America's Greatest Treasures
Experience the grandeur of the American West as you explore five fantastic National Parks on this exciting journey. Relish overnight stays in a lodge nestled in the heart of Yellowstone and in a National Historic Landmark inside the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a breakfast cruise on Lake Powell. Marvel at the magnitude and color of Zion’s cliffs. Enjoy two-night stays in Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole. Drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and the great Sioux Nations Territory before seeing Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. Complete your adventure with a stay in Denver and a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Day 1 Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins
Join us on a journey through five of America’s most splendid national parks. Your tour opens in Arizona where you will enjoy a stay in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Scottsdale - Sedona - Lake Powell
Begin the day with a visit to the artists' colony of Sedona where you will see the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today you arrive at Lake Powell.
Day 3 Lake Powell - Grand Canyon
Embark on a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell. Next, travel to Carl Hayden Visitors Center and look out over Glen Canyon Dam and see to the end of Lake Powell. Afterward, travel through Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Upon arrival, relax at one of the many public seating areas overlooking the immense and colorful canyon. Take a moment to reflect as you stand in awe of this iconic natural treasure. Before dinner you may wish to take a short hike to explore the area. Tonight’s dinner takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge which offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the canyon.
Day 4 Grand Canyon - Bryce Canyon, Utah - Zion National Park
Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park,* truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within the park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.* In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Enjoy the view from the floor of the canyon as you ride along on the Zion tram.
Day 5 Zion National Park - Salt Lake City
A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” for a 2-night stay. Perhaps you will choose to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah's most visited attractions. The centerpiece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ.
Day 6 Salt Lake City
First, enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City featuring the Great Salt Lake, the State Capitol and the residential district. Then, take the rest of the day to relax or independently explore.
Day 7 Salt Lake City - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later, you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole.
Day 8 Jackson Hole - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson Hole
The morning is yours to enjoy Jackson Hole. Optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river-rafting trips. Of course, your Tour Manager will be ready with suggestions. This afternoon visit Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America's oldest rocks. Tonight, experience a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck wagon** dinner.
Day 9 Jackson Hole - Yellowstone National Park - Teton Village
From Jackson Hole, travel to the amazing Yellowstone National Park for a fully comprehensive tour led by a local expert. Have your camera ready for the many awe-inspiring sights. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air.
Day 10 Teton Village - Cody - Sheridan
A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a tribute to one of the most colorful figures of the Old West, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.
Day 11 Sheridan - Rapid City, South Dakota
See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Later, visit Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Native Americans of this great land. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Native American Cultural Center to learn about their culture and customs. Here, Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of wearing different feathers and clothes. At tonight’s farewell dinner you will meet a local Lakota Native American and learn all about their fascinating way of life, past and present.
Day 12 Rapid City - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many wonderful memories.