Day 1 – Home to Las Vegas, NV
We begin our discovery with a non-stop flight to the dazzling desert oasis of Las Vegas. We’ll travel east to our lakeside hotel and easily settle into the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort for a 2-night stay. Not only is our Mediterranean-style oasis situated on the peaceful shores of Lake Las Vegas, it’s also surrounded by the Mojave’s mountains and desert. With time to unwind and explore the property, we’ll appreciate the convenience of being adjacent to Monte Lago, a Tuscan-inspired village with a marina. A Welcome Buffet Dinner this evening allows us to get to know one another as we start our Southwest journey together.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort (2 Nights)
Day 2 – Las Vegas
Breakfast is included at the resort this morning. Then we will begin our day with a step-on guide who is excited to show us so much about Nevada that we did not know before. Get ready for a sweet stop at Pinkbox Doughnuts, where vibrant, over-the-top creations turn a simple treat into a memorable experience – yum! Another sweet stop is in order at Ethel M Chocolates for a Tasting Experience which includes a bit of education on how chocolate is sourced, refined and produced, as well as the subtleties of chocolate tasting and flavor identification. Afterward, we’ll be an honorary chocolatier with a certificate to prove it! There will be time for shopping so you can stock up and keep your sweet tooth satisfied. Then we’ll step outside to Ethel’s Botanical Cactus Garden, which is Nevada’s largest cactus garden and one of the most prolific collections of its kind. Their 3-acre garden features more than 300 species of plants, including cacti and succulents native to the American Southwest as well as desert trees and shrubs from the Southwestern United States, Australia, and South America. Each of the plants were carefully selected for the beauty of their floral displays and their ability to adapt to and thrive in the climate of the Mojave Desert. Next up is a guided city tour of Las Vegas, including downtown, the strip, and so much more. Lunch will be on your own before it’s time to see Las Vegas from a different view. The High Roller Wheel ride is one that you will not want to miss! We will soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the largest observation wheel in North America. With sweeping 360-degree views, the wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution and features 28 spacious cabins for our comfort. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Neon Museum, a captivating outdoor gallery where historic neon signs tell the colorful story of Las Vegas through the decades. Then we make our way to a unique dinner theatre. The Firelight Barn is servin’ up mouthwatering, Chuckwagon style BBQ and award-winning entertainment with Mama’s Wranglers, the Jackson Family Band & Cloggers!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Las Vegas to Sedona, AZ
After breakfast at the resort, we’ll check out and depart for the Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Power Plant. The incredible Hoover Dam is a testimony to our country’s ability to construct monolithic projects in the midst of adverse conditions. Built during the Depression when thousands of men and their families came to Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River. It took less than five years, in a harsh and barren land, to build the largest dam of its time. Now, years later, Hoover Dam still stands as a world-renowned structure. The Dam is a National Historic Landmark and has been rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Then we continue our journey into Arizona, where the scenery transforms into breathtaking red rock formations as we approach Sedona, a destination renowned for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. We’ll check into Hampton Inn for two nights before heading out for dinner at Stagecoach Smokehouse, where we’ll enjoy classic Western cuisine in a warm, rustic setting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hampton Inn (2 Nights)
Day 4 – Sedona
Today we’ll be surrounded by Sedona’s iconic landscapes! First we’ll drive by the Chapel of the Holy Cross, completed in 1956. This beautiful place of prayer offers a unique architectural experience as the chapel is built high into the red rock cliffs. Continuing on, we’ll visit Alcantara Vineyards. Set between two rivers, this scenic winery offers a relaxing atmosphere where we’ll enjoy a guided tasting, tour, and a nice lunch surrounded by vineyard views. Early this afternoon, we’re treated to perhaps one of our tour’s most memorable experiences: a spectacular 1st class train ride aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, enjoying comfort and style in our vintage rail cars pulled by FP7 locomotives, two of only ten remaining in North America! This narrated journey takes us on a century-old route deep into Arizona’s backcountry, featuring rugged, high rock faces, abundant wildlife, lush desert vegetation, and spectacular vistas that are only accessible by rail! Prepare to sit back and relax in a plush, climate-controlled car with panoramic windows as well as stepping out to the open-air viewing car for unobstructed backcountry scenery!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Sedona to Phoenix, AZ
After breakfast, we’ll travel south toward the Phoenix area. Following lunch at Cracker Barrel, we’ll head to beautiful Canyon Lake. Boarding the Dolly Steamboat, we’ll enjoy a narrated cruise through towering canyon walls and tranquil waters. This relaxing excursion offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife – be on the lookout for bighorn sheep and bald eagles! We’ll also experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert from Saguaro cacti to Desert Varnish – all from the lake’s unique perspective. Later, we’ll check into Drury Inn & Suites in Phoenix. Enjoy a relaxing evening on your own as well as partake in the Drury’s Kickback Reception, which is a complete light meal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites (2 Nights)
Day 6 – Phoenix
After breakfast, a unique experience is in store in Scottsdale: the exciting Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction! This world-famous event showcases an incredible collection of the world’s most sought-after classic, rare, and custom automobiles. We’ll experience the high-energy atmosphere as we witness live auction action at its best! We’ll also enjoy the Exhibitor Marketplace and tasty food trucks. After returning to the hotel for a bit of rest, our day continues with a true local favorite – the Barleens Dinner Show, featuring their “Rockin’ & Rollin’ through the Years” show! This show takes us on a thrilling ride through the chart-topping hits of 1955 to 1984! From jukebox jams to classic rock anthems, this memorable performance highlights the iconic songs that shaped generations and still rocks our world today. Expect fun humor, great music, and delicious food – in fact, you may decide to eat the decadent Barleen chocolate cake first! It’s been a super day in the Southwest!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Phoenix to Home
Enjoy one final breakfast before we depart for the airport in Phoenix. As we fly home, we’ll reflect on our Southwest Scenic Discovery filled with spectacular scenery, unique experiences, and memorable entertainment! Plus it sure was wonderful to spend a week away from Minnesota’s cold!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information
Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
Roundtrip Airfare from MSP including baggage fees, taxes & surcharges, 12 Meals & 1 Kickback, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
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01/18/2027 01/24/2027
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* 2 Nights at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort
* Pinkbox Doughnuts Treat
* Ethel M Chocolate Tasting Experience & Botanical Cactus Garden
* Las Vegas Guided City Tour
* High Roller Wheel Ride
* The Neon Museum
* Firelight Barn Dinner Theatre
* Hoover Dam & Power Plant Tour
* 2 Nights in Sedona
* Chapel of the Holy Cross Drive By
* Verde Canyon Railroad
* Alcantara Vineyards Tour, Tasting & Dinner
* Canyon Lake Cruise aboard Dolly Steamboat
* 2 Nights in Phoenix
* Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Experience
* Barleens Dinner Show
