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Grand Tetons’ peaks, Black Hills, Devil’s Tower, and lawless backwater towns where legends of Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, and Crazy Horse once ruled are all up for grabs on this nature loving trip of geothermal wonders on a Yellowstone National Park tour, each one reminding you that wonder is never far from sight.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Grand Tetons’ peaks, Black Hills, Devil’s Tower, and lawless backwater towns where legends of Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, and Crazy Horse once ruled are all up for grabs on this nature loving trip of geothermal wonders on a Yellowstone National Park tour, each one reminding you that wonder is never far from sight.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Welcome to Jackson! Home to an array of wildlife and the center of outdoor adventures, explore Jackson on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. Excitement builds as your Travel Director outlines the sites to come in your exploration of national parks.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Spend a full day at leisure connecting with the dazzling natural scenery of Grand Teton National Park. If you like, take an optional float trip down Snake River^. Sit back and relax as your expert guide points out the sites and wildlife which may include beaver, cutthroat trout, cliff swallows, pelicans, osprey, and bald eagles. No matter what critters come into view, you’ll surely enjoy the mountain views. This afternoon, we’ll sail into the sky on an aerial tram ride to the peak of Rendezvous Mountain. The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram in Teton Village is the gateway to your national park experience. Soar from the valley to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain rising 4,139 vertical feet as you take in 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole, the Snake River Valley, and Grand Teton National Park. Or, seasonally dependent, we’ll ride the Bridger Gondola taking us 2,700 feet above the valley floor.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Delve Into Yellowstone National Park
We continue our exploration of the Tetons this morning before heading to the UNESCO-listed Yellowstone National Park. Your encounter with its geothermal wonders will leave you in awe. Witness Old Faithful’s waters arc high into the air as it has done approximately every 90 minutes since the Washburn Expedition discovered it. We stay amidst the colorful pools of hotsprings, mudpots and geysers tonight at one of the park’s signature lodges.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
*Snake River Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park
This gentle 10-mile float trip runs entirely within Grand Teton National Park, and covers the most scenic stretch of the Snake River in the Jackson Hole Valley. The Snake River is a lifeline to the park’s bison, elk, moose, beaver, pronghorn, deer, bear and 300 different species of birds, including osprey and eagles. Your experienced guide offers in-depth information on the geology of the Grand Tetons and the habitats of the animals you may see. Although we can’t guarantee multiple animal sightings, your chances of spotting wildlife on the Snake River – with its lush willows to feed on and deep-water pools for animals to swim in – are greater here than anywhere else in the park. Operates late May – mid September. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: $87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Journey Through Yellowstone National Park
Keep a keen eye out for bison, grizzlies and elk as you journey through Hayden Valley en route to the rusting walls of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Drive along Dunraven Pass and past Montana’s Lamar Valley, home to herds of elk, bison and grizzlies. Admire the gentle cascade of water running down the multi-colored mineral terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs as they descend into the valley.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Get A Taste Of The Wild West
Head to the infamous town of Cody, named for its most famous native son, Buffalo Bill. Gain insights into the history of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and delve into the history of the cowboy, the role of the firearm in the early days, and the culture of the Plains Indians. This evening we Connect with Locals and enjoy a traditional Western-style Be My Guest dinner at a historic café, complete with an old-time tobacco shop.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Sheridan
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 6
Uncover The Secrets Of Deadwood
Head through the windswept prairies of the American Frontier and into the Black Hills of South Dakota, admiring the looming fortress of Devils Tower en route. Arriving in the infamous Gold Rush town of Deadwood, we join Kevin Costner's Original Deadwood Tour. Meet a Local Specialist to hear about the days of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny. Journey to Rapid City, where you have the seasonal option of visiting Mount Rushmore this evening to see the evening illumination ceremony.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Join a park ranger at Mount Rushmore’s outdoor amphitheater for this moving patriotic program and sculpture lighting ceremony. The program begins with a short inspirational talk, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history, and is followed by a 20 minute film, “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy.” Watch in wonder as the evening culminates in the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. Be sure to bundle up as the evenings can be cool. Operates seasonally, starting at 9 p.m. " Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Hear The History Of Black Hills
This morning, we pay tribute to Crazy Horse, peering at the immortalized face of the famed war chief of the Lakota people etched from the granite rock of the Black Hills. We continue to Mount Rushmore featuring the enormous carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Roam Rapid City
Take an optional trip to Badlands National Park this morning or enjoy free time to explore downtown Rapid City today. This evening, we join a festive Farewell Dinner and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Stephen Yellowhawk. Learn about how he works to preserve Native American heritage.
Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota preserves 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. And no trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at famous Wall Drug. An establishment which became known for offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in the 1930s is today one of the top roadside attractions in the country. Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Farewell Rapid City
Bid farewell to your traveling companions and take a transfer to Rapid City Airport or extend your stay in Rapid City at The Rushmore Hotel.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
*Snake River Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park
This gentle 10-mile float trip runs entirely within Grand Teton National Park, and covers the most scenic stretch of the Snake River in the Jackson Hole Valley. The Snake River is a lifeline to the park’s bison, elk, moose, beaver, pronghorn, deer, bear and 300 different species of birds, including osprey and eagles. Your experienced guide offers in-depth information on the geology of the Grand Tetons and the habitats of the animals you may see. Although we can’t guarantee multiple animal sightings, your chances of spotting wildlife on the Snake River – with its lush willows to feed on and deep-water pools for animals to swim in – are greater here than anywhere else in the park. Operates late May – mid September. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: $87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Join a park ranger at Mount Rushmore’s outdoor amphitheater for this moving patriotic program and sculpture lighting ceremony. The program begins with a short inspirational talk, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history, and is followed by a 20 minute film, “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy.” Watch in wonder as the evening culminates in the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. Be sure to bundle up as the evenings can be cool. Operates seasonally, starting at 9 p.m. " Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Badlands National Park Excursion
Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota preserves 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. And no trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at famous Wall Drug. An establishment which became known for offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in the 1930s is today one of the top roadside attractions in the country. Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
8 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
12 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Learn about the early 20th-century history of the old town of Sheridan with an exclusive dinner at PO News and Flagstaff Café.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk and discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
Sightseeing highlights
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Discover Jackson
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Explore Deadwood with a Local Specialist
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Scenic Drive through Deadwood
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View Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore
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Visit the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Devils Tower National Monument, the Black Hills of South Dakota
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
National Parks Wonders Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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VERY SATISFIED AND WOULD TAKE ANOTHER TRAFALGAR TRIP AND RECOMMEND IT.
THE ACCOMODATIONS WERE EXCELLENT, TOUR DIRECTOR VERY IMFORMATIVE, BUS DRIVER EXCELLENT SINCE WE HAD TO DEAL WITH BAD WEATHER MOST OF THE TRIP. WELLNESS DIRECTOR WAS THOROUGH AND KEPT US ALL SAFE, MADE US FEEL SAFE..
Having never been out west we thrilled with all we saw and learned from the staff about what we were seeing! It turns out though, that it was too late in the year to go to these elevations.
The hotels were fine, unfortunately with staffing shortages we had to ask for more linens and being older a bathroom geared for the aging population would have been appreciated. Also some hotels didn't have refrigerators in them, which would have been nice.
The weather was very challenging and Joseph, Ken and Sarah did their very best to be flexible with the schedule so we saw the most we could. Joseph was a wealth of information on the area. Ken was the best tour driver especially with all the snow. Sarah always was therewith a great big smile to make sure we were healthy and take our pictures
The trip was wonderful and Steve our tour guide was the absolute best. The hotels were all great except the lodge in Yellowstone (mattresses were BAD). The schedule was absolutely fantastic (skip the lunch stop in Keystone!!). My only complaint is that several scheduled activities were cancelled (optional and not optional) which is understandable because of Covid. I do believe Trafalgar knew of these changes a month before our tour started and we could have been informed of these changes before taking the tour. Pow Wow - gondola ride - river float - lights for Rushmore (all cancelled way before our tour started). The tour was absolutely one of the highlights of our lives and I would absolutely recommend it to everybody.
Our tour director went all the way to ensure that we saw all the great visiting points and was extremely knowledgeable. Our driver did go beyond also and was very reliable. Our health monitor did her job to the T. The only thing that could be changed is that a tour out west to the National Parks in October should not be offered because of the weather conditions. We had a lot of rain, wind, sleet and snow to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, we met some wonderful people and had fun. We still had a great time thanks to the Trafalgar crew.
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Note: For optional float trip on the morning of Day 3, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
[CIRCLE] Black Hills Pow Wow Special Departure (Ref: DNPP) This departure features the traditional Black Hills Pow Wow on the evening of Day 7.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
