Palo Duro Canyon
June 4, 2024 thru June 5, 2024
Embark on a captivating journey through the Southwest’s iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. From the nostalgic allure of Route 66’s classic diners to the majestic depths of Palo Duro Canyon, this two-day escapade promises a blend of historical richness and natural wonders. Dive deep into Texas history, get serenaded by a mesmerizing outdoor musical, and walk amidst the shadows of prehistoric giants. Every moment is crafted to ignite your wanderlust and leave you with indelible memories of the heart and soul of the Southwest.

Transportation
Deluxe Motorcoach

Trip Duration
2 days, 1 night

Activity Level 1
Easy

Meals
3 meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches) included

Availability
Available

Gratuities
Tour Director, Driver & Local Guide tips included
Tour Highlights
- Russell’s Route 66 Diner
- Panhandle Historical Museum
- Texas Outdoor musical
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- The Canyon Gallery & Visitors Center
- Palo Duro Lighthouse Rock Formation
- Mesalands Dinosaur Museum
Inclusions
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- 1 night lodging at an excellent hotel
- Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
- 3 meals (1 breakfasts, 2 lunches)
- Admission to all listed attractions
- Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
- All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Day 1 - Nostalgic Route 66 & a Texas Musical
Board your deluxe motorcoach with pick-ups in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, embarking on an adventure steeped in the essence of the Southwest. The authentic charm of the famed Route 66 awaits you in the form of a delightful lunch at Russell’s Route 66 Diner. Relish the flavors of a classic American meal backed by a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s.
The heart of Texas beckons as you arrive at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon. This cultural gem, brimming with tales of yesteryear, promises a journey back in time. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local history.
As evening approaches, you’ll find respite at the Drury Inn & Suites in Amarillo. Enjoy their signature KickBack where you’ll refuel, relax, and socialize with other group members. But the night is young, and the Texas Outdoor Musical at the Palo Duro Canyon Pioneer Amphitheater awaits. Be entertained by the musical performance and dancing of the Lone Star State before heading off for a good night’s rest.
Meals included: (L)
Day 2 - Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for the day’s adventures. Once satiated, make your way to the enchanting Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where The Canyon Gallery & Visitor Center awaits. Here, explore the deep canyons and mesmerizing landscapes that tell tales of time gone by. The highlight is the iconic Lighthouse rock formation, which can be seen through telescopes at the Visitor Center, offering a unique glimpse into nature’s marvels.
After soaking in the beauty of Palo Duro, lunch awaits at Del’s in Tucumcari, a local hotspot. Just a short distance away, step back in time as you reach the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum. Marvel at the prehistoric giants, learning about their lives and the world they inhabited through a guided tour that ignites the imagination.
Then, set off for the journey back home with a comfort stop along the way.
Meals included: (B, L)
Itinerary subject to change.
Fun Facts
Musical "Texas"
Palo Duro Canyon is the site of the outdoor musical drama "Texas." The musical, first performed in 1966, tells the story of the Texas Panhandle's history and is performed in the canyon's amphitheater.
Geology
The colorful rock layers in the canyon represent millions of years of geologic history. The distinct red, orange, and yellow hues are due to the presence of iron oxide (rust) in the rock formations.
Second Largest Canyon in the U.S.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, after the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It stretches for approximately 120 miles in length and is up to 20 miles wide.
Hotel Information
Drury Inn & Suites
Amarillo, TX
Package Pricing
$565 per person
Double Occupancy
Deposit: $100
$645 per person
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $100
Final Payment Due:
April 2, 2024
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 1 night lodging at an excellent hotel
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• 3 meals (1 breakfasts, 2 lunches)
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: April 2, 2024
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None – through April 2, 2024
- $100 – April 3 – April 16, 2024
- $300 – April 17 – April 30, 2024
- 100% – after April 30, 2024
TRAVEL PROTECTION Starts at $104
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 1: Easy
Expectations: This tour requires light physical activity combined with shorter travel days. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motorcoach. Activities may include an occasional city or nature walking tour, stopping along the way. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain or cobblestone.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are somewhat physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
In June, the weather in Palo Duro Canyon, located in the Texas Panhandle, tends to be quite warm. Here’s a general breakdown:
Temperature:
Average High: Around 90°F (32°C) or higher
Average Low: Around 60°F (15°C)
General Conditions:
The days are typically hot and sunny. Nighttime can be cooler, but it is still relatively mild.
Recommendations:
Visitors are advised to wear light, breathable clothing and to stay well-hydrated. Sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, is highly recommended.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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