Imagine a nine-day excursion to some of the most scenic areas in the southwestern United States. This fall, local residents are encouraged to join Beaufort County Community College Foundation as it offers such a trip.

The fully escorted trip is scheduled for Oct. 10-18 and is offered by Collette, a travel agency, through New Trends in Travel, a local agency and Chamber member, and co-sponsored by the Washington-Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, according to a BCCC press release. In the past, the Chamber, BCCC Foundation and Collette have partnered to host similar trips like the one offered last year for this spring in Ireland, according to Robin McKeithan, assistant director of the Chamber. A presentation about the trip is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 16 in the multi-purpose room of Building 10 on the BCCC campus.

The trip costs $3,159 per person based on double occupancy at hotels in Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, Ariz., Zion National Park and Las Vegas, seven breakfasts and five dinners during the trip, round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, air taxes and fees and hotel transfers. Transportation to the airport in Raleigh is available for an additional charge of $60. A deposit of $250 per person is required at the time of registration and final payment will be due by Aug. 11, McKeithan said.

“There was such a big response from the community for the Ireland trip that we wanted to offer a domestic trip in the United States in the fall,” McKeithan said. “Next spring, we’ll be offering a trip to Italy. Our goal is to do like an international and domestic trip each year, and Collette is great to work with, as is New Trends in Travel — they’re a local chamber member.”

According to the release, the recommended cancellation waiver and insurance is an additional $205 per person, and with insurance, travelers may cancel for any reason up until the day of departure. The itinerary includes a flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Scottsdale, Ariz., a visit to Sedona, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Zion National Park. The trip will end in Las Vegas where travelers will spend two nights at the famous Paris Hotel. Travelers will also be able to visit Monument Valley, the iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation, according to the release. Monument Valley, made famous by Director John Ford in the movie, Stagecoach, and others, it showcases years of erosion by natural forces with distinctive rock formations unlike anywhere else in the world, the release said.

Optional trip experiences available for additional charges include a tour of the Grand Canyon by airplane, a cruise along Saguaro Lake, a jeep tour through Sedona and an evening tour of Las Vegas, among others, the release said.

For a complete itinerary or a tour brochure contact Marcia Norwood, interim director, BCCC Foundation, at 252-940-6218 or by email atmarcian@beaufortccc.edu. The trip deposit may be made by credit card to Donna Burgin, New Trends in Travel, at 252-945-7403 or252-975-1304 or by email at donna.burgin18@gmail.com.