ARRIVE IN RAPID CITY. Welcome to the heart of America! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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RAPID CITY. After an orientation tour of Rapid City, visit CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honour of the fearless Sioux Indian chief whose fame is derived from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Afterward, explore MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, which features the monumental likenesses of four U.S. presidents-Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt-carved on the face of a mountain. Maybe stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views, or visit the Information Centre. (B)
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RAPID CITY-DEADWOOD-SHERIDAN. This morning, journey through the rolling BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST to TATANKA. Here, learn "The Story of the Bison," and experience the richness of the Lakota people, a Plains Indian buffalo culture. Afterward, experience the area's colourful history with a guided tour of DEADWOOD, once a wild gold-mining town, and hear the stories of legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Then, continue through Wyoming's Powder River Basin to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B,D)
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SHERIDAN-LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD-CODY. Journey this morning into southern Montana to visit LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD, the site commemorating one of America's most famous battles. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors and visit the museum. Afterward, continue your scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains, stopping at Shell Falls en route to Buffalo Bill's Cody, with time for an optional float trip on the Shoshone River. (B)
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CODY-YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. This morning, visit the BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTRE, a fine museum of historic weapons and Western art. Then, continue through Shoshone National Forest to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world's first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest. Enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel, including world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. (B,D)
Note The routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favourable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavourable, routing may be adjusted accordingly.
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Spend the day exploring Yellowstone. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Fountain Paint Pots to see the bubbling mud. Continue on to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. Next, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs and take a short trail walk through steaming limestone terraces. (B)
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK-GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK-JACKSON. Journey south this morning into breathtaking GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore before ending the day in the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, travel by horse-drawn covered wagons into Cache Creek Canyon and experience dinner at the BAR T-5 CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (B,D)
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JACKSON. Full day at leisure to enjoy this spectacular playground. Perhaps choose an optional float trip along the Snake River or stroll along the downtown boardwalks and enjoy a drink at one of the swing-door saloons. (B)
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JACKSON-SALT LAKE CITY. Today's journey continues alongside some of Wyoming's most beautiful mountain ranges into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at Temple Square. (B,D)
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SALT LAKE CITY. Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Salt Lake City International airport. (B)
MOUNT RUSHMORE: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST: Scenic drive
DEADWOOD: Sightseeing tour; visit Tatanka
LITTLE BIGHORN: Battlefield Sightseeing and visit museum
CODY: Visit Buffalo Bill Historical Centre
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: Stay two nights inside the park; sightseeing
JACKSON: Grand teton national park; chuck wagon cookout
SALT LAKE CITY: Sightseeing tour; farewell dinner at Temple Square
MEALS: American breakfasts daily (B), 4 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in Salt Lake City.
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.
Meals Breakfast - 9 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
37
USD
Name:SHOSHONE RIVER RAFT TRIP Location:CODY Details:On this scenic white-water float trip down the Shoshone River, your guide manoeuvres you through striking red canyons. See native wildlife and hear about the geology, mountain men, and pioneers of the area as you experience the thrill of the occasional rapid. You will be on the water for approximately 45 minutes. This river is a level 2 with occasional rapids, participants must be comfortable paddling, and it is very likely you will get wet. Note: Life jackets are provided and required. (Available Mid-May to Mid-September; subject to favourable weather & water conditions).
65
USD
Name:SNAKE RIVER FLOAT TRIP Location:JACKSON Details:Our original 10-mile Snake River Scenic Float Trips operate wholly within Grand Teton National Park. Wild nature surrounds you on these river rafting trips, floating beneath the Grand Tetons in an area untouched by human development for generations. Barker-Ewing's experienced river guides offer extensive information on Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole geology and park history as well as information about the animals and their habitat. There are several species in the area including eagles, osprey, deer, bear, elk, moose and beavers, although animal sightings are not guaranteed, you will have a good chance in the heart of the park. (Approximately 2.5-3 hours, available Mid May - Mid September, weather dependent).
Optional Excursions
