Page 8 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – November/December 2018

AAA
The Great American West with Insight Vacations
TM
The vast, stunning national parks of the American West deserve all the accolades and superlatives normally used to describe them. Individually, each one is breathtaking in its unique grandeur and majesty. Collectively, they are truly mind-boggling and awe-inspiring,
a panoply of remarkable natural wonders, dazzling panoramas and historic landmarks.
Travelers who want to cross multiple national parks off their bucket list in one fell swoop can do so with Insight Vacations, whose “Wonders of the American West” itinerary offers a comprehensive 10-day exploration of the national parks of Utah, Arizona and Colorado. Travelers
discover the mystery and magic of
the parks through immersive Insight
Experiences, while enjoying deliciously
authentic dining and staying at
stylish, hand-picked hotels in the
best locations. In addition, travelers
are transported from destination to
destination in luxury coaches with
double the standard legroom, and
each group is accompanied by an
expertly trained Travel Director.
The trip starts with a quick overnight
in Las Vegas, then sets out for the
iconic Grand Canyon National Park. As the first park on the itinerary, this national treasure sets the stage for the further wonders to come. While watching the sun set over the north rim, with the fading daylight shimmering over vast ochre-tinged gorges formed millions of years ago, the contrast with the glittering urban buzz of Sin City couldn’t be more stark.
Moving from terra firma to the water, the next step of the journey takes guests to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. The dam is second only to the Hoover Dam in size and importance and forms
the massive lake, which provides water for seven states – and endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Insight guests can opt to float through its winding passages or take a scenic cruise in Antelope Canyon and admire the steep sandstone walls.
The journey soon pivots to Utah’s Monument Valley, a place whose buttes and mesas are so striking that they have been used as the backdrop for numerous films, from “Stagecoach” to “Forrest Gump.” But unlike Forrest Gump, Insight guests don’t have to explore the valley on foot. Instead, a local Navajo guide takes guests through this tribal area on a private ATV tour. Sweeping views of The Mittens and The Totem Poles can be enjoyed from the lookout named for director John Ford, and there
might even be a stop to see a traditional Navajo weaving demonstration.
As its name suggests, Arches National Park houses the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. On day seven guests can see many of the 2,000 or so spans as they drive through the park’s otherworldly terrain, or they can hike to the most famous of them all Delicate Arch. In the afternoon, it’s on to Canyonlands National Park, for a drive onto the “Island in the Sky,” a magnificent mesa resting 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside. By day there
are spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations, and by night the sky sparkles with a thick blanket of stars, thanks to an almost complete absence of light pollution.
Day eight encompasses part of one of the most beautiful drives in America, Scenic Byway 12. Guests pass by the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which gets its name from the descending series of cliffs that appear in stunning hues of pink, grey, white, vermilion and chocolate. Guests also see some man-made marvels: the
astonishing petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park, which were etched by the ancient Fremont tribes over 1,500 years ago.
On day nine guests learn what a “hoodoo” is. These spellbinding formations in Bryce Canyon National Park, created by wind, erosion and iron oxidation, are some of Utah's most unusual shapes. They can perhaps be best seen from the famous viewpoints in the park, including Bryce Point, and the aptly-named Inspiration Point.
A memorable celebration dinner awaits at the end of journey. Located at a scenic overlook adjacent to the historic Ruby’s Inn, guests feast on barbecued chicken and peach cobbler while a local storyteller entertains with stories and music that reveal the history and traditions of the area. It’s a delicious end to a perfectly wondrous journey.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Now!