16 Day Ultimate National Parks Of The Usa
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ 13 nights accommodation in comfortable 3-4 star hotels
✓ Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
✓ 17 meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
✓ Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
✓ Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
✓ Services of English-speaking local guides
✓ Entrance fees per itinerary
✓ Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
✓ Gratuities for tour manager and coach driver are included
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to the USA! Arrive in Phoenix. Transfer independently (not included) to the hotel which is located in the colourful Old Town of Scottsdale, where the Old West meets the New West. The Scottsdale/Phoenix area, with its captivating desert setting has inspired artists for generations. This region is also home to acclaimed museums and architectural masterpieces including Frank Lloyd Wright's elegant buildings created from desert rocks and sand. Tonight's welcome meeting introduces you to your Tour Manager and the exciting program that awaits you. Afterward, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM on the day of arrival.
Early morning drive to picturesque Sedona, known for its distinctive red sandstone formations, delightful artists' colony, and unforgettable scenery. Stop to visit Montezuma Castle, site of the 12th and 13th-century Native American cliff dwellings. Here, you will journey back in time at this preserved prehistoric Indian ruin with its excavated treasures from the mysterious Sinagua people of the southwest. Arrive in Sedona with time to explore the town, or join the optional fun-filled Pink Jeep tour that takes you to an amazing 1,500 feet to the top of the Mogollon Rim.
Your afternoon drive takes you through winding Oak Creek Canyon on your way to the Tusayan, located directly outside the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, it is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Spend the evening at leisure.
Optional tour: Pink Jeep Excursion to Scenic Rim
Experience the magnificent views of Sedona on this Scenic Rim tour in a Pink Jeep. From this vantage point, you’ll see the majestic red rock formations that make Sedona world-famous and extraordinary views of the lowland deserts combined with the Ponderosa Pine forests of the high mountains. Along the trail stop for photos -- it is a photographer’s dream come true! Details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours. Stop(s) and amount of time spent, may vary depending on weather and traffic conditions. This activity is an off-road experience reaching elevations of 1500 ft and people with difficulty breathing, heart, back or other medical conditions should consider their health when choosing this optional.
A memorable day awaits to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with its unrivalled awe-inspiring views and breathtaking beauty. The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado plateau; it is truly a momentous and unforgettable experience. Almost 280 miles long, the Grand Canyon varies in width from one to eighteen miles, with the Colorado River winding below. As you depart the canyon, stop at the Desert Viewpoint to see the exceptional views, including the Painted Desert; the colours are astounding.
Travel to Page, in the Lake Powell region.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore Page independently.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Page. Consider joining the thrilling optional excursion to Monument Valley, including lunch. This great valley, with its rugged beauty, boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor.
Optional Tour: Full Day Excursion to Monument Valley with lunch
See the stark beauty of this great valley with its sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. These fragile pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs, trees and windblown sand, all comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. All of this harmoniously combines to make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience and an unforgettable day. Start at the Navajo Tribal Park with stops at "The Mittens" and "John Ford’s Point/Three Sisters" Overlooks for fantastic photo opportunities. Learn more about the native craft of rug weaving at a demonstration by Navajo Hogan craftsmen before enjoying a Navajo Taco lunch at Goulding's Stagecoach Restaurant. Enjoy some free time to browse through the Goulding's Museum before returning to your hotel. Transfers to and from the hotel are included. Details to be advised locally.
Approximate optional tour duration is 8 hours.
Morning drive to Bryce Canyon, a wondrous land of pines, pinnacles and oddly sculpted formations known as hoodoos, resembling the towers of fairy tale castles, created by the wind and water erosion over eons of time. Magnificent spires tinted with many colours of pink orange and red put on a captivating show as the light changes during the day. The sights are truly a delight for photographers. Perhaps you'll see some of the park's abundant wildlife, including elk, coyotes and much more.
After a quick lunch, continue to charming Springdale, located outside Zion National Park.
Upon arrival, the evening is at leisure.
Today, discover the wonderland of Zion National Park, where red desert rocks splashed with vivid colours mingle with rolling rivers and lush green canyons. Its colorful sandstone canyons and dramatic peaks and cliffs are contrasted by desert oases with abundant pools and cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye on the sky because Zion is home to golden eagles, falcons and the endangered California condor. Highlights also include the famous trio of peaks known as the Three Patriarchs.
Tonight, enjoy dinner together with your group.
Continue north for Salt Lake City. Here tour historic Temple Square, a beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake. At the centre of this, is the six-spired Salt Lake Temple. Also located on the Square is the domed Tabernacle, home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Afterwards, arrive at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Today, leave Utah for rugged Wyoming.
After lunch on your own, proceed to Jackson. There is time to shop in the towns many stores for genuine cowboy gear.
Tonight, try one of the many local restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Be sure to stop at the world-famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, known for its music and dancing as well as its large collection of western memorabilia.
Depart Jackson for magnificent Grand Teton National Park in northwest Wyoming with its jagged peaks, glaciers, lakes and dense forests rich with wildlife. Visit the Chapel of the Transfiguration, built in 1925 at the south entrance of Grand Teton National Park before continuing to Yellowstone.
An extraordinary experience as you enter spectacular Yellowstone National Park, a breathtaking natural wonderland established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States. Yellowstone is home to countless hot springs and two-thirds of all of the geysers in the world, highlighted by its awe-inspiring rock formations and the famed geyser, "Old Faithful".
Upon arrival, head towards the Lower Loop and arrive at Old Faithful for time to explore and lunch at leisure. Next, cross the Continental Divide; here water flows on one side to the Gulf of Mexico and the other side flows to the Pacific.
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Yellowstone National Park.
Begin the day in Yellowstone with a visit to the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its turbulent river; 24 miles of twisting, sheer rock cliffs carved 1,200 feet deep. Then on to Mammoth Hot Springs, a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine, created thousands of years ago. Continue to the Lower Geyser Basin to Fountain Paint Pots along the Firehole River before returning to your hotel. All the while, be on the lookout for bison, bears, elk and eagles in this sweeping glacial valley.
Depart Yellowstone National Park for Cody.
After lunch at leisure, continue with an afternoon tour of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and experience the authentic story of the American West. Spend the evening exploring historic downtown Cody filled with western art galleries and unique restaurants. Perhaps experience the live sights and sounds of the Cody Night Rodeo, or a lively cowboy music revue.
Morning departure to Sheridan, Wyoming set halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, with its dramatic vistas of the striking Big Horn mountains. The town's authentic Main Street is lined with historic buildings, offering Old West appeal in a modern setting.
After lunch, on your own, continue to Rapid City. Upon arrival, your evening is at leisure.
This morning, head to the magnificent Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The faces of four American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - are carved into the granite mountainside high above the treetops of the Black Hills. The carving took 14 years to complete and serves today as a priceless shrine of democracy.
This afternoon visit the Crazy Horse Memorial that started over 50 years ago by Chief Henry Standing Bear who invited sculptors to carve a mountain honouring the heritage, tradition, and culture of North American Indians. Today, this tribute is still incomplete.
After lunch on your own, return to Rapid City. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner celebrates the end of your trip.
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight.
We hope you'e been inspired.
Crossing over the date-line.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,000 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares and transfers. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities:
Costs are per person. Tour descriptions are in the day-by-day itinerary.
The optional tours and shore excursions can only be purchased on-tour with your guide or the ship staff, and are payable in local currency ($NZD prices are a guidance only and affected by currency exchange rates). Optional tours are subject to conditions such as traffic, weather and sightseeing schedules, as well as minimum numbers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: This moderately active program covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking on some touring days. There are two long bus rides necessary to cover the territory (Salt Lake City to Jackson and Cody to Rapid City). The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, steps and slopes. The altitude in the National Parks varies and may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. Hotels in National Parks provide limited amenities. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. Airport transfers are not included. Consider a taxi or shared ride service as the least expensive options.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,299 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of your return.
USA - An E-Visa waiver is required.
To begin your visa application please click HERE.
Information required:
Wait for it to be approved and you will be notified via email within approximately 48 hours.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
15-38 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Unparalleled value for money is the name of the game. These tours tick all the boxes with loads of inclusions: sightseeing highlights, quality accommodation, transfers, private transportation, breakfasts and some meals. You will be travelling with up to 38 Inspiring Vacations guests and the tour will be escorted by an expert, local tour leader.
Children
Children must be 8 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
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