Western Frontiers

Depart the UK on your chosen flight to Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon arrival, you will make your to the Harrahs Hotel, which is located just a short ride away from the airport. The rest of the day/evening is free for you to explore the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’.

Today you will embark on an epic encounter with the American Frontier, but before you do you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the centre of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. With sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip, you’ll take in all the glitz and glamour. 

You’ll leave the shimmering Sin City skyline behind as you journey to the canyons and towering cliffs of Zion National Park, following the footsteps of brave pioneers and first nation settlers. Then it’s onward to the enchanting landscapes of Bryce Canyon. Admire its rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah’s skies.

Travel north to Utah’s capital to see its Mormon centre – Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Learn about the basic beliefs and history of the Mormon pioneers which brought about the building of the temple and the Tabernacle, home of the Tabernacle Choir. This evening, enjoy an optional dinner at the Roof Restaurant, Utah’s premier gourmet dining location.

Delve into the heritage of thousands of pioneers who braved the Oregon Trail, stopping in Montpelier at the Oregon Trail Center. Experience first-hand what life was like along a wagon trail heading west in the 1850s and enjoy lunch at a covered wagon-themed restaurant before departing to scenic Jackson. Admire the spectacular scenery at the foot of the icy peaks of the Grand Tetons as you spend an evening at leisure.

Journey through the alpine terrain of Grand Teton National Park en route to the UNESCO-listed Yellowstone National Park. (When the south entrance is closed due to weather conditions, the itinerary will travel west from Jackson via Idaho and enter Yellowstone National Park through the west entrance.) You’ll spend two nights in the world’s oldest national park at one of its cosy lodges, each with their own unique setting and atmosphere.

Explore the rusting walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, keeping a keen eye out for bison and elk, before joining your Travel Director for an exploration of the park’s bubbling hot springs and mud paint pots. Old Faithful puts on a spectacular show as its water arcs impressively up into the air. And there amidst the geothermal wonderland, you enjoy a relaxed evening under the canopy of Yellowstone’s stars.

Tip your Stetson in tribute to “Buffalo Bill” whose hometown of Cody is your next stop on this pioneer trail. Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum complex to gain a deeper understanding of the Spirit of the American West. Then it’s on to Big Sky Country where you’ll ‘Connect with Locals’ in an effortlessly delivered encounter with “Happy Pappy” and some true Western hospitality.

Your day begins with a visit to Little Bighorn, the infamous battlefield where the ill-fated Custer led his men against a battalion of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Then, travel east through the Black Hills to Rapid City, which provides your base for the next two nights of your adventure.

Venture into the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. Drive through the magnificent natural landscape that paves your way to the base of Crazy Horse Memorial. Admire the colossal carved face of the famed Lakota war chief and learn how your visit makes a difference in by preserving Native American Culture. Visit Mount Rushmore to view the faces of former American presidents etched into the granite rock-face, then meet Stephen Yellowhawk in Rapid City and experience his tribe’s history through dance and song during the farewell dinner.

Your foray through the American Frontier is at its end, you say farewell to new-found friends and traverse some of the West’s most beautiful terrain as you travel through Wyoming’s expansive grasslands to Denver, the Mile High City. Once your coach drops you in downtown, check in at the Sheraton Downtown hotel where you will spend your last two nights exploring the delights of Denver. Experience this walkable city which offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, a bustling selection of cafes, restaurants and local brew-pubs and plenty of shopping. Explore Denver’s creative side at the Denver Art Museum, with its famous American Indian art collection, take a visit to Denver Zoo, peruse the flora at Denver Botanical Gardens or see a concert under the stars at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.

There may be time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you need to make your way to Denver International airport for your flight home.