America’s National Parks & Denver

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