Yellowstone, Rushmore and the Grand Canyon

Depart on your scheduled flight to Denver. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a guided city tour of Denver. This tour will offer an overview of Denver's vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. Highlights include visits to iconic sites such as the State Capitol (viewed from outside), the historic Larimer Square, and the bustling Union Station. Gain insights into the city's rich history and contemporary developments.

Following the city tour, the journey continues to the Fort Laramie Historic Site. This significant location, once a vital trading post and military fort, played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. Explore the well-preserved buildings and learn about the lives of the pioneers, soldiers, and Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the American frontier. After the visit, proceed to Rapid City for an overnight stay.

Set off from Rapid City to visit the iconic Mount Rushmore. Here, they will marvel at the colossal sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of the mountain. The site offers not only a breathtaking view but also an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this monumental achievement through the visitor center exhibits.

Next, the tour continues to the Crazy Horse Monument, an ongoing tribute to the legendary Lakota leader. Witness the impressive progress of this massive sculpture and explore the accompanying visitor center, which houses a rich collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits that provide insight into the culture and history of the indigenous peoples.

The day's journey concludes with a visit to Badlands National Park, known for its striking landscapes of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Explore the park's unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems, which are home to a variety of wildlife. The park's scenic drives offer ample opportunities for photography and nature appreciation. Return to Rapid City for an overnight stay.

Today takes you to Buffalo nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains. Stop en route at the historic gold rush town of Deadwood. Deadwood is an entire city registered as a National Historic Landmark that has been restored to its former historical glory and reminiscent of the iconic backdrops seen in Spaghetti Western films. Since the discovery of gold in 1874, it became a thriving commercial centre in the heart of the Black Hills that once drew legends and legions alike in search of their fortune. Stay overnight in Buffalo, a delightful town known for its history of trapping, ranching and mining offering a taste of traditional downtown charm, modern hospitality and stunning countryside trails.

Depart from Buffalo and head towards West Yellowstone. The journey includes a visit to the historic Little Big Horn National Battlefield. This site commemorates one of the most famous battles in American history, where the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes defeated the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army.

Explore the battlefield, visit the memorials, and gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place in June 1876. The tour will include stops at key locations within the battlefield, such as Last Stand Hill and the Indian Memorial, offering a comprehensive view of the conflict from multiple perspectives. After this enriching historical experience, the tour continues to West Yellowstone for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a full day tour of the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, the world's first ever national park. Full of colorful hot springs, spouting geysers, bubbling pools and mud pots, Yellowstone is a wonderland of incredible natural scenery - be sure to have your camera at the ready to catch the world-famous Old Ye Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. Explore mountains, forests and lakes and discover hundreds of species of mammals, birds fish and reptiles including bears, elk, moose and roaming buffalo. Retire to your hotel in West Yellowstone for your overnight stay. Please note: todays itinerary will be weather permitting in May and October, should the itinerary be affected, alternative arrangements will be made.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then journey towards Jackson. The day's highlight is a visit to Teton National Park, renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Awe at the park's breathtaking scenery, with its towering peaks and serene valleys offering numerous photo opportunities and moments of natural beauty.

Enjoy an informative tour through the park, providing insights into the area's geological history, flora, and fauna. You may spot a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and possibly even bears, as you traverse the park's scenic routes.

Upon arrival in Jackson, you'll have free time to explore the charming town of Jackson Hole at your own pace. Known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and western heritage, Jackson Hole offers a delightful mix of cultural and recreational activities. Whether it's browsing local galleries, shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings, you'll find plenty to see and do. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Jackson.

Combining the amenities of a major metropolitan area with the friendliness of a quaint, mountain town, Salt Lake City is a beautiful vibrant destination perhaps better known as being the headquarters of the Mormon Church after Mormon forerunners fled persecution in Illinois and settled here over 150 years ago. Visit Logan Canyon, a canyon that runs through the Bear River Mountains where there'll be time to enjoy lunch al fresco (weather permitting) and admire the views through the valley that elevates to 2,400 metres.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy an orientation tour of Salt Lake City by road, led by your Travel Director. You will hear about the Mormon history, beliefs, and the meaning of a temple to them. Continue on to the Capitol Building with time to explore inside the building, thought of as one of the best places in the city. You will then have time to explore Temple Square further at leisure. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore this wonderful city at your own pace.

Today you will depart from Salt Lake City and head towards Cortez. The day's highlight is a visit to Arches National Park, renowned for its stunning natural arches and unique geological formations. As you explore the park, you'll be captivated by the dramatic landscapes, including the famous Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows Section. The park offers numerous opportunities for photography and nature appreciation, with its striking red rock formations set against the clear blue sky.

Your guide will provide insights into the park's geological history, explaining how the arches and other formations were created over millions of years. You'll also learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unique desert environment. After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and educational experiences, the tour continues to Cortez for an overnight stay, allowing you to reflect on the natural beauty and wonders encountered throughout the day.

After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring Mesa Verde National Park. This park is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants. As you tour the park, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most impressive archaeological sites, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House.

Learn about into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, explaining how they built and lived in these remarkable cliff dwellings. You'll learn about their daily lives, agricultural practices, and the challenges they faced in this rugged environment. The park's visitor center and museum also offer additional exhibits and information to enhance your understanding of this unique historical site.

After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you'll return to Cortez for an overnight stay.

After breakfast you will begin your journey to Tusayan, stoping en route at the Four Corners Monument, also known as Four Corners Tribal Park; the only unique landmark in the United States where four states intersect at one point - the corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet a granite and brass monument marking the location. You will have the opportunity to explore the visitor centre as well as enjoy a spot of shopping with stalls selling handmade jewellery, crafts and food. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to take an optional excursion with a narrated tour (at a fee) to Monument Valley, a red-sand desert area on the ArizonaUtah border known for its towering sandstone hills and a popular backdrop for Western films. Stay overnight in Tusayan, a gateway town to the Grand Canyon.

Travel from Tusayan to Bryce Canyon, with the day's highlight being a visit to Grand Canyon National Park. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. As you explore the park, you'll be captivated by the immense scale and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history.

For those seeking an even more thrilling experience, several optional activities are available. You can opt for the Canyon Spirit helicopter flight, which offers a 45-50 minute aerial tour of the canyon, providing unparalleled views of its vast landscapes. Alternatively, the North Canyon helicopter flight offers a shorter, 25-30 minute tour, focusing on the stunning North Rim. Another option is the Grand Discovery air tour, a 45-minute fixed-wing aircraft flight that showcases the South Rim's most iconic sights.

After a day filled with exploration and optional adventures, the tour continues to Bryce Canyon for an overnight stay, allowing you to reflect on the grandeur and majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Spend the day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. Begin at the Visitor Center, then visit viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Natural Bridge, Fairyland, and Sunset Point. You can opt for a 20-minute downhill walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. Learn about the park's geological history and enjoy the stunning vistas.

In the evening, you have the option to attend Ebenezer’s Dinner and Show (at a fee), a lively event that combines a delicious meal with live entertainment. After a day filled with natural beauty and optional evening entertainment, you'll return to your accommodation for an overnight stay, reflecting on the wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Conclude your tour with a final journey to the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas. En-route visit the cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs and canyons within Zion National Park that when viewed from below provides an altogether different perspective than the Grand Canyon and the chance to spot one of the 900 different plant species not found anywhere else in Utah. Enjoy a frivolous evening amongst dramatic architecture, bright lights and kitsch entertainment on the world-famous Sunset Strip.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK or continue on to your Las Vegas extension.