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Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and the gateway to incredible national parks. Set in a beautiful location at the foot of Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake is also the home of the worldwide headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, best known as Mormons. A welcome meeting will be conducted at 18:00 hrs in your hotel.Accommodation: Little America Hotel - Salt Lake City (or similar)
Leaving Salt Lake City behind, we'll cross Idaho and pass through the beautiful Targhee National Forest en route to the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This mountain resort is popular during the winter months as skiers flock to the area, whilst summer sees walkers and other thrill seekers enjoying the area and its proximity to Grand Teton National Park. We recommend an optional aerial tram ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for 360-degree views of the Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park. Or you could discover the town of Jackson Hole which maintains an authentic 'Wild West' feel.Optional Activities:Western saloons US$variesChuck wagon dinner US$26-$39White water rafting on the Snake River US$85Mountain biking US$75Aerial tram US$37Accommodation: Mountain Modern Motel (or similar)
Famed for its iconic soaring peaks, the 64 km Grand Teton Range explodes out of the ground with its jagged fang-like mountains. Rocky spires, lakes and forests fill the park, with more than 10 pinnacles reaching over 12,000 ft. Rich in fauna, inhabitants of the area include bison, elk, Black and Grizzly bears, Bighorn sheep, moose and Mule deer, all of which have been seen on this trip. There are many self-guided hikes to choose from today, walking through dramatic scenery and appreciating the geology and nature of the area. Your leader will explain the different options. One choice could also be to take the ferry across Jenny Lake and hike up to Inspiration Point and beyond, following the stream. It is commonplace to see moose and bears whilst hiking this trail.Optional Activities:Ferry across Jenny Lake US$15Accommodation: Moutain Modern Motel (or similar)
It's a beautiful drive to the very first and most revered national park in America, Yellowstone - our home for the next four nights. Part of the highway clings to the side of the 24 km long Jackson Lake, and thegular lava flows have flattened the largest geological features in the south of the park. This afternoon, take a walk amidst this fascinating volcanic environment.Accommodation: Absaroka Lodge (or similar)
Yellowstone overflows with geothermal features - geysers, bubbling mud pools, multi-coloured hot springs and fumaroles! The park is famous for its volcanic history and there are estimated to be around 10,000 thermal features - nowhere else on earth (not even Iceland or New Zealand) can boast this concentration of geysers, which are scattered amongst several distinct geyser basins. We spend half a day with a local geology guide to explore the many effects of volcanism and enjoy walks around some of the parks most interesting features. The brightly coloured springs, caused by the hot, nutrient-rich waters full of different species of coloured bacteria are a photographic highlight.Accommodation: Absaroka Lodge (or similar)
When Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, Northern Rocky Mountain Wolves (a subspecies of the Grey Wolf) were native to the area. In the years after, predator control saw the decline of this remarkable species but following a reintroduction programme there are now thought to be more than 1,000 wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area. In the morning we transfer to a hotel in North Yellowstone, where we spend a full day with a specialist wolf and wildlife tracking guide, venturing into the park's wilderness on foot and by vehicle to learn about these extraordinary animals. Our guide will explain how wolves live and hunt together in Yellowstone and how the pack hierarchy works. It's important to note that we may not always be lucky enough to see wolves, however this is our goal and at the same time you're likely to see numerous other wildlife species as you explore the park.Accommodation: Absaroka Lodge (or similar)
Today you'll take your new-found knowledge of Yellowstone's wildlife and geology on a wilderness day walk in the park, leaving some of the well-known geysers and crowds behind to explore the wilds together. Your route will depend on the group's general ability and fitness however, it's likely to involve a walk to view the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. You'll also visit the Mammoth Hot Springs which literally feels like being on another planet.Accommodation: Absaroka Lodge (or similar)
Today's drive reveals the wide open 'Big Sky' scenery that Montana is so famous for. Journey through the ever-changing landscape of forest and mountain backdrops, all the way to Glacier National Park. Whilst this is essentially a long drive day to ensure we have two full days in Glacier for hiking and exploration, it is a great way to experience the different faces of Montana as you cruise through the countryside.Accommodation: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar)
With two full days to hike in Glacier National Park, you are in for a treat. The park puts on a shuttle bus so we can make the most of the trails, and hopefully spot wildlife. Commonly sighted in Glacier are bears, moose, elk and deer. There are some truly beautiful trails on offer above the treeline, with the chance to see wildflowers common to the area. Highly recommended is the Hidden Lake Trail, a five mile trail located near East Glacier Park, Montana that features a lake and is rated as moderate.Please note: The National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Glacier. Tomorrow you will 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. Accommodation: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar)
Spend the day exploring the heart of the park with a Glacier National Park wilderness guide along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stopping en route for regular walks, our guide will help spot some of the huge variety of animal species for which this park is renowned, including Grizzly Bears, wolverines and lynx. Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, coyotes and wolves are also commonly sighted. If conditions are right, our guide will take us to the Iceberg Lake for more striking mountain scenes and wildflowers.Accommodation: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar)
We leave Glacier behind and make our way towards Coeur d'Alene in the state of Idaho. We'll pass through small historic towns in Idaho's 'Silver Valley', which was once the `silver capital of the world'. After reaching Coeur d'Alene, there may be time to walk the trail through forested areas which hugs the watery edge of the lake. If it's a hot day make sure you don't forget your swimsuit, but be careful, the water can be bracing! A good option for the afternoon is to enjoy a drink down by the marina and then watch the sunset over the sparkling lake.Accommodation: Days Inn Coeur D'Alene (or similar)
Crossing into the state of Washington, we make our way towards Seattle, the final destination. Today's journey takes us past the border of Mount Rainier National Park where the imposing Mount Rainier stands at 14,000 ft. This is Washington's highest volcano and on a clear day you may be able to see it from Seattle.This tour ends at our gateway hotel in Seattle at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
Professional tour leader, plus specialist guides in Yellowstone and Glacier
National ParkAll transportation by private vehicle4 breakfasts included. All
other meals paid locally
Four breakfasts included. All other meals paid locally.
Professional tour leader, plus specialist guides in Yellowstone and Glacier
National ParkAll transportation by private vehicle4 breakfasts included. All
other meals paid locally
This holiday has an Activity Level of 2: Leisurely/Moderate It is designed
for active adults and offers a well-paced mix of walks for all levels of
fitness. Most walks are of leisurely/moderate difficulty. For the more
adventurous there are some optional moderate to strenuous hikes in some
locations. Your tour leader will organise these on your behalf. You’ll find
the main optional activities listed above under each itinerary day
description, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all
optional activities listed on each tour.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.
Hotels & Lodges11 hotel nights. Accommodation will be in clean, comfortable hotels and
motels with en-suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their friendly
atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed
with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two people per
room) unless you are travelling as a couple.
Your tour guide will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and
ensure 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 you may encounter. 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. We will
also use specialist tour guides in certain locations, to provide in depth
information.We would like to note that US law regulates the total number of
hours your tour guide is available to work. Our trips are designed to make
the most of your time in North America, but please understand that there will
be certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from
work. 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.
Four breakfasts included. All other meals paid locally.
You’ll travel in a private 15-Seater Ford vehicle which is driven by your
tour guide:• All luggage, equipment and other necessities are stored in a
specifically designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort
in the vehicle.• The smaller size of our vehicles allows us to reach more
remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles.• All our vehicles
are equipped with CD stereo systems (often iPod compatible) and
air-conditioning.
START HOTELLittle America Hotel500 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT You
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 POINTSEATTLE - SureStay by Best Western Seatac North
(formerly called the Clarion Hotel Seattle Airport)3000 S. 176th St.,
Seattle, WAYour 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.
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:• Small day pack• Waterproof
jacket• Warm sweater / fleece• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes• Hiking
shoes / boots• Thick walking socks• Blister packs and plasters• Hiking
poles• Comfortable day shoes• Sandals or flip-flops• Warm hat /
gloves• Swim wear• Sun hat / sunglasses• Camera / binoculars• SD
memory card / Spare camera batteries• Water bottle• Small flashlight /
head torch• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)• Travel power
adaptor• Toiletries / personal medicinePlease note 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.LUGGAGE ALLOWANCEOne suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg
maximum) per person. 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.
We recommend you take at least US$50 dollars per day for 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.