Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Welcome to the “Entertainment Capital of the World!”
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, enjoy world-class entertainment, dine at celebrity chef’s restaurants, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!
LAS VEGAS–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA
Life is Grand
Depart the glittering lights and glamour of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Carved through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau over millions of years, the canyon is more than a mile deep and 10 miles wide, revealing billions of years of geological history. Tonight, savor a sunset in one of the most beautiful places in the world. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Afternoon arrival allows free time to explore the canyon rim on your own. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savor the magnificent sunset.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK
Ancient Lands
This morning, you may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon or enjoy a hike on one of the trails. Then travel north through Arizona and into the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for a [LF] 4-wheel-drive backcountry adventure. Your local Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery. Tonight, stay at the historic Goulding’s Lodge, where you will be treated to a private [LF] Navajo cookout. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Join a Navajo Guide for an authentic experience in the red rock backcountry with a private cookout. Hear fascinating stories of legends and folklore that bring this remarkable region to life.
MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK– ARCHES NATIONAL PARK–GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
Rock Stars
Today, travel north to Moab for a bit of free time before continuing to the incredible landscape of Arches National Park. Later, cross into Colorado to Grand Junction for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Arches National Park features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and formations, including the legendary Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, and Delicate Arch. See the world through this sculpted landscape carved through timeless wind and water.
GRAND JUNCTION–COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT–DENVER
Rocky Mountain Highs
This morning, visit a hidden gem, the Colorado National Monument, for sweeping views of sheer-walled canyons and the desert land of the high Colorado Plateau below. Then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver. This evening is free to explore the vibrant city and take advantage of the shopping, dining, paved walking trails, and entertainment. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with a free evening in Denver. Stroll the pedestrian 16th Street Mall, dine in LoDo (Lower Downtown), watch the sun set over the mountains, or explore the renovated Union Station evoking the golden era of train travel. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have loads of tips, maps, and major sights to see.
DENVER–CUSTER STATE PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA
Where the Bison & the Antelope Play
Travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Custer State Park. Formed in 1897, the park is the second-largest state park in America. Its 73,000 breathtaking acres are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wild burros, and elk. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay at the historic State Game Lodge, which served as the “Summer White House” for Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The gracious native stone and wood lodge, built in 1920, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Relax with a cool drink on the front porch and let Mother Nature entertain you.
CUSTER STATE PARK. EXCURSION TO MOUNT RUSHMORE & CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL
Carved in History
This morning, visit a shrine to democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The epic sculpture depicts the faces of four legendary American presidents who symbolize this nation’s rich history, rugged determination, and lasting achievement. Then, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, built in honor of the fearless Lakota Chief, Tasunke Witco, known as Crazy Horse, who ensured Custer’s last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Learn about the sculpture, his family, and the future of the project. Later, return to Custer State Park and be a part of an exciting [LF] Buffalo Safari with a Local Expert. Have your camera ready for great photo opportunities! Then, enjoy a country [LF] chuckwagon cookout, complete with Western entertainment. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEWILD WONDERS Explore the Wild West across the Black Hills of South Dakota. Board an open-air off-road vehicle in search of Bison herds with a Local Expert. Hear the history and legends of this beautiful landscape and the importance of the American Bison. Later, enjoy an authentic chuckwagon cookout with western music and dance. A trip back in time to the Old West’s untamed beauty.
CUSTER STATE PARK–DEADWOOD–SHERIDAN, WYOMING
Gunslingers & Goldminers
Start today by exploring the Wild West town of Deadwood. Next, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills to the frontier town of Sheridan, located at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY FOOTSTEPS Take a journey through time as you travel down the cobblestone streets of Deadwood and hear stories of all the legendary characters that contributed to the town’s history, including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny.
SHERIDAN–YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The First National Park
Travel over the Big Horn Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Spend the next two days exploring the beauty of this National treasure, spanning nearly 3,500 square miles atop a volcanic hot spot. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Designated by law as a national park more than 150 years ago, President Ulysses S. Grant worked to preserve and protect the wild landscapes, native heritage, spectacular wildlife, and extraordinary geologic and ecological phenomena that make this Rocky Mountain paradise a treasure today and for future generations. From glaciers and geysers to grizzlies and great bison, no one leaves Yellowstone National Park without being changed by the natural wonder witnessed in any of its 200+ acres of pristine wilderness.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The Living Earth
Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Explore the untamed wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. See the world famous Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Fountain Paint Pot. Be on the lookout for the park’s extraordinary wildlife, including moose, bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolves, bear, fox, coyote, and beaver.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK–GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK–JACKSON
The Frontier Spirit
Journey south today and visit Grand Teton National Park on your way to Jackson. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT MOUNTAIN MAJESTY With its magnificent peaks and glacial landscapes, Grand Teton National Park draws millions of visitors each year. This Rocky Mountain marvel is the perfect pairing of natural grandeur with frontier spirit of the town of Jackson. Find serenity on the shores of gorgeous glacier-fed Jenny Lake and stroll along the shore before continuing to Jackson. This evening, consider a visit to the Antler Arches, enjoy a drink at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, or shop for the perfect cowboy hat!
JACKSON–SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
This is the Place
Continue your journey south today through Wyoming and into Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City for an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT The capital city of Utah was first established in 1847 by early pioneer settlers led by Brigham Young, who exclaimed, “This is the right place,” upon seeing its vistas and verdant landscapes. The city played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers a vibrant downtown with a variety of stores, attractions, and restaurants.
SALT LAKE CITY–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Seeing Stars
Today’s highlight is a visit to unique Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend time in the park capturing the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Free time this evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the canyons glow among distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. And stars? The Bryce area is one of the best places for stargazing thanks to its remote location and lack of pollution. On some nights, more than 7,500 stars are visible!
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Stones that Touch the Sky
Depart Bryce Canyon National Park for a memorable drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel to Zion National Park. Enjoy scenic views of high desert landscape, soaring cliffs, narrow canyons and the Virgin River. Experience traveling through an engineering marvel, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, built in the 1920s to connect Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce National Parks. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue to Las Vegas where your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, the winding 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel eases travel between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Las Vegas? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)