Day 1 : Arrive in Phoenix and Travel to Scottsdale
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Head to Scottsdale at your leisure to explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state. Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. Savour a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Accommodation : Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Day 2 : Sedona and the Wonders of the Mighty Grand Canyon
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America.On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert, Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll learn all about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the local flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Accommodation : Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Day 3 : Monument Valley and Lake Powell
Accommodation : Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Day 4 : Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start
Accommodation : Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Day 5 : Bryce Canyon National Park
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.
Accommodation : Zion National Park Lodge
Day 6 : Zion National Park Relaxed Start
After a leisurely breakfast and a Relaxed Start, we will tour Zion National Park aboard a privately chartered tram, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon such as the weeping rock, the hanging garden and the fauna and flora of the park. Then choose between a Travel Director guided hike to the Emerald Pools for beautiful scenery of the canyon, waterfalls and green pools surrounded by red sandstone or take a self-guided leisurely stroll along the Virgin River Walk and keep your eye out for wildlife.
Accommodation : Zion National Park Lodge
Day 7 : Salt Lake City
This morning you make your way out of Zion National Park and travel to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. In the evening join your fellow travellers for a dinner with wine at the hotel.
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Day 8 : Jackson and the Tetons
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch on your own near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Accommodation : Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Day 9 : Yellowstone National Park
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 feet (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River (signed waiver required) inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Accommodation : Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Day 10 : Geysers and Colourful Hot Springs
Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Accommodation : Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Day 11 : The Ranch at Ucross
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a co*cktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Accommodation : Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Day 12 : Devils Tower into the Black Hills
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride (waiver required) accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Accommodation : Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Day 13 : Custer and the Wild, Wild West
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spot the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our first stop this morning is the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum for a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. A hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is unlike any other.
Accommodation : State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Day 14 : Mountain Monuments of the Black Hills Relaxed Start
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honour of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 metres) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.
Accommodation : State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Day 15 : Depart Rapid City
Your journey comes to end today. Say goodbye to your travel companions and depart Rapid City on a scheduled shuttle bus transfer arranged by the Travel Director. Please provide your flight details to your Travel Director as soon as possible.Guests have the option to end the tour in Rapid City or Denver at time of booking.
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