YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS Writing my reveiw after returning yesterday.... Visiting the Grand Canyon has been an ambition since childhood, and I chose this trip as I hoped it would offer a chance to see multiple sites and I believed the camping and walking would provide a real taste of the country. I was not disappointed but how can any other holiday live up to this experience ...
A taste of many things! A time to walk alone and travel together. What a great way to discover Western USA. From walking the Golden Gate Bridge with clear blue skies to the 'awesome' view from Angel's Landing in Zion Valley. From the unforgettable moment you reach the rim of Bryce Canyon to the madness of Las Vegas. As a sworn-in Ranger (a very rigorous assessment) I feel qualified to recommend this trip to those who love variety and do not want to sit on a beach and roast. Fantastic.
The content of this trip was excellent and we had a very good holiday. There were a few minor deficiencies however, mostly concerning information/communication..... We travelled with others who had booked through Grand American Adventures and they appear to have been better served: they arrived earlier in Las Vegas and had time to explore the city whereas we had time only for a quick dash in, despite the trip notes listing day 1 as a city day. We arrived at the hotel at 6.00pm, just in time for the briefing. We were advised that our guide would expect tips of $5-7 per person per day but we were surprised to hear that there were two guides and they expected $10 per day each. As a couple, therefore, we paid $400 which was way above budget. There were other minor 'annoyances' ... we were told that no meals were included but our GAA were told some breakfasts were included. We were left unsure but caught on eventually and gained a couple of meals! The Alexis Park was disappointing: they took 1 hour to collect us on arrival, the room was shoddy (and the door lock fell off) and it is a good 15 mins brisk walk to town. We thought we might also have been dropped at the airport for our return flight, as we passed the door, rather than return to the Alexis Park and immediately return to the airport. Sedona, the last minute addition to the itinerary, was very nice and we felt we could have made more of the walking opportunities there. A short town tour and lie by the pool was all that was needed!
