America, 26 Αpril-11 May 2025

America, 26 Αpril-11 May 2025

In the national parks of the Far West

ACTIVE PERIOD
26 Αpril-11 May 2025
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
2
DURATION
15 days
America, 26 Αpril-11 May 2025
Price from €5070
PRICE FROM € 5070 - DECLARE INTEREST

Overview

Many people think of the Far West as a realm of anarchy and chaotic violence as exaggerated in western films. The expansion of Europeans who had settled on the east coast into the wild west, however, was not only a story of conquest and survival, perseverance, resistance, and merging with native tribes, but also a story of radical change across the breadth of the United States, a process through which European settlers were transformed into a new people, Americans.

The use of new technology unknown to the natives, such as firearms, railroads, roads, new towns, ranches and mines, changed forever the conditions and habits of all, reduced or even eliminated old civilizations, and gave rise to the new great power that in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence became self-sufficient from Britain and gradually dominated the world. As early as the 1870s its national economy was the largest in the world until recently when it was displaced by China.

The Wild West, however, despite its modernization, remains a majestic place, with vast canyons, amazing geological formations, deserts, giant trees, rock paintings and petroglyphs of proto-Indians thousands of years old, and the remains of pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Anasazi, Navajo and others.

With this trip, we attempt to get to know some of the most important National Parks in the states we pass through, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California.
And of course, having the concept that you never really know a place well until you walk it, until you are in the heart of the destination, we take time in each park to take short or long walks, essentially starting each day's program where we park the car.

The trip will be for small and flexible groups of 10 to 12 people, and the program includes visits and walks to iconic landscapes of great aesthetic value and history

View on map
Day 1
Flight Athens - San Fransisco
Day 2
San Francisco
Day 3
Yosemite National Park - Mariposa
Day 4
Sequoia National Forest - Bakersfield
Day 5
Death Valley
Day 6
Las Vegas - Zion
Day 7
Zion Angels Landing - Bryce Canyon City
Day 8
Bryce Canyon - Moab
Day 9
Arches National Park
Day 10
Monument Valley
Day 11
Antelope Canyon – Glen Canyon – Page
Day 12
Grand Canyon - Flagstaff
Day 13
Sedona - Cathedral Rock - Phoenix
Day 14
Phoenix - Return flight
Day 15
Arrival in Athens

Activities / Schedule

Flight Athens - San Fransisco

Early morning meeting at Eleftherios Venizelos airport and flight to San Francisco via London, departing at 08:20 and arriving at 17:25. Transfer to the Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf 4* hotel for accommodation in double rooms with breakfast.

After settling in at the hotel we will go for a stroll around Fisherman's Wharf area, with its successive piers, sea lions lazily lying on floating platforms and many seafood restaurants to have our evening meal.

One of the piers, Hyde Street Pier is home to historic ships and is well worth exploring.

San Fransisco

A day dedicated to getting to know the city and its most important sights.
With one of the cable cars that remain in operation as a listed monument since they first appeared in 1873, we will drive to the Cable Cars Museum, visit the famous Lombard street, the neighborhood of historic Victorian homes The Painted Ladies, the Haight Ashbury neighborhood where the Flower Children began and the famous Golden Gate Bridge, which spans San Francisco Bay and was hailed as an engineering marvel when it was completed in 1937, with a main span of 1,280 meters and a height of 227 meters.
Afterwards we will have free time for activities of your choice or visits to other museums. Accommodation in the same hotel.

Yosemite, Mariposa

Early morning departure for Yosemite National Park where we arrive after 4 hours. Yosemite was designated as a National Park in 1864, has an area of 3,081 km2 and is located on the western sides of the Sierra Nevada.

It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is home to three giant sequoia groves and a landscape of rare beauty. The valley of the same name is 1000 m deep and its huge monolithic side walls are home to five of the world's tallest waterfalls and impressive peaks and forms, most notably Half Dome, a huge monolithic granite dome.

There will be an exploration of the valley and an ascent route up to Upper Yosemite Falls with a drop of 430m and an optional ascent to Yosemite Point, with panoramic views of the entire Yosemite Valley. Those who do not wish to make this climb can take gentle routes lower in the valley using the national park shuttle bus. In the afternoon depart for Mariposa for an overnight stay at the Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel 3* in bed and breakfast rooms

Day trip 235 miles, 5 ½ hours

Sequoia National Forest, Bakersfield

After breakfast, we depart for Sequoia National Forest where we will explore the park's giant sequoia park. We will traverse much of the park making stops and walks at the major points of interest.

The giant sequoia is the tallest tree on earth, a person has been recorded at 115.61 m. It is a large conifer that belongs to the Cypress family and lives up to 3,000 years and has been recorded as a 3,266 year old tree!

Continuing south we end up in Bakersfield and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bakersfield North/Airport hotel in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast.

Day trip 266 miles, 6 hours

Death Valley

Death Valley was named after some immigrants in 1849/50 who were looking for a shortcut to California.

It is the second driest place on earth after the Atacama Desert, where temperatures in summer exceed 50°C, but during our visit the maximum temperature will be around 30°C.

We depart early in the morning to cross the Valley of Death, making stops and exploration walks at points of interest. One of the stopping points is Badwater Basin, the area of the valley with the lowest elevation in the Americas, 86 m below sea level, where the repeated cycles of evaporation and liquefaction of the thin crust of salt covering the ground create hexagonal salt morphoclase shapes in the ground, which we will see while hiking.

Another stop will be made at the historic Harmony Borax Works, a borax mining plant that began operating in 1883 with 40 employees and a daily production of 3 tons. The product was transported away from Death Valley in double wagons pulled by 20 mules, an image that remains as a symbol of the borax industry to this day.

Stops will also be made at Artists Pallete, Zabriskie Point, etc. We complete the crossing of the valley by crossing to its eastern side for an overnight stay at the village hotel Longstreet Hotel Casino & RV Resort, in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast.

Day trip 304 miles 5 ½ hours

Las Vegas, Zion

We depart in the morning for a visit to Las Vegas, which is mainly known for its casinos and nightlife. Due to these activities, the city attracts a large percentage of wealthy visitors and has the highest concentration of AAA 5* hotels of any city in the world. It is one of the most densely populated cities in North Africa. America and climate change is already threatening the city's water supply security. We will stay in the city for a few hours to visit and have lunch. We then move east to Zion National Park.

After checking into the Bumbleberry Inn 3* hotel and depending on our available time, we can go for an exploration of the park following one of its many trails.

Day drive 268 miles, 4 ½ hours

Zion Angels Landing, Bryce Canyon City

We depart in the morning for an ascent of the epic 7 km (+490 m) trail that climbs to the top of Angels Landing. The longer leg of the trail is a very passable, albeit uphill trail, up to Scout Lookout. Up to this point the climb is free to all.

The climb continues on an exposed trail, a narrow ridge of vertical sandstone cliffs to the right and left, but equipped with chains for the safety of those traversing it. A lottery is held for the ascent on this section of the trail to control crowding in the narrow passages to the summit. For those who do not wish to do this exposed climb or are not drawn to follow this exposed trail, there is an alternative option to continue the climb by following the easy West Rim Trail of the canyon formed by the Virgin River.

Upon returning, depart by car to Bryce Canyon City for an overnight stay at the Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn 3* hotel in double rooms with breakfast.

Day trip 85 miles 2 hours

Bryce Canyon, Moab

Day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Despite the park's name, this is not a canyon but a natural giant amphitheater eroded by wind, water and ice, with sedimentary sandstone and shale rocks leaving behind unique turreted hoodoos. The dominant colors are red, brown, yellow, purple and pink due to iron and manganese oxides, creating an eerie backdrop.

We walk along one of the National Park's impressive trails, descending to the bottom passing between the impressive towers. We then walk around the rim of the canyon, enjoying panoramic views of the colourful geological formations from different angles.

Finishing with the day's walks, we depart for Moab for an overnight stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab 3*, in double rooms with breakfast.

Day trip 247 miles 4 ½ hours

Arches National Park

Moab is a small town of 5,000 people in Utah, where the famous Arches National Park is located. The spectacular Arches Park emerged through 300 million years of geological processes, having created more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches!
We will wander through the park by car, making 1 to 2.5 hour stops and exploration walks to some of the most remarkable and famous arches (Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Devil's Garden, etc.). We will walk to get next to or underneath the arches and have our picnic lunch somewhere lost in the magnificent surroundings of the Park.
Finally, at Courthouse Wash Rock Art we will explore rock art with rock paintings and petroglyphs up to 4,000 years old created by Archaic Indians in a unique style that appears in Utah called the Barrier Canyon Style.
Overnight at the same hotel.
Day trip 57 miles 2 hours

Monument Valley

We depart in the morning for Monument Valley and spend the rest of the day visiting the "Valley of the Rocks" as the Navajo called it, a sacred area for them and a protected area. It includes distinctive sandstone cliffs up to 300 m high which director John Ford used as a backdrop for many western films, essentially shaping the view of all film viewers when referring to the Far West.

By jeep 4X4, we will wander the valley for 2 ½ hours, making stops and short walks to points of interest with natural arches, caves, Navajo settlements and impressive monoliths.

Overnight in Monument Valley, at Ghuilding's Lodge, in double rooms. Breakfast is not included and is provided in the restaurant at a cost of $20/person.

Day trip 147 miles, 3 hours

Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon, Page

We depart for the magical Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed canyons in the world. It has a total length of about 50 km and includes 4 different sections, the most popular being Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. It was formed by water erosion on the red sandstone cliffs of the Navajo's private land, and entry is only allowed by organized tours and Navajo guides. So with such a guide, we will descend to the bottom of the canyon, following a route without technical difficulties, at times when the sun's rays penetrate the canyon, highlighting the warm colors of the rocks.

Coming out of the canyon, we'll head for a hike to the rim of Glen Canyon, and the famous Horseshoe Bend viewpoint.

Finally we end up spending the night at the Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell 3* hotel, in double rooms.

In the evening we will have the opportunity to dine in a typical restaurant steeped in Wild West history, with smoked meat of many hours of processing.

Day trip by car 132 miles 2 ½ hours

Grand Canyon, Flagstaff

The Grand Canyon was formed by the erosion of the Colorado River over a period of 6 million years, revealing a cross-section of land with rocks and boulders two billion years old. The canyon is 446 km long, 29 km wide and 1600 m deep. Artifacts and remains of habitation from nearly 12,000 years ago have been found in caves in the canyon, and it has continued to be inhabited by various tribes such as the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and others, with the latest tribe being the Havasupai, who consider the canyon to be theirs since they have lived here for more than 800 years. The canyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We spend the day visiting some of the most representative sites in the canyon. First we will visit the historic landmark Desert View Watchtower, and then following a scenic 40 km route we will arrive at Grand Canyon Village.
Here we will walk the South Rim Trail which passes through 10 viewpoints, with a total length of 12.6 km. For those who do not wish to follow the entire route, there is the option of returning to the village by national park bus.
On the way back, we will visit the geology museum at the rim of the canyon with an interpretation of the geological layers and rocks revealed by the erosion of the river.

In the afternoon we arrive in Flagstaff, a small town of about 75,000 inhabitants located at an altitude of 2,100 m. The area has fertile land of volcanic ash from eruptions that occurred in the 11th century. The famous Route 66 route passes through the town, helping to boost tourism because of its proximity to the Grand Canyon National Park.

Overnight at the La Quinta By Wyndham 3* hotel, in spacious double rooms with breakfast

Day trip by car 226 miles 4 hours

Sedona, Cathedral Rock, Phoenix

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Sedona and the impressive red rock complex of Cathedral Rock, which we will explore by following a 2.5 km trail including the return trip (note: the trail has light scrambling, however there are easy circular alternatives with the same starting point for those who want something gentle)

We will then visit Montezuma Castle, a complex of Sinagua-era apartment buildings built in the period from the 12th to the 15th century and mistakenly named after the famous Aztec emperor Montezuma, as he was born after the construction was completed.

In the afternoon we arrive in Phoenix for an overnight stay at the Best Western Plus Sundial 3* hotel.

Day trip by car 245 miles, 4 ½ hours

Phoenix - Return Flight

Morning free in Phoenix for sightseeing in the city. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Greece via London, departure time 19:35

Arrival in London, flight to Greece

Arrival in London at 13:35 noon. Connecting flight to Greece with departure time 20:20 and arrival in Athens 02:00 after midnight

Important Info

In a glance

SURFACE AREA
9.834.000 sq.km
POPULATION
330 million
CURRENCY
US dollar (exchange rate 1€ = 0.98 $)
TIMEZONE
Utah -9 hrs, Arizona -10 hours, California -11 hours from Greece

Highlights

  • An epic road trip to the Far West
  • At each National Park or monument we take time to follow trails that take us to their heart, to the canyon bed, to the peaks of panoramic vistas, past cliffs filled with thousands of years of petroglyphs, or ruins of ancient civilizations
  • Hikes on trails along the south rim of the Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon
  • Descend and hike to the bottom of blazing Antelope Canyon, a spectacular red sandstone canyon
  • Crossing Monument Valley in 4x4 jeep cars
  • Rides in the Valley of the Arches, up to the famous Delicate Arch and others.
  • Marches into the heart of Bryce Canyon, among the colorful hoodoos towers.
  • Epic climb to Angels Landing summit in Zion National Park. which is described by hiking enthusiasts as a "once in a lifetime"
  • Crossing and hiking in Death Valley, an area with an elevation of 86 m below sea level
  • Walks in forests with giant sequoias
  • Climb to the top of Yosemite Point in Yosemite Valley
  • Stroll through the Haight Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco, where the Flower Children began

Fixed Departures

Easter 2024

Price

  • 5.070 € / person for 12 participants
  • 5.430€ /  person for 10-11 participants
  • 1.150€ single room

Notes: The above prices were calculated at the exchange rate of 1 € = 1.10 $ . A significant change may affect the selling price

Difficulty level

  • 2/5

General Information

Transportation
The transfers are made with a 15-seat Mercedes Sprinter minibus. The total distance covered by road is approximately 2,170 miles (~3,500 km). Please note that your luggage should be a soft duffel bag (provided by our office) so that it can be fitted in the car.

Accommodation
Accommodation is in double rooms, at the hotels described in the detailed programme. The rooms are usually quite spacious and have two double beds, thus providing comfortable sleep.

Meals
Food is not included in the price, except for breakfasts in the hotels as mentioned in the detailed description of each day. During the day we will eat snacks to avoid wasting valuable time from the day's schedule, and dinner in restaurants at the place of stay or hotels.

Safety / insurance
In the cost of the trip we have included group travel insurance with cancellation option for up to 5.000 €.
In the following link you can see the benefits of the Basic program and if you want to contact our insurance advisor to inform you about the benefits and exclusions, Ταξιδιωτική Ασφάλιση από την Trekking Hellas

Change of programme
As in some National Parks there is a possibility of emergency instructions, or possible road closures, the programme described above is indicative and if such changes occur we will adjust the programme of the day accordingly. Also, depending on the weather conditions at the time and the physical condition of the participants, the chaperone reserves the right to modify the program or not to allow someone to participate in one of the activities that require good physical condition or familiarity of movement on difficult terrain. In the event that someone is unable to follow the entire group on the day's program, they must move independently while strictly adhering to the schedules of appointments and departures from each location.

Weather
The journey will cover a wide area and altitudes, passing successively through all kinds of environments and climates. We will encounter everything from deserts with temperatures above 30o C, to mountainous areas with unpredictable weather, perhaps even thunderstorms. In the Yosemite area we will also encounter snow and appropriate clothing is required.

Visa - ESTA
For those travelling to the US for tourism only, they can apply for an ESTA (visa waiver program), which is valid for two years and allows up to 90 overnight stays. The application process is handled by our office for those taking part in the trip. Please note however that those who have travelled from 1 March 2011 onwards to the countries, Iran, Iraq, Libya, N. Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria & Yemen, are not eligible for ESTA. They will need to be issued a 10-year nonimmigrant visa, for which they will have to attend a personal interview at the US Embassy. This visa takes more than 2 months to be issued, so procedures should begin immediately. The cost of this visa is not included in the price of the package and costs 160 €.

Tips
Tipping is an optional extra that is usually skipped even by happy travellers. However, such a meaningful reward to a consistent attendant who has gone above and beyond to provide the best possible service to the participants helps the attendant to enjoy his or her work and to maintain his or her cheerfulness and energy. Also, in America's restaurants and cafes, employees expect a tip of about 20% of the bill.

Visitor behaviour in National Parks

  • Silence is golden, we respect the natural quiet and do not cause noise pollution.
  • We create our own memories, but not our own paths by only walking on existing trails.
  • We will not risk our lives for a few more likes, seeking a deadly photo at the edge of a cliff.
  • When moving in the park, we are ready for rapid weather changes.
  • We leave no trash behind, including toilet paper or other waste from any natural needs.

Book your seat

To book your seat, you must first read the booking conditions and if you accept them, then fill in the Declaration of Participation.
Please note that the possibility of cancelling your air ticket is limited to 2 months before departure. In the event that a replacement cannot be found then there will be a charge of the corresponding cost.

Please note that the possibility of cancelling the air ticket is limited to 2 months before departure. In case no replacement is found then there will be a charge of the full ticket cost.


1. After filling in the form and within 3 days a deposit of 500 € must be sent.
2. By the end of February 2025 an additional amount of 2,000 € will be due.
3. Payment of the trip must be completed by 25 March 2025.


Payments are to be made to the ALPHA BANK account with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, under the name OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE. During the sending process, please note in the REASON field your name and the name of the trip AMERICA 2025.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation of participation, the following cancellation fees apply:

  • Any cancellation made from the day of booking until 15 March, will be charged 150 € per person for administration costs.
  • Any cancellation made between 1 till 31 March will be charged with a cancellation fee of 40% of the total value of the trip.
  • Any cancellation made between 1 till 11 April will be subject to a cancellation fee of 75% of the total cost of the trip.
  • Any cancellation made after 12 April will be charged 100% of the total value of the trip.

Equipment

  • Hiking shoes with thick sole, ideally waterproof
  • Sports shoes
  • Isothermal T-shirts (thin, medium)
  • Fleece shirts in various thicknesses
  • Jacket warm for mountain areas
  • Trekking trousers
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat for the sun
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • Battery charger and power bank
  • Personal pharmacy
  • Swimsuit & towel for swimming in pools or rivers where permitted
  • 30 litre daypack which will be your hand luggage on flights
  • Polybag bags to collect cleaning papers in case of a natural emergency in an unorganized spot inside a national park
  • Wet cleaning wipes
  • Soft carry bag (we will provide a 90 litre duffel bag)

America, 26 Αpril-11 May 2025

In the national parks of the Far West

Price from €5070

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