Scenic Parks Explorer
15 Days from $3,919 per person
The ultimate National Park adventure, visiting seven parks in the west and mid-west, diverse landscapes emerge, from Mesa Verde's carved canyon houses to Bryce Canyon's towering hoodoos.
You'll enjoy Insider moments like… getting a glimpse of the Old West as you are treated to a good ol' fashioned stick-up before a cowboy dinner. You'll be entertained around the campfire by the songs and historical tales of cowboy poet, Happy Pappy.This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives you a fun, exciting snapshot of life in the Old West.
Overview
The ultimate National Park adventure, visiting seven parks in the west and mid-west, diverse landscapes emerge, from Mesa Verde's carved canyon houses to Bryce Canyon's towering hoodoos.
You'll enjoy Insider moments like… getting a glimpse of the Old West as you are treated to a good ol' fashioned stick-up before a cowboy dinner. You'll be entertained around the campfire by the songs and historical tales of cowboy poet, Happy Pappy.This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives you a fun, exciting snapshot of life in the Old West.
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Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas. After checking in to the hotel, browse the exclusive shops, hit the slot machines or just lounge a while by the hotel pool. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. -
Day 2: Las Vegas – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Depart Las Vegas for the graceful slot canyons and towering cliffs of Zion National Park. Then it's onward to Bryce Canyon, home to the world's largest concentration of hoodoos—tall limestone spires that rise majestically from the desert floor. -
Day 3: Bryce Canyon – Salt Lake City
Travel north to Utah's capital to see the famed Temple Square, headquarters to the Mormon church and home to the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Meet local specialists, sister missionaries, who introduce the basic beliefs and history of the Mormon pioneers who built the temple and Tabernacle.
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Day 4: Salt Lake City – Montpelier – Jackson
Get a glimpse of the route of the pioneers as you cross the Oregon Trail and enter Wyoming. Stop in Montpelier at the Oregon Trail Center. Enjoy lunch before departing to scenic Jackson, standing in the shadows of the icy peaks of the Grand Tetons.
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Day 5: Jackson – Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (2 Nights)
Traverse through Grand Teton National Park on the way to Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the world's first National Park. (When the south entrance is closed due to weather conditions, the itinerary will travel west from Jackson via Idaho and enter Yellowstone National Park through the west entrance.) Enjoy a two night stay inside Yellowstone National Park, where each lodge has its own unique setting and atmosphere. Lodges featured are the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Grant Village, and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Specific lodges will be confirmed in your documents. -
Day 6: Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing and Free Time
Explore the impressive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its stunning waterfalls and a chance to see bison and elk. Join your Travel Director to explore the spouting geysers, bubbling hot springs and mud paint pots. Watch in wonder as Old Faithful's waters arc over 100 feet into the air.
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Day 7: Yellowstone – Cody – Billings
Head east to the town of Cody, named for its most famous native son, Buffalo Bill, and get a glimpse into its lively history at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Then it's on to Big Sky Country for a Be My Guest dinner featuring local cuisine and a host who welcomes you with true Western hospitality. -
Day 8: Billings – Little Bighorn – Rapid City (2 Nights)
Today begins with a visit to Little Bighorn, the infamous battlefield where the ill-fated Custer led his men against a battalion of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Then, travel east through the Black Hills to Rapid City. -
Day 9: Black Hills Excursion
Discover the wonders of the Black Hills on your way to visit the base of Crazy Horse Memorial before a visit to Mount Rushmore. This afternoon gather with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive dinner featuring a Cultural Insight, Stephen Yellowhawk, who shares his tribe's history through dance and song.
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Day 10: Rapid City – Denver
Cross some of the West's most beautiful terrain today as you travel through the expansive grasslands of Wyoming on your way to Denver, the Mile High City. Enjoy the evening to relax.
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Day 11: Denver – Vail – Moab (2 Nights)
Ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide on your way to Vail. Founded in 1966 at the base of the largest ski mountain in the United States, this pretty alpine village has an old-world feel. Then it's on to Moab where tonight is yours.
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Day 12: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks Excursion
Discover stunning Canyonlands National Park and visit magnificent Arches National Park where the wind and rain have eroded the sandstone into more than 2,000 natural arches.
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Day 13: Moab – Mesa Verde National Park – Monument Valley
Between AD 600 and 1300, the Ancestral Puebloan people carved houses and entire communities out of the sandstone of the canyon walls at Mesa Verde National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy a unique Navajo cookout Regional Meal in Monument Valley before returning to your hotel. -
Day 14: Monument Valley – Grand Canyon National Park
Marvel at Monument Valley's landscape of towering sandstone buttes in special open-air vehicles accompanied by a local specialist. Visit the land of the Navajo people, stopping at historic Cameron Trading Post. Breathtaking views hint at the most spectacular of all vistas—the vast panorama of the Grand Canyon unfolding before you. Meet with a local specialist who will enlighten you about the more than 1.7 billion years of geology revealed in the canyon. Tonight, toast your grand adventure and your new lifelong memories at a Farewell Dinner inside the park.
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Day 15: Grand Canyon – Depart Las Vegas
Perhaps take an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip before hitting the road again. End your journey back in Las Vegas where a transfer is provided to Las Vegas International Airport or to the SLS Las Vegas for guests extending their stay.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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| 27 May 18 | 10 Jun 18 |
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$4,150pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 10 Jun 18 | 24 Jun 18 |
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$4,225pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 28 Jun 18 | 12 Jul 18 |
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$4,225$4,014pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 15 Jul 18 | 29 Jul 18 |
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$4,225pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 9 Aug 18 | 23 Aug 18 |
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$4,225pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 14 Aug 18 | 28 Aug 18 |
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$4,225$4,014pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Sep 18 | 18 Sep 18 |
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$4,225$4,014pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 18 | 18 Oct 18 | $4,125$3,919pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 9 Oct 18 | 23 Oct 18 |
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$4,125$3,919pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Oct 18 | 25 Oct 18 | $4,125$3,919pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,775.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $162 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation..
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
21 meals: 14 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.
Be My Guest
- Experience true Western hospitality in Montana.
Local Specialist
- In Yellowstone National Park and at the Grand Canyon for included sightseeing.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Orientation of Salt Lake City
- Visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon National Parks, Jackson, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, the Mile High City of Denver, Monument Valley and Las Vegas
- View Crazy Horse Memorial and iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
- See Little Bighorn Battlefield
- Scenic drive along Desert View Drive
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
SALT LAKE CITY
Garden Tour and The Roof Restaurant
Adult Price: 55.00
Visit the world-renowned gardens surrounding Temple Square, the 35-acre headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These gardens include 250 flower beds, more than 165,000 bedding plants and over 700 varieties of plants from all over the world. After, enjoy dinner at The Roof Restaurant- Utah’s premier gourmet buffet located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where you can take in breathtaking views of Temple Square and Downtown Salt Lake City. Approx. duration: 2 hours
JACKSON
*Snake River Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park
Adult Price: 83.00
This gentle 10-mile float trip runs entirely within Grand Teton National Park, and covers the most scenic stretch of the Snake River in the Jackson Hole Valley. The Snake River is a lifeline to the park’s bison, elk, moose, beaver, pronghorn, deer, bear and 300 different species of birds, including osprey and eagles. Your experienced guide offers in-depth information on the geology of the Grand Tetons and the habitats of the animals you may see. Although we can’t guarantee multiple animal sightings, your chances of spotting wildlife on the Snake River – with its lush willows to feed on and deep-water pools for animals to swim in – are greater here than anywhere else in the park. Operates late May – mid Sep, subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours
RAPID CITY
Badlands National Park Excursion
Adult Price: 40.00
Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota preserves 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. And no trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at famous Wall Drug. An establishment which became known for offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in the 1930s is today one of the top roadside attractions in the country. Approx. duration: 4 hours
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Adult Price: 25.00
Join a park ranger at Mount Rushmore’s outdoor amphitheater for this moving patriotic program and sculpture lighting ceremony. The program begins with a short inspirational talk, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history, and is followed by a 20 minute film, “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy.” Watch in wonder as the evening culminates in the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. Be sure to bundle up as the evenings can be cool. Operates seasonally, starting at 9 p.m. Approx. duration: 4 hours
GRAND CANYON
Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
Adult Price: 159.00
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Grand Kingdom EcoStar Helicopter Flight
Adult Price: 309.00
Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Embark on this 45-50 minute tour of the Eastern Grand Canyon that combines with the renowned beauty of The North Canyon tour. Enjoy spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 - October 31)
Adult Price: 219.00
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 minutes.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
