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.
Trip costs include:
- Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
- The services of a Go Ahead Tour Director
- A licensed local guide in Santa Fe and Mesa Verde
- 11 nights accommodation in comfortable and well-located hotels that include twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
- Buffet breakfast (B) daily
- 4 three-course dinners, including wine or beer (D)
- Private deluxe motorcoach
- Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
- Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Santa Fe
Fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you on the transfer to Santa Fe. Settle into your hotel and meet your fellow travelers at tonight's included dinner. (D)
Day 2 - Santa Fe
Settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago, Santa Fe is now an exuberant blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences. This morning, begin exploring the city on your own or opt for an exhilerating hot air balloon ride above the city and the surrounding countryside (weather permitting). This afternoon, a local guide leads a guided tour of the city. Visit landmarks including the Cross of the Martyrs, Loretto Chapel and Saint Francis Cathedral. With a free afternoon to explore, you might wish to visit the Museum of Fine Arts or browse through Santa Fe’s galleries and boutiques. (B)
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$335 USD |
Hot air balloon ride
Sail though the morning air high above Santa Fe on this sunrise excursion. You'll behold Canyon Road and the downtown district during the best time of day.
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Day 3 - Mesa Verde
Cross the Colorado border and stop in Durango, an authentic Old West mining town. Then visit Mesa Verde National Park, where you’ll view the 800-year-old cliff dwellings built in to the canyon walls. (B, D)
Day 4 - Kayenta
Your day begins with a guided tour of Mesa Verde, led by an expert local guide who regales you with stories of this historical region. Continue on to Monument Valley on the border of Arizona and Utah. Part of the Navajo Reservation, the park contains a collection of monoliths and spires. Later, arrive in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night. (B)
Day 5 - Grand Canyon
Reach the Grand Canyon, perhaps America’s most astounding natural wonder. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect over a billion years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. (B, D)
Day 6 - Grand Canyon
With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon, you might choose to walk along the rim or hike down to a plateau. You might also choose to soar over the canyon and take in breathtaking views on an optional helicopter ride. (weather permitting)(B)
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$245 USD |
Helicopter Ride over the Grand Canyon
Get a birds-eye view of the Grand Canyon aboard this thrilling half-hour helicopter ride.
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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. (B)
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. These are called hoodoos. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Arrive later in Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. (B)
Day 9 - Jackson
Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park, often referred to as the “younger Yellowstone” because of its shorter geological history. The Grand Teton rises 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks extend beyond 12,000 feet. Then reach Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. (B)
Day 10 - Jackson
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. You’ll have the entire day to experience the park’s awe-inspiring views and terrain. (B)
Day 11 - Jackson
Spend a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants or opt for our unforgettable Snake River Float ride, with excellent views of the gorgeous mountain scenery. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included farewell dinner. (B, D)
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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 and the best mountain vistas around.
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Day 12 - Jackson
Depart for home. (B)
Protect your investment with affordable travel protection
Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!
TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:
- Trip cancellation & interruption protection
- Medical & accident protection
- Baggage & property protection
TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.
Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.
What’s unique about these protection plans?
- Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
- Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
- Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
- Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
- In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
- The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
- Medical & Accident: $70 USD
- Baggage & Property: $60 USD
Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).
For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.