HILLERMAN COUNTRY
Call 866-438-6877 to book your tour, or complete the reservation form to have us contact you.
Tour price:
*Offered in Platinum Tour format or created for private groups of 6 or more*
Experience Tony Hillerman's Southwest with an up close and personal look at the lands and people who inspired the actions of NTP officer Jim Chee and the "Legendary Lieutenant" Joe Leaphorn. We will bring the Hillerman fiction series to life for you with memorable touches. Our guests will meet a Navajo silversmith whose name appears in the The Wailing Wind, and The First Eagle, and visit the lands that serve as a backdrop and inspiration for the prolific fiction series. We showcase all of the southwest's natural beauty interwoven with the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni people.
An introduction from Tony Hillerman-
My first encounter with the friendly high, dry, big sky landscape of the Four Corners world was in 1945--just back from the dismal, wet, cold unfriendly landscape of World War II Europe. It was love at first sight for me and I have been getting acquainted with its mountains, canyons and interesting cultures ever since. Its big country with long views and a wealth of empty places populated with Navajos famous for their endurance and their sense of humor, and a variety of pueblo tribes noted for their artistry and their complex mythology. The Navajos once called this center of their tribal existence in America "The Glittering World" and in less poetic language, the land between the Four Sacred Mountains . I'm happy this tour project makes enjoying it easy and comfortable and I'm sure the landscape and its people will make it memorable.
Day 1 - Our tour begins with an early am departure from Phoenix as we climb through the Sonoran desert on our way to the red rock country of Sedona, the home to many western movie classics. Sedona's sandstone sculptures represent the spectacularly eroded southern edge of the massive Colorado Plateau. We proceed upward through Oak Creek Canyon to the top of the Colorado Plateau. As we pass historic Flagstaff , Arizona , the San Francisco Peaks come into view. These volcanic peaks represent the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and are the home of the Hopi Kachinas. Your guide will help you explore the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park today with the best viewpoints and offer additional activities at the Canyon, perhaps a helicopter ride over the Canyon or walking along the rim. Overnight stay is at Grand Canyon tonight.
Day 2 - Today, we depart Grand Canyon village to travel the scenic East Rim Drive on our way to Desert View. Our Grand Canyon experience is a well timed teaser for Hillerman fans, one of his last 2 novels, The Skeleton Man , is set here in the national park. The final scenes of The Skeleton Man take place about 4800 feet below our spectacular viewpoint. We descend Gray Mountain to the 100 mile vistas of the Navajo nation. We are welcomed to the Navajo Nation by a Navajo elder who's name appears in The Wailing Wind. James Peshlakai is a silversmith and a traditional Navajo who even spent some time as a Navajo Tribal Police officer. James is a personal friend of Mr. Hillerman, and will share stories and insights to the Navajo way of life. James' presence is a perfect introduction for our tour and a once in a lifetime experience. From the Peshlakai home in Cameron, the tour makes its way to the Hopi Mesas. High above the desert floor in ancient villages, we will visit one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in America , Old Oraibi. We leave the Hopi Mesas with peace in our hearts and cross the desert to Canyon De Chelly. Our visit to Canyon de Chelly includes a Navajo-Guided jeep tour of part of the 30 mile long sandstone canyon system. On our way, we visit a Roman Catholic church built as a large Hogan, where we can witness and experience the merging of two religions. We greet the setting sun overlooking Spider Rock. Overnight is in Chinle tonight.
Day 3 - This morning features Canyon de Chelly from the canyon floor with Navajo guides and their stories of life in this sacred place. As we bid farewell to Canyon de Chelly, we pass near the spot where Hillerman's story, The Fallen Man, has it's surprise ending. Teec Nos Pos and Mexican Water are featured in many Hillerman novels and are near our route. Ship Rock pinnacle is on the horizon, where we will see the place where The Fallen Man got his name. Overnight accommodations in Farmington , New Mexico.
Day 4 - Today we are surrounded by the scenery of the "empty lands" that act as a character themselves in Hillerman's writings. On our way to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, commonly known as 'Chaco Canyon,' we pass Nageezi and Blanco, trading posts featured in A Thief Of Time. Chaco Canyon was a place of commerce, a spiritual-religious center, temporary living quarters and perhaps a gathering place for early astronomers. A real treasure of the Southwest, Chaco Canyon contains one of the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in North America. Chaco Culture features towering, 6 story structures and kivas from an era long past. This mystic place is visited in A Thief of Time, Coyote Waits, and Sacred Clowns. We leave Chaco Canyon with all of it's secrets and journey to Crown Point, a location often mentioned in our novel series. Next we drive past Standing Rock, from People Of Darkness and Sacred Clowns and through Coyote Canyon on our way to Gallup, New Mexico for our overnight stay.
Day 5 - With an early departure from Gallup , we make our way to Zuni. Zuni pueblo is a site from Tony's thriller, Dance Hall of the Dead, and today's feature location. The pueblo is referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the West." This 1629 Catholic mission is adorned with the Zuni Kachina and Shalako, life size images painted by Zuni artists Alex and Ken Seowtewa. These larger than life images represent the seasonal lifestyles and overall history of the Zuni people. This pueblo can be considered the focal point of Zuni culture and an amazing overview of an enduring society. When standing in front of it, you will know that you are witnessing something truly special. We arrive back in Phoenix tonight at approximately 7:00pm.
General Information:
What the Price Includes...
A) Twin share occupancy in 3-4 Star hotels/lodges throughout tour
B) 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
C) All fees to National Parks, State Parks, and other named attractions/activities en-route
D) Experienced and Professional Tour Guide
E) Professional driver
What the Price does not include...
A) Optional activities and attractions as offered en-route, such as bicycle rental, horse riding, or one of many other possible options that arise
B) Tips/gratuities for Tour Guide/Driver
C) Travel Insurance
D) Bar bills, hotel refreshments, laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, tips, etc.
Staff/Tour Guides...
Our Tour Guides have many years experience in leading tours throughout North America. Their knowledge and enthusiasm ensure everyone on the tour gets the most from each destination.
Health and Vaccinations...
It is a good idea that you have both a dental and medical check-up and we recommend that you ensure your Tetanus inoculations are up to date.
Baggage Allowance...
Your allowable baggage for the trip is one main piece of luggage, which can be either a suitcase or backpack, and a small daypack. This daypack should be suitable for carrying additional outer-layer clothing at higher altitudes and food for lunch while hiking or walking. . If you plan to extend your travels beyond this tour, we can make arrangements to store additional bags to be picked up on the final day.
Accommodation/Lodging...
All hotels and lodges on tour are 3 Star or better. The accommodations have been chosen to give passengers the best access to the destinations we visit. For those wishing to have a single room, there is a per night supplement. There is a possibility of a same sex room share opportunity if available within the group.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation Packages...
Please contact us for additional Pre or Post Tour Accommodations.
Temperature/Weather...
May and June can be very hot months with possible rainstorms. Cool to cold nights make a layered clothing approach very sensible. September and October are still hot months but with more temperature variation.
Personal Equipment...
It is a good idea to bring broken in hiking/walking boots or shoes. It is wise to have a light but waterproof rain jacket and a fleece or good sweater for nights and mornings. A hat and a good daypack are important but in the event you do not have adequate gear, you will be able to obtain the necessary items early in the trip. Overall the tour is very casual but there will be the opportunity for smart, casual dress at dinner on a few nights.
Insurance…
Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking
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