax in the hotel.

The group will stay at The Goldern Nugget Hotel. The hotel is located in old Downtown Las Vegas with all the glitz, including several historic casinos, an evening light show, and the "Strip" casinos are still easily accessible by taxi.

Day 2: Grand Canyon

After breakfast we start our 6 hour drive to the Grand Canyon National Park where we will be spending two nights. The drive to the Canyon takes us across the Hoover Dam and through the landscapes of Northern Arizona.

Located minutes from the scenic southern rim of Grand Canyon National Park, you will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Today you have the whole day to explore this natural spectacle. You will have an opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional activities such as helicopter flights or walks in the canyon or explore by yourself.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 4: Drive to Monument Valley

This morning we drive 5 hours to Monument Valley which is situated in the Navajo Native Americans Reservation. The valley is famous for its pinnacles and towers which stand tall from the desert floor with the tallest being 300m high. Monument Valley is a vast area and has been used as a back drop in many Hollywood movies including John Wayne films.

Located in the Navajo Native Americans Reserve, Holiday Inn Kayenta is a great location to explore Monument Valley. You will stay at this hotel for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 5: Monument Valley

Today we have the whole day in Monument Valley to explore the geology and indigenous culture of the area. You will have an opportunity to choose from a range of optional activities or walks in the valley.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 6: Drive to Arches National Park

This morning we drive 5 hours north east through the scrubby desert and into Arches National Park where we will be staying for two nights. You will be able to view the incredible arch rock formations with the snow caped peaks of La Sal Mountains in the background. The national park sits on top of an underground salt bed which has caused over 2000 natural sandstone arches.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 7: Arches National Park

Today we have the whole day in Arches National Park to explore this natural wonder. There are over 2000 natural arches within the park eroded by the forces of nature over the eons. Our guided tour will include many of the highlights which lie within a short walk of the network of roads. The option for longer walks will also be possible.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 8: Drive to Bryce Canyon

Today we drive 6 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park where we will be spending two nights and will be our base to view the eclipse. Bryce Canyon is a giant natural amphitheatre created by erosion. It is famous for the red, orange and white rock spires known as hoodoos which were formed by wind, water and ice erosion.

In the evening we will gather together for our eclipse briefing. Dr Mason's enthusiastic and inimitable lecturing style provides a great opportunity to learn about the science of eclipses and how best to enjoy them. He will also expand upon the itinerary for the eclipse day and the viewing location.

The group will stay at historic Ruby's Inn for two nights, the perfect place to base ourselves to explore of this beautiful area.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 9: Bryce Canyon - Eclipse

This morning will be at your leisure to explore the beautiful scenery around Bryce Canyon. The hotel is very close to rim on the canyon where there are many well laid out trails for you to follow which vary from strenuous trails leading into the canyon to easy routes around the rim. May is an excellent month to enjoy the nature of the area from the wildflowers which will be in bloom to the fauna which includes chipmunks, deer and a varied birdlife.

In the afternoon Dr Mason will lead us to our chosen observation site to view the eclipse which will end shortly before sunset. Returning to the hotel we will enjoy an eclipse celebration meal.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 10: Drive to St George

We drive 3 hours south west to St George our base for visiting Zion National Park. The town's Dinosaur Discovery Centre will make an interesting place to visit during the afternoon.

The group will stay at the Pioneer Lodge for two nights, which is located in the heart of Springdale just minutes from the park entrance and surrounded by the beautiful red cliffs of the lower canyon.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 11: Zion National Park

Today we have the whole day in Zion National Park to explore this unique landscape of reddish and tan coloured Navajo sandstone. Zion National Park covers an area of 229 square miles with the 15 mile long canyon running through it. A number of unusual plants and animals can be found in the park four life zones; desert, riparian, woodland and coniferous forest. You will have an opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional walks in the canyon or explore by yourself.
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 12: Drive Las Vegas

In the morning we drive for 3 hours back to Las Vegas where you will be able to relax and walk around the town.

The group will stay at The Goldern Nugget Hotel. The hotel is located in old Downtown Las Vegas with all the glitz, including several historic casinos, an evening light show, and the "Strip" casinos are still easily accessible by taxi.

Day 13: Las Vegas

This morning your tour ends at the hotel, a final opportunity to say goodbye to new found friends.
Meals: Breakfast included

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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