1. Arrive San Francisco
Tour begins: 5:30 PM at The Westin San Francisco Market Street. Welcome to one of the world’s most beloved cities, San Francisco. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city’s South of Market (SoMa) district, with easy access to must-see attractions. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Explore San Francisco by Land & Sea
Explore San Francisco just about every possible way – by cable car, catamaran and coach. Today’s sightseeing begins with a tour of crooked Lombard Street; bustling Fisherman’s Wharf; North Beach, noted for its 1950s beat generation; Twin Peaks; and a look at Victorian San Francisco to view Victorian, Italianate and Queen Anne-style architectural treasures. Then it’s all aboard a catamaran for a private cruise – the perfect way to experience the San Francisco Bay. Sail by Alcatraz Island, cross under the Golden Gate Bridge for an amazing view of this landmark, and look for sea lions that commonly frequent these waters. Meals B

3. Sights of San Francisco
A mecca for food lovers, the bayfront Ferry Terminal Building in the Embarcadero buzzes with artisan food shops, restaurants and wine bars, in addition to fresh Farmers Market produce. Join an epicurean concierge for an unprecedented culinary experience on a customized tour of San Francisco’s exciting food culture featuring exclusive tastings and specialty talks. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure in San Francisco, exploring as you please. Meals B

4. Muir Woods / Sonoma Valley
Journey to Sonoma Valley today, one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world. Stop en route for a guided visit that takes you deep within the heart of redwood groves to Muir Woods National Monument; see magnificent centuries-old Coast Redwood trees, averaging between 500 to 800 years old. Arrive at your resort in Sonoma where the rest of the day is free. Meals B

5. Wine Train / Napa Valley
Embark on a journey aboard the Wine Train through the vineyards of Napa Valley. Return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel on a 36-mile excursion through lush valleys that ends in the quaint village of St. Helena; dine in a restored 1917 Pullman Dining Car, replete with rich mahogany and etched glass. Upon your return to the resort, take a walk through Sonoma with your Tauck Director or spend time enjoying the resort’s amenities. Meals BLD

6. Natural Treasures of Wine Country
You may choose to start the day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley (additional $245 per person); your adventure ends with a champagne breakfast. Experience the natural treasures of California’s wine country today during a private tour, lunch and tasting at the Benziger Family Winery, followed by an afternoon visit to COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. Join us for a wine and cheese reception this evening, followed by a farewell dinner. Meals BLD

7. Journey Home
Travel from Sonoma to San Francisco (approximately 45 miles). Tour ends: 10:00 AM at San Francisco International Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Private Catamaran Cruise ~ Wine Train ~ Muir Woods ~ Sausalito ~ Wineries

Private Tauck Catamaran Cruise
Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island on a private catamaran cruise in San Francisco Bay.

Sonoma Wine Tasting
Discover the heart and soul of the Sonoma Valley when you visit the estate vineyards of the Benziger Family Winery for a private tour, lunch and tasting.

Epicurean Tour of Ferry Terminal Building
Join a culinary expert for an exclusive guided tour of the Ferry Terminal Building, a landmark on the Embarcadero waterfront, experiencing an unprecedented taste of San Francisco treats.
 

DAY 1. Arrive Scottsdale
Tour begins: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess at 5:30 PM. A private transfer is included from the airport to your five-star, Spanish Colonial-styled Fairmont resort. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

DAY 2. Montezuma Castle / Grand Canyon
Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument to see the Sinagua cliff dwellings, then on to Sedona where a guided walking tour takes you back in time to the days of the early settlers. Continue through Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park – during your stay, attend a talk by geology and wildlife expert Canyon Dave. Meals BD

DAY 3. Grand Canyon National Park
Spend the morning exploring the canyon rim and Canyon Village as you please; travel through the Navajo Reservation and the Painted Desert to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. Meals BD

DAY 4. Lake Powell / Flightseeing
Tauck takes you to see the lake’s hidden wonders by air, and by water or by jeep. An included 30-minute morning flight affords breathtaking views of remote reaches of the lake; see Rainbow Bridge. An optional four-hour flightseeing excursion to Monument Valley is available at additional cost ($180 per person). You have a choice of a lake cruise or a jeep adventure to Antelope Canyon. Meals BD

DAY 5. River Float Trip / RAVEN-Series Lecture
Enjoy a close-up view of nature’s handiwork on an inspiring float trip along the Colorado River through Glen Canyon, led by a river adventure guide who imparts a wealth of knowledge about the canyon. Lunch in Kanab, Utah, is complemented by a RAVEN-series interpretive lecture on often-overlooked qualities of water, a vital component in the complex ecology of the Southwest. Arrive in Bryce Canyon National Park, a wondrous land of pines, pinnacles, and immense rock amphitheatres where erosion has created oddly sculptured formations known as hoodoos, resembling the towers of fairy-tale castles. Meals BLD

DAY 6. Wonders of Bryce Canyon & Zion
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of Bryce Canyon’s renowned hiking trails. Travel across southwestern Utah to Zion National Park, where colorful sandstone canyons and 3,000-foot-high palisades tower above the lush greenery of the canyon floor. Meals BLD

DAY 7. Zion National Park / Las Vegas
The morning is yours to explore Zion at leisure; its dramatic peaks, odd geologic formations, sparkling pools, waterfalls, and mighty canyons that are splashed with vivid colors are compelling. Depart Zion National Park for a journey across the colorful northeastern Mojave Desert, and arrive late afternoon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner, where a true “hint of magic” ends a phenomenal week. Meals BLD

DAY 8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Las Vegas, Nevada. Fly home anytime; an airport transfer is not included. Checkout time at Caesars Palace is 12:00 noon. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

8 Days from $2,250 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Price Per Person

April, May, June
Double $2360 Single $2990 Triple $2185
(double with rollaway)

July, August
Double $2250 Single $2824 Triple $2099
(double with rollaway)

September, October
Double $2420 Single $3036 Triple $2259
(double with rollaway)

Special departures are available where the single price is from $2624. Inquire at time of booking.
 

Grand Canyon Talk by Canyon Dave
Enjoy an ecological talk in Grand Canyon National Park by Canyon Dave, a geology expert who offers insights into geology, animals, birds, and wildflowers.

RAVEN-Series Ecology Lecture
Attend a fascinating interpretive lecture on the complex qualities of water in the Southwest en route to the oddly sculptured formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Guided Walking Tour of Sedona
Discover the colorful history of Sedona, from the early settlers to the cowboys, artists and Hollywood celebrities who shaped this legendary, picturesque town.
 

1. Arrive El Paso, Texas
Tour departs: 3:00 PM from El Paso International Airport. Welcome to the Southwest! Your journey through New Mexico’s colorful desert wonderland begins with a tour of El Paso, Texas’ Sun City on the Rio Grande. Attend a lecture by a veteran conservationist on the bats of Carlsbad Caverns, followed by a cocktail party, dinner, and private showing at the El Paso Museum of Art. Meals D

2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Your first stop on a full day’s drive in New Mexico is a visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where hundreds of limestone caves lie in a fossil reef 250 million years old. Explore gigantic Carlsbad Cavern itself, which humorist Will Rogers called “the Grand Canyon with a roof on it.” Have lunch on a Pecos River cruise before crossing the Chihuahuan Desert to your resort, Inn of the Mountain Gods, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Meals BLD

3. White Sands National Monument
Enjoy a morning excursion to White Sands National Monument – where gypsum dunes form a sea of snow-white sand – before spending the remainder of the day at leisure at your mountain resort. Meals BD

4. Discover Albuquerque
Journey to Albuquerque’s 300-year-old Old Town today to explore its delightful mix of historic Pueblo and Spanish Colonial architecture. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the diverse amenities of your celebrated resort including a soothing spa and sports activities; luxurious pueblo-style guest rooms showcase the traditional designs and rich history of the Tamayame. Meals BD

5. A City of Many Flavors – Santa Fe
Native American, Spanish, and Old West influences blend to form a unique cultural mixture in Santa Fe, crossroads of the historic Southwest. Take a walking tour of the Plaza, terminus of the famed Santa Fe Trail, and get a good sense of Southwestern cuisine at a lunch highlighting the city’s diverse cultures. Meals BLD

6. Inspirational Taos
Taos’ deserts and forests have long attracted artists seeking inspiration. At Taos Pueblo, see the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. View multi-storied adobe buildings that have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Meals BL

7. Private Museum Visit / Bandelier
Enjoy a private morning visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum before it opens to the public; the museum houses over 2,990 of her paintings, drawings, and sculpture. See the ancient ruins of cliff houses and pueblos at Bandelier National Monument, several thousand ancestral Pueblo dwellings nestled in the sheer-walled canyons. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: 8:15 AM at Albuquerque International Sunport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. Meals B

Airfare is additional – Tauck can book your air, to El Paso and from Albuquerque, for travel originating in the U.S., subject to availability; inquire at booking for special airfares that may be available.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins, or about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Carlsbad Caverns ~ White Sands Nat. Monument ~ Albuquerque ~ Taos Pueblo ~ Santa Fe ~ Bandelier Nat. Monument

Private Lecture, Bats of Carlsbad Caverns
A conservationist enlightens at a private RAVEN-series presentation on the bats of Carlsbad Caverns.

Lunch aboard a cruise on the Pecos River
Cruise along the Pecos River for a look at the history and legends of the surrounding high desert community.

Private Visit to El Paso Museum of Art
Attend a private cocktail party and dinner at the El Paso Museum of Art, known for its Italian Renaissance collection.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Tucson
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Welcome to Tucson! Transfers from Tucson International Airport are included to your first night’s hotel, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Tucson lies in a stunning Southwest desert setting beneath rugged mountains. Your resort is nestled among the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by desert gardens and natural rock formations. You’ll have some time to stroll the grounds or take a quick dip in the pool before joining us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the resort. Meals D

2. Mexico / Board Train
More than a century of habitation in this desert valley has created a unique blend of cultures. See the downtown area, then travel to San Xavier del Bac Mission. Built in the 18th century, the double-towered white mission is a striking blend of Spanish, Moorish and Mexican styles. Following lunch in the historic community of Tubac, cross the Mexican border to Nogales for a private rail journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express. The entire train is reserved exclusively for Tauck’s guests; settle in, meet the crew and relax in the comfortable lounges of the train as your unforgettable journey begins! Meals BLD

3. Discover Colonial El Fuerte
Visit a Mayo Indian village for a demonstration of local dances before arriving for lunch in the colorful town of El Fuerte, colonized by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century; it emerged as an important commercial and missionary center, renowned for its unique architecture. Take a float trip on the river for some local bird watching, and visit the town’s museum for an expansive view of the city, before spending the remainder of the day at Posada del Hidalgo, a colonial mansion built in 1890 for a wealthy and influential alcalde (mayor). Surrounded by gardens and reputed to be El Fuerte’s largest and most beautiful mansion, its exquisite design blends colonial charm with modern-day amenities. Meals BLD

4. Copper Canyon Adventure
Follow the route of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad as it climbs from sea level to 8,000 feet through 83 tunnels, and over 35 trestles to Mexico’s Copper Canyon. View the scenery from open-air observation decks or the enclosed dome car; travel in the only rail cars that have been specially equipped and adapted for this Copper Canyon rail excursion. Upon arriving at Divisadero on the Sierra Madre Plateau, enjoy a delightful stroll to the canyon rim. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the landscape before you is yours alone – the peace and quiet will astound you. Join us for a margarita and family-style dinner at Posada Barrancas Mirador overlooking the canyon, a paradise for bird watchers. Meals BLD

5. Tarahumara Culture in Creel
Beautiful Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara, isolated here for centuries. The Tarahumara still reside in warm caves deep in the canyon, and make their way to high plateaus in summer months to tend their fields. Journey to Creel to visit with these shy people in their dwellings – handicrafts are made in the ways of their ancestors. Return to your hotel, located on the edge of the canyon, for time at leisure. Your accommodations have a style and design that reflects the Tarahumara influence as well as the local style and culture of the state of Chihuahua. Meals BLD

6. Copper Canyon
Spend the early morning hours at the rim of the canyon, with a final opportunity to view the dramatic vistas. The Sierra Madre Express descends on a fascinating journey through the beautiful canyons, where spectacular views unfold at every turn. Overnight accommodations are aboard Sierra Madre Express as it winds its way through Sonora. Meals BLD

7. Return to Tucson
In the morning hours, Sierra Madre Express pulls into the station at Magdalena. Bid farewell to the friendly train crew; clear customs and travel to Tucson, the starting point of your journey into Copper Canyon. Spend the afternoon at leisure at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, with an opportunity to enjoy the resort’s many amenities. We invite you to join us for a farewell drink before dinner, a chance to reflect on your amazing rail adventure in Mexico! Meals BLD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Tucson, Arizona. A transfer is included from The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa to Tucson International Airport. You should allow two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

8 Days from $4,160 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Price Per Person

Train Compartment Type 1
Upper and lower beds, sink and toilet

Double $4160 Single $6960 Triple N/A

Train Compartment Type 2
Two lower beds, sink and toilet
Double $4330 Single N/A Triple N/A

The Tarahumara People
Explore the cultural heritage of the Tarahumara – centuries-old traditions found in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains.

Sierra Madre Express – Tauck Exclusive!
Witness spectacular scenery and a close look at a timeless culture on an adventurous rail excursion voted “Most Exciting Train Journey in the World.”

Historic Colonial Mansion – El Fuerte
Spend the night in a historic colonial mansion, lavishly built in 1890, surrounded by tropical gardens.

Panoramic Canyon Vistas
Savor breathtaking views from Posada Barrancas Mirador on a two-night stay, where you are close to the highest point in the canyon. Nighttime skies are equally spectacular, showcasing starry vistas in their natural glory.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Seattle
Tour begins: 6:30 PM at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. Welcome to Seattle, nestled between scenic Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel, a Seattle landmark since 1924. Meals D

2. Explore Seattle, the “Emerald City”
Explore the city today on a sightseeing excursion that takes you to the site of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, where Seattle’s best-known landmark, the Space Needle, made its debut; the views of majestic Mount Rainier, the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains are awe-inspiring. Visit Pike Place Market before spending the remainder of the day exploring Seattle at your leisure. Meals B

3. Cascade Mountains / Orchards
Journey along the Skykomish River into the Cascade Mountains, and descend the eastern slopes to the Bavarian alpine village of Leavenworth – the surrounding peaks may remind you of the European Alps. Travel to Washington’s sun belt, where apple and peach orchards blanket the rolling countryside. The scenery changes as you follow the Columbia River into cowboy, cattle and horse country. Arrive at your mountain lodge, overlooking the North Cascades, for the next two nights. Meals BD

4. Visit the Smokejumpers / Sun Mountain Lodge
Meet the famed Smokejumpers this morning, considered the most highly skilled wild land fire fighters in the U.S. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps hiking or riding the area’s many trails or visiting the historic town of Winthrop, embodying the spirit of the Old West. Meals BLD

5. Cascades / San Juan Islands
View some of America’s highest peaks in the Cascade Mountains en route to British Columbia, indulging in the scenic beauty of one of North America’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Traverse the North Cascades and see Skagit, a power project including three lakes, three dams and three power plants that light the city of Seattle. Visit La Conner, a 19th-century Victorian fishing village, before taking a ferry through the San Juan Islands, refuge to many wildlife species including the bald eagle. Your final destination today is The Fairmont Empress, located on the waterfront in beautiful Victoria. Meals B

6. The Butchart Gardens / Victoria
Venture outside of Victoria this morning to visit The Butchart Gardens and experience a regal afternoon tea at your hotel, enjoying a favorite local tradition. Meals BD

7. Flightseeing / Vancouver
Fly by floatplane over the scenic Gulf Islands to Vancouver, set beneath the peaks of the Coast Mountains; visit Stanley Park before crossing the 49th Parallel, denoting the international border between Canada and the U.S., to Washington. Spend the night at Semiahmoo Resort. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD

8. Journey Home
Drive back to Seattle this morning from Blaine, WA, approximately 115 miles. Tour ends: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 11:30 AM. Allow a minimum of two hours for your flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

Airfare is additional – Tauck can book your air to and from Seattle, for travel originating in the U.S., subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

Note: Due to seasonal ferry schedules, tours departing early June and late September will cruise to Victoria via the BC ferries through the Gulf Islands, instead of via the Washington State Ferries through the San Juan Islands.
 

Seattle ~ Columbia River ~ San Juan Islands ~ Victoria ~ Vancouver

Cruise through the San Juan Islands
Take a ferry through the beautiful San Juan Islands, where prolific wildlife includes Orca whales and bald eagles.

The Smokejumpers
Meet the famed Smokejumpers, elite specialists who are considered the most skilled U.S. wild land fire fighters.

Afternoon Tea in Victoria
Indulge in one of Victoria’s grandest traditions when you join us for a regal afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Denver
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Sheraton Hotel Denver. A transfer from the airport is not included. Tauck’s adventure through some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. begins at your stylish hotel in the heart of Denver. Join us tonight for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Head high into the Rockies on a daylong excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow Trail Ridge Road over the tops of mighty mountain ranges; the views of the canyons, rivers and valleys thousands of feet below are magnificent. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, or bear as you descend through the valleys of pine and aspen that lead back to Denver. Meals B

3. Vail and Aspen, Rockies Resort Towns
Fashionable, trendy, and oh so “hot” – descriptions of Vail and Aspen, two of the most popular ski resorts in the Rockies! Spend some free time on your own in Vail Village, dotted with chalets and boutiques, galleries, and outdoor cafés, then continue on to Aspen. Explore the area around the Maroon Bells – twin peaks more than 14,000 ft. high – and arrive at the Inn at Aspen for two nights. Meals BD

4. Aspen As-You-Please
Your day is free to spend as you please in Aspen, a historic old mining camp turned glamorous ski resort town; optional activities (available at additional cost) include golf, tennis, rafting and horseback riding. Meals B

5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Explore the narrow gorges, sheer rock walls, and dramatic depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, home to the Peregrine Falcon, the world’s fastest bird. Continue on to Durango for an overnight at the Strater Hotel, a Victorian landmark dating to 1887. Meals BLD

6. Narrow Gauge Railroad / Mesa Verde
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad connects the two old mining towns on a rail journey through canyon-lined valleys – travel aboard a private parlor car, a Tauck Exclusive! Spend the night at a lodge inside Mesa Verde National Park, where a reception features a private lecture by an archaeologist. Meals BD

7. Mesa Verde National Park
Today’s exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a visit to the well-preserved cliff dwellings of Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here between 600 and 1300 AD, plus a native heritage luncheon. Enjoy magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park en route to a two-night luxury resort stay on the Colorado River in Utah. Meals BLD

8. Arches National Park
Take your choice of horseback riding or river rafting at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa. An excursion to Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, provides memorable photographs. Join us for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Meals BLD

9. Journey Home
Travel approximately 113 miles today from Moab to Grand Junction. Tour ends: 9:00 AM at Walker Field Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Travel West or East – The Westbound Tour is presented here; The Eastbound Tour begins at 3:00 PM at Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction and travels to Denver, ending at the Sheraton Hotel Denver. For the full Eastbound itinerary inquire at the time of booking.

Travel West or East – The Westbound Tour is presented here; The Eastbound Tour begins at 3:00 PM at Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction and travels to Denver, ending at the Sheraton Hotel Denver. For the full Eastbound itinerary inquire at the time of booking.

Dates & Prices

9 Days from $2,490 plus airfare
(8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 6 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double $2490 Single $3346 Triple $2210
(double with roll-away)

Airfare is additional – Tauck can book your air, to Denver and from Grand Junction, for travel originating in the U.S., subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Visit Five National Parks of the West
Explore the extraordinary western landscapes of Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, and Arches national parks.

Private Parlor Car – Narrow Gauge Rail
Take an exciting journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad aboard Tauck’s private parlor car through the spectacular canyons along the Animas River.

Private Lecture, Mesa Verde National Park
Attend a private lecture by an archaeologist working to preserve Pueblo cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, aided by Tauck through the Traveler’s Conservation Foundation.
 

DAY 1. Arrive Salt Lake City
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hilton Salt Lake City Center. A transfer is included from Salt Lake City International Airport to Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Please join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

DAY 2. Discover Salt Lake City
Sightseeing includes the interesting downtown architecture, residential areas and the This is the Place Monument – it was here that Brigham Young envisioned the building of this Mormon city. Travel to one of ten venues of the 2002 Winter Olympics; the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Salt Lake City on your own, perhaps visiting Temple Square, the Tabernacle, Beehive House or the Family History Library. This evening, learn all about the ecology of the Great Salt Lake Basin during a fascinating RAVEN-series lecture on the topic. Meals B

DAY 3. Utah / Idaho / Wyoming
Travel north along the edge of the Great Salt Lake into Idaho, and have a pioneer lunch on a visit to the National Oregon / California Trail Center. Continue on into Wyoming – the soul of the rugged West, boasting spectacular mountains, silver streams, oil wells, grasslands, cowboys and warm, hospitable people. Enjoy a brief visit in the town of Jackson before arriving in Grand Teton National Park for two nights at Jackson Lake Lodge. During your stay, participate in an interpretive walk on the park’s natural and social history. Meals BL

DAY 4. Snake River / Tetons
Take a scenic ten-mile raft trip on the Snake River as it meanders through stunning alpine scenery that is the natural habitat of moose, elk, deer, beavers and many species of birds including the bald eagle. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Grand Teton National Park, free to enjoy the optional activities available at Jackson Lake Lodge, from horseback riding to fishing. Meals BD

DAY 5. Yellowstone National Park
Depart Grand Teton National Park this morning; view sparkling Jenny Lake and arrive midday in Yellowstone National Park – established in 1872 as the United States’ first national park, and the first of its kind in the world. Approximately every 90 minutes, Yellowstone’s most famous feature, Old Faithful Geyser, lives up to its name by shooting a plume of steam skyward. You’ll have an opportunity during Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks to volunteer on a special service project with park experts, made possible by Tauck’s long-standing relationship with the national parks. Meals BLD

DAY 6. Geysers and Canyons
With 10,000 hot springs, thundering waterfalls, two-thirds of all geysers in the world and endless forests, Yellowstone inspires awe. Follow the Firehole River to the Fountain Paint Pot, one of many bubbling, colorful mud pots. View the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved by the churning waters of the Yellowstone River. Spend tonight along the tranquil shores of Yellowstone Lake. Meals BD

DAY 7. Explore Historic Cody
A journey along winding mountain roads leads from the wonders of Yellowstone to the open oil and cattle lands found in western Wyoming’s cowboy country. Founded by frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896, the town of Cody changed little during the 20th century. Explore the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which includes the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Draper Museum of Natural History and the Plains Indian Museum. Depending on the time of year, attend the Cody Rodeo (seasonal) or the Dan Miller Cowboy Music Revue tonight. Meals BD

DAY 8. Bighorn Mountains
Experience the scenic splendor of the Bighorn Mountains as you traverse beautiful canyons and endless mountain vistas, where cowboys work amidst stunning blankets of grassland and seasonal flowers; enjoy a western ranch experience at The Ranch at Ucross today. Meals BLD

DAY 9. Mount Rushmore / Crazy Horse
Travel into the Black Hills of South Dakota, and visit the Crazy Horse Memorial; upon completion, it will be the largest stone carving in the world. Continue on to Mount Rushmore National Memorial – see carved in rock the faces of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Journey to Rapid City, and join us tonight for a farewell reception followed by dinner. Meals BLD

DAY 10. Journey Home
Tour ends: Rapid City, South Dakota. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from Radisson Hotel Rapid City to Rapid City Regional Airport. You should allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Travel North or South – Both itineraries are identical, but operate in reverse – the North Tour is presented here. The South Tour begins at 6:00 PM in Rapid City and travels to Salt Lake City, and ends with a transfer to Salt Lake International Airport. For the full South itinerary inquire at the time of booking.