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TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Indianapolis / Salt Lake City /
Idaho Falls
Today, your western adventure begins! Fly
into Salt Lake City and meet your tour director at the Airport
by 1:00pm. Depart and travel north to Antelope Island State
Park on the Great Salt Lake for sightseeing. Stop at scenic
Buffalo Point with spectacular views of the lake and the Wasatch
Range of the Rocky Mountains. At the Visitors Center a park
ranger will introduce you to the unique ecosystem of this inland
salt sea. Continue north into Idaho and pass through fertile
farmland where Idaho’s famous potatoes are grown. Arrive
Idaho Falls, and your hotel right on the bank of the Snake
river for a one night stay. Tonight join the group for a welcome
dinner. Shilo Inn, Idaho Falls (D)
Day 2: Idaho Falls /
Yellowstone National Park
Depart Idaho Falls and continue north along the west side
of the Teton Range. After a rest stop in West Yellowstone,
enter Yellowstone National Park for sightseeing. The world’s
first national park is a wonderland of natural beauty and
geologic oddities that has delighted visitors over 100 years.
Today you will visit the centerpiece of the park, Old Faithful!
There will be plenty of time to explore the area, witness
an eruption of the world's most famous geyser and have lunch
on your own. Return to West Yellowstone and check in for
a two night stay. This evening join the group for dinner
at a local restaurant. Yellowstone Lodge
Hotel, West Yellowstone (CB,D)
Day 3: Yellowstone Wildlife Safari
This morning enjoy touring of the Grizzly& Wolf Discovery
Center where you will gain insight into the lives of Yellowstone’s
two top predators. A naturalist on staff will lead a guided
tour of the facility, then there will be free time to wander
through the exhibits and enjoy a variety of presentations
on bears, wolves, birds of prey and more. Your ticket also
provides entrance into the Imax Theater located next door
which features “Yellowstone,” a unique introspect
to the park's history, wildlife, geothermal activity and
spectacular grandeur. This afternoon, depart on a Yellowstone
Wildlife Safari. After breaking into small groups, you will
meet your local naturalist guide and return to Yellowstone
National Park for an afternoon and evening of exploration.
Make your way to Mammoth Hot Springs for a walk through the
colorful terraced formations that continues to change and
grow. Next travel east into the beautiful Lamar Valley where
we'll enjoy a picnic dinner as the sun begins its slow descent,
the best time for wildlife viewing. Keep the cameras ready:
elk, bison, moose, wolves and bear frequently make an appearance
in these areas at dusk. It will be a late return to West
Yellowstone after an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Lodge Hotel, West Yellowstone (B,D)
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park / Grand
Teton National Park / Jackson
Depart West Yellowstone and return to Yellowstone National
Park for another great day of sightseeing. First visit the
awe-inspiring "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone," with
a chance to see both Upper and Lower falls, where the mighty
Yellowstone River has cut its way through sheer rock to cascade
down hundreds of feet to the foaming torrents below. Next,
drive through scenic Hayden Valley, famous for large herds
of buffalo and other wildlife. In the late afternoon, exit
Yellowstone via the South Gate and enter Grand Teton National
Park. This evening arrive in the fun western town of Jackson
and check into your hotel for a two night stay. Dinner is
included at a local restaurant.
Painted Buffalo Inn, Jackson (B,D)
Day 5: Grand Teton National Park
Start the day early as you return to Grand Teton National
Park and enjoy a Scenic Float Trip on the Snake River. Your
river guide will point out wildlife, explain the geology
of the area and tell stories about local history and folklore.
It will be a morning to remember. Then travel to historic
Jackson Lake Lodge where there will be time to enjoy the
view, explore the lodge, do some shopping and have lunch
on your own. After lunch, visit Colter Bay for touring of
the Indian Arts Museum, one of the finest in the west. Then
travel south along the inner road with many picture stops
and a short Scenic Cruise on Jenny Lake which offers unique
photo taking opportunities. In the late afternoon, return
to Jackson after an amazing day in the Tetons! The evening
is free on own.
Painted Buffalo Inn, Jackson (B)
Day 6: Jackson / Salt Lake City
We will travel in three states today: Wyoming, Idaho, and
Utah, on our way to Salt Lake City. Drive through the rugged
Snake River Canyon then pass through the pastoral Star Valley,
which is a fertile farming valley that stretches across the
Idaho border. We’ll make a stop at picturesque Bear
Lake, then continue on to the American West Heritage Center
near Logan for touring and lunch. Here you will learn about
the cultures and lifestyles of those who lived in the American
West from the 1820’s to the 1920’s, which include
Native Americans, mountain men, pioneers and farmers. Arrive
Salt Lake City in the late afternoon and enjoy a brief driving
tour of this city known as “The Crossroads of the West.” After
checking into our downtown hotel, join the group for a special
farewell dinner at The Roof restaurant overlooking Temple
Square.
Shilo Inn, Salt
Lake City (B,L,D)
Day 7: Salt Lake City / Indianapolis
This morning enjoy the “heavenly singing” of
the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting).
Then plan on a noon or later departure, as transfers will
be provided to the airport. You will take not only the
memories of incredible scenic attractions, but also the
friendships of those who have shared these days with you.
(B)
Commercial Air: Book
Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip
operates on commercial
air. Space is limited and may not be available less than
65 days before departure. Included air fare subject to
change.
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