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October Southwest USA Adventure: Las Vegas → Lake Havasu → Williams → Sedona

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas & Transfer to Lake Havasu

Morning: Depart Heathrow Airport on an overnight flight and land at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Collect luggage and pick up a rental car.

Afternoon: Begin the scenic drive (≈5 hrs) toward Lake Havasu City, stopping at the impressive Hoover Dam for photos and a short walk.

Evening: Check into a lakeside hotel, enjoy a sunset walk along the waterfront, and dine at a local grill overlooking the iconic London Bridge.

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Day 2: Exploring Lake Havasu

Morning: Rent a kayak and paddle around the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Havasu, spotting pelicans and desert cacti.

Afternoon: Visit the historic London Bridge area, explore the boutique shops, and grab lunch at a lakeside café.

Evening: Join a sunset cruise on the lake, followed by a relaxed dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 3: Water Sports & Beach Time

Morning: Try jet‑skiing and paddle‑boarding on Lake Havasu, with rental operators providing quick lessons.

Afternoon: Unwind on the sandy shore of Rotary Park, soaking up the sun and enjoying a beachside BBQ.

Evening: Stroll the boardwalk, watch street performers, and sample local craft beers at a nearby brewpub.

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Day 4: Desert Hiking

Morning: Hike the Lake Havasu State Park trails, spotting desert wildflowers and panoramic lake views.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch at the park’s shaded meadow, then rent a bike to explore the surrounding desert pathways.

Evening: Return to town for a casual dinner and enjoy a starlit walk along the London Bridge promenade.

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Day 5: Day Trip to Colorado River

Morning: Drive to the nearby Colorado River for a guided fishing excursion.

Afternoon: Picnic on the riverbank and try a short paddle‑board session.

Evening: Return to Lake Havasu, freshen up, and savor dinner at a rooftop restaurant with lake views.

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Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit the Lake Havasu Museum of History to learn about the bridge’s relocation and local heritage.

Afternoon: Browse the local art galleries and craft shops in downtown Lake Havasu City.

Evening: Attend a live music performance at a beachfront venue.

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Day 7: Relaxation Day

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the hotel balcony overlooking Lake Havasu.

Afternoon: Book a spa treatment or simply lounge by the pool with a good book.

Evening: Dine at a fine‑dining restaurant featuring Southwestern cuisine.

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Day 8: Adventure Sports

Morning: Sign up for a guided parasailing adventure over the lake for breathtaking aerial views.

Afternoon: Try off‑road dune buggy riding in the surrounding desert dunes.

Evening: Relax with a casual dinner at a local burger joint and watch the sunset from the beach.

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Day 9: Day Trip to Oatman

Morning: Drive the historic Route 66 to the ghost town of Oatman, famous for its wild burros.

Afternoon: Explore the old main street, watch the burros roam, and have lunch at a classic diner.

Evening: Return to Lake Havasu for a quiet night, perhaps a nightcap at the hotel bar.

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Day 10: Kayak & Wildlife

Morning: Join a guided kayak tour to spot local birdlife and fish around Lake Havasu.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Lake Havasu Wildlife Preserve for a short nature walk.

Evening: Enjoy a barbecue dinner with a live acoustic set by the lake.

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Day 11: Shopping & Local Flavors

Morning: Browse the Lake Havasu Premium Outlets for souvenirs and deals.

Afternoon: Take a cooking class featuring Arizona desert cuisine.

Evening: Dine on your own creations and share stories with fellow travelers.

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Day 12: Final Lake Day

Morning: Take a leisurely sunrise paddle on Lake Havasu for a peaceful start.

Afternoon: Pack up belongings, enjoy a farewell lunch at a waterfront cafe, and check out of the hotel.

Evening: Drive to Williams, AZ (≈2 hrs) and settle into a historic motel for the night.

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Day 13: Grand Canyon Railway Experience (Williams)

Morning: Board the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic ride toward the South Rim.

Afternoon: Explore the Grand Canyon’s viewpoints, have a picnic, and return by train.

Evening: Dine at a classic Route 66 diner in Williams and stroll the Main Street lights.

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Day 14: Transfer to Sedona

Morning: Depart Williams and drive to Sedona (≈1 hr 30 min), stopping at the iconic Red Rock State Park for photos.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique hotel, then hike the Cataract Trail for stunning red‑rock vistas.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of Cathedral Rock and watch the sunset glow over the formations.

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Day 15: Sedona Exploration

Morning: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched dramatically among the cliffs.

Afternoon: Take a guided Jeep tour to hidden canyons and secret viewpoints.

Evening: Relax with a sunset meditation session at Bell Rock, followed by a cozy dinner in town.

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Day 16: Return to Las Vegas

Morning: Drive back to Las Vegas (≈4 hrs), optionally stopping at the Hoover Dam for a quick photo if missed earlier.

Afternoon: Check into a Strip hotel, then stroll the famous Las Vegas Strip and visit the Bellagio Fountain show.

Evening: Experience a premier show or casino night, and dine at a top‑rated steakhouse.

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Day 17: Final Day in Las Vegas

Morning: Relax with a spa treatment and brunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Explore Fremont Street Experience and shop for last‑minute souvenirs.

Evening: Depart from McCarran International Airport on your return flight to Heathrow.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Heathrow Airport (round‑trip flight) – 12 hrs travel, $1,200 per person
  • Rental Car (2 weeks) – 336 hrs, $650 total
  • Lake Havasu City Hotel (12 nights) – 12 nights, $1,200 total
  • London Bridge (Lake Havasu) – 1 hr visit, free
  • Lake Havasu Water Sports (kayak, jet‑ski, parasailing) – 6 hrs, $250
  • Hoover Dam Stop – 1 hr, $30 (parking & entry)
  • Williams Motel (1 night) – 1 night, $120
  • Grand Canyon Railway Round‑Trip – 8 hrs, $140
  • Sedona Boutique Hotel (2 nights) – 2 nights, $300
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross Entry – 0.5 hr, $10
  • Jeep Tour in Sedona – 3 hrs, $120
  • Las Vegas Strip Hotel (2 nights) – 2 nights, $400
  • Bellagio Fountain (show) – 0.5 hr, free
  • Fremont Street Experience – 2 hrs, free (optional arcade $20)
  • Vegas Show Ticket – 2.5 hrs, $110
  • Meals (average $45/day per person) – 17 days, $765
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – 17 hrs, $200
  • Parking & Fuel – 20 hrs, $180
  • Total Estimated Cost$4,105

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day at the Grand Canyon for a sunrise hike or a helicopter tour, and consider a day‑trip to nearby Flagstaff for its historic downtown and the Lowell Observatory. To shorten the itinerary, combine the Lake Havasu water‑sports day with the desert hiking day, and skip the Oatman detour; this will still give you a rich experience while freeing up a couple of days for a more relaxed departure.

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