Arrive at Mount Rushmore, whose epic figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the iconic sculpture. Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn the story behind the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Centre, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation centre and theatres. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and welcome the chance to share how their culture influences their art. Visit Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with glorious native art, crafts and jewellery. Created by hand, this work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition.

  Breakfast     High  18  Low 0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 3. Rapid City – Custer – Rapid City

Learn about Black Hills gold on a tour through Riddle’s Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory. Here you’ll see skilled artisans handcraft South Dakota’s official state jewellery with time to purchase some of the best handcrafted items in South Dakota. Next, travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the fascinating Needles Highway. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop. Later, drive through Custer State Park where a band of bighorn sheep, a herd of majestic elk, or buffalo may be seen.

  Breakfast      High  18  Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 4. Rapid City – Deadwood – Rapid City

This morning travel to Deadwood, a rollicking western town named as a National Historic Landmark. Perhaps you’ll fulfil a childhood dream of living in the Old West. Faithful recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide introduces you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery. Enjoy some time to ramble through Deadwood where gold, gambling and gunpowder were once the order of the day. The adventure continues this afternoon when you visit Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: “Story of the Bison,” an interpretive centre that depicts the relationship of bison and man through interactive exhibits. Journey through an authentic Lakota encampment where everything from tepees to live Lakota interpreters offer a snapshot of Indian life during the height of the buffalo culture in 1840. Enjoy dinner at a favourite local restaurant.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  18 Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Today, explore larger-than-life Badlands National Park. Upon arrival, make a stop at the visitor’s centre. Set the stage for your adventure with its informative exhibits, displays and video introducing you to this area. The Badlands Loop Road is a marvel of vibrant colours and rock formations created by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. The afternoon is yours. Venture out on your own or relax at your hotel. As always, your tour manager will be available to offer expert suggestions on what the area offers.

  Breakfast    High  18  Low 0      Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 6. Rapid City – Hot Springs – Rapid City

Set out for Hot Springs to see the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres where over 400 wild horses run free. This is how America appeared 300 years ago. You’ll also see Indian petroglyph’s over 10,000 years old, a prairie dog town, an authentic Native American Sun Dance site, and the movie set from the classic, Crazy Horse. This evening, join your fellow travellers at a favourite local restaurant for a farewell dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High 18  Low  0     Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Day 7. Rapid City – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to an end today.

  Breakfast

Begin the day with a visit to the artists’ colony of Sedona where you will see the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today you arrive at Lake Powell.

  Breakfast     High  21  Low  9     Lake Powell Resort

Day 3. Lake Powell – Grand Canyon

Embark on a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell. Next, travel to Carl Hayden Visitors Centre and look out over Glen Canyon Dam and see to the end of Lake Powell. Afterwards, travel through Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Upon arrival, relax at one of the many public seating areas overlooking the immense and colourful canyon. Take a moment to reflect as you stand in awe of this iconic natural treasure. Before dinner you may wish to take a short hike to explore the area. Tonight’s dinner takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge which offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the canyon.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  22  Low  8      Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

Day 4. Grand Canyon – Bryce Canyon, Utah – Zion National Park

Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park,* truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within the park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidising within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that colour these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.* In sheer magnitude and colour, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Enjoy the view from the floor of the canyon as you ride along on the Zion tram.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  25  Low  9     Majestic View Lodge

A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” for a 2 night stay. Perhaps you will choose to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah’s most visited attractions. The centrepiece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  18  Low  5     Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Downtown

Day 6. Salt Lake City

First, enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City featuring the Great Salt Lake, the State Capitol and the residential district. Then, take the rest of the day to relax or independently explore.

  Breakfast     High  18  Low  5     Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Downtown

Day 7. Salt Lake City – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later, you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole.

  Breakfast     High  12  Low  -5     Snow King Resort

Day 8. Jackson Hole

The day is yours to enjoy Jackson Hole. Optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river-rafting trips. Of course, your Tour Manager will be ready with suggestions. Tonight, experience a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck wagon** dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  12  Low  -5     Snow King Resort

Day 9. Jackson Hole – Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks

From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park for an overnight stay at your lodge nestled in the heart of this magnificent park. Explore the incredible sights of Yellowstone with a local expert. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air.

  Breakfast     High  8  Low  -6     Yellowstone Lodges

Day 10. Yellowstone – Cody – Sheridan

A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West, a tribute to one of the most colourful figures of the Old West, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.

  Breakfast     High 16  Low  -1     Holiday Inn Sheridan

Day 11. Sheridan – Rapid City, South Dakota

See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Later, visit Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Native Americans of this great land. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Native American Cultural Centre to learn about their culture and customs. Here, Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of wearing different feathers and clothes. At tonight’s dinner you will meet a local Lakota Native American and learn all about their fascinating way of life, past and present.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High 18 Low  0      Alex Johnson Hotel

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of New Orleans with a local guide. Begin along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery #3 which opened in 1854 and holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the city’s cemeteries. Then, relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two world-famous universities. Return to the French Quarter this afternoon.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27  Low  14     Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

Day 3. French Quarter

Set out on a walking tour of the famous French Quarter. Stroll past the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace and explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Complete your tour with a stop to taste a true New Orleans favourite – beignets at Café Du Monde. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to discover the “Big Easy” your way. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a spectacular dinner and a lesson in Cajun cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Sit back and enjoy the show as the chef teaches you the secrets behind some of the delicious regional dishes.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27 Low  14    Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

Day 4. New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Natchez, Mississippi

This morning you travel to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Enjoy a guided tour of the Louisiana State Capitol Building and learn about the state’s most influential political figure, Governor Huey Long. Hear the stories and legends from the time of his governorship and witness the location of his untimely assassination at the State House. Later, continue to Natchez. This small city, resting on a bluff high above the Mississippi River, personifies the grace and elegance of the South with its preserved antebellum mansions. This evening you are invited to dinner at Lansdowne House, a privately-owned antebellum plantation home.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  26  Low  13     Natchez Grand Hotel

Learn about the rich history of Natchez as a local guide takes you on a captivating tour of this pre-Civil War town. Tour Longwood, an impressive octagonal mansion that today remains unfinished. Construction began shortly before the Civil War and the interior was never completed. Marvel at the beautiful design and imagine another way of life. Experience a taste of the southern lifestyle as you spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Natchez.

  Breakfast    High  26  Low  13     Natchez Grand Hotel

Day 6. Natchez – Lafayette, Louisiana

Depart for Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country. En route, visit Martin Accordions, a family-owned accordion shop. Learn about this intricate craft and listen as the Martin family band entertains you with music and stories.

  Breakfast     High  26  Low  14     Hilton Lafayette

Day 7. Cajun Country

Today, immerse yourself in the Cajun culture. Begin at the Acadian Cultural Centre at Jean Lafitte National Park for an introduction to the history and culture of Cajun Country. Next, visit Vermilionville, a 23-acre living history museum and folk-life park showcasing the Cajun and Creole heritages. Later, cruise along the eerie bayous and through the Atchafalaya Basin – no trip to Cajun Country would be complete without seeing the swamp! This evening, enjoy delicious regional dishes as you say goodbye to your fellow travellers at your farewell dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  26  Low  14     Hilton Lafayette

Day 8. Lafayette – New Orleans – Tour Ends

Return to the New Orleans airport and head home with a new appreciation of the South.

  Breakfast

After breakfast the choice is yours! Perhaps you’ll choose to take an hour-long cruise on San Francisco Bay featuring an in-depth narration on its history and landmarks including Alcatraz** and the Golden Gate Bridge. Or join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city. Hear stories of the city’s past and present as you drive past its famous landmarks including the Twin Peaks, Seal Rocks and the Golden Gate Bridge. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the shops at either Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Perhaps you’ll take a ride up and down the city’s thrilling hills on a classic cable car.

  Breakfast     High  21 Low  13     Marriott At Fishermans Wharf

Day 3. San Francisco – Yosemite National Park

TToday you wind through the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains en route to one of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces – Yosemite National Park. Whilst camping at the park in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt called Yosemite “the most beautiful place in the world.” Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, remarkable rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and groves of beautiful trees will leave you awestruck as they did Ansel Adams, who lived in the park while taking his famous portfolio of striking photographs. Upon arrival, join your fellow travellers on an open-air tram* to view sites such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan, as well as learn about the park’s history, geology and wildlife.

  Breakfast      High  29  Low  9     Yosemite Hotel

Day 4. Yosemite National Park – Monterey

Travel to Monterey, the city often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. It’s where California’s statehood began in 1849. Monterey is filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes, and is home to the famed 17-Mile Drive, also known as one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Along the drive you will pass through the Del Monte Forest and see such famous sights as the Lone Cypress Tree, perhaps the most photographed tree in the world; Seal Rock, where the seals may actually bark at you; and the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course, where the fairways run along seaside cliffs. Time is available to independently explore charming Monterey and shop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck..

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  22  Low  12     Monterey Marriott

Journey 90 miles along the Big Sur coast, flanked by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the sea-sprayed rocky Pacific, for a trip that will surely take your breath away. Upon arrival in San Simeon, visit one of the world’s greatest showplaces, the palatial mountaintop retreat of Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Tour the castle, built on a 40,000 acre ranch that Hearst frequently camped on as a child. Now a National Historic Landmark, Hearst was constantly building and rebuilding what he simply called “the ranch.” As a result, the estate was not completed during Hearst’s lifetime and was later donated to the State of California in 1957. Explore some of its 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Later, arrive in enchanting Santa Barbara, famous for its breathtaking setting and natural beauty fused from the dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, beaches, islands and the sea.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  21  Low  13     Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Day 6. Santa Barbara

This morning your Tour Manager will show you some of Santa Barbara’s most historic sites. A quick stop is made at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, established in 1786. It is often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions.” A walk through the Santa Barbara County Courthouse includes a view of the city from atop the clock tower. Some free time allows you to explore the downtown area laced with pedestrian-friendly pavements and paseos, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a lovely backdrop. You may prefer to grab a pedicab (Santa Barbara’s answer to the rickshaw) or hop aboard an eco-friendly electric shuttle to the waterfront area famous for Stearns Wharf which has been a part of the scene since 1872.

  Breakfast      High  24 Low  13      Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Day 7. Santa Barbara – Los Angeles – Long Beach

This morning, your coastal journey takes you to glittering Los Angeles, the “City of Angels,” and home to Universal Studios, as well as a host of your favourite musical and film celebrities. A local expert will board our coach to take you on an exciting tour of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. You’ll begin your tour at the Grand Central Market, then continue past Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Staples Centre. A real treat is planned for you with a stop at The Original Farmers Market. Have time on your own to explore. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops or partake in some farm-fresh fare. Continue on to two of the most famous sections of town, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

  Breakfast     High  27  Low  16     Renaissance Long Beach

Day 8. Long Beach

The day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Explore the area independently or choose to join an optional tour of Hollywood to learn secrets of the stars and catch a glimpse of their homes and hangouts. Your Tour Manager will help you make the perfect choice. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High 27 Low  16     Renaissance Long Beach

Day 9. Long Beach – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to an end today, but the memories will stay with you forever.

Travel to Rocky Mountain National Park to discover the true meaning of “panoramic.” This celebrated “Roof of the Rockies” offers views of massive peaks and rugged canyons as you experience one of the largest national parks in the United States. En route to Grand Junction, enjoy a glorious ride past Vail, Breckenridge and other famous ski areas in Colorado.

  Breakfast     High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Day 3. Grand Junction – Arches – Canyonlands – Grand Junction

One amazing park visit follows another. In Arches National Park, see the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches as well as an astounding variety of geological formations. Next, arrive at Canyonlands National Park and travel to the Island in the Sky mesa which rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.

  Breakfast      High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Day 4. Grand Junction – Colorado National Monument – Grand Junction

Visit one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Travel along the Rim Rock to see a colourful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Later, journey to Colorado’s wine country to learn about one of the region’s up-and-coming vineyards and sample the fruits of its labour. At a lovely family-owned vineyard, meet a family member who will take you on a private tour to see the process up-close. Then sit down to a winemaker’s dinner to hear stories of the vineyard, the wine they produce and the life of a winemaker.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Drive south to the small mining town of Silverton, a National Historic Landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town blends spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture. Then it’s “all aboard” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive was built to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains…but you will soon realise it is the view that is truly precious. This evening, enjoy an Old West adventure* filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  24 Low  6      Durango Strater Hotel

Day 6. Durango – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango

An incredible day awaits at Mesa Verde National Park, best known as the home of the ancient and mysterious Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Visit the fascinating Spruce Tree Cliff Dwelling to see one of the largest and best preserved cliff dwellings built between 1211-1278 by this fascinating Native American culture.

  Breakfast      High  24  Low  6      Durango Strater Hotel

Day 7. Durango – Colorado Springs

Enjoy a relaxing ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the scenery as you depart the San Juan National Forest, cross Wolf Creek Pass over the Continental Divide, and pass through the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness.

  Breakfast     High  23  Low  7     Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs

Day 8. Colorado Springs – Manitou Springs – Colorado Springs

Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pikes Peak – the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9 mile trip to the top of Pikes Peak (approx. 14,110 ft.). During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods, on the National Register for Historic Places, to see the towering sandstone formations and enjoy a wonderful view of Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip filled with scenic delights and railway adventures.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  23  Low  7     Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs

Day 9. Colorado Springs – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs.

  Breakfast