The Wonders of the US National Parks

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See for yourself some of America's greatest views and most striking natural wonders, on a tour that captures the spirit of the West. On this epic journey you'll take in the startling landscapes of Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the majestic Grand Canyon, and follow in the tracks of the pioneers and cattle herders. Discover some of America's most extraordinary sights on a tour filled with the history, the vast sweep, and the sheer majesty of the West, then complete your unforgettable adventure with a stay in the glittering man-made oasis of Las Vegas.

Highlights

Gaze in awe at Mount Rushmore's famous carvings
The awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon
Visit Monument Valley, the backdrop for a thousand Westerns
Cross classic cowboy country to Cheyenne
See the Crazy Horse Monument – the world's most extraordinary "work in progress"
Discover historic Deadwood and the battlefield at Little Bighorn
Visit historic Cody - home to Buffalo Bill
Spend two days in spectacular Yellowstone
Drive through majestic Grand Teton National Park
Two nights in otherworldly Bryce Canyon and stunning Zion National Park
Two nights to explore Las Vegas

Inclusions

15 nights’ carefully chosen room-only hotel accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft
Five breakfasts
Return flights to Denver (returning from Los Angeles)
Coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Your tour manager will meet you when you arrive in Denver, the gateway to the Rockies and the Great Plains of the American West, and together you'll journey north into Wyoming to stay in state capital, Cheyenne.

Day 2

Continue heading north, today, stopping in historic Fort Laramie - a historic Oregon Trail landmark - and passing into South Dakota. Here the Black Hills formed the background to one of North America’s most famous gold rushes, and you'll spend two nights in charming, small-town-feel, Rapid City.

Day 3

Head into the hills to see two of America’s most iconic monuments. First is Mount Rushmore, with its four giant presidential faces, followed by the Crazy Horse Memorial, the towering tribute to the Sioux leader that was started in 1948 and that still remains incomplete to this day. Afterwards, you'll travel back to Rapid City through beautiful Custer State Park.

Day 4

Discover Deadwood, "wildest of the Wild West towns" and stomping ground of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, before travelling through the High Plains to stay in the classic western town of Sheridan beneath the Bighorn Mountains.

Day 5

Visit the site of Custer’s famous Last Stand against Crazy Horse and his warriors in 1876, then head on to Buffalo Bill's hometown, Cody, Wyoming. Here rodeo shows, lively saloons and a fantastic museum funded by Buffalo Bill's estate ensure that the town's colourful past is never forgotten.

Day 6

See Mother Nature in all her glory as you journey into majestic Yellowstone to explore its lakes, canyons and bubbling cauldrons and geysers. See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, which roars through a 24-mile-long gash in an ancient plateau, and visit the park headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs.

Day 7

Today you'll continue south through Yellowstone, hopefully witnessing an eruption of Old Faithful as you pass, and head through equally breathtaking Grand Teton National Park to Jackson, in its forest setting, for a two-night stay.

Day 8

Spend a day enjoy this charming western town, its shops and stores, restaurants and bars arrayed along its wooden boardwalks.

Day 9

Head south into Utah on to Salt Lake City, at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains and hometown of the Mormon Church whose multi-spired Temple and adjacent Tabernacle lie at its heart. Stay overnight in this friendly, easy-going place.

Day 10

Drive further south across stunning Utah, passing from desert scrubland into wooded hills as you head to Bryce Canyon, where millions of years of erosion by ice and water have left hundreds of towering red, yellow and orange pinnacles pointing skywards. Spend two nights in these spectacular surroundings.

Day 11

Your fascinating day begins with a morning in otherworldly Bryce Canyon, before an afternoon spent in beautiful Zion National Park, where forests and plunging waterfalls make a lush contrast to Bryce's weather-worn stone.

Day 12

Head through yet more spectacular scenery, passing the shores of Lake Powell, as you journey to Monument Valley. Here you'll see the towering red sandstone mesas rising from the desert floor that have become one of the most iconic of all American images. Stay overnight in nearby Kayenta.

Day 13

Take in the beauty of Monument Valley, see its sandstone formations up close and learn about the lives of the local Navajo people on today's tour of the Park. Later, head west into Arizona, to the edge of the vast astonishing abyss of the Grand Canyon.

Day 14

Why not take an unforgettable flight over the Grand Canyon, this morning, before you begin your last cross-country journey - to Las Vegas?

Day 15

The last day of your tour is left free so you can rest and relax in your hotel, head out to explore Las Vegas's famous Strip and some of the city's incredible distractions. And, this evening, why not take to the skies again on our optional night-time helicopter flight, or enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment from the stars of the nostalgic The Rat Pack is Back show?

Day 16

This morning our coach will transfer you to Los Angeles airport to catch your overnight flight home.

Day 17

Arrive home, early this morning, at the end of a wonderful adventure.

Further Information

Passports and visas

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $14 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

Travel around Yellowstone

In the event of road closures in Yellowstone National Park (most often due to snowfall) your itinerary may need to be amended.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2 hours.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

On your flight

All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.

Casino age restrictions

Local laws stipulate that that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked. Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Helicopter flights

Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lb. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Hotel rooms

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions: Save up to 10% discount applies to specific holidays and tours only. All tours are marked with the discounted percentage. The 'Reconnect with the World offer applies to new bookings only for 2022 and 2023 departures booked between 1st March and 31 March 2022 inclusive. The Offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing and excludes Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Lapland and Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have percentage discount applied on our website. The discount applies to the tour price (excluding extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking. The Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

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