Highlights
Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 | Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale, Scottsdale,Arizona |
Day 2 | Yavapai East at South Rim Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona |
Day 3 | Lake Powell Resort , Page,Arizona |
Day 4 – 5 | Holiday Inn Express/Springdale Zion Park Inn, Zion National Park, Utah |
Day 6 | Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Downtown, Salt Lake City,Utah |
Day 7 – 8 | Snow King Resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming |
Day 9 | Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park- |
Day 10 | Best Western Sheridan Center, Sheridan,Wyoming |
Day 11 | Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City, Rapid City,South Dakota |
Available Options
Wildlife Scenic Float with Lunch • $140pp
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Snake River on a gentle float trip. Your guide will paddle while pointing out interesting sights along the way. The trip is a great way to see the beauty of the river and the geology that forms the Snake River. The river is home to a variety of waterfowl and native animals including moose, deer and river otters. It is also the nesting area of our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle, as well as ospreys. You will enjoy an included picnic lunch. Guests that choose this option will not be able to book the White Water Rafting & Lunch option as they operate at the same time. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
White Water Rafting & Lunch • $140pp
If your interests stretch beyond the beauty of downtown Jackson Hole, we have a special treat for you! Swing your own paddle for a thrilling ride through the white waters of the Snake River. An experienced guide conducts the trip, and you provide the paddle power. This unforgettable addition to your vacation is an experience you will talk about for many years to come. Guests who choose this option will not be able to book the Wildlife Scenic Float with Lunch option as they operate at the same time. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. This option is not available in October due to seasonal repairs. Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Travel Protection is just $379 per person.
Travel Tips
At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.
A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.
A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a limited number of these rooms available.
A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added depending on the room size and fire codes. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.
We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.
Within the national parks, hotels tend to be more rustic than what you find in a city. Air conditioning and televisions may not be available.
Here are a few details to keep in mind:
Check in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room.
Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of all our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of companies we work with on tour may physically lift or assist our guests onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour guest who has special mobility or other like needs.
Should you have some extra time to explore Scottsdale before your tour begins, perhaps you'll venture to Old Town Scottsdale which is filled with shops and restaurants.
Here, keep an eye out for Native American jewelry -- particularly beautiful turquoise pieces. Check out Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where they celebrate the art, history and unique stories of the American West. Take the opportunity to visit Taliesin West, world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter retreat and studio. Enjoy the history, architecture and absolute beauty that Taliesin West has to offer.
Adventurous travelers may choose to spend the day climbing Camelback Mountain, one of the most popular activities for locals and visitors alike.
Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.
If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.
When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.
In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always, bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.
Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.
For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.
If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.
Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.
In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.
You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.
It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.
If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.
If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.
Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.
As you prepare to explore America's national parks, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. As the environmental conditions of the national parks can be unpredictable in some areas, you should plan accordingly.
It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers and can be added or removed as the temperature changes.
As it can get quite hot in the summer, light summer clothing, a hat and sunscreen are suggested.
During the spring and fall, the weather tends to get much cooler.
Since it can snow and be cold any time of the year at higher elevations in the parks, please pack warm clothing.
Some hotels have coin-operated laundry facilities, and guests are welcome to use them while on tour.
You may want to have a few dollars on hand for smaller purchases. You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks.
You can also pay with a debit or credit card in most places. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.
If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic stripe. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.
Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
In North America, the voltage is 120V using plug types A and B, which have two flat, parallel pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.
If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter, if necessary.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is approximately 7,300 feet (2225 meters) in Yellowstone National Park.
While travelling on this tour, you will experience altitudes between 1,400 feet (427 meters) and 8,500 feet (2,590 meters).
The higher elevations areas visited include:
Grand Canyon-South Rim: 7,000 feet (2100 meters)
Lake Powell: 4,000 feet (1219 meters)
Zion: 3,900 feet (1189 meters)
Salt Lake City: 4,200 feet (4200 meters)
Jackson Hole: 6,200 feet (1890 meters)
Sheridan: 3,800 feet (1158 meters)
Rapid City: 3,200 feet (975 meters)
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. Baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, transfer drivers, on- tour motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. They can be converted and issued in the local currency, which is generally the preferred option. Personal checks should not be used. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, 5-8 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour.)
On – Tour Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, 3-5 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver.)
Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section in your final tour documents for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 per person.
Hotel Housekeeping: It is common for travelers to leave a gratuity of $1 per day, per room for hotel housekeeping staff. (When to tip: each day before leaving for your touring)
Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:
1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.
2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.
3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.
We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.
During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.
You're in for a treat as you enjoy the comforting taste of typical American cuisine throughout your tour through the national parks areas.
Enjoy the unique, casual chuck wagon experience on tour which offers you a chance to sample an authentic old-fashioned cowboy meal!
In Wyoming, where the official state animal is the bison, it is enjoyed many different ways: bison steak, burger, roast or eat it Jerky-style!
If you're feeling adventurous during meals on your own, perhaps try the elk, buffalo or venison.
Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.
Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.
Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.
Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.
The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.
Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.
Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.
Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.
For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.
The average price for meals in this region ranges from 5 to 10 US Dollars for lunch and 10 to 25 US Dollars for dinner.
The water is safe to drink in this region. We recommend you keep bottled water on hand, as it can get very hot. You can easily purchase bottled water at hotels and convenience stores.
Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.
Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.
As you prepare for your tour, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination.The following is a list of novel and book recommendations that will immerse you into the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the tour of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!
The Solace of Open Space by Gretel Ehrlich
A collection of personal essays in which author Gretel Ehrlich reflects on the rugged beauty, harsh realities, and spiritual connection she discovered during her time living on a Wyoming sheep ranch and immersed in the remote wilderness.
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
This novel follows a group of eco-activists as they take unconventional measures to protect the wilderness of the American Southwest from industrial development.
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
A memoir by Edward Abbey that vividly recounts his experiences and reflections as a park ranger in Utah's Arches National Park, offering a profound exploration of the beauty and solitude of the desert landscape.
The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons by John Wesley Powell
An autobiographical account by John Wesley Powell, recounting his daring and groundbreaking expediction through the uncharted territory of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, providing a captivating glimpse into the challenges and wonders of this remarkable journey.
Hiking Arizona's Geology by Ivo Lucchitta
An informative guide that combines the pleasures of hiking with geological knowledge, offering insights into the unique rock formations and landscapes that shape the diverse state of Arizona.
Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee H. Whittlesey
Provides a detailed and sometimes morbid exploration of the accidents, mishaps, and tragedies that have occurred throughout Yellowstone National Park's history offering a unique perspective on the park's dangers and human interactions.
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.
As you explore the beautiful national parks, you'll find charming and cultural souvenirs that truly capture Arizona, Utah and the parks regions.
Native American souvenirs -- such as turquoise jewelry -- are popular and trendy finds here.
Buy yourself some unique clothing reminiscent of the "wild, wild west!" Enjoy cowboy hats, boots, and typical western-styled shirts as you make your way through Arizona and Wyoming.
If you love gold, you'll find it -- in the Black Hills variety -- as you venture north into the Dakotas. From jewelry to trinkets, a golden souvenir will last a lifetime and always remind you of the fun, exciting time you had on your national parks tour.
Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.
Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.
All states encountered on this tour, with the exception of Arizona, are 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time. Arizona, which does not observe Daylight Saving Time, is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 3 hours behind Eastern Daylight Time.
Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.
If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:
1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.
2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.
If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:
1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.
2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.
We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.
If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.
If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.
Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature controlled and have toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available or they are for emergency use only. If this is the case, please be assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Our planet affords us so many awe-inspiring natural wonders. To ensure that stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed for generations to come, we’ve been making several changes to the ways we live, work and travel. In our offices and on our tours, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics. On our USA tours, bottles of water are not distributed or sold on our motorcoaches. However, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle and your Tour Manager will provide details on where you can fill it up each day!
Pricing
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Double
$5,749pp
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Single
$7,149pp
* Included in Price: Round Trip Group Transfer to/from Albany Airport, Round Trip Air from Albany Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers **Single spacing is extremely limited!!
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $379 per person