Wonders of the National Parks

Day 1 - UK to Denver

Today you will depart on your scheduled flight to Denver and on arrival you will transfer to your overnight hotel.

Day 2 - Rapid City

The real adventure begins when you reach Rapid City today. On the way you will stop at Cheyenne as well as the former military and trading outpost of Fort Laramie. Chief Red Cloud signed the treaty that gave the supposedly worthless Black Hills to the Sioux here and just six years later Custer discovered gold in the Black Hills which prompted the Gold Rush. Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Dinosaur Park are just a few more attractions worth discovering on your visit.

Day 3 - Mount Rushmore & Badlands

Mount Rushmore is on the agenda for today, where you will marvel at its world-famous granite sculptures of Presidents Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson. This morning also brings you the Crazy Horse memorial; be sure to have your camera at the ready. Your fun-filled adventure continues today when you take an afternoon tour of Badlands National Park which has been carved over millions of years by the wonders of nature.

Day 4 - Deadwood

The 'wild west' territory is next on the list for today's activities. Drive through the Black Hills to reach Deadwood, which is a town created on the back of the Gold Rush. The whole city is a national historic landmark and there'll be plenty of time to explore freely before you head to Sheridan for the night. Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, take a guided tour through Broken Boot Gold Mine, check out the exhibits of Adams Museum, and Homestake Mine is a must-see before you leave too.

Day 5 - Little Bighorn Battlefield

The highlight of today is a visit to the historic battlefield site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Enjoy a guided tour which will give you the chance to relive Custer's Last Stand and get a mesmerising insight into one of the most remembered battles in western history.

Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park

Following your trip today you'll be able to say that you've set foot in the world's first national park. Yellowstone is a wonderland of spouting geysers, hot springs, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots. During your tour you'll see the magnificent Yellowstone Canyon with its waterfall twice the height of Niagara and the 'Old Faithful' which erupts every 93 minutes. Discover bears, elk, moose, and herds of buffalo roaming freely.

Day 7 - Grand Teton National Park

Next on the itinerary is the national park of Grand Teton. The spectacular stretch of land boasts stunning landscapes dominated by snow-capped peaks, lakes, and glaciers; take in these amazing sights today before spending the night in Jackson.

Day 8 - Salt Lake City

Your next destination is Salt Lake City which will provide you with further opportunities to take in more sensational scenery. You will make a stop at Logan Canyon where near-vertical walls of limestone cut through the Bear River Mountains. Your next stop is Bear Lake, where you will tuck into a delicious picnic lunch. Settle yourself in a shady spot to admire the pretty turquoise waters and tuck into your tasty meal.

Day 9 - Salt Lake City

Spend today exploring Salt Lake City further, which was founded by the Mormons. The ideal place to start is the central Mormon Square where the city's most iconic sights are easy to discover. If you feel like it, take an optional trip to the Great Salt Lake after which the city is named.

Day 10 - Arches National Park

Cortez is your base today, which you will reach with a visit to Arches National Park. Here you can view the world's greatest concentration of redstone arches and you'll be able to see exactly how it got its name.

Day 11 - Mesa Verde National Park

Within easy from Cortez is Mesa Verde National Park, which is your next stop on this exciting tour today. Famed for its cliff dwellings, the archaeological masterpiece Cliff Palace has over 200 magnificent rooms. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is brimming with exhibits on the ancient Native American culture to discover and Petroglyph Point Trail has several rock carvings.

Day 12 - Monument Valley

Monument Valley marks the point where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona converge. Your second port of call will be Monument Valley, which is instantly recognisable as the setting for many Old West movies. Look forward to a four-wheel drive narrated by an expert Navajo guide.

Day 13 - Grand Canyon

The phenomenal Grand Canyon is difficult to beat, so make sure you have your camera at the ready to capture the excellence of this world-famous natural wonder. However you view this iconic sight it's guaranteed to take your breath away; an optional flight gives you the thrilling chance to see it from a great height.

Day 14 - Bryce Canyon National Park

With two more national parks to go on your trip, today you will view the spires of rock and vast natural amphitheatres that have formed from the spectacular geology of Bryce Canyon. Join in with an optional stargazing tour in the evening, which with clear desert skies really promises a breathtaking experience.

Day 15 - Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the last on your itinerary; take a tour to marvel at the sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations. Later in the evening you will settle in the man-made wonder that is Las Vegas, where you can enjoy an optional night tour.

Day 16 - Las Vegas to UK

You will take a transfer to the airport today for your return flight to the UK.

Day 17 - UK

Today you will make your way back to the UK with many memories to treasure from your trip!