This morning we enjoy breakfast at a local eatery before setting out to embrace the energy of this fascinating city on a locally guided tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Chelsea Market and other time-honoured landmarks. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel in lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Centre site. Spend the afternoon exploring the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art and admire its thought-provoking exhibits and vital collections. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice…your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of the city’s popular locations in exhilarating Times Square before taking your seat for an included Broadway show!

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  24 Low  16     Sheraton New York

Day 3. New York City

Start your day with a fun-filled breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a 50’s-themed restaurant featuring a singing wait staff. Next, Board a ferry to Ellis Island. On your way you will have the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty up-close as your ferry cruises by her. More than 12 million people passed through Ellis Island on journeys of immigration. Since 1886, “Lady Liberty” has welcomed immigrants and visitors to New York Harbour. Created as a token of friendship between the U.S. and France, the Statue of Liberty has become a global symbol of freedom. This afternoon, visit the 9/11 Memorial as well as the museum, a poignant tribute to the lives lost at the World Trade Centre site in September 2001. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore “the city that never sleeps.”

  Breakfast     High  18  Low  10     Sheraton New York

Day 4. New York City

This morning it’s Diner’s Choice…your breakfast is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of the city’s great restaurants. Enjoy some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Your Tour Manager will have plenty of suggestions for great ways to spend your time. Maybe you’d enjoy a shopping spree at some of the world’s most famous department stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. This afternoon, the curtains rise for your second Broadway show. You’ll choose* from a selection of Broadway’s biggest hits. Say farewell to this extraordinary city as we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  18  Low  10     Sheraton New York

Your tour comes to a close with many pleasant memories of your exciting tour of fabulous “New York, New York.”

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