Welcome to Denver. Explore the "Mile High City" on your own this evening.
Meet your Tour Director this morning and head north to Wyoming, then continue into the Black Hills. At 6 pm, join your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (B)
After an orientation tour of Rapid City, visit CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honour of the fearless Sioux chief whose fame is derived from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Then, on to MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, featuring the likenesses of U.S. presidents-Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt-carved on the face of a mountain. Maybe stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views, or visit the Information Centre. (B)
This morning, enjoy a drive through BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST and experience the area's colourful history on a guided tour of DEADWOOD, once a wild gold-mining town, and hear the stories of legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Afterward, visit TATANKA to learn "The Story of the Bison" and experience the richness of the Lakota people, a Plains Indian buffalo culture. Then, continue through the Black Hills to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B)
Journey this morning into southern Montana to visit LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT, the site commemorating one of America's most famous battles. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, and visit the museum. Afterward, continue your scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains, arriving in Buffalo Bill's Cody, with time for an optional float trip on the Shoshone River. (B,D)
This morning, visit the BUFFALO BILL Centre OF THE WEST, a fine museum of historic weapons and Western art. Then, continue through Shoshone National Forest to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world's first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest. Enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel, including world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. (B,D)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Enjoy two nights inside Yellowstone National Park. Each lodge has its own unique setting and atmosphere. Lodges featured are the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Grant Village, and the Canyon Lodge. Specific lodges will be confirmed in your documents. NOTE: The routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favorable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavorable, routing may be adjusted accordingly.
Spend the day exploring Yellowstone. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Fountain Paint Pot to see the bubbling mud. Continue on to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for magnificent views of the Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls-almost twice as high as Niagara Falls! Next, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs and take a short trail walk through steaming limestone terraces. (B)
Journey south into breathtaking GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore. Enjoy a freshly made HUCKLEBERRY SHAKE while enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Continue to the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, travel by horse-drawn covered wagon into Cache Creek Canyon and experience dinner at the BAR T-5 CHUCKWAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. Feast on slow-cooked chicken made in traditional Dutch ovens, along with other local specialties. (B,D)
Spend a full free day to enjoy this spectacular playground. Perhaps choose an optional float trip along the Snake River or stroll along the downtown boardwalks and enjoy a drink at one of the swinging-door saloons. (B)
Today's journey continues alongside some of Wyoming's most beautiful mountain ranges into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)