Following the Native Americans

Experience the living history of Native American culture with an inspiring look at art, history and tradition on this journey through the cultural treasures of the Southwest. This immersive small group trip is fully escorted by a Native American guide and offers unique insights and experiences not readily available to other travellers.

Day 1 Scottsdale
Arrive in Phoenix and make your way to nearby Scottsdale where the tour will begin. Scottsdale is known not only for its stunning desert landscapes and luxurious resorts, but also for its deep-rooted connection to the history and culture of Native American communities. From intricate crafts to poignant stories from centuries past, the region offers a rich variety of experiences that keep Native American cultural heritage alive. Arrive at any time, and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Scottsdale.

Day 2 Scottsdale
Meet your small group of fellow explorers this morning, as well as your guide, Donovan. Begin the morning with a short city tour of Phoenix. Led by a docent, you will explore the Heard Museum, one of the premier museums dedicated to Native American art and culture. Next, a visit to the Huhugam Heritage Center, a cultural centre for the Pima and Maricopa tribes. The centre is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and promoting the history, heritage, and traditions of these Indigenous peoples, as well as providing a deeper understanding of their cultural contributions to the Southwest. Later this afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Old Town Scottsdale, before gathering at the Native Art Market. This indoor space allows for exploration of authentic, handmade Native art and serves as a venue for engaging artists in a more intimate setting. The day ends with a delicious dinner at one of the newest restaurants run by an indigenous chef.

Day 3 Scottsdale to Window Rock to Gallup
Farewell the citys luxury and desert vibes on a breathtaking drive this morning, flanked by ponderosa pines and dramatic cliffs. Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation. The iconic red sandstone arch that gives the town its name is a sight to behold, but the real highlight is visiting the Navajo Nation Council Chambers, a National Historic Landmark. The chamber's beautiful murals vividly depict the Navajo peoples resilience and connection to the land. No visit to the Navajo Nation capital would be complete without indulging in its traditional foods. For dinner, you will enjoy a buffet featuring dishes like mutton stew, Navajo fry bread, and blue corn mush. The flavours are hearty, comforting, and steeped in tradition, offering a true taste of the regions culinary heritage. As the sun dips below the horizon, the tour reaches Gallup, home for the next two nights.

Day 4 Gallup to El Morro Monument to Zuni to Gallup
After breakfast, set out for El Morro National Monument, a site of extraordinary natural and historical significance. Explore the towering sandstone bluff, where ancient petroglyphs and centuries-old inscriptions from Spanish explorers and pioneers tell the stories of those who passed through this area. Take in the breathtaking views from Inscription Rock, and for those who enjoy hiking, consider the Headland Trail, which leads to Atsinna, a centuries-old ancestral Puebloan ruin. Continue to the Zuni Pueblo, the largest of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico, known for its resilient culture, artistry, and traditions. Savor a delicious lunch featuring traditional Zuni dishes and witness a food demonstration that offers insight into the preparation of these cultural staples. After lunch, join a guided walking tour of the Middle Village, the historic heart of the Zuni community. Here, you'll learn about the Pueblo's sacred spaces, architecture, and the role of oral traditions in preserving their heritage. Back in Gallup visit a Trading Post to browse authentic handcrafted items and learn about the artistry of the region. Wrap up your day in Gallup's Heritage Downtown Square with an enchanting evening of cultural dances. These performances highlight the vibrant traditions of the region's Indigenous communities, providing a memorable and inspiring conclusion to the day.

Day 5 Gallup to Sheep Springs to Shiprock to Cortez
This morning, head north towards Sheep Springs, known as Tooh Haltsooi in Navajo. Historically, this region has been home to shepherding and weaving traditions, both of which remain important to the Navajo community today. Local artisans and vendors often set up roadside stands selling Navajo crafts, jewellery, rugs, and cultural foods such as fry bread. These are great opportunities to support local families and take home an authentic piece of Navajo culture. The tour will engage with the community centre and exchange gifts with the Navajo elders. In Dine culture, the visitor offers a gift in exchange for knowledge and guidance from the elder, so there is always a balance of give and take. Listen to the stories of Navajo tapestry and taste some cultural food that was brought back home to Navajoland after the Long Walk in the 1800s. Then visit a living sheep camp and summer home where you can volunteer to lend a hand in light maintenance of the homestead. You will listen to stories with locals in the Hogan, a traditional Navajo dwelling, deeply rooted in the culture and spiritual practices of the Navajo (Dine) people. While many Navajo families now live in contemporary homes, hogans are still used for ceremonies, family gatherings, and as a connection to traditional ways. Afterwards the tour continues to Toadlena Trading Post. Bringing your new knowledge of Navajo tapestry, this historic trading post is a must-see for its Two Grey Hills rugs, famous for their natural wool colours and intricate designs. It is a cultural gem where you can meet local weavers and see Navajo artistry in action. Later is a visit to Shiprock, a sacred volcanic monolith that is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Navajo Nation. The evening will find the group in Cortez, nestled in Montezuma Valley, near the San Juan National Forest and the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, known for its ties to Ancestral Puebloan culture and history.

Day 6 Cortez to Ute Mountain Tribal Park to Cortez
The Ute Mountain Ute Nation is the Weenuche Band of the Ute Nation of Indians, and currently at a population of a little over 2,000 members. Located in the traditional hunting grounds of the Ute people, they are the stewards of this region and have long honoured their ancestors before them. The Ute Mountain Tribal Park is a hidden gem in the Four Corners region. Known for its pristine landscapes, rich history, and extraordinary archaeological sites, it offers a more intimate and less crowded alternative to Mesa Verde National Park. Guided by Ute Mountain Ute tribal members, the park provides visitors with a unique perspective on the Ancestral Puebloan ruins and Ute cultural heritage. The park is a protected area that contains thousands of archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, pictographs, and ancient artifacts left by Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi). Your Ute guides will share the history, stories, and traditions of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, providing insight into their connection to the land and their ancestors.

Day 7 Cortez to Valley of the Gods to Bluff
After a short but scenic drive, begin your day with a paddle adventure on the San Juan River. Start with a short hike to a majestic archaeological site of the Navajo Nation. During the float trip, there is the opportunity to stop and see more remnants of an ancient thriving civilization that existed approximately 1200 years ago. Later, another scenic drive to the Valley of the Gods, a stunning and lesser-known destination offering a landscape full of striking sandstone formations and a peaceful, remote atmosphere. Often compared to Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods is a perfect spot for a more intimate desert experience. Take in the stunning landscape, with towering rock formations such as The Bears Ears: A pair of twin buttes in the distance that resemble the ears of a bear. At the other end of the Valley of the Gods, Moki Dugway, a scenic and thrilling mountain road, offers dramatic views of the desert landscape and the Valley of the Gods below. We end the day gazing to the west as the sun sets on another exciting day.

Day 8 Bluff to Monument Valley
Originally founded in the late 1800s as a Mormon settlement, Bluff is steeped in the history of early pioneers and Native American culture. The town gets its name from the bluff that overlooks the San Juan River. After breakfast, take a guided hike and visit Bluff Fort Historic Site. Along the way to todays destination, you will view Mexican Hat and stop at Forest Gump Hill for a quick picture. Upon arrival at Monument Valley, take a hike to Teardrop Arch, one of the most photographic arches in the area, especially when framed against the dramatic desert backdrop.

Day 9 Monument Valley to Chinle/Canyon de Chelly
This morning, join a guided sunrise tour of Monument Valley, a Make Travel Matter Experience. The golden hour light illuminates the rocks with vibrant red, orange and purple hues. Your Navajo guide will share stories about the valley's importance to its culture, as well as the history of the land, its geological formations, and the various characters who have made it famous. Next is Canyon de Chelly, where you will take the Chinle Rim Drive, a scenic route providing breathtaking views of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The canyon has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years, with Ancestral Puebloans and later Navajo people living and farming within its walls. To end the day, retreat to the Thunderbird Lodge at the mouth of the canyon. This quaint sanctuary has been a part of the Central Navajo landscape for many generations and is currently operated by the Navajo Nation. Meet and greet a rising entrepreneur in the region, a Navajo caterer with a twist on cultural foods and healthy living. Engage with the caterer on the topic of Navajo foods. You can also get hands on with the preparation of dinner. You have heard of Navajo frybread, but have you ever created one yourself?

Day 10 Canyon de Chelly
Start the day with a hike into Canyon de Chelly, where at the valley floor you will be picked up by 4X4 vehicles for a tour of the canyon. Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a place of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cultural importance to the Navajo people. The tour will cover key highlights of the canyon, including cliff dwellings, historic sites, and scenic overlooks, with the opportunity to learn about the area's history, geology, indigenous inhabitants and culture. Stories of the Long Walk will resonate when you are down at the canyon floor and feel the energy from the environment. Canyon de Chelly is still a living canyon today, and is historically a strong hold for the people, animals and elements. Back at the lodge, our Dine caterer has one more evening of culinary exploration with the group. Traditional meals were spent together as a reflection of the days accomplishments.

Day 11 Chinle/Canyon de Chelly to Hopi Reservation to Tuba City
Today is filled by a visit to the Hopi Reservation, surrounded by the Navajo Nation, and home to the Hopi people, a Native American tribe with a rich cultural heritage. The reservation is known for its historic villages, traditional ceremonies, and distinctive arts, including pottery, weaving, and jewellery. In the morning visit Walpi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North America, founded in 1100 AD. It is located atop First Mesa and remains one of the most historically significant villages for the Hopi people. Walpi is a Pueblo-style village with traditional adobe homes and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and customs of the Hopi people that have been preserved for centuries. During a tour led by local Hopi guides, you will learn about the history of the village, the Hopi religion, and the role of the village in Hopi society. We will stop for lunch at the Hopi Cultural Center, located near the town of Kykotsmovi, the administrative centre of the Hopi Tribe. It serves as an important cultural hub for preserving and sharing the traditions of the Hopi people. A visit to the museum at the Hopi Cultural Center showcases exhibits on Hopi history, art, ceremonies, and spirituality. The museum also includes displays that explain the Hopi belief system, which revolves around the idea of living in harmony with nature and honouring the Kachinas spiritual beings in Hopi religion. A fantastic photo stop will be at Coalmine Canyon, noted for its eroded rock formations formed over millions of years. These include coloured sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone, which give the canyon its unique appearance, with purple, yellow, red, and orange layers standing out in striking contrast against the surrounding desert landscape. The play of light and shadow on the canyon walls, combined with the rich, varied colours of the rocks, makes for breathtaking photos.

Day 12 Tuba City to Page
After breakfast spend time at the Explore Navajo Museum & Navajo Code Talkers Museum. Learn about the history of the Navajo people, including significant events like the Long Walk and the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. The centre is an important resource for both tourists and local Navajo people to learn about their heritage, keep traditions alive, and connect with their past. Take the backroads to Page, a popular gateway to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the American Southwest, including Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. After lunch we will visit Secret Antelope Canyon, a lesser-known section of Antelope Canyon. This offers a more secluded and intimate experience than the more crowded sections of the canyon. It is followed by a stop at Horseshoe Bend. The overlook offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert landscape. This evenings dinner show is sure to be a highlight as you are entertained by Navajo dancers performing traditional dances. These dances may include the hoop dance, eagle dance, or social dances, and are often accompanied by traditional flute music and drumming. Performers share stories from Navajo folklore, explaining the significance of the dances and the culture they represent. The Make Travel Matter Experience includes a meal featuring authentic Navajo tacos.

Day 13 Page to Wupatki Ruins to Flagstaff to Sedona to Clarkdale
This morning, visit Wupatki National Monument, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Arizona. The ruins are believed to have been part of the Ancestral Puebloan people, a group that inhabited the region between 1100 and 1250 AD. Next stop is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, a cinder cone volcano, formed during a volcanic eruption around 1085 AD. The eruption spewed ash, lava, and rock debris, covering a large area with black volcanic rock and creating the distinct crater. The rugged landscape creates striking contrasts between the black volcanic rock and the surrounding desert vegetation. Take a short hike on the Crater Loop Trail to the base of Sunset Crater. After a lunch stop in the historic downtown of Flagstaff the tour continues through Oak Creek Canyon. The Oak Creek Canyon Overlook offers expansive views of the canyon's rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and sparkling Oak Creek below. You will enjoy the artisan interaction at the top of the Overlook, one of your last opportunities to purchase directly from Native American artists. In Sedona we will stop at Airport Mesa providing 360-degree views of some of Sedonas most iconic red rock formations. The landscape here is composed of red sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and forested valleys, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Sedona is famous for its vortex sites, locations where the Earths energy is believed to be particularly strong and spiritually uplifting. Airport Mesa is one of the most popular vortex sites in Sedona, known for its masculine energy. The evening will find the group in Clarkdale, a picturesque town located in Yavapai County. Nestled in the Verde Valley, Clarkdale is known for its historic significance, beautiful scenery, and proximity to outdoor activities in the region. Clarkdales Historic District is filled with well-preserved buildings that date back to the early 1900s. Many of the towns original buildings reflect the architecture of the company town era, with historic homes, churches, and businesses. Walking through the district, visitors can experience the charm of the past and imagine what life was like in a bustling mining town.

Day 14 Clarkdale to Jerome to Prescott to Phoenix
Located just a short drive from Clarkdale, the Tuzigoot National Monument is a prehistoric Native American site that features the ruins of a Sinagua pueblo. The site includes a ruined village perched on a hill, providing visitors with a glimpse into the areas ancient history. Continue to Jerome, another historic mining town, perched on the side of a mountain with spectacular views of the valley below. The town has a reputation for being haunted. A final stop at Prescott, which served as the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1864 to 1867. Its rich history as a mining and cowboy town is reflected in many of its preserved buildings, historic sites, and museums. The town has a strong connection to the Old West and was home to the famous Whiskey Row, a historic street filled with saloons that played a part in Arizona's frontier history. We will return to Phoenix for a final night. Reflect on an incredible adventure with new friends this evening.

Day 15 Phoenix
The tour ends this morning after a final breakfast.