RESERVATIONS  1 800 322 6677


VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
America’s Magnificent National Parks
Bozeman to Las Vegas (npk09)
View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-16]  print friendly version
Day Schedules and Accommodations
1
[top]
Depart Home / Arrive Bozeman, Montana

Your “Best of the West” journey begins in Big Sky Country with a Welcome Reception and trip briefing.

Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman      
2
[top]
Bozeman / Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The world’s first national park is a wilderness of craggy peaks, alpine lakes, magnificent canyons, and a huge variety of wildlife. Upon arriving in the park, you’ll take a tour to view many of the park’s highlights, including the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the Brink of the Falls where the river plunges 300 feet into Yellowstone Canyon, and Dragon Mouth Springs.


Old Faithful Snow Lodge   (B)
3
[top]
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders are the focus of this morning’s tour, as you view Firehole Canyon, Fountain Paint Pots, and Middle Geyser Basin. The highlight, of course, is Old Faithful, which never fails to inspire awe with its roaring plume of steam and boiling water. After enjoying lunch in the Old Faithful area, the afternoon and evening are free to explore the grandeur of Yellowstone.



Old Faithful Snow Lodge   (B,L)
4
[top]
Yellowstone / Jackson Hole, Wyoming

You’ll love the drive from the high plateau of Yellowstone to the valley of Jackson Hole, where the Grand Tetons soar above glacial lakes. We’ll follow Lewis Canyon out of Yellowstone, then tour Grand Teton National Park, with a stop at the Mt. Moran Lookout and a drive on the Jenny Lake Loop.
Cultural Connection: Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit Jackson Hole’s Wildlife Refuge
Center to meet Ken Thomasma, Old West expert and author. Ken will discuss Sacajawea and her journey with Lewis & Clark. On some departures, Ken’s son Dan Thomasma, a musician and historian of the music of the Old West, will meet the group instead to share songs and stories from pioneer days. Tonight you may choose to see the famous Jackson “Shoot Out” in the town square (seasonal) or perhaps stop in the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.



Snow King Resort Hotel      (B,L)
5
[top]
Jackson Hole / Salt Lake City, Utah

Enjoy a scenic drive to Salt Lake City, with lunch en route. Cultural Connection: Your introduction to the city will be a panoramic city tour, including a stop at Temple Square for a guided walking tour led by a Mormon missionary. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner.



Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown      (B,L,D)
6
[top]
Salt Lake City

Cultural Connection: The day begins with a demonstration on researching your family tree at the renowned Family Search Center of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints.
Then, tour the 2002 Winter Olympic Site in Park City. You’ll then have the evening at your leisure.



Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown      (B)
7
[top]
Salt Lake City / Moab, Utah

This morning enjoy a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir or a visit to Brigham Young’s “This is the Place Heritage Park,” depending upon your departure. Then travel to Moab through Red Rock country, stopping en route for lunch and a visit to the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. Tonight join us for an optional “Canyonlands By Night” barbecue and float trip.



Best Western Canyonlands Inn      (B,L)
8
[top]
Moab / Kayenta, Arizona

As you tour lovely Arches National Park, you’ll marvel at such geological phenomena as Balanced Rock and Parade of Elephants Arch. After an included lunch, continue on a scenic drive through Utah to Kayenta, Arizona, and Navajo Nation land. Enjoy time on your own this evening.



Hampton Inn Monument Valley   (B,L)
9
[top]
Kayenta / Grand Canyon, Arizona

Cultural Connection: Experience the classic western landscape of Monument Valley on a morning mini-coach tour led by a Native American guide. See the mesas and soaring buttes familiar from movies and television. After an included barbecue lunch, you’ll head to the Grand Canyon where you’ll view the IMAX film, “Grand Canyon — The Hidden Secrets.” During your free time this evening, you may want to take part in the park’s many
evening events!



Maswik Lodge   (B,L)
10
[top]
Grand Canyon

Enjoy a full day at this famed landmark. Free shuttle service and National Park Service programs make exploring at your own pace easy and rewarding. Join us on an optional “flightseeing tour” over the canyon.



Maswik Lodge   (B)
11
[top]
Grand Canyon / Bryce Canyon, Utah

Our scenic route to Bryce Canyon National Park, gives you an opportunity to visit the site of enormous Glen Canyon Dam. Enjoy lunch with views of Lake Powell.



Bryce Canyon Lodge   (B,L)
12
[top]
Bryce Canyon

Today, enjoy the breathtaking views of Rainbow Point, Fairyland, and Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon National Park on your included highlights tour. The park is renowned for eerie, wind-carved red-rock formations known as “hoodoos.” Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure taking in the splendor of these unique rock formations.



Bryce Canyon Lodge   (B)
13
[top]
Bryce Canyon / Zion National Park, Utah

Enjoy a morning drive through vivid desert landscapes, with a stop at Red Rock Canyon. Upon arrival at Zion National Park, enjoy lunch, visit the park museum, and view the IMAX film “Treasures of the Gods.” Afterward, enjoy a tram ride through the canyons and cliffs of Zion.



Zion Lodge   (B,L)
14
[top]
Zion National Park / Las Vegas, Nevada

Depart Zion, driving through the picturesque scenery of Utah and Nevada. After an included lunch, enjoy a short panoramic drive of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip before checking into your hotel. You’ll have the evening free, with time to take in a glittering Las Vegas show.



Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino      (B,L)
15
[top]
Las Vegas

Spend the day at leisure in Vegas. Enjoy your Deluxe resort hotel on the Strip! Savor a Farewell Dinner this evening.


Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino      (B,D)
16
[top]
Las Vegas / Return Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.


(B)

Note: Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotels. At the hotels in Moab and Kayenta, breakfast is continental (cereal, danish, juices, tea, coffee). All others are full breakfasts.

On some departures, your hotel accommodations in Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion may be substituted with similar accommodations. At the Grand Canyon, some departures stay at the Thunderbird Lodge, located right on the rim of the Canyon.

Please Note: All sightseeing is subject to change due to road conditions, repairs, and weather conditions. Seasonality may affect the frequency and availability of ranger activities within the National Parks.


Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.


Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service, facilities, and location.


Superior First-Class
Above average, with many special amenities, including more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.


First Class / Moderate First-Class
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private bath and attractive public areas and amenities.