Trains and Canyons of the Southwest
featuring Scottsdale, Sedona & Santa Fe
Presented By: Munster Parks and Recreation

Day 1: Friday, August 06, 2010 Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town.” (D)

Day 2: Saturday, August 07, 2010 Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale
A local guide introduces you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale. (B)

Day 3: Sunday, August 08, 2010 Scottsdale - Jerome - Sedona
Begin your day with a visit to America’s largest ghost town, Jerome. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on the Verde Canyon Railroad – this is certain to be an unforgettable experience! Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Soak in enthralling views as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680 foot man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience its sheer, exuberant beauty. Wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West. (B)

Day 4: Monday, August 09, 2010 Sedona
Discover the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, hop aboard for a trolley tour of Sedona that features a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time at leisure for lunch – perhaps buffalo and cactus fries – and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewelry. The remainder of your day is free to explore the local galleries, sip latte in a coffeehouse or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 5: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona
Upon arrival at the train station in Williams, it’s “all aboard” the Grand Canyon Railway. This adventure relives the excitement of the Old West as it travels through northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Behold amazing views of the most famous canyon in the world when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 6: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Sedona - Apache County - Santa Fe
Travel east towards New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” You travel through the Painted Desert, a long expanse of badland hills and buttes that makes up a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colors. Step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park. There will be plenty of stops inside the park to enjoy the unusual views. This evening’s special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner served with local flare. (B, D)

Day 7: Thursday, August 12, 2010 Santa Fe
Today is dedicated to exploring Santa Fe. Learn about this fascinating city from a local guide. During a walking tour, see the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase; St. Francis Cathedral; the historic Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail; and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy Santa Fe at your leisure. (B)

Day 8: Friday, August 13, 2010 Santa Fe - Sandia Peak - Albuquerque
Experience at close range what only a rock climber could see – the rugged and inaccessible rock escarpment of Sandia Peak during a trip on the world’s longest aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway, for a panoramic view of stunning terrain. There will be time to enjoy lunch on your own and visit the gift shop. Once in Albuquerque, stroll the streets of Old Town where unique shops and sights are everywhere. Tonight, a farewell dinner with your fellow passengers celebrates fond memories and friendships made along the way. (B, D)

Day 9: Saturday, August 14, 2010 Albuquerque - Tour Ends
(B)




August 06 - August 14, 2010
9 Days • 13 Meals
8 Breakfasts • 5 Dinners
Highlights: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Verde Canyon Railroad, Sedona Trolley Tour, Grand Canyon Railway, Sandia Peak Tramway
Rates Per Person
Double: $2599, Single: $3349,
Triple: $2569
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from OHare Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $140 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 2 Courtyard by Marriott, Scottsdale, AZ
Day 3 - 5 Orchards Inn, Sedona, AZ
Day 6 - 7 Hilton Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
Day 8 Sheraton Uptown, Albuquerque, NM
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Relive the Old West aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
  • Journey through fantastic Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail!
  • Enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member.
  • Marvel at the incredible Petrified Forest National Park.
  • Take in the extraordinary view on the Sandia Peak Tramway.
For more information call
 Barbara Holajter
Munster Parks and Recreation
(219) 836-7275
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Sedona, AZ
Evening Sky Tour • $60.00
Enjoy an incredible evening of stargazing and astronomy under the canopy of Sedona's brilliant night sky. Sedona is one of the best locations in the U.S. to observe the night sky with many clear, dark nights. Tonight, join your professional astronomer as they guide you through the heavens to see such sights as Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus as well as spiral galaxies, red giants, double stars, and comets. You will get to see this all through custom built state-of-the-art telescopes, high powered binoculars and laser pointers. This option is just a short walk from the lobby of your hotel.
Sedona Photo Jeep Tour • $55.00
This scenic adventure explores the route taken to Flagstaff by the town’s first settlers. Your jeep ride will take you along a dirt road up to approximately 1500 ft above Sedona. Throughout this journey you will have spectacular picture opportunities of the gorgeous red rock canyons dotted with cactus, cypress and sycamores. Learn about the history of the rocks and hear stories of the various movies that were filmed in the area from your expert guide as you soak in the incredible views. This is a photographer’s dream trip!
Taos, NM
Taos Pueblo • $40.00
The foothills of the largest peaks in New Mexico are the pristine setting of the Taos Pueblo Village. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We welcome you to visit the village and enjoy a guided tour conducted by a Native American Tribe Member. Learn about the customs, their way of life and the fascinating history of the ancestors of the 150 people who live in the Pueblo full time. There will be time to purchase the unique hand made items in the curio shops and have lunch on your own in Taos before your return to Santa Fe.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $140 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Trains and Canyons of the Southwest
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted and to inform them that you are traveling. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
For the tours that go on the Sandia Tram, the highest elevation is 10,000 feet above sea level. For the tours that do not go on the Tram, the highest elevation is 6,000 feet above sea level.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Local Guides
In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, two local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour.
Luggage
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 8 to 12 USD and dinner 15 to 25 USD. In Arizona , it is recommended to have bottled water on hand as it can get very hot. This can easily be purchased at hotels and local convenience stores.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. As you enjoy your Southwest adventure along canyons and on trains, you'll find charming and cultural souvenirs that truly capture the region. Native American souvenirs -- such as turquoise jewelry and animal figurines -- are popular and trendy finds here. Buy yourself some unique clothing reminiscent of the "wild, wild west!" Enjoy cowboy hats, boots, and typical western-styled shirts. Several shops promote regional artists and their work by selling their original pieces including paintings, pottery and other crafts.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Arizona and New Mexico is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. ( 3 Hours during Daylight Savings Time ).
Transportation
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.