Day 1 - Arrive in Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas! A complimentary transfer is provided to the hotel. Your Tour Director is there this afternoon. Meet at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Tropicana Las Vegas
Day 2 - Las Vegas / Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
Today's journey takes you from “Sin City” to spectacular Zion National Park for a visit to this lush green canyon. Admire the towering cliffs and craggy peaks. Then, on to Bryce Canyon National Park where sandstone spires reflect colorful hues from every vista point. Visit the amphitheater of hoodoos, oddly-shaped stone monoliths. (B,D)
Ruby's Inn
Day 3 - Bryce / Salt Lake City
Journey north to Salt Lake City, the capital of the state of Utah. An afternoon orientation tour takes you to historic Temple Square, where you view the Salt Lake Tabernacle, home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Assembly Hall and the Visitor Center. This evening is at leisure; perhaps join an optional dinner at the Lion House, with a visit to Beehive House, the office and home of Brigham Young. (B)
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
Day 4 - Salt Lake City / Jackson
Travel across the Oregon Trail, which was the only feasible route west in the 19th century, to Jackson, Wyoming. There is time to wander through this authentic old-western town, framed dramatically by the Grand Tetons to the north. This evening,
enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in the town square. (B,HD)
Antler Inn
Day 5 - Jackson / Yellowstone National Park
This morning there is time for an optional guided float trip down the most scenic stretch of the Snake River (seasonal). Then travel through striking Grand Teton National Park on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Home to an astounding variety of elk and bears, Yellowstone also has one of the few large herds of buffalo still in existence. This afternoon join a local expert to explore the spouting geysers, bubbling hot springs and mud paint pots. (B,D) (When the South Entrance is closed due to weather conditions, the tour will travel west from Jackson via Idaho and enter Yellowstone National Park through the West Entrance).
Ntl Park Lodges
Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day tour of stunning Yellowstone National Park. See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its spectacular waterfalls, and the geothermal mud pots, hot pools, fumaroles and geysers. Also see the blast of Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts about
every hour and a quarter. (B)
Ntl Park Lodges
Day 7 - Yellowstone / Cody / Billings
Make your way to Cody, named after its most famous resident, Buffalo Bill Cody. Learn about his adventures during a visit to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Then your journey continues to your hotel in the historic cattle town of Billings, Montana. Tonight, get ready for some real Old West hospitality as you travel into the countryside to meet your host, a life-long cowboy and entertainer, for a “You're Personally Invited” Cowboy Dinner. You'll be regaled with tales and ballads of the Old West while your hearty dinner is cooked up cowboy-style. Join in the fun with harmonica lessons, horseshoes and maybe even dress up in cowboy duds. (B,PI)
Crowne Plaza Hotel Billings
Day 8 - Billings / Little Bighorn / Rapid City
When General George Armstrong Custer led his 263 men against several thousand Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, he said, “There are not enough Indians in the world to defeat the Seventh Cavalry.” History proved him wrong, and today begins with a visit to Little Bighorn National Monument. Then, travel east into the Black Hills of South Dakota and on to Rapid City where you have the evening at leisure. (B)
Radisson Hotel Rapid City
Day 9 - Black Hills Excursion
The day begins with a journey through the Black Hills. Learn the story behind Mount Rushmore, followed by incredible views of this amazing sculpture depicting four great American Presidents. Next, stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial which honors all Native Americans. This evening is at leisure. (B)
Radisson Hotel Rapid City
Day 10 - Rapid City / Denver
Drive through Black Hills National Forest where pine, spruce and aspen forests provide a home for a variety of wildlife. Your journey continues through the grassland prairies of South Dakota and Wyoming as you make your way to Colorado's capital city, Denver, also known as the “Mile High City.” This evening enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,FD)
Grand Hyatt Denver
Day 11 - Depart Denver
Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your grand vacation comes to an end. A complimentary transfer is provided to Denver International Airport. (B)
