The mining boom may have been more than a century ago, but it’s never too late to strike gold in America’s West. Filled with dazzling nuggets of wonder, this National Parks vacation takes you deep into the golden wilderness of untamed South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Back-to-back visits to some of the country’s most renowned national parks bring you face-to-face with the monumental sculptures of Mount Rushmore, the explosive geysers of Yellowstone National Park, and the towering spires of Grand Teton National Park. Plus, visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and the gold rush towns of Cody, Jackson, and Deadwood shed light on some of the 19th century’s most famous battles and barroom brawls. After meeting herds of elk, bison, and other area locals, city slickers can get their fix with a visit to lively Salt Lake City. Kick off your national parks vacation by kicking around Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital. The list of things to do in the “Mile High City” is easily a mile long. Museums and music, breweries, and boutiques, and performing arts and parks await.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Cody so you can plan your day your way. Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departures: September 2-28 (Mother Nature permitting).
Notes: This vacation visits national parks and other remote locations where some facilities may not meet the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges within the parks do not feature televisions and other routinely expected amenities. Routes and areas visited in Yellowstone National Park are subject to favorable weather conditions. Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departures: September 2-28 (Mother Nature permitting).
Welcome to Denver! Enjoy free time in the Mile-High City this evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or coffee after dinner. Explore the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer
Day 2 DENVER–RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
The City of Presidents Meet your Tour Director this morning and enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills to Rapid City. At 6 pm, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS From a distance, the Black Hills of South Dakota cut a dark figure rising above the plains, giving it the Lakota name of Paha Sapa (black hills). Upon closer inspection, this region is overflowing with western wildlife and natural wonders that go on as far as the eye can see. Watch for deer and antelope, as well as herds of bison that roam the rolling hills Breakfast
Day 3 RAPID CITY. EXCURSION TO CRAZY HORSE & MOUNT RUSHMORE MEMORIALS
Stone-Faced Patriots After an orientation tour of Rapid City, visit Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MONUMENTAL HISTORY Visit the dramatic depiction of Chief Crazy Horse at the massive memorial built in honor of the fearless lakota Chief – forever remembered for the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Afterward, explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which features the monumental likenesses of four U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt—carved on the face of a mountain. Take a stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views of this moving monument or visit the Information Center Breakfast
Day 4 RAPID CITY–DEADWOOD–SHERIDAN, WYOMONG
Sheriffs & Sharpshooters This morning, enjoy a scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest and experience the area’s fascinating history on a guided tour of Deadwood. Then, continue through the Black Hills to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local family-run restaurant featuring true Rocky Mountain hospitality. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE The legendary town of Deadwood is home to the ghosts of the Wild West, where bold frontiersmen and optimistic gold miners set down stakes in this untamed mining town. Hear the rip-roaring stories of legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny while exploring the streets where shoot-outs and sheriffs ruled the day BreakfastDinner
Day 5 SHERIDAN–LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT–CODY
Buffalo Bill & Brave Warriors Journey this morning into Southern Montana to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Continue your scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains, arriving in Cody – named for its native son, Buffalo Bill Cody. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY HISTORY Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the site commemorating one of America’s most famous battles. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, and visit the museum Breakfast
Day 6 CODY–YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Spend Your Day Your Way in Cody! This morning, explore Cody with your choice of included excursions Then, continue through Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest. Enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel. (B)
TAKE YOUR PICK
Explore your way today with your choice of excursions:
THE NEW FRONTIER Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of The West, a comprehensive museum of historic weapons, cowboy folklore, and Western art Where William Cody’s legend rides on as a symbol of the unbridled possibilities of the early American West.
OR:
SHARP SHOOTERS Explore 100 years of Cody history on a live guided trolley tour. An entertaining way to see the highlights of the Old West and hear stories of legendary locals Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Cavalry scout, Pony Express rider, ranch hand, wagon train driver, city planner, railroad contractor, bison hunter, fur trapper, gold prospector, Native American advocate, feminist, and inventor of modern Show Business, William Cody’s legend rides on as a symbol of the unbridled possibilities of the early American West. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s horsemanship and sharpshooting skills gained notice by the U.S. Army and his Wild West shows endeared him to the elite audiences of Europe Breakfast
Day 7 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The Living Earth Spend the day exploring Yellowstone. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Fountain Paint Pot to see the bubbling mud. See the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for magnificent views of the Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls—almost twice as high as Niagara Falls! Next, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs and take a short trail walk through steaming limestone terraces. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Designated as a national park by law 150 years ago, President Ulysses S. Grant worked to preserve and protect the wild landscapes, native heritage, spectacular wildlife, and extraordinary geologic and ecological phenomena that make this Rocky Mountain paradise a treasure today and for future generations to treasure. From geysers to grizzlies and great bison, no one leaves the park without being changed forever by the natural wonder witnessed in any of its 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness BreakfastDinner
Day 8 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK–GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK–JACKSON
Glacial Giants Journey south into breathtaking Grand Teton National Park. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore. Enjoy a freshly made [LF] huckleberry ice cream while enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Continue to the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, enjoy an experience dinner at [LF] Bar T-5 Chuckwagon Cookout and Wild West show. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Experience the Wild West with a horse-drawn covered wagon ride through the forest to Cache Creek Canyon. Enjoy an authentic Bar T-5 Chuckwagon Cookout and Wild West Show, while dining on slow-cooked chicken from a traditional Dutch oven, along with other delicious western specialties. Pull up a seat and dig in to a traditional chuckwagon cookout complete with Wild West show. Wagons ho! BreakfastDinner
Day 9 JACKSON
Peak Experiences Spend a full free day exploring this spectacular Rocky Mountain town beneath the Grand Tetons. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Jackson with an optional float trip along the Snake River, stroll along the downtown boardwalks to enjoy a drink at one of the local saloons, or explore one of the many galleries that call Jackson home Breakfast
Day 10 JACKSON–SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
This is the Place! Today’s journey continues alongside some of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges into Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The capital city of Utah was first established in 1847 by early pioneer settlers led by Brigham Young, who exclaimed, “This is the right place,” upon seeing its vistas and verdant landscapes. The city played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers a vibrant downtown with a variety of stores, attractions, and restaurants BreakfastDinner
Day 11 SALT LAKE CITY
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Salt Lake City on your own? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
Accommodations
Denver
Rapid City
Sheridan
Cody
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Jackson
Salt Lake City
Embassy Suites Denver Downtown Superior First-Class
1420 Stout St Denver CO United States
Conveniently located across the street from The Colorado Convention Center. Explore the vibrant 16th Street Mall and its free MallRide shuttle to Union Station just a five-minute walk away. Catch ball games at Pepsi Center and Coors Field, both within a mile.
The Rushmore Hotel First-Class
445 Mt. Rushmore Road Rapid City SD United States
The Rushmore Hotel Rapid City is a great place to rest after spending a busy day in Rapid City exploring everything the city offers. The hotel is an eco-friendly hotel representing sustainability in South Dakota. The rooms have a fun decor showcasing the beauty and flavor of South Dakota.
Best Western Sheridan Center Moderate First-Class
612 N. Main Street Sheridan WY United States
The hotel is located at the base of the astonishing Big Horn Mountain Range in historic downtown Sheridan. It is convenient to many local area attractions as well as shopping and dining. The hotel has a restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, hot tub, guest laundry, business center, and high-speed Internet access.
Holiday Inn Buffalo Bill Village - Cody First-Class
1701 Sheridan Avenue Cody WY United States
Located downtown, the Holiday Inn Cody is minutes away from local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a gift shop, and 189 guestrooms.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel - Yellowstone National Park National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs Village Yellowstone National Park WY United States
On the historic site of Fort Yellowstone, this traditional hotel is nestled in the trees alongside the mountains. The features of this hotel include high ceilings, pine wood accents, and 211 cozy guestrooms. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Yellowstone National Park National Park
Old Faithful Yellowstone National Park WY United States
Completed in 1999, the Snow Lodge is the newest of the park's full service hotels. The Snow Lodge is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. We will endeavor to secure your lodge of choice, however in the even space is not available an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured.
Old Faithful Inn - Yellowstone National Park National Park
Old Faithful Yellowstone National Park WY United States
The most popular of the lodges, Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark. This rustic style lodge, was first built in 1904 and offers rustic charm, complete with a large lobby fireplace and shingled exterior. The lodge offer a full service restaurant, cafeteria, deli, and lounge for dining as well as a gift store and an activities desk. Old Faithful Inn is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured.
Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole Creekside First-Class
475 North Cache Street Jackson WY United States
The Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa welcomes guests with warm Western hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts and hedonists alike indulge in the lavishly appointed historic lodging accommodations and luxury log cabins.
Radisson Hotel Downtown Salt Lake City First-Class
215 West South Temple Salt Lake City UT United States
The Radisson is located in downtown Salt Lake City near ample shopping, dining, and attractions. The hotel has concierge service, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, restaurant, lounge, and room service.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.