The Awe-Inspiring National Parks

Day 1  Denver    
Arrive in modern and picturesque Denver, a grand introduction to the American West with its collection of world-class museums, first-rate breweries and historical landmarks. Check in at your centrally located hotel and spend your first day at your own leisure.

Day 2  Denver to Cheyenne      
Today you’ll embark on a tour of the gold-domed State Capitol building where one of the steps of which is exactly a mile above sea level, earning Denver its ‘Mile High City’ moniker. The day is yours to explore independently - perhaps visit the Historic Lower Downtown District or wander around the boutique and shops. The next morning you’ll travel north of Denver and enter the remarkable Rocky Mountain National Park, bound by glistening alpine lakes, dazzling meadows and towering mountain peaks. Take some time to absorb the magnificent scenery before the journey continues to the capital of Wyoming, Cheyenne, where you spend the night.  

Day 3 Cheyenne to Rapid City    
Heading out from Cheyenne towards Rapid City, South Dakota, you will stop at the historical Fort Laramie. This significant diplomatic site and military station was acquired by the US Army in 1849 to protect and supply western emigrants. After a day of historic findings, you’ll arrive in Rapid City – ‘The City of Presidents’ which will be your home for the next 2 days.

Day 4  Rapid City      
Towering over the Black Hills of South Dakota, The Crazy Horse Memorial is your first port of call today. You’ll learn about the intriguing Native American sacred grounds carved into the side of the mountain and the history of the Sioux tribes. In the evening you’ll visit one of the great icons of the American West; Mount Rushmore National Memorial to observe the massive sculpture carved over roughly 60ft high granite faces depicting U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.  

Day 5  Rapid City to Sheridan      
Your journey continues into Wyoming and Devils Tower, an extraordinary igneous rock formation that protrudes dramatically out of the prairies that surround the Black Hills. Travel to the authentically western small-town Sheridan, tailed with a colourful history of trapping, ranching, mining and railroad building. Settle into your hotel, the remainder of your day is yours to explore.

Day 6  Cody
The Wild West awaits as you continue onwards to the town of Cody, named after William F Cody, better known as the pioneering ‘wild west’ showman Buffalo Bill. You’ll have some time to explore the charming old town and it’s five museums at your own pace.

Day 7  Sheridan to West Yellowstone          
This morning we journey to Yellowstone National Park - known as the first US national park. Our hotel for the next two nights is perched on the west entrance to the park - perfect for exploring this remarkable region.

Day 8  West Yellowstone      
Today you’ll explore the incredible 9,000 sq km wilderness recreation area and volcanic hotspot, featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests and hot springs along with hundreds of documented species of mammals, birds, fish and reptile. There’s plenty to explore and your guide will ensure you capture the most incredible sights.  

Day 9  West Yellowstone to Jackson        
Travel south through Grand Teton National Park, a 1,300 sq km reserve renowned for the tranquil majesty of the snow-capped Teton Range, rising abruptly without foothills. After a day of exploring the largest collection of hoodoos in the world and the scenic vistas you’ll arrive in Jackson, a small city nestled in the magical Jackson Hole valley where you’ll stay for the night.    

Day 10  Jackson to Salt Lake City    
Continue south and cross the state line between Wyoming and Utah as you journey into Salt Lake City. On arrival you’ll take a short tour of the city best known for its rich Mormon history. The evening is yours to explore the interesting city at your own leisure or choose to relax back at your hotel.      

Day 11  Salt Lake City to Moab      
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your journey continues alongside soaring mountains and beautiful canyons to Arches National Park, famed for its preservation of over 2,000 natural red sandstone arches spanning 73,000 acres of wilderness, including the beautiful Delicate Arch. With an all-day access pass to the park, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the vivid landscape before checking into your hotel in Moab for the next 2 nights.  

Day 12  Moab      
A visit to the stunning Canyonlands National Park awaits today. Let the dramatic desert landscape of canyons, plateaux and buttes, carved by two mighty rivers - the Green and Colorado - adorned with petroglyphs by the Ancestral Puebloan Indians, take you away for the day. You’re invited to explore this incredible park with a whole-day entrance pass. Perhaps spend the evening visiting the great collection of restaurants and microbreweries lining the main street in Moab.      

Day 13  Moab to Bryce      
Relax en route as you leave Moab behind and wend your way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend the afternoon gazing at the series of magnificent horseshoe-shaped natural amphitheatres with distinctive red rock pillars of stone carved into the pink cliffs, featuring thousands of beautifully coloured limestone spires, fins, arches and mazes – a sight to behold.  

Day 14  Bryce to Springdale      
Known for its soaring monoliths and echoing canyons, its enchanting waterfalls and vibrant rock colours, your journey continues to magical Zion National Park where your guide will teach you about the park’s prolific wildlife and Native American heritage. Follow the forest trails along the Virgin River and discover the alluring Emerald Pools, waterfalls and a beautiful hanging garden.        

Days 15-16  Springdale to Flagstaff      
It’s time to bid farewell to Utah and follow the trail to Arizona for an overnight stop in Flagstaff. Your tour concludes the next day with a final stop dedicated to an undoubted wonder of the natural world, The Grand Canyon. You’ll have time to marvel at the colossal, steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River and the truly inspiring panoramic views of the south rim. At the Visitor’s Centre you’ll have the option of watching a film in the incredible IMAX theatre, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take to the skies in an unforgettable helicopter ride, allowing for views of the canyons from a completely different perspective.        

Day 17  Flagstaff to Phoenix      
With countless new memories and more photos than you can count, transfer to Phoenix airpiort for your onward journey.