13 days (APGJ)

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1Rapid City

Welcome to the heart of America! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2Rapid City

The day begins with a visit to CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honor 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 Center. (B)

Day 3Rapid City–Sheridan

This morning, enjoy a drive through BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST and experience the area’s colorful history with a tour of DEADWOO D, once a wild gold-mining town, and hear the stories of legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Afterward, visit TATANKA, “The Story of the Bison,” and experience the richness of the Lakota people, a Plains Indian buffalo culture. Then continue through the Black Hills to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B,D)

Day 4Sheridan–Little Bighorn Battlefield–Cody

Cody, Wyoming

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 Cody, with time for an optional float trip on the Shoshone River. (B)

Day 5Cody–Yellowstone

This morning, visit the BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTER , 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. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Artist Point on the south rim with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. Next, stop at Fountain Paint Pots to see the bubbling mud. Rejoin the loop road and enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel, including the infamous Old Faithful Geyser. (B,D)

Day 6Yellowstone National Park–Grand Teton National Park

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, experience dinner at the BAR-T-5 CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (B,D)

Day 7Jackson

Full day at leisure to enjoy this spectacular playground of America. Perhaps take a stroll along the downtown boardwalks and enjoy a drink at one of the swing-door saloons. (B)

Day 8Jackson–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. (B)

Day 9Salt Lake City–Bryce Canyon

Today, travel through sagebrush landscape to BRYCE CANYON, a national park with a beauty all its own. Take a leisurely drive with photo stops to capture the bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” The balance of the day is at leisure and your overnight is at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. (B,D)

Day 10Bryce Canyon–Zion National Park

Travel to ZION

NATIONAL PARK, with its dramatic landscape of sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs resembling temples and cathedrals. With your sightseeing tour you’ll have an opportunity to experience the park up-close and personal. Then continue into Arizona and the town of Page, nestled on the shores of Lake Powell. Appreciate its majestic beauty on an afternoon CRUISE which takes you to Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. (B,D)

Day 11Powell–Painted Desert–Grand Canyon

This morning, you may wish to join our optional flight over Monument Valley for a bird’seye view of the red sandstone monoliths, made famous by many western movies and shows. Afterward, cross the Painted Desert, with its ever-changing color scheme, and catch your first glimpse of the world-famous GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. An afternoon arrival allows plenty of free time to explore the canyon rim on your own. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savor the magnificent sunset. (B,D)

Special Feature: Your hotel tonight is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra by traveling with Globus.

Day 12Grand Canyon–Las Vegas

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Then travel on part of legendary Route 66
to Las Vegas, one of America’s most famous cities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour while en route to your resort hotel, located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to all the mega-casinos and amusement parks. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 13Las Vegas

Vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to the Las Vegas Airport. (B)