Day 1 : Fly to Montana

Upon arriving in Missoula, we check in to our comfortable accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 2 : Whitefish

Our day begins with a visit to Smokejumper Visitor Center, the largest smokejumper base in the country. Enjoy a tour of the jump base, ready room, national memorial, loft, and lookout tower while learning more about this crucial occupation. Afterwards, we travel north to Whitefish, viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Along the way, we break for a delicious Welcome Lunch in Polson and take in amazing vistas of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Flathead National Forest. Arriving in Whitefish, we stop at a nearby mountain resort for a scenic gondola ride to the summit for bird’s-eye views of the stunning landscape. We then check in to our overnight accommodations and have the evening at leisure.

Day 3 : Going-to-the-Sun Road

This morning, we’re off to Glacier National Park, which features over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes as standing reminders of the last Ice Age. We board vintage Red Buses with roll-back tops for a journey on one of the world’s most scenic routes: Going-to-the-Sun Road. During our drive, learn about the park’s history from an expert guide, take in views of the towering mountains, and watch for a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch in St. Mary Village before we continue to Great Falls and check in to our accommodations for the evening.

Day 4 : Lewis & Clark Discoveries

Today’s adventure starts with reliving the brave journey of two famous explorers at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Overlooking the beautiful Missouri River, this center includes exhibits, artifacts, films, and a two-story diorama. After an included lunch, we visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, a fascinating archaeological site and presumably the largest bison cliff jump in North America. Explore the visitor center to learn about the rich history of these lands and enjoy views of the Rocky Mountain Front and Missouri River Valley. Later, we check in to our hotel in Helena, Montana’s capital and heart of the Big Sky State.

Day 5 : Gates of the Mountains

A local guide boards our motorcoach this morning to provide expert insight during a tour of Helena. Learn about the storied history of this vibrant city, see the Montana State Capitol building, and marvel at the Gothic-style cathedral’s stunning towers and stained-glass windows which rival those in Europe. After lunch at leisure, we board a riverboat to discover the epitome of Montana’s natural beauty, Gates of the Mountains, coined by Meriwether Lewis. A guide recounts the explorers’ famous journey down the Missouri River as we marvel at the rugged scenery with towering limestone cliffs and watch for intriguing wildlife. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner together.

Day 6 : Yellowstone National Park

We drive beside the crystal-clear Gallatin River today, making our way to Gardiner, the original gateway to America’s first national park. Upon arriving in Yellowstone, enjoy free time in the awe-inspiring Mammoth Hot Springs area before we travel along part of the northern loop, where we may have the opportunity to be part of the notorious bison traffic jam. This evening, we check in to our accommodations nestled inside the park and have dinner together.

Day 7 : Old Faithful

Revel in a full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park’s breathtaking wonders! A park guide joins us for an exciting tour including stops at Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, and Artist Point. We also see stunning views of Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls as well as the multicolored Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Our scenic drive continues through Hayden Valley, a haven for wildlife with lush forests. Later, we depart Yellowstone and settle in for a comfortable two-night stay in Jackson, Wyoming.

Day 8 : The Grand Tetons

This morning, we visit Grand Teton National Park for picturesque views of shimmering lakes, rolling meadows, and soaring mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Watch for elk, bison, foxes, moose, and bald eagles as we venture through the park and take advantage of premier photo opportunities. Learn about this protected area with immaculate exhibits during our stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, followed by a visit to the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel with a 100-year-old history and picture-perfect vistas of Grand Teton. The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax or explore! Tonight, we enjoy a covered wagon ride in Cache Creek Canyon to our included dinner – a tasty barbecue cookout accompanied by music and songs of the Old West!

Day 9 : Salt Lake City

Step aboard our comfortable motorcoach this morning for one last scenic drive, taking us from Jackson into Salt Lake City. Along the way, we break at Bear Lake Overlook to stretch our legs as we take in spectacular views of the turquoise water nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Tonight, we celebrate with our new friends at a special Farewell Dinner and settle into accommodations in downtown Salt Lake City.

Day 10 : Fly Home

We return home with fond memories of our Rockies adventure.