Parks & Canyons Spectacular + San Francisco

Itinerary
Optional Excursions
Gallery
Related Holidays
Prices & Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Denver.

Fly to Denver where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a welcome drink with your tour director, and an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Denver - Rapid City.

Drive through the scenery of Colorado and Wyoming past the pine-wooded Black Hills to Rapid City in South Dakota. Get to know your travelling companions with a welcome drink with your tour director this evening. (B)

DAY 3: Rapid City.

Start your day with an orientation tour of Rapid City, with its proud Native American heritage. Afterwards travel to see the ongoing construction of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental statue carved out of the mountain that pays respect to the great hero of the Native Americans, Chief Crazy Horse. Later, continue to Mount Rushmore, where enormous carvings of four US presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt - stare out from the mountainside. (B)

DAY 4: Rapid City – Deadwood - Sheridan.

This morning travel through the Black Hills National Forest to Deadwood where you will experience a guided tour of this old gold-mining town, once home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Next head to Tatanka, ‘The Story of the Bison’, and experience the richness of the Lakota Indian life as it was around the 1840’s, before travelling to Sheridan which lies in the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains. (B, D)

DAY 5: Sheridan - Little Bighorn Battlefield - Cody.

Today, journey to the site where 'Custer's Last Stand' at the Battle of Little Bighorn saw Crazy Horse and 7,000 Sioux warriors defeat and kill the US general in June 1876. Visit the museum and battlefield, where markers show where the soldiers fell. Then drive through the Bighorn Mountains to Cody, Buffalo Bill's frontier town, stopping at Shell Falls en-route. There is time this afternoon, for an optional raft trip along the Shoshone River. (B)

DAY 6: Cody - Yellowstone National Park.

Your first stop today is at the Buffalo Bill Historical Centre, which charts the life and times of the great showman. Afterwards, venture through the Shoshone National Forest to the famous Yellowstone National Park, the USA's largest nature reserve. Established in 1872, this natural wonderland of geysers, canyons and forests is home to grizzly bears, elk and buffalo. Keep your camera ready for photo stops, especially at 'Old Faithful', Yellowstone's fabled geyser. (B,D) Note: Routes and areas visited in Yellowstone are subject to favourable weather and/or road conditions.

DAY 7: Yellowstone.

Spend the day soaking up Yellowstone's natural beauty. Marvel at the Park views as you follow the Grand Loop Road to Artist Point on the rim of Yellowstone Canyon. Perched above this gigantic gorge, the viewpoint commands breathtaking vistas over the Lower Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls. Other sights include the bubbling mud at Fountain Paint Pots and steaming limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. (B)

DAY 8: Yellowstone National Park - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson.

Head into the magnificent year round playground of the Grand Tetons. With saw toothed, 13,770 feet high ridges crested with snow most of the year, it's one of America's last preserves of wild solitude. Walk along glacial Jenny Lake at the foot of the soaring mountain pillars. Your tour then continues to the nearby town of Jackson. This evening relive the days of the cowboys with dinner at the Bar T-5 Chuck Wagon Cookout and Wild West show. (B, D)

DAY 9: Jackson.

Time to relax or explore Jackson and its stunning surroundings, perhaps taking an optional raft trip down Snake River or spend some time in the shops and swing-door saloons along the town's western-style boardwalks. (B)

DAY 10: Jackson - Salt Lake City.

Today, leave Jackson and drive to Salt Lake City, Utah's vibrant capital. Magnificently set on the edge of a salt desert and surrounded by mountains and forests, this is the centre of the Mormon religion where Brigham Young declared to his followers "This is the place". Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city with its historic monuments and this evening have dinner in historic temple square, with its impressive six-spired temple, adjacent tabernacle and Beehive House. (B, D)

DAY 11: Salt Lake City - Bryce Canyon National Park.

Today journey to Bryce Canyon National Park, with its 20 miles of breathtaking sandstone cliffs and ever changing colours. Marvel at some of the earth's most brilliant shades of rock which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called 'hoodoos'. The rest of the day is then yours. (B, D)

DAY 12: Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Lake Powell.

This morning travel to Zion National Park, famous for its incredible canyons and bizarrely shaped cliffs. Admire the fantastic scenery before driving to Page, originally built to house workers on the construction of the massive Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back the waters of 186 mile long Lake Powell. Appreciate the lake's beauty on an afternoon cruise taking in the Glen Canyon Dam and 'tapestry' walls of Antelope Canyon. (B, D)

DAY 13: Lake Powell - Painted Desert - Grand Canyon National Park.

Get an unforgettable bird's eye view of Monument Valley on an optional flight over its red monoliths. Later, drive through the Kaibab National Forest and the Painted Desert with its ever shifting colours before catching your first sight of the Grand Canyon, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. You have the opportunity to walk the canyon rim which is even more spectacular at sunset. Your hotel stands on the edge of the canyon, giving you the bonus of spectacular canyon views for the duration of your stay. (B, D)

DAY 14: Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional morning flight over the Grand Canyon. Leaving the high country of Arizona we travel on part of the legendary Route 66 to Las Vegas, America's entertainment capital. The rest of the day is yours to explore the mega-casinos and attractions before a farewell dinner hosted by your tour director. (B, D)

DAY 15: Las Vegas - San Francisco.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Francisco and your 3 night stay in the 'City by the Bay'.

DAY 16 to 17: San Francisco.

Spend the next two days exploring some of the sights and attractions of San Francisco.

DAY 18: San Francisco - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight

DAY 19: Home landing in the UK.

Golden Gate Bridge and beach
Denver
Grand Teton National Park
San Francisco's famous cable car and Bay
A visit to Alcatraz is a must
Treasure Island Resort
Mount Rushmore
San Francisco looks so close from the prison island
Alcatraz in the Bay, just out of reach
Little Bighorn Battlefield
Lake Powell
The only way to get about town!
A world-famous landmark
The Grand Canyon
Bustling Fishermen's Wharf
The sign says it all
Lombard Street
Union Square
San Francisco
Chinatown
Muir Woods is an excellent day trip
Lovely Sausalito across the bay

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

Shoshone River Raft Trip

On this scenic white-water float trip down the Shoshone River, your guide maneuvers you through striking red canyons. See native wildlife and hear about the geology, mountain men, and pioneers of the area as you experience the thrill of the occasional rapid. You will be on the water for approximately 45 minutes. This river is a level 2 with occasional rapids, participants must be comfortable paddling, and it is very likely you will get wet. Note: Life jackets are provided and required. (Available Mid-May to Mid-September; subject to favorable weather & water conditions)

$37 (US Dollar)

Snake River Float Trip

Our original 10-mile Snake River Scenic Float Trips operate wholly within Grand Teton National Park. Wild nature surrounds you on these river rafting trips, floating beneath the Grand Tetons in an area untouched by human development for generations. Barker-Ewing's experienced river guides offer extensive information on Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole geology and park history as well as information about the animals and their habitat. There are several species in the area including eagles, osprey, deer, bear, elk, moose and beavers, although animal sightings are not guaranteed, you will have a good chance in the heart of the park. (Approximately 2.5-3 hours, available Mid May - Mid September, weather dependent.)

$70 (US Dollar)

Tower Butte Helicopter Tour

Rising 5,000 feet above sea level, Tower Butte is one of Mother Nature's most unique formations, providing the perfect setting for your Helicopter Landing adventure! After boarding your state-of-the-art helicopter, you will fly eastward over Antelope Canyon, Land of the Navajo Nation and Lake Powell as your Helicopter ascends Tower Butte. You won't believe your eyes when you touch down and disembark. The 360-degree panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking - see Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, the Kaiparowitz Plateau, the Grand Staircase and the Vermillion Cliffs..Enjoy approximately 20 minutes on the Butte for sensational photo opportunities and interpretive information about the Navajo culture and the ties to their Land. Only accessible by Helicopter, this helicopter adventure offers incredible memories, spectacular photographs and bragging rights to an exclusive view of the American Southwest and Land of the Navajo Nation.

$245 (US Dollar)

Grand Canyon Imax

Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)

$14 (US Dollar)

Antelope Canyon Slot Tour

Come with your guide to a spectacular petrified sand dune, created by wind, water and sand, presenting a sculptured masterpiece. Nothing can describe this work of Mother Nature. Experiencing this beauty will leave you breathless. Trips are approximately one and a half hours long and you will travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Canyon entrance. From there you will walk into the Canyon, you will be at the bottom of the Canyon looking up 130 feet to the top. There is no hiking or climbing involved, only easy walking on the Canyon floor which is level for the most part. Your experienced Navajo guide will show you great places to take photographs as you explore this awe-inspiring wonder.

$35 (US Dollar)

Monument Valley 90-Minute Flight

You will experience everything seen on the shorter Rainbow Bridge flight, plus much, much more! This is your only chance to see Monument Valley, the site of many well-known Western movies. The rock formations you will see on this surrealistic flight are totally different from those in the Grand Canyon. (90 minutes, weather dependent)

$255 (US Dollar)

Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour

Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)

$179 (US Dollar)

Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing

This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)

$233 (US Dollar)

Muir Woods, Sausalito & Bay Cruise

Travel Across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the rugged coastal mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and valleys, where the Coastal Miwok once lived. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood (Sequoia Sempreverins) Trees tower over Redwood Creek. A Full 1 188 hour stop. Muir Woods entrance fee included. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village, with quaint shop, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Approximate one hour stop in Sausalito. Then enjoy a cruise along the historic waterfront, with a close-up view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the sea lions. (Approximately 6 hours)

$79 (US Dollar)

Super Combo City Tour (plus Muir Woods)

Experience San Francisco's colorful past as you travel through history. Be awe-inspired by the magnificence of the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the lush gardens of Golden Gate Park, and travel past spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. On your tour, you will see Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Victorian homes, Presidio National Park, Palace of Fine Arts, City Hall, and North Beach. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and lush valleys, where the Coastal Miwok Indians once lived. First stop-Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood Trees (Sequoia Sempreverins) tower over Redwood Creek. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village with quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Here, you will have an hour to explore before returning to the city. If you are traveling on a Monograms driving vacation, please check your itinerary and note the driving distance between cities before booking this excursion.

$95 (US Dollar)

Rocket Boat

Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.

$24 (US Dollar)

Bay Cruise

This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)

$26 (US Dollar)

24 Hour Hop on - Hop off Super Sightseeing

Spend 24 hours seeing the famous sights of San Francisco. Stops include Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Alcatraz Landing and Pier 39. Tours are on board a double decker bus giving you the best views of San Francisco.

$39 (US Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Golden Gate Bridge and beach