16D14N Exploring America’s Great Parks (AR)

Welcome to the “Entertainment Capital of the World!” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!

Life is Grand Depart the glittering lights and glamour of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Carved through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau over millions of years, the canyon is more than a mile deep and 10 miles wide, revealing billions of years of geological history. Tonight, savor a sunset in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Ancient Lands This morning, you may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon or enjoy a hike on one of the trails. We then travel north through Arizona and into the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for a [LF] 4-wheel-drive backcountry adventure. Your local Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery. Tonight will be spent at historic Goulding’s Lodge, where you will be treated to a private [LF] Navajo backcountry cookout.

Rock Stars Today, travel north to Moab for a bit of free time before continuing to the incredible landscape of Arches National Park. Later, cross into Colorado to Grand Junction for a free evening.

Rocky Mountain Highs This morning, visit a hidden gem, the Colorado National Monument, for sweeping views of sheer-walled canyons and the desert land of the high Colorado Plateau below. Then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver. This evening is free to explore the vibrant city. Why not stroll the city’s pedestrian 16th Street Mall, explore the renovated Union Station, or take advantage of the shopping, dining, and entertainment?

Where the Bison & the Antelope Play Travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Custer State Park. Formed in 1897, the park is the second-largest state park in America. Its 73,000 breathtaking acres are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wild burros, and elk.

Carved in History This morning, visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which stands as a shrine to democracy. The epic sculpture depicts the faces of four legendary American presidents who symbolise this nation’s rich history, rugged determination, and lasting achievement. Then, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, built in honour of the fearless Sioux Chief, Tasunke Witco, widely known as Crazy Horse, whose renown is derived from the Battle of Little Bighorn. Learn about the sculpture, his family, and the future of the project. Later, return to Custer State Park and be a part of an exciting [LF] Buffalo Safari with a Local Expert. Have your camera ready for great photo opportunities! Then, enjoy a backcountry [LF] chuckwagon cookout, complete with Western entertainment.

Gunslingers & Goldminers Start today by exploring the Wild West town of Deadwood. Next, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills to the frontier town of Sheridan, located at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains.

The First National Park Travel over the Big Horn Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Spend the next two days exploring the beauty of this National treasure, spanning nearly 3,500 square miles atop a volcanic hot spot.

The Living Earth Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone.

The Frontier Spirit Journey south today and visit Grand Teton National Park on your way to Jackson.

This is the Place Continue your journey south today through Wyoming and into Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City And enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel.

Seeing Stars Today’s highlight is a visit to unique Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend time in the park capturing the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Free time this evening.

Stones that Touch the Sky After breakfast, say goodbye to the Hoodoos and descend into a stunning half-mile-deep canyon for Zion National Park. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue to Las Vegas where your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner.

Your tour ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules.