American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
$5631
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
13 Days Starting and ending in Salt Lake City, USA
Visiting: Salt Lake City, Jackson, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Devils Tower, Badlands National Park, Black Hills, Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAPASM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through America's iconic national parks with the "American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group" tour. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Salt Lake City to the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, where you'll witness geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Explore the historic town of Jackson, marvel at the majestic Mount Rushmore, and delve into the rich culture of the Lakota people. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a ranch-style dinner at Ucross, and choose between horseback riding or fishing. Travel in comfort on a luxurious coach and experience the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Denver to Moab. With expert guidance from a skilled Travel Director, this tour promises a seamless and enriching exploration of America's natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation: Sheraton Salt Lake City
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Salt Lake City
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Situated between Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake, this mountainous city is perfect for lovers of the outdoors, with a strong focus on skiing and hiking. Savour a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Jackson And The Tetons
Location: Jackson
Accommodation: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Accommodation Name: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake. Stop for lunch near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. Then, head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 Ft (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in one of Yellowstone's National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 4: Geysers And Colourful Mudpots
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Day 5: The Ranch At Ucross
Location: Cody
Accommodation: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Accommodation Name: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Day 6: Devils Tower Into The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Devils Tower
Accommodation: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Accommodation Name: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing, or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. You'll learn why this symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other local tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts, and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Day 7: Custer And The Wild, Wild West
Location: Badlands National Park
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spot the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our first stop this morning is the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum for a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. A hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is unlike any other.
Day 8: Mountain Monuments Of The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Black Hills
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honour of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 metres) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.
Day 9: Depart For Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation: The Westin Denver Downtown
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll say goodbye to your fellow travellers and head to Denver. Prepare to continue your adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer as you enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel before embarking on the rail journey of a lifetime the following morning.
Day 10: Denver To Glenwood Springs On The Rocky Mountaineer
Location: Glenwood Springs
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early this morning and make your way independently to Union Station where you will Check in and board a coach for a quick transfer to the Rocky Mountaineer train. Hop on and get comfortable as you wave goodbye to Denver and cross the Continental Divide. Take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River through panoramic windows. Enjoy the staff’s commentary and comradery of your newfound friends while indulging in the menu and service. Perhaps you’ll even choose to step out onto the vestibule to get a breath of fresh air and experience the many tunnels that have been carved into the mountains before arriving at the resort town of Glenwood Springs where you will disembark and enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 11: Glenwood Springs To Moab
Location: Moab
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to the Rocky Mountaineer this morning and leave charming Glenwood Springs behind. Another day of awe-inspiring sights awaits as you make your way across the Colorado-Utah border. Stunning mountain views, red sandstone landscapes and even occasional wildlife such as pronghorn emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Part ways this afternoon and transfer to your Moab hotel. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Day 12: Moab
Location: Moab
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops
Enjoy the day exploring Moab at your own leisure. Known as the Adventure Capital of Utah, there is no shortage of activities to choose from in Moab.
Day 13: Moab And Depart Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Your adventure with Rocky Mountaineer ends as you transfer from Moab to downtown Salt Lake City ending at the Grand America Hotel. Make your own way to the airport or book another night in town on your terms.
What's Included
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Meals
3 dinners with wine, 10 breakfasts, and 1 lunch are included.
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Activities
Choose between a scenic morning country horseback ride or a leisurely fishing outing at Ucross.
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Travel Director
A highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, as well as all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a scenic float down the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included and need to be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer train for a scenic journey from Denver to Moab.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Sheraton Salt Lake City, Elk Country Inn in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Ranch at UCross, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, and The Westin Denver Downtown.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Insight Experiences
- Black Hills: Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the culture, tradition and living heritage of the Native American people. A special Insight Experience awaits as you are taken up to stand face-to-face with this impressive sculpture. Measuring 641 feet (195 metres) long and 563 feet (172 metres) high, the piece takes the record as the world’s largest mountain carving.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from at Ucross?
At Ucross, you can choose between a scenic morning country horseback ride or a leisurely fishing outing to enjoy the serene surroundings.
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What wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the tour, you might see a variety of wildlife including bison, wolves, bears, elk, moose, grizzly bears, bald eagles, pronghorn antelope, and more, especially in places like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Custer State Park.
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What unique geological features will I see on this tour?
You will see unique geological features such as the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, the striking Grand Tetons, and the Devils Tower National Monument, which is considered sacred by the Lakota and other tribes.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, where you can learn about the past, present, and future of the Lakota people through displays, crafts, and storytelling by local artists.
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What is the dining experience like on the tour?
The dining experience includes a dinner with wine in Salt Lake City, a hearty ranch-style dinner at Ucross, and a farewell dinner at your lodge in Custer State Park. Meals are designed to offer authentic local flavors and a chance to mingle with fellow travelers.
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What is the transportation like during the tour?
Transportation is provided on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Additionally, the Rocky Mountaineer train offers a scenic journey from Denver to Moab.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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