America's National Parks

Day 1: Seattle

Welcome to the USA! 

Day 2: Coeur d'Alene

There will be an important welcome meeting at 8am this morning. Meet in the hotel reception/lobby. We'll be collecting your insurance details, kitty and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Depart Seattle and drive east to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (500 km, approx 5 hrs). 

Day 3: Bozeman

Drive through vast Montana landscapes and pass through Missoula, a buzzing university town with a charming riverwalk and downtown galleries. Then continue to Bozeman (600 km, approx 6-7 hrs). Bozeman takes visitors back to the good old pioneer days with its historic Main St district and all over cowboy atmosphere. 

Days 4-5: Yellowstone National Park

After a short drive (about 1.5 hrs) we reach the entrance to Yosemite National Park. America's first national park and largest thermal basin, Yellowstone represents one of the earth's thinnest surfaces, which in turn has created a fantastic world of bubbling geysers ('Old Faithful'), sulphuric springs and colourful paintpots (boiling mud). 

Days 6-7: Grand Teton National Park/Jackson Hole

Travel 200 km south to Grand Teton National Park. With its awe-inspiring mountain range, lakes and incredible wildlife, Grand Teton National Park is perfect for a hike to a picturesque picnic spot. Hire a ferry on the beautiful Jenny Lake or hike into the stunning Teton Range. Keep a lookout for wildlife in the area including Teton's most famous resident - the moose. Make the short journey to Jackson Hole (70 km). Home to rodeos and real country nightlife, Jackson Hole offers mountain biking, hiking and rafting trips on Snake River. 

Day 8: Flaming Gorge

Continue our journey on to Flaming Gorge (460 km, approx 5 hrs). The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a large artificial lake formed by Flaming Gorge Dam and the Green River. 

Days 9-10: Moab

Drive to Moab (500 km, approx 5.5 hrs). Moab is Utah's gathering place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and is a gateway to Canyonlands National Park, Deadhorse Point State Park and Arches National Park. Arches National Park contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. It's a red, arid desert punctuated with spectacularly eroded sandstone forms such as fins, pinnacles, spires, balanced rocks and arches. Take a hike out to see famous sights such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Enjoy a late afternoon Hummer tour filled with excitement and fun, ending with a breathtaking Moab desert sunset. 

Day 11: Monument Valley

Drive through the ever-changing, fascinating desert regions of southern Utah to Monument Valley (290 km, approx 3 hrs). The backdrop for countless westerns, Monument Valley is part of the biggest Indian reservation in the US and home to more than 200,000 Indians of the Navajo Tribe. Monument Valley is so-named for the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert. The angle of the sun means that the landscape is constantly changing colour and it's near impossible to take a bad photo. See all the magnificent sights Monument Valley has to offer in the back of a jeep with a Navajo guide. Visit areas only open to the Navajo, see traditional Navajo homes, hike the sand dunes and gaze up at spectacular rock formations - all with the insight of a local guide. 

Days 12-13: Grand Canyon

Drive from Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon (260 km, approx 3 hrs), stopping at Native American trading posts on the way. The Grand Canyon is one of the world's seven wonders! It's 450 km long, 6-30 km wide and 1600 m deep. Marvel at this immense canyon on a rim walk or, for those that are feeling more active, a short hike into the canyon will help stretch those legs out. For a bird's-eye view, there's an option to take a helicopter ride over this breathtaking landscape. 

Day 14: Las Vegas

Drive on from the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas (450 km, approx 5 hrs). Along the way, drive a section of the famous Route 66 and stop in the nostalgic township of Seligman. Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do along the Strip for gamblers and non-gamblers alike - there's the casinos and shows, of course, plus shops, amusement rides, dance clubs and great value 'all you can eat' buffets. 

Day 15: Los Angeles

Travel through the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles (450 km, approx 6-8 hrs depending on traffic). Los Angeles - the 'City of Angels' - is world-renowned for the streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and the shopping on Rodeo Drive. From Venice Beach to Disneyland, it's a veritable smorgasbord for the senses. Our arrival time at the LA accommodation depends on each group, but we generally aim for a 3pm arrival. If you decide to fly out this day, please do not book a flight before 8pm, which will give you enough time catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there 2 hours before departure. As there's a great deal to do in Los Angeles, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city.