Discover America the beautiful on this exploration of the United States' greatest natural treasure— its national parks. You'll visit the gorgeous scenery and pristine landscapes of America, ranging from the yellow and orange hues of Mt. Zion to the colorful combinations of Santa Fe to the unmistakable brilliance of the Grand Canyon.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Santa Fe
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, aboard a major airline. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you on the transfer to Santa Fe. You’ll be assisted with check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Santa Fe. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: dinner
Day 2 - Santa Fe
This morning, an expert local guide leads this afternoon’s sightseeing tour of Santa Fe, a city settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago. Today, the city is an exuberant blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences, and on your tour you’ll see some of its landmarks which may include the Cross of the Martyrs, Loretto Chapel and Saint Francis Cathedral. The afternoon is free to continue your explorations.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 3 - Mesa Verde
Cross the Colorado border and stop in Durango, an authentic Old West mining town. Then continue on to Mesa Verde. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4 - Mesa Verde
This morning, visit Mesa Verde National Park. On your guided tour, you’ll view the fascinating 800-year-old cliff dwellings that honeycomb the canyon walls. Later today, visit Monument Valley before arriving in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 5 - Grand Canyon
Reach the Grand Canyon. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect millions of years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration of the canyon with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Grand Canyon
Day 6 - Grand Canyon
With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon at your leisure, you might choose to walk along the rim, or hike down to a plateau. Alternatively, soar over the canyon and take in breathtaking views on an optional helicopter ride.
Included meals: breakfast
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$245 USD |
Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon aboard a thrilling half-hour helicopter ride. Soar over the massive canyon, taking in a unique perspective on the striated terrain far below.
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Day 7 - Zion
Pass by Lake Powell, a favorite southwestern vacation destination, on your way to Zion. During your visit to Zion National Park—including a tram ride—discover why the Mormon settlers of the 19th century named it after their heavenly city. Zion is famous for its dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks, whose yellow and orange hues create magnificent vistas contrasted with the thick green foliage along the riverbanks.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Zion National Park, tram ride
Day 8 - Salt Lake City
Your journey through Utah continues with today’s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive pink sandstone, which forms awe-inspiring arches, spires, steps and bridges across the landscape. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Later today, reach Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 9 - Jackson
Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton, which is the highest mountain of the Teton range, rises to 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks are higher than 12,000 feet. This range is particularly interesting to geologists because it is the youngest range in the Rockies but displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Reach the town of Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Grand Teton National Park
Day 10 - Yellowstone
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (so designated in 1872). See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk, and you’ll have the entire day to experience the park’s awe-inspiring views and terrain.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Yellowstone National Park
Day 11 - Jackson
Enjoy a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants. Alternatively, opt for our unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the hills and mountains of the American West. This afternoon, opt for a scenic float down the Snake River. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$335 USD |
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sail through the gentle morning air high above Jackson Hole on this breathtaking sunrise excursion.
Please note: This excursion will run, weather permitting and runs seasonally, May through October.
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$65 USD |
Snake River Float
One of the best ways to see the Grand Tetons—the glorious peaks that surround Jackson Hole—is by boat. On a raft ride down a tranquil stretch of the Snake River, you’ll have a great chance of glimpsing some of Wyoming’s wildlife, including soaring eagles and brown bears fishing for salmon. You’ll also enjoy some of the best mountain vistas you’ve ever seen.
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Day 12 - Jackson
This morning, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)