12 Day National Parks Of America

Journey through five of America’s most incredible national parks. Your tour opens in Arizona where you will enjoy a stay in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Begin the day with a visit to the artists' colony of Sedona and see the amazing rock formations that change hue with each turn in the road. Later today, arrive at Lake Powell for dinner and sunset views of the lake.

Embark on a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell. Head to the Carl Hayden Visitors Center and look out over Glen Canyon Dam to see the end of Lake Powell. Afterward, travel through the beautiful scenery before arriving at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the spectacular Grand Canyon.* Upon arrival, relax at one of the many public seating areas overlooking the immense and colorful canyon.

Take a moment to reflect as you stand in awe of this iconic natural treasure. Before dinner you may wish to take a short hike to explore the area.

Today’s journey takes you to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within the park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time.

Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. End your day in Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park.

In terms of sheer magnitude and color, few places on Earth match the beauty of Zion National Park. Marvel at red and white sandstone cliffs as you take a full day to explore Utah’s first national park. Climb aboard Zion’s open-air tram and wind your way alongside the Virgin River and through the 2,400-foot deep, half-mile wide Zion Canyon.

This afternoon, it’s your choice! Delve into the area’s native American heritage and pioneer culture at the Zion Human History Museum -OR- venture off on your own to explore the park independently.

Enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City featuring the Great Salt Lake and the Utah State Capitol building. Then, take the rest of the day and evening to relax or explore more on your own. Perhaps you will choose to explore Temple Square – a beautifully landscaped area set in the heart of downtown.

The square’s centerpiece is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing structure is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ.

En route to Wyoming, see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later, arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson and experience a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck wagon* dinner.

The day is yours to enjoy Jackson Hole. From hiking and river-rafting to shopping and sampling the local cuisine, there are endless activities to make the most of your day.

From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America's oldest rocks.

Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park*** and explore the park’s incredible sights. Experience the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 130 feet in the air.

A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Yellowstone Lake and over Sylvan Pass. As you pass through Cody, stop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a tribute to one of the most well-known figures of the Old West.

Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument dedicated to Native Americans. Visit the Native American Cultural Center to learn more about local customs, when Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of different clothes.

Later, see one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. At tonight’s farewell dinner you will meet a local Lakota Native American and learn all about their fascinating way of life, past and present.

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many wonderful memories.