Compare Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction vs Adventures Online: Go Beyond the Ice in Antarctica by Road Scholar

Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1 Orientation, Introductions, Antarctica Overview, Falklands From the comfort of your own home.

Today’s session will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Welcome, Orientation, Introductions. Our Group Leader will greet everyone and review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, Zoom meeting protocols, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We will then say hello to our fellow Road Scholars. 1:30 p.m. Lecture. In this overview of Antarctica, we will learn what makes it so special and what defines it geographically. We’ll also learn why some people call it Paradise Frozen, and the route of our expedition. 2:00 p.m. Break. 2:10 p.m. Virtual field trip. The Falkland Islands — Islas Malvinas — are home to fascinating flora and fauna. We will see several places that make these Islands uniquely exciting. Highlights will include colonies of Black-Browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins on Saunders and Westpoint Islands. We will keep an eye out for Magellanic Penguins as well as the notorious Striated Caracara raptor, locally known as Johnny Rook. We’ll also “visit” the only town, Port Stanley, our departure point for sailing on towards the dramatic landscapes of South Georgia. On the way, we’ll look out to the impressive Shag Rocks as well as sea birds and whales on our way. 2:50 p.m. We’ll have a Q&A session. 3:10 p.m. Lecture. Next, we will address life in the open sea and learn about some of the creatures exploring the vast swath of the Atlantic Ocean separating South Georgia, such as lives of some seabirds that we’ll be able to see while sailing, from the seemingly tiny Wilson’s Storm Petrels to the gigantic Wandering Albatross, as well those of cetaceans that we will be able to meet, from Commerson’s Dolphins to Blue Whales. We will also learn how to recognize different species of marine birds and mammals. 3:40 p.m. We will have a Q&A session. 3:50 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Day 2 South Georgia Wildlife, A68, Grytviken, Sealers & Whalers From the comfort of your own home.

Today’s session will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Review of the day with our Group Leader. 1:10 p.m. Lecture. South Georgia is rich with wildlife. We will learn about the amazing lives of three of its most characteristic species: King Penguins, Fur Seals, and Elephant Seals. They astound not only with sheer numbers, but also elegant looks, boisterous behaviors, and gargantuan physiques. We’ll hear about astonishing stories they have to tell. 1:50 p.m. Break. 1:55 p.m. Virtual landing. On our way to this virtual “landing” we will skirt and admire A68, the world’s largest iceberg, now stuck in the shallows. South Georgia and A68 are roughly the same size! We’ll then “land” at Grytviken, site of the local government. It also offers impressive remains of an old whaling station and a South Georgia museum. We’ll also pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Wild, heroes of Antarctic explorations, who are buried in the local cemetery, and raise a toast with the beverage of our choice. After an introduction to the challenges of surf landings typical of this place, we’ll move on to wilder areas. Highlights will include St. Andrew’s Bay, with thousands of Antarctic Fur Seals and the largest King Penguin colony in the world: 250 000 breeding pairs. Gold Harbour, another local jewel, is a relatively small bay surrounded by majestic glaciers and home to Elephant Seals, as well as King Penguins. 2:35 p.m. Q&A. 2:45 p.m. Break. 2:55 p.m. Lecture. We will learn about the history of sealers and whalers who, besides ruthless exploitation, were also drivers of exploration and geographic discoveries. We’ll also discuss the life and achievements of one of Antarctica's most famous heroes, Sir. Ernest Shackleton. 3:30 p.m. Directed discussion. We’ll focus on the rat and reindeer eradication program in South Georgia, the largest of such operations in history. 3:50 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Day 3 Antarctic Station Life, Arctowski Base, Terra Incognita From the comfort of your own home.

Today’s session will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Review of the day. 1:10 p.m. Lecture. We will learn about the daily challenges and realities of life at a remote Antarctic station. Our expert spent nearly three years at the Polish Antarctic Station Arctowski, including two overwintering expeditions including when he was also the Base Commander for a year. Miko will share his experiences of scientific and daily life at Arctowski, as well as some of the neighboring stations, including the U.S. Copacabana Field Camp. 1:50 p.m. Break. 2:00 p.m. Virtual landing. We will “land” at Arctowski Base and see places where visitors are not ever allowed to go, such as the main building, scientific laboratories, the kitchen, and technical areas. We’ll also get to know the neighbors at the nearby penguin colony. 2:40 p.m. Q&A. 3:00 p.m. Lecture. As we head towards the White Continent, we will learn about some of the historical, intellectual, and geographical breakthroughs that have led humanity to gradually transform Terra Australis Incognita — unknown southern land — from fantasy into reality. 3:40 p.m. Q&A. 3:50 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Day 4 Age of Exploration, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguins From the comfort of your own home.

Today’s session will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Review of the day. 1:10 p.m. Lecture. We will learn about the “heroic age of exploration” and some of the most exciting adventures from the end of the 19th century through the 1920s. These were the times of Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen, Douglas Mawson, and of course Shackleton, as well as other notable characters. We will focus on the three expeditions that are especially relevant to the areas we will be exploring: the Belgian, Swedish, and French expeditions. We will hear amazing stories most people have never heard before. 1:50 p.m. Break. 2:00 p.m. Virtual landing. We’re off to the Antarctic Peninsula! Our first landing will be at Brown Bluff, an immense cliff near Hope Bay at the tip of the Peninsula. The cliff is what remains of an ancient volcano buried under a glacier. The site features eroded boulders as well as our first large colony of Adelie and Gentoo Penguins. We’ll see the ethereal Snow Petrel on its nest and some of the most picturesque and renowned parts of the Peninsula. We’ll go to stunning Neko Harbour with more Gentoo Penguins, and then in front of a Paradise Bay glacier via Zodiac. We’ll also learn the story of the fire at the Argentinian Station Almirante Brown. 2:40 p.m. Break. 2:50 p.m. Lecture. We have seen them everywhere now, so it is time to learn more about penguins, the fascinating birds that make Antarctica what it is. We’ll learn about their adaptations and challenges facing some of the most successful species on the planet. 3:30 p.m. Directed discussion. We’ll consider how different species of Antartic wildlife are affected by climate change. 3:50 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Day 5 Land of Seals, Antarctica Today, Lemaire Channel & Icebergs From the comfort of your own home.

Today’s session will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Review of the day. 1:10 p.m. Lecture. We will learn about the evolution, adaptations, and daily lives of some of the sturdiest — yet cutest — inhabitants of Antarctica, seals. We’ll discover the most interesting fact about Creabbeater Seals, hear the haunting sounds of a Weddell Seal singing, and get to know the boisterous Leopard Seal. 1:40 p.m. Lecture. Antarctica today is very different while in many ways the same as it was before exploration. We’ll address the Antarctic Treaty, climate change, and territorial disputes. We’ll also review some of the current issues regarding the place we have visited, their protection, and potential future. 2:10 p.m. Q&A. 2:20 p.m. Break. 2:30 p.m. Virtual landing. Our ship will take us through Lemaire Channel, a stunning tectonic canyon that is 2,200 feet (670 meters) wide at its narrowest point and surrounded by cliffs that reach heights of 3,300 feet (1,000 meters). Via our Zodiacs, we will set out to admire what has been called the “largest art gallery” in the world, gliding among icebergs that became stuck in Pleneau Bay, a veritable iceberg “graveyard.” A quick dash South will allow us to cross the Antarctic Circle. Heading northward again, we will make our final landing at the old British base at Port Lockroy, also known as “the Penguin Post Office.” 3:10 p.m. Q&A. 3:20 p.m. Break. 3:30 p.m. We’ll review the high points of our Antarctic experience. 3:40 p.m. Wrap-up and farewells. 4:00 p.m. This concludes our program.