National Parks of America

Day 2: Scottsdale - Sedona - Lake Powell- 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, arrive at Lake Powell where you’ll enjoy dinner and sunset views of the lake.

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. Afterward, travel through the beautiful scenery before arriving at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the spectacular Grand Canyon.* 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.

Day 4: Grand Canyon - Zion National Park, Utah- Today’s destination is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.** Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world, just in sheer magnitude and colour. You’ll have time for a leisurely hike on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail to see the lower pool and waterfalls. Then, enjoy the view from the floor of the canyon as you ride along on the Zion cable-car.

Day 5: Zion National Park - Bryce Canyon - Salt Lake City- En route to Salt Lake City we will stop at 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 oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that colour these formations. A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” for a 2-night stay.

Day 6: Salt Lake City- 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. 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 square’s centrepiece 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.

Day 7: Salt Lake City - Jackson Hole, Wyoming- En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later, arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole. Tonight, experience a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck wagon dinner.

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.

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. Explore the incredible sights of this magnificent park with a local expert. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 130 feet in the air

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, drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.

Day 11: Sheridan - Rapid City, South Dakota- 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. Later, 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. At tonight’s farewell dinner you will meet a local Lakota Native American and learn all about their fascinating way of life, past and present.

Day 12: Rapid City- Tour Ends

 

All Long Haul destination tours are operated by The Big Journey Company a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and ATOL number T7282. Financial Protection: The flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please request this and check to ensure that everything you have booked (flights, hotels and other services) are detailed. Please see The Big Journey Company  booking conditions for further information or go to WWW.ATOL.ORG.UK for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate.