This Regional Explorer trip blends old west towns, national parks and historic monuments like Mount Rushmore.
Journey past the icy peaks of the Grand Tetons, bubbling mudpots of Yellowstone and lawless backwater towns, where the legends of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Crazy Horse once ruled.
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Travel Style - Regional Explorer
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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^. Take an aerial tram ride to the peak of Rendezvous Mountain (seasonal) this afternoon. The Bridger Gondola or another activity will be offered when the tram is not in operation. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Jackson – Yellowstone National Park (2 Nights)
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 colourful 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: $89.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing
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-coloured mineral terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs as they descend into the valley.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Yellowstone National Park – Cody – Sheridan
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
Sheridan – Deadwood – Rapid City (3 Nights)
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 option of visiting Mount Rushmore this evening to see the evening illumination ceremony.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Rushmore
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
Black Hills Excursion
This morning, we pay tribute to Crazy Horse, peering at the immortalised face of the famed war chief of the Lakota people etched from the granite rock of the Black Hills. 'Make a Difference' by learning how your visit contributes to its preservation. 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
Optional Experience
Trip to the top of the mountain.
Journey to the top of the monument for an impressive and close up view of Crazy Horse.
Adult Price: $125.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Rapid City Free Time
Take an optional trip to Badlands National Park this morning or enjoy free time to explore downtown Rapid City today. This evening, we 'Dive into Culture' during a festive Farewell Dinner and 'Make a Difference' by learning how Stephen Yellowhawk 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
Depart Rapid City
Bid farewell to your travelling 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: $89.00*
* 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 7
Trip to the top of the mountain.
Journey to the top of the monument for an impressive and close up view of Crazy Horse.
Adult Price: $125.00*
* 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.
Learn about the early 20th century history of the old town of Sheridan with an exclusive dinner at PO News and Flagstaff Café. (Day 5)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk, a son of the Lakota and Iroquois Nations, who is helping to keep the important traditions and history of his tribe alive through song and dance. (Day 8)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing in Deadwood. (Day 7)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
You'll discover why the Crazy Horse Memorial is only possible thanks to your visit, and how the foundation preserves the heritage of Native Americans. Learn how Stephen Yellowhawk shares and promotes his tribe's history through traditional song and dance, and help support his work with Native American diabetic patients. (Days 7, 8)
Sightseeing highlights
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SCENIC DRIVE through Deadwood
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ORIENTATION of Jackson
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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
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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We were lucky to not have a full coach, which contributed to our comfort and ease of embarking and disembarking. The hotels were wonderful, especially The Lodge at Jackson Hole.
We had the best travel director, Dave and driver, Tim, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The hotels were all very nice, and hotel staff were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
This was a great trip, by far one of our best. Learned so much about the history of our nations National Parks. Some of the experiences would have never been had if not for our tour guide Dave.
Trip was great! National Parks and stops were wonderful. Tour guide and bus driver very knowledgable and informative about the area and sites. Saw all types of wildlife.
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Trip Notes
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Crossovers: All 2021 departure dates will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
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.
Black Hills Pow Wow Special Departure (Ref: DNPP) The 4 Oct 2020 departure features the traditional Black Hills Pow Wow on the evening of Day 6.
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.
Double-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) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
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.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
