7 Days
October 15, 2023
From: $3,699*
per person
AAA Travel invites you to experience this unique celestial adventure at our mesmerizing National Parks.
AAA Travel invites you on this custom astronomy experience, with expert host Guy Earle. This is a unique celestial adventure at our mesmerizing National Parks. Explore fascinating landscapes in the day and in the evening explore the stars. Take a driving tour through Zion National Park with a nighttime visit to the Stellar Vista Observatory in Kanab for an unforgettable Stargazing Party! Enjoy touring Bryce Canyon National Park, the city of stone cathedral spires. You’ll discover the Dark Ranger Telescope Tour that will share the wonders of our universe and in Salt Lake City, take a trip through space at the Clark Planetarium Museum.
About Your Host, Guy Earle
Guy Earle has been an amateur astronomer and member of the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club since 1993, and currently has served as the editor of its newsletter, the Examiner, since 2019. In 1995, he became a staff member of the Saunders Planetarium at the Museum of Science and Industry and has been actively building telescopes and taking part in outreach events in the decades since. Currently, Guy specializes in planetary and lunar photography and visual deep sky observing. He has a myriad of telescopes that are used for both visual and photographic uses, these include a homebuilt 16″ reflector, a reconditioned 1959 10″ Cave Astrola, various other reflectors, refractors and vintage telescopes.
*Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Itinerary is subject to change due to weather events we cannot control. A Non-Refundable Deposit of $300 per person (double) $600 (single) is due at time of booking. Rates, itinerary, hotels, events, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. AAA Member Benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA Travel only. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated and have no cash value. This tour includes moderate physical activity, walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Cancellation and change fees apply. Other restrictions may apply. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the printing of this document.
DAILY ITINERARY:
This morning, we’ll follow the Zion Park Scenic Byway state Route 9 through the towns of Hurricane, LaVerkin, Virgin, Rockdale and Springdale. Zion translates to “The Promised Land”. Take a driving tour of Zion and then enjoy the complimentary Shuttle to explore Zion Canyon on your own.
Tonight we’ll will go to the Stellar Vista Observatory in Kanab for an unforgettable Stargazing Party! (B)
Overnight in Kanab, UT, Hotel – 1 night
telescopes
galaxies, etc.)
After a leisurely morning and a delicious breakfast, we’ll take the Utah Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef National Park. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch to enjoy a scenic spot and then explore the Park. There are rock art petroglyphs in the midst of Capitol Reef’s red rocks and they tell the story of the early indigenous people, the Fremont culture.
Visit the large orchards of Fruita, an early pioneer settlement, and now headquarters for the Park. Here, a variety of fruit may be picked in season, and visit the old Fruita Schoolhouse and enjoy a fresh-baked pie at Historic Gifford Homestead.
Tonight, enjoy a private Stargazing Tour with an expert and it will be followed by a bonfire and s’mores! (B, L)
Overnight in Torrey, UT – 1 night
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. While there, we’ll visit the Clark Planetarium Museum Exhibits: Explore the Earth, Explore the Universe Near Earth, Exploring Beyond our Planet, Hansen Dome Theater Show, Dome-shaped theater that is 55-feet in diameter ▪ 360-degree immersive experience can display accurate star fields, animated presentation, and even take visits on a trip through space. (B, D)
Tonight, share stories at a Farewell Group Dinner.
Overnight in Salt Lake City, UT – 1 night
After breakfast, transfer to Salt Lake City International Airport -transfer times are TBA (B)
AAA EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS:
- 6 night hotel accommodations
- Transportation by Deluxe motorcoach
- Las Vegas Skypod and Observation Deck
- Las Vegas Downtown Foodie Tour
- Zion National Park
- Star Party at Stellar Vista Observatory
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Dark Ranger Telescope Tour
- Capitol Reef Private Stargazing with an Expert
- Clark Planetarium
- Expert Guide in Astronomy
- Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Services of a Professional Tour Director
- Services of Expert Host, Guy Earle
Download Your PDF Flyer