Grand Circle Travel: Guided Tours of the Southwest's National Parks

Grand Circle Travel (formerly Grand Circle Tours) is a Boston-based tour operator specializing in guided motorcoach and small-ship itineraries across the American Southwest and beyond. Founded 1958 by Ethel Andrus; now part of Grand Circle Corporation (includes Overseas Adventure Travel, Harriet Lewis's legacy).

Signature Southwest Itinerary: "National Parks of the Grand Circle"

• Typical duration: 11–14 days.
• Departure hub: Las Vegas (McCarran/LAS).
• Core parks: Grand Canyon (South Rim), Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley (Navajo Tribal Park), Mesa Verde.
• Add-ons: Antelope Canyon (guided), Lake Powell cruise, Dead Horse Point, Goosenecks State Park.

Travel Style

• Motorcoach (35–45 pax) with driver/guide; hotel overnights (3–4 star).
• Average 2–3 hrs driving/day; walks 1–3 mi on maintained trails.
• Includes park fees, most meals, gratuities.
• Solo traveler share program (no single supplement on many dates).

Other Grand Circle Destinations

• Alaska (Denali, Kenai Fjords)
• Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Icefields Parkway)
• East Coast (Acadia, White Mountains, Niagara)
• International: Iceland, Patagonia, Galápagos, Egypt, Japan (via OAT brand)

Target Demographic & Reputation

Primarily 50+ active adults; high repeat rate (~40 %). Known for educational content (lecturers, local experts), cultural interactions (Navajo, Hopi, Mormon history), and logistics handling. Not an adventure/backpacking outfit.

Booking

• Direct: gct.com / 1-800-221-2609
• Travel agents (commissionable).
• Departures March–October; early booking discounts 5–10 %.