Western USA National Parks Explorer
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Western USA National Parks Explorer
17 Days Starting in San Francisco, USA and ending in Las Vegas, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Moab, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
YG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 13
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Western USA National Parks Explorer" tour, a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Begin your exploration in the vibrant city of San Francisco, then venture into the heart of nature with guided walks in iconic national parks such as Yosemite, Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. Experience the stark beauty of Death Valley and the surreal formations of Bryce Canyon, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas. This fully guided tour includes 16 nights of comfortable accommodation, airport transfers, and the opportunity to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of the American West. Whether you're hiking among the giant sequoias or marveling at the Grand Canyon's vastness, this tour promises an adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Clift Royal Sonesta
Our tour starts today in San Francisco. A Californian gem, the city is a bustling, buzzing mix of culture, commerce and vibrant community.
Due to the number of evening flights into San Francisco, our tour leader will hold a welcome meeting on the morning of Day 2 - timings will be left in the hotel reception. We don't provide arrival transfers on this tour, but information on how to reach the hotel will be provided in your final documentation.
There's so much to see and do, you won't be short of entertainment if you arrive earlier in the day. Why not get your first view of San Fran at Fisherman's Wharf, with its views over Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge?
Our itinerary allows us limited time in the city, if you'd like to see more, we recommend adding an additional night's stay pre-tour. Contact our sales team to book accommodation.
Day 2: Sightseeing Tour Including The Golden Gate Bridge, Free Afternoon
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Clift Royal Sonesta
Today we'll explore some of San Fran's highlights as we wander its famous streets, taking in the Victorian architecture of Alamo Square and the colourful eccentricity of Haight Ashbury, San Francisco's once thriving 'hippie district' of the 1960s. We'll also drive up into the elegant Twin Peaks district of the city to enjoy the views across the city and the bay (weather dependant), as well as seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and experiencing the eclectic bustle and resident sea lions over at Fisherman's Wharf.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to Lombard Street and Coit Tower, before returning by the city's famous cable cars back to Union Square and Market Street. Later evening, there is the option to walk to Chinatown, discovering the labyrinthine chaos of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
Day 3: Transfer To Yosemite National Park, Walks In The Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite
This morning, we'll leave San Francisco behind and drive east, heading through the rolling landscapes of Stanislaus County towards Yosemite National Park, passing the agricultural region of the Central Valley, where numerous orchards and vineyards line the roads. As we climb into the Sierra Nevada, we'll begin to witness the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park, a region which became the first protected land in the world in 1864.
As we arrive in the valley, the towering presence of the two most demanding peaks of the park will be visible - Half Dome (the sheerest cliff in North America) and the vast granite bulk of El Capitan (twice the size of the Rock of Gibraltar) - both of which attract serious rock climbers from all over the world. We'll spend time visiting various viewpoints in the valley this afternoon, depending on the season and which roads are open. We might take a walk to the bases of Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, before continuing to follow the course of the Merced River to our final destination in Oakhurst, just outside the park boundaries.
Our drive time today is approximately three-to-four hours.
Day 4: Explore Yosemite National Park On Foot
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite
More than 90% of Yosemite is designated wilderness area and today we'll take the opportunity to explore it in more depth. Away from the main tourist areas of the Yosemite Valley, the park is filled with myriad options to make the most of its spectacular natural charms. One possibility is a drive up to Glacier Point then hike along the Panorama and Mist Trail back down into the valley (a challenging walk of some 4-6 hours). The hike takes in an ever-changing tableau that includes the impressive cascades of Nevada and Vernal Falls, as well as some breathtaking views of Half Dome and the High Sierras.
There are several other walking possibilities, ranging from moderate hikes to relaxing strolls along the riverbanks. As well as some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth, the park is filled with a variety of wildlife too, including hummingbirds, deer and of course the ever-present black bears, ensuring you a captivating encounter whatever you choose to do.
Our tour leader will explain the possibilities, and will make a hike suggestion for the whole group. For those who have other interests or who would prefer something either more challenging or more leisurely, there is plenty of scope for you to choose an option that interests you the most.
Day 5: Travel To Mammoth Via The Tuolumne Meadows And Mono Lakes
Location: Mammoth Lakes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Four Points by Sheraton
A narrow range on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada is the only place you'll find the giant sequoia trees of California. These impressive, rare giants can grow to be thousands of years old and today we'll aim to walk among them. Giant sequoias are endangered and only grow between the elevations of 1,200 to 2,400 metres/4,000 to 8,000 feet.
Leaving Yosemite this morning, we'll drive across the scenic Tioga Pass (3,032 metres/9,947 feet), taking in the sub-alpine meadows of the Tuolumne Meadows and the giant sequoias of the Tuolumne Grove. We'll continue through the dramatic mountain vistas down towards the alkaline waters and surreal volcanic 'tufa' rock formations of Mono Lake at the base of the High Sierras. Continuing south from here our journey lies in the shadow of a range of towering peaks that rise to over 4,200 metres/13,779 feet as we make our way towards our overnight stop in the small settlement of Mammoth.
Early season conditions may mean that the Tioga Pass over the Sierra Nevada remains closed. In that case, we'll reroute the tour via Bakersfield. Our tour leader will make adjustments to the schedule to visit the awe-inspiring giant sequoias along the route, before continuing to our hotel in Bakersfield.
Day 6: Journey Through Death Valley To Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Strat Hotel
Starting early to avoid the heat, this morning we'll descend into Death Valley, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. We'll then journey into the heart of one of the most remarkable settings on earth, where the marbled rocks, salt pans and black mountains provide us with an incredible backdrop.
In marked contrast, we'll end our day in Las Vegas, America's extraordinary desert playground, where exploding volcanoes share centre stage with Venetian canals and ancient pyramids. This evening, we'll have free time to explore the neon city.
Today's drive time will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 7: Head To Zion National Park, Afternoon To Explore
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn & Suites Hurricane
This morning, we'll head to Zion National Park (a three-hour drive), aiming to arrive just after lunch.
The main area of the national park that we'll visit is Zion Canyon, a 24-kilometre/15-mile rift in the beautiful red and tan Navajo sandstone. We might take a walk along the Watchman's Trail, a moderate hike of approximately two hours that will take us past many of the park's famous geological formations, including the Towers of the Virgin and the Altar of Sacrifice. The very end of the walk brings us to a spectacular overlook of the Watchman, a red rock pinnacle that dominates the skyline. Photographic opportunities are plentiful, with a great contrast between the red of the rocks and the running rivers that we'll pass. As always, our tour leader will explain the possibilities and will make a hike suggestion for the whole group, while there are other easier or more challenging trails to enjoy for those who wish.
We will be staying overnight in nearby Hurricane.
Day 8: Walk On The Trails Of Zion National Park
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn & Suites Hurricane
Today, we'll continue to explore this magnificent creation, first paying a visit to the visitor centre before taking the park's shuttle bus to the start of the walks. There are so many possibilities to explore here that it's not possible to do them all - our tour leader will outline the options taking into account the conditions on the day, and will accompany one of the moderate-level hikes.
Walks range from approximately 5-13 kilometres/3-8 miles in length, and some are predominantly flat while others have elevation gains of up to 600 metres/1,968 feet. You might like to walk up to Scout's Lookout, a meandering hike that begins with 21 steep switchbacks, known as Walter's Wiggles, and culminates in one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Zion, a challenging journey of some four hours that affords us some quite breath-taking views down across the valley. There are also plenty of easier options for people to enjoy. For those of us who aren't hikers, the park's shuttle bus takes people along the valley floor with regular stops to get out, explore and jump back on the next vehicle. Quite simply, there is something in Zion for everyone.
Day 9: Drive To Bryce Canyon; Time To Discover This Natural Wonder
Location: Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bryce View Lodge
This morning, we'll set off early to Bryce Canyon (a 90-minute journey). Bryce is without doubt one of the natural highlights of this journey - a world of surreal kaleidoscopic sandstone forms that are steeped in the tales of the Paiute tribe. Legend has it that the sandstone 'hoodoos' of Bryce are in fact the petrified followers of the Coyote God, turned to stone as they stood listening to his angry tirade. Looking out over these towering pillars that litter the floor of Bryce Canyon's great amphitheatre, you could almost believe that you're facing a crowd of people, all awaiting their judgement.
On arrival, we'll explore the myriad shapes and shades of this fairytale realm, hiking along the Navajo Loop, or taking in the grandeur of the Queen's Garden. Bryce was created as a national park in 1928 and as you look out across the pink, orange and red spires it is easy to sympathise with Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon farmer who is best remembered for the profound words, 'Well it's a hell of a place to lose a cow!'
Day 10: Early Morning At Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon; Drive To Moab Via Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Moab
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Big Horn Lodge
We'll have the option to see Bryce at its most radiant this morning, in the golden hues of sunrise. For those interested in an early start, we'll drive up to Sunrise Point to watch the dawn break across the landscape.
Later in the morning, we'll drive to Capitol Reef National Park, where we can stop and take a short hike. Capitol Reef encompasses a landscape of coloured sandstone cliffs, twisting canyons, monoliths and spires. From here, we'll drive to Moab, the largest town in south-eastern Utah, where the rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy at our own pace. Time permitting, we might also visit Dead Horse Point.
Today's total drive time is approximately four-and-a-half hours.
Day 11: Hikes In Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Big Horn Lodge
Located a short distance from Moab is Arches National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. With over 2000 arches, giant sandstone fins, balancing rocks and towering spires, the park is a unique setting for today's hike.
We'll take in the Devil's Garden, a four-hour hike that takes us through a landscape littered with arches. We'll also enjoy a more gentle walk around The Windows Loop (approximately 90 minutes), before returning to Moab for a free afternoon. We'll then head back to Arches to walk to Delicate Arch for sunset (two hours). Probably one of the most photographed arches in the American southwest, Delicate Arch, with its backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of La Sal, is the perfect setting for our late afternoon hike. After our walk, we'll head back to Moab for the evening.
Day 12: Drive To Mesa Verde National Park; Afternoon Guided Tour, Continue To Cortez
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Retro Inn at Mesa Verde
After breakfast, and a quick visit to the News Paper Rock, we'll continue on to Mesa Verde National Park this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. After viewing the Native American exhibits at the visitor's centre, we'll take a guided tour of the site and pay a visit to the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. After our visit, we'll continue to the city of Cortez.
Day 13: Travel To Monument Valley; Optional Jeep Tour With A Navajo Guide
Location: Monument Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Marriott
Today, we'll drive to the town of Page, via the Navajo Reservation, the biggest in the country, founded in 1888 to provide a protected region for the Navajo people.
The Navajo Nation constitutes the largest tribe left in the United States, the last survivors of a people who were decimated by the arrival of the white man and his quest for land and gold. Monument Valley, our highlight destination today, lies within the heart of this vast tribal area - nothing can prepare you for the sheer grandeur of this awe-inspiring setting, with isolated monoliths, sandstone pinnacles and towering spires rocketing skywards above the desert floor. The only way to experience this dramatic backcountry is by jeep and you can choose to take an optional guided tour of the valley with a Navajo guide.
We'll continue towards Page as the late afternoon sun alters the colours of the landscape and dips towards the horizon.
Our drive time today will be approximately six hours.
Day 14: Optional Visit To Antelope Canyon; Drive To Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Red Feather Lodge
This morning, we'll have the option to visit the famous Antelope Canyon, a beautiful peach-gold coloured canyon formed by the force of flash floods coming from the plains above, or otherwise spend time at the enormous Lake Powell, with its scenic azure waters.
Later, we'll take a short walk to Horseshoe Bend, with its lookout point over the eponymous river bend, before continuing our journey towards the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, arriving this afternoon.
Once described by Theodore Roosevelt as 'the one great sight every American should see', the Grand Canyon extends 445 kilometres/277 miles from east to west, from the western edge of the Navajo Reservation to the Nevada border around Lake Mead. Reaching a depth of 1,600 metres/5,249 feet the canyon's floor is littered with some of the oldest rocks on the planet. As we take in the views from Yavapai Point, we'll gaze out across a land that has taken over 2 billion years to create.
Day 15: Walks At The Grand Canyon; Optional Helicopter Flight
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation Name: Red Feather Lodge
Today is free to make the most of this natural wonder at your own pace. You might like to hike various parts of the rim trail (easy to moderate walking), taking you along the top edge of the canyon with some stunning viewpoints; or perhaps the Bright Angel Trail, a steeper walk that takes you further down below the rim of the canyon. There are a multitude of different walking options available, all of which will offer you some spectacular scenery of this amazing landscape.
If you\ d rather not hike, you might prefer to take a helicopter flight over it or make use of the park's shuttle service to explore the rim.
Sunsets at the Grand Canyon are an altogether unforgettable experience, if you\ re lucky, you might spot condors circling on the thermals above, adding to the majesty of the moment.
Day 16: Return To Las Vegas Via Route 66
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: The Strat Hotel
This morning, we'll drive along one of the most historic highways in America, the famous Route 66. A shadow of its former self, the road is nonetheless still rich in the Americana of its glory days, when it used to be known as the 'Main Street' of America. En route, we'll pass through two small towns that exude Americana - Kingman and Seligman.
On arrival in Vegas, we'll have the evening free to make the most of one of America's most notorious cities.
Day 17: Tour Ends In Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Las Vegas.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Las Vegas at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Las Vegas International Airport (LAS), which is a 15-minute drive away.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided, ensuring you have expert guidance throughout your journey.
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Accommodation
Enjoy 15 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in a premium hotel during your tour.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers are included at the destination for your convenience.
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Mineral water is not included in the tour package.
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Country Entry Visas
Entry visas for the country are not included and must be arranged separately.
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No Meals
Meals are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with included airport transfers at your destination, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities of the Western USA.
Accommodation
Enjoy 15 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in a premium hotel, ensuring a restful stay throughout your journey exploring the stunning national parks of the Western USA.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 15 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in a premium hotel.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers at the destination are included in the tour package.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour is fully guided, providing expert guidance throughout the journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
No meals are included in the tour package.
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Is there an option to take a helicopter flight at the Grand Canyon?
Yes, there is an optional helicopter flight available at the Grand Canyon.
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What activities are available at Zion National Park?
At Zion National Park, you can explore various trails ranging from easy to challenging hikes, including the Watchman's Trail and Scout's Lookout. There are also shuttle buses for those who prefer not to hike.
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What can I expect to see at Bryce Canyon?
At Bryce Canyon, you can explore the unique sandstone formations known as 'hoodoos' and enjoy hikes such as the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden.
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Is there an opportunity to visit Antelope Canyon during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional visit to Antelope Canyon available during the tour.
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What wildlife might I encounter in Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite National Park, you might encounter wildlife such as hummingbirds, deer, and black bears.
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What is the significance of Monument Valley on the tour?
Monument Valley is a highlight destination on the tour, known for its awe-inspiring setting with isolated monoliths and towering spires. An optional jeep tour with a Navajo guide is available to explore this dramatic backcountry.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
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At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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