Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Fairbanks. (Fri.) Meet your Tour Director this evening between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the hotel reception area.

Day 2:
Pan for Gold & Cruise on a Riverboat. (Sat.) Meet your fellow traveling companions this morning at a breakfast orientation. After a Fairbanks city tour, visit EL DORADO GOLD MINE to try your hand at gold panning. Next, board the RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY for a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers with a visit to a recreated Athabascan Indian Village. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner featuring a Salmon Bake at Pioneer Park. (B,D)

Day 3:
Ride the Alaska Railroad & Explore Denali’s Wilderness. (Sun.) Ride on the world-famous ALASKA RAILROAD from Fairbanks to Denali through untamed wilderness. This afternoon, take the Tundra Wilderness EXPEDITION into DENALI NATIONAL PARK—be sure to keep an eye out for moose, caribou, sheep, and grizzly bear! (B,D)

Day 4:
Free Time in Denali & Talkeetna. (Mon.) A free morning allows for optional activities in Denali such as flightseeing, rafting, or maybe joining your Tour Director for a walk to Horseshoe Lake. Later, travel to Talkeetna, the jumping-off point for climbers attempting to summit 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. This afternoon, why not take an optional jetboat ride on the Talkeetna River or a flightseeing trip to see Mount McKinley up close? (B)

Day 5:
Pet Alaskan Sled Dogs & Learn about Alaska’s Natives. (Tue.) Visit HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS, the award-winning dog kennels of 4-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser, where you can pet the puppies and learn how he became the top dog musher and won the Last Great Race. Continue to Anchorage and visit the ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER to learn about the variety of original inhabitants of Alaska. After some free exploration time in Anchorage, travel to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, your home for the next two nights. (B)

Day 6:
Raft Kenai River. (Wed.) Today, journey to the Kenai Peninsula where you will take a scenic FLOAT TRIP on the well-known Kenai River. The turquoise water of this glacial-fed river is a sight to behold. Have your camera ready as we keep a keen watch for moose, eagles, Dall sheep, salmon, waterfowl, beaver, and bears, and your guide navigates you through the snowcapped mountain scenery. (B,L)

Day 7:
View Glaciers while Cruising Prince William Sound. (Thu.) After breakfast, travel to Whittier where you will embark on a CRUISE into Prince William Sound to view 26 “named” glaciers and many more unnamed. Come close to these towering masses of ice so you can hear and see the glaciers calving. Also look for otters, seals, bald eagles, and possibly whales. Return to Anchorage this evening for a special farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Depart Anchorage. (Fri.) The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)

Dates & Prices

FAIRBANKS:
Welcome dinner; city sightseeing; pan for gold at El Dorado Gold Mine; cruise aboard sternwheeler riverboat Discovery

FAIRBANKS–DENALI:
Journey aboard the Alaska Railroad

DENALI NATIONAL PARK:
Guided wilderness tour

BIG LAKE:
Visit Happy Trails Kennels and meet Iditarod mushers and their dogs

ANCHORAGE:
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center; orientation tour; farewell dinner at a local restaurant

KENAI:
Float trip on Kenai River

WHITTIER:
Cruise Prince William Sound

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Washington DC. (Sat.) Welcome to Washington DC! This evening, mingle with your fellow families at the 7 p.m. welcome dinner while your Tour Director prepares you for your upcoming adventure. (D)

Day 2:
Sights of Washington DC. (Sun.) Your half-day guided tour features ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY with the KENNEDY GRAVESITES, and VIETNAM, KOREAN, and WORLD WAR II MEMORIALS, as well as many other well-known sights. Also stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. End your tour at the INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM, focusing on human intelligence and the role spies have played in world events throughout history. Explore interactive exhibits about disguise, surveillance, threat analysis, and more. The afternoon is free to pursue your favorite interests. Maybe visit the Smithsonian Institute, Georgetown, the National Cathedral, or other prominent monuments and museums. Try our optional dinner tonight at one of Washington’s favorite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of beautiful monuments. (B)

Day 3:
Explore Mount Vernon. (Mon.) This morning, visit MOUNT VERNON, the restored home of George Washington. Tour the house and gardens, and visit the gravesite. The afternoon is free to relax by your hotel’s pool or take in additional sites. This evening, enjoy a COLONIAL-STYLE DINNER at a famous local tavern. You’ll have an opportunity to engage in a recreated supper experience savored by 18th-century patriots. (B,D)

Day 4:
Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg. (Tue.) Enter COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG’S HISTORIC AREA for a guided tour where costumed villagers add to the authenticity. Stroll down its quaint streets, browse through the historic trade shops, and see the Public Gaol. Also be sure to drop in at Raleigh Tavern, the meeting place for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and other patriots. While here you will have the chance to vote for or against independence, join the militia, or participate in the Election of Burgesses. This afternoon is at leisure, or you may join an optional excursion to nearby Busch Gardens with thrilling rides and attractions, 10 main stage shows, and a wide variety of foods and shops. (B)

Day 5:
Jamestown Settlement. (Wed.) At JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, costumed historical interpreters depict daily lives of people two and three centuries ago in faithfully recreated settings—a Powhatan Indian village, three replica ships that sailed from England in 1607, and the Colonial fort. Next, travel much the same route as Lee’s army during its invasion of Pennsylvania. Enjoy photo stops and panoramic vistas from Skyline Drive in beautiful SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, where you will stay for the night. (B,D)

Day 6:
Walk the Battle Lines of Gettysburg. (Thu.) Today continue across Maryland to GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK for time to vividly recount the Battle of 1863, and examine the experiences and emotions of the Southern soldiers in battle. This evening, enjoy a Colonial candlelit dinner at the elegant Dobbin House Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Later, a guided GHOST TOUR takes you to some of the quaint houses and gentle fields in and around the town of Gettysburg, where scores of haunted sightings of soldiers, moving again in battle lines, are common. (B,D)

Day 7:
Hershey’s Chocolate World & Amish Experience. (Fri.) Travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and visit HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD. Experience chocolate-making from bean to bar at a simulated factory and, of course, get a sample of the real Hershey’s product! Next stop is an AMISH FARM AND HOUSE where a Local Guide explains this faith, culture, and traditional way of life which excludes the use of modern conveniences such as electricity and telephones. Continue to Philadelphia, where your Tour Director and a historical personality host a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 8:
Depart Philadelphia. (Sat.) Your sightseeing focuses on the important buildings of this historic city, the birthplace of the nation. Major attractions include the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historic Park. Continue to the Philadelphia Airport for guests with homebound flights (please schedule flights from the Philadelphia Airport after 1:30 p.m.). For land-only guests who would like to return to Washington DC, the motorcoach will transfer passengers to the Capital Hilton at no additional cost. (B)

Dates & Prices

WASHINGTON DC:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit International Spy Museum

MOUNT VERNON:
Visit George Washington’s home

WILLIAMSBURG:
Visit Colonial Williamsburg; Colonial-style dinner

JAMESTOWN:
Visit Jamestown Settlement

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing

GETTYSBURG:
Visit Gettysburg National Historic Park; Dobbin House Tavern experience; ghost tour

HERSHEY:
Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World

LANCASTER:
Visit an Amish farm and house

PHILADELPHIA:
Orientation tour; farewell dinner

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Jackson. (Sat.) Welcome to the all-Western town of Jackson! Mix and mingle with your Tour Director and traveling companions at tonight’s welcome dinner. Board a covered wagon and ride into beautiful Cache Creek Canyon for a CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (D)

Day 2:
Snake River Adventure. (Sun.) Today, set out on a RIVER ADVENTURE in a comfortable raft that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons. Your experienced Local Guide will point out the flora and fauna wildlife indigenous to the area. The afternoon is free in Jackson to explore the shops and museums of historic downtown. This evening, you may opt to stroll along the downtown boardwalks and enjoy dinner at one of the swing-door saloons. (B)

Day 3:
Journey inside Yellowstone National Park. (Mon.) Head north through GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK and on to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Admire famous Old Faithful Geyser that has been erupting consistently for more than 100 years. Take a scenic drive, stopping at Fountain Paint Pots where you will see four of the geothermal features: fumaroles, geysers, hot springs, and a bubbling mudpot. Rejoin the loop road to enjoy photo stops at Yellowstone River’s Lower Falls—almost twice as high as Niagara. (B,D)

Day 4:
Exploration of Yellowstone. (Tue.) Time today to explore Yellowstone’s beautiful backcountry. Perhaps stroll along the Firehole River to one of the park’s backcountry geysers, visit remote bubbling mudpots, trek up a mountain pass with breathtaking scenic views, or hike through wildflower-filled meadows along a cool, sparkling creek. Be ready for fun and adventure as you immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Yellowstone’s wilderness. (B,D)

Day 5:
Experience Buffalo Bill Country. (Wed.) Near the east exit of the park, watch for wildlife as you leave Yellowstone for Cody, named after dashing Buffalo Bill Cody. This afternoon, visit the BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTER, which interprets the history of the American cowboy, dude ranching, Western conservation, and frontier entrepreneurship. Later this evening we have reserved grandstand tickets at the CODY RODEO for you. In the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” witness America’s original sport with fearless bull riders, high-flying broncs, brawny steer wrestlers, and daredevil rodeo clowns—the action is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! (B)

Day 6:
Explore Little Bighorn Battlefield. (Thu.) Enjoy this morning’s scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains on your way to the LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, and visit the museum. Continue on to the cattle town of Sheridan. (B,D)

Day 7:
Visit Crazy Horse & Mount Rushmore. (Fri.) Journey through the rolling hills of Wyoming’s Powder River Basin and the Black Hills, arriving in South Dakota. See CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honor of the fearless Sioux Indian chief. Afterward, explore MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, which features the monumental likenesses of four U.S. Presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Perhaps stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views, or visit the Information Center. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 8:
Depart Rapid City. (Sat.) Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to the Rapid City Airport. (B)

Dates & Prices

JACKSON:
Float trip; chuck wagon welcome dinner

YELLOWSTONE:
Sightseeing tour

CODY:
Visit Buffalo Bill Historical Center; Cody Rodeo

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD:
Sightseeing and visit museum

MOUNT RUSHMORE:
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial

RAPID CITY:
Farewell dinner

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Scottsdale. Welcome to sunny Scottsdale! This evening, kick off your vacation at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. During dinner, mix and mingle with your traveling companions in the Old West. (D)

Day 2:
Grand Canyon Sightseeing & Hiking. This morning, depart from Scottsdale, and travel north through cactus-studded scenery. Then set out for one of America’s most beautiful drives as you journey through Oak Creek Canyon, home to brilliantly hued cliffs and rugged spires of sandstone. Arrive at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. After sightseeing along the rim, time here can be spent hiking along the numerous trails. This evening be sure to watch the spectacular sunset. (B,D)

Special Feature: Your hotel is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and easy access for park hikes, a significant extra when traveling with Globus.

Day 3:
Meet the Navajos in Monument Valley. If you missed the sunset, sunrise is just as impressive! After breakfast your Tour Director will suggest optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon—definitely a thrill of a lifetime. Then leave via Desert View Point for more magnificent perspectives. On to MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK to see the 30,000 acres of stunning rock formations. This evening, join locals from the Navajo Nation at a special cookout in the middle of Monument Valley. The Navajo guides entertain with stories of yore, perform ancient song and dance, and will teach you how to make traditional Navajo frybread! (B,D)

Special Feature: Your overnight lodging is located in the heart of Monument Valley where Hollywood directors and stars stayed during the filming of famous motion pictures such as Stagecoach, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Forest Gump. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and special feature of your Globus vacation.

Day 4:
Off Road Monument Valley Adventure. This morning, enjoy a FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TOUR of Monument Valley with a knowledgeable Navajo guide. Explore the area’s oddly shaped monoliths, buttes, and mesas of red sandstone—the setting for some of John Ford’s most memorable films. Drive west to Lake Powell, where sparkling, blue water laps against towering, sheer, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be appreciated during free time at your hotel situated on Wahweap Marina. (B,D)

Day 5:
Glen Canyon Float Trip. See gigantic GLEN CANYON and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon on today’s float trip excursion on the Colorado River. The photo opportunities are unique. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting and take advantage of Adventure Cove with water trampolines, lounge chairs, kayaks, and water toys. (B)

Day 6:
Horseback Riding in Bryce Canyon. Depart from the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON, peppered with magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Head into Bryce on horseback, along with an experienced wrangler, retracing trails taken by the notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy while discovering the hidden secrets of Red Canyon and the solitude of the Wild West! (B,D)

Day 7:
Hiking in Zion National Park. Continue to nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To the Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty resembling natural temples and cathedrals, and they called it “Little Zion.” This morning, explore Zion Canyon’s unique geography and the natural world within the park. Later, head to Las Vegas, one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. This evening your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner in the Rainforest Café at the MGM Grand. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 8:
Depart Las Vegas. The vacation ends after breakfast with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are included. (B)

Dates & Prices

SCOTTSDALE:
Welcome dinner

GRAND CANYON:
Sightseeing and hiking; overnight lodging on the rim

MONUMENT VALLEY:
Four-wheel-drive guided excursion; overnight lodging in the heart of Monument Valley; Navajo cookout

LAKE POWELL:
Glen Canyon float trip

BRYCE CANYON:
Horseback riding

ZION NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing and hiking

LAS VEGAS:
Orientation tour; farewell dinner