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Welcome to the city of Seattle in Washington State. You're in a city that oozes cool, from sophisticated coffee shops to endless markets, not forgetting the iconic Space Needle. From here you can gaze across the beautiful Puget Sound, and on a clear day view Mount Rainier. Spend your afternoon sampling local specialties and people watching at Pike Place Market before heading to the start hotel for a welcome meeting at 6.00pm.Optional Activities:• Space Needle US$22-$29Accommodation: SureStay by Best Western Seatac North (or similar)
Have one last Seattle coffee moment before heading out of Washington State to the lakeside city of Coeur d'Alene. Swimming, walking and enjoying the sunset with a glass of fizz are all perfect ways to complete your first day in Idaho. Don't forget to pack your swimwear as the lake makes for a great place to cool off. Take a refreshing dip in secluded spots around the lake, but remember, it can be quite cold!Participatory CampingLake Coeur d'Alene Campground (or similar)
Continue through the mountains of Montana to the famed Glacier National Park where you'll spend the next two nights exploring this immense landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and bear which frequent this area, as well as stunning scenery and glacial lakes. Your leader will take you to West Glacier where you'll board the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle bus (seasonal).NB: The National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Glacier. Tomorrow you'll be led by a national park guide but on other days your tour leader is not permitted to walk with you on trails. They will however provide detailed briefings, directions, maps and transportation.Participatory CampingJohnson's at St Mary (or similar)
Spend the day exploring the ins and outs of this superb park with a Glacier National Park wilderness guide. Your guide will help you try to spot some of the huge variety of animal species for which this park is renowned, including Grizzly Bear, wolverine and lynx. Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, coyote and bears are also common, so make sure you keep your camera to hand! If conditions are right your guide will take you on the Iceberg Lake or Hidden Lake Trail for dramatic mountain scenes, wildflowers and a glaciated lake that will take your breath away. This will definitely be a day to remember.Participatory CampingJohnson's at St Mary (or similar)
Full day exploring Glacier National Park.Participatory Camping Johnson's at St Mary (or similar)
An early start sees you on the road, heading to the fabled grounds of America's number one national park, Yellowstone. As soon as you arrive you'll be immersed in a mixture of striking scenery, where jagged peaks morph into flower-strewn meadows and rolling hillsides quickly become absorbed by solidified lava flows. This afternoon's walk will introduce you to the wildlife and the landscapes of Yellowstone, which will be your home for the next four nights.Participatory CampingGardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Today you'll encounter Yellowstone's amazing array of geothermal features including mud pools, hot springs and steaming fumaroles. The park is famous for its volcanic history and there are estimated to be around 10,000 thermal features - nowhere else on earth can boast Yellowstone's concentration of geysers which are scattered amongst several distinct geyser basins. Benefit from the enthusiasm and knowledge of a local geologist who will no doubt enable you to learn more as you walk from one seismic hotspot to the next.Participatory CampingGardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Last night you may have heard the distant sounds of a howl far away in the mountains and today you'll get to learn all about the wolf packs that may have sung out such a nocturnal greeting. You'll spend a full day with a specialist wolf tracking guide, venturing into the park's wilderness by foot and by vehicle to learn about these extraordinary animals. Your guide will explain how wolves live and hunt together in Yellowstone and how the pack hierarchy works. It's important to note that you may not always be lucky enough to see wolves, but this is our aim and at the same time you're likely to see numerous other wildlife species.Participatory CampingGardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Even though this is your last day in Yellowstone there's still plenty of time to enjoy the wildlife, landscapes and geothermal activity away from the usual tourist sites. As you leave the crowds behind you'll be treated to a hike to the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, the latter of which has the highest volume of water in the American Rockies and is almost twice as high as Niagara. You'll also visit the Mammoth Hot Springs which literally feels like being on another planet.Participartory campingGardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Today you'll be leaving the borders of Yellowstone but there'll be no let-up with the incredible landscapes surrounding you. As you enter the realms of the mighty Tetons you'll no doubt be aware that you're in the presence of some quite formidable giants. The drama unfolds almost instantly after crossing the border into the Grand Teton National Park. An optional ferry journey across Jenny Lake takes you to the start of a climb to Inspiration Point where you'll be able to catch your breath and take in some absolutely scintillating views. You have the option of following the river and continuing further on your hike in the hopes of spotting moose which are commonly noted on this trail.Next stop is Jackson Hole which is regarded as one of Wyoming's premier ski resorts as well as being a haven for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors. Take a short walk to Rock Springs Overlook and opt for an incredibly scenic aerial tram ride. This completes your first day in the Grand Tetons and as you settle down for the night you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty more adventures left in store for tomorrow.Optional Activities:• Aerial Tram US$23• Western Saloons US$varies• Bar J Chuckwagon Dinner in Jackson US$24-$34Participartory campingSnake River KOA (or similar)
Using all of the knowledge and hiking expertise that you've garnered throughout your time away you'll be able to undertake a self-guided hike to numerous scenic spots which your tour leader will explain to you. The park is perfect for seeing those all-important, breathtaking vistas and with excellent views of the Tetons as well as the chance to spot bison, moose, elk and deer, this is one of the best areas to make the most of the great outdoors. As the sun goes down you'll no doubt be able to look back over the previous 11 days as some of the most worthwhile and fulfilling times that you've ever had.NOTE: The National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Grand Teton National Park and it is not possible for your leader to accompany you today.Optional Activities:• Ferry across Jenny Lake US$15Participatory CampingSnake River KOA (or similar)
Enjoy some free time exploring Jackson this morning before transferring to the base of the Wasatch Mountains and the urban delights of the Mormon capital of Utah, Salt Lake City.The tour will end this afternoon at our gateway hotel at approximately 5.00pm. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9.00pm.
10 nights participatory camping and 1 nights hotelTravel by private
minibusGroup normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16yrs
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners included are included whilst
camping.On all camping tours, most of the meals are included whilst camping.
Your tour leader will coordinate local shopping and assist the group in
preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.
Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for
these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from
US$8-$15 and dinners from US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic
beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle.
Please be aware that a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals
in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all
listed menu prices. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal
requirements before travelling.
10 nights participatory camping and 1 nights hotelTravel by private
minibusGroup normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16yrs
This is a trip for those who are interested in the incredible wildlife and
geology of Yellowstone and the Central Rockies. All the hikes are entirely
optional and you can often take tougher or lighter walks than those chosen
for the group, so this trip's grading is only a guide. We use specialist
local guides, in addition to the tour leader, to make the most of our visit
to the parks; their skills in tracking and spotting wildlife as well as their
unique and intimate knowledge of the surroundings is invaluable. Although
each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and
from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to
road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that
happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will
be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be
guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather
conditions and time of year. Please do note that in order to reach certain
places long drives are required so be prepared for some lengthy journeys.You
may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf All
travellers over the age of 70 will be requested to complete a
self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel. Our tours are a unique
holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit
of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local
setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a
positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and
every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!
CampingWe use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of
private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers however,
some may charge an additional fee of $1-$3 for showers. You will sleep in
heavy duty tents which single travellers share with one other passenger of
the same sex. Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable
sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have
a quiet time from 22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow campers
who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.An essential
part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and
everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your
tour leader will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only
take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before
you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great
outdoors.Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with
food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a
great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is
all part of the experience.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout your tour, he/she will drive the van taking you from A to B and
make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure
you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing
information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out
any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests or things you
would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the
beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you. As interests
and capabilities usually vary, our leader will typically guide day hikes
according to group’s needs and the difficulty of particular hikes. Our
leaders enjoy spending as much time as possible on the trail with their
groups however please bear in mind that it will not always be possible for a
tour leader to accompany every hiker when groups divide up to hike different
trails. On odd occasions the tour leader may need to stay behind to do some
food shopping or arrange other optional activities. On this trip we use
different local specialist guides in the national parks and they will lead
the group during the daytime on the days described in the itinerary.Working
hour regulations for Leaders - We would like to note that US Law regulates
the total number of hours your group leader is available to work. Tours are
designed to make the most of your time in the States, but please understand
that there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be
off duty from work in order to rest and recuperate. Due to these
restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your leader may not
be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to
other work duties.
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners included are included whilst
camping.On all camping tours, most of the meals are included whilst camping.
Your tour leader will coordinate local shopping and assist the group in
preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.
Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for
these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from
US$8-$15 and dinners from US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic
beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle.
Please be aware that a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals
in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all
listed menu prices. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal
requirements before travelling.
You’ll travel in air-conditioned private vehicles, which offer great
flexibility and guarantee to get you further off the beaten path. Our
vehicles are equipped with:• Extra-large windows for better viewing•
Wider seats with additional leg room• A 6’3 interior height for added
comfort• Full-height electric bi-fold entry door for a quicker and easier
exit• Overhead luggage racks, reading lamps and TV screen for those longer
journeys
START HOTELSEATTLE - SureStay by Best Western Seatac North (formerly called
the Clarion Hotel Seattle Airport)3000 S. 176th St., Seattle, WAYou will
need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your tour. You are free
to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please ensure you leave
plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting
which will be held at 18:00. During this evening meeting you will meet your
tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes filling out
necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and
tour documentation to the meeting.ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONSSometimes the
unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it! If
you have missed your tour departure, first check with the hotel to see if
your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency
number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the
group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses
incurred due to you missing your tour’s departure, so please be on
time.FINISHING POINTSalt Lake City - Little America Hotel500 S. Main Street,
Salt Lake City, UT Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which
will be around 17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for
the last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you
should not book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be
responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier
flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour
departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential
that you book this before your tour departs.Full joining instructions
including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final
Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before
departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel
agent.
Summer weather patterns in the Rockies are typically very sunny and dry.
Daytime temperatures in the mountains range from 15-30ºC depending on
elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and don't usually last long,
although can be severe at altitude. Nights can be cool, depending on
elevation. However, a storm system might bring cold and rain (even snow at
altitude) at any time. Be prepared to adapt to a wide range of temperatures
through layered clothing. July and August are the height of the wildflower
bloom. Tours scheduled for June and early July might encounter some snow on
the higher trails in all three of the national parks that we visit.
Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that
you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to
suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and lows
that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However please
remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide variety of
temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so
it’s best to be prepared!Besides your essential clothing, here’s a
checklist of other items you should take:• Waterproof jacket• Warm
sweater / fleece• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes• Sleeping bag /
Sleeping bag liner• Hiking shoes / boots• Thick walking socks• Blister
packs and plasters• Hiking poles• Comfortable day shoes• Sandals or
flip-flops• Warm hat / gloves• Small day pack• Water bottle• Dry
bag• Swim wear• Sun hat / sunglasses• Camera / binoculars• Small
flashlight / head torch• SD memory card / Spare camera batteries•
Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)• Travel power adaptor• Toiletries
/ personal medicine• TowelPlease note the airlines have various rules on
what can be carried in your luggage - if in doubt check with your airline
before travelling.FOOTWEARWe recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable
shoes with good ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do
not own a pair, then sports trainers will suffice although this is a personal
choice. If you intend to do some walking, it is recommended to bring thick
walking socks for comfort.CLOTHES WASHINGYou will have the opportunity to
wash your clothes whilst you are on tour, and this can often be done at the
campsite or in town. Ask your tour leader for local information.SLEEPING
BAGSYou will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, we will
provide you with a self-inflating mat to sleep on. If you are travelling on
an early or late season tour or a winter tour, you might want to consider
bringing a mountain climate (four season) sleeping bag as the weather can be
much cooler. We do not provide pillows on our camping trips, although one can
typically be picked up at Walmart on day one.LUGGAGE ALLOWANCEOne suitcase,
soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A
small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel,
please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as
this may be less than 23kg.We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities
however, some of our pre and post tour hotels will provide this service
although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for
further information.
Binoculars are highly recommended on this trip Long lens for wildlife
photography Insect repellent Walking poles Hat and light gloves for cold
mornings
We recommend you take at least US$30 dollars per day for any meals not
included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also
budget for expected tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you
would like to do. Guideline prices for the most popular optional activities
are listed on our website.We suggest you bring USD$150 with you in cash to
have with at the beginning of your trip.
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and
anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage
and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you're
confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how
much to offer. For this reason we have listed guideline prices below.A 15-17%
tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1 per drink
in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters as will 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also
typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional
activities.Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour
and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-$10 per passenger per day if
your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
FlightsTravel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsArrival & departure transfersOptional activities
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.