America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Small Group
America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Small Group
America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Small Group
14 Days Starting in Phoenix (AZ) and ending in Rapid City
Visiting: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California, Cody, Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore America's top national parks on this 15-Day guided tour. After an evening in Scottsdale, start your journey in bohemian Sedona, where spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike will revel in its red-hued mountainous landscape. Take a short jaunt to the Grand Canyon, where a Local Expert will show you the wonders of America’s most famed natural beauty. In Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Make Travel Matter and board all-terrain vehicles and ride through the desert with your Navajo guide. Glide through Zion National Park on a private shuttle, before watching the red cliffs and valleys give way to the Rocky Mountains of Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Finally, scale the 563-foot-tall Crazy Horse Memorial and stand face-to-face with the stone carving of the Lakota warrior.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Phoenix And Travel To Scottsdale
Location: Phoenix, Scottsdale
Accommodation: Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Accommodation Name: Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Head to Scottsdale at your leisure to explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state. Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. Savour a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Sedona And The Wonders Of The Mighty Grand Canyon
Location: Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert, Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll learn all about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the local flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Day 3: Monument Valley And Lake Powell
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell
Accommodation: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Accommodation Name: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Early risers will witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the South Rim of the canyon. We will stop at Desert View Point to see the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style, the Colorado River turning north and the Painted Desert extending towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as your visit supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy and their development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where you'll join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper into the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Enjoy a Navajo cookout lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Travel to your resort nestled in Lake Powell. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine in the Rainbow Room.
Day 4: Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Powell
Accommodation: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Accommodation Name: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular Optional Experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. Or, explore the iconic and picturesque Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo (Diné) guide. Tonight, Navajo culture takes centre stage with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Red Heritage. This Navajo-owned preforming arts theatre will delight as you see local tribal members sing, share a colourful pow wow dance, flute playing and live drum music over dinner and drinks.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park
Accommodation: Zion National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Zion National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.
Day 6: Zion National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation: Zion National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Zion National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the Zion National Park. After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park further with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, take a self-guided leisurely stroll along the Virgin River Walk and keep your eye out for wildlife.
Day 7: Salt Lake City
Location: Zion National Park, Salt Lake City
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you make your way out of Zion National Park and travel to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. In the evening join your fellow travellers for a dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 8: Jackson And The Tetons
Location: Salt Lake City, Jackson
Accommodation: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Accommodation Name: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch on your own near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Day 9: Yellowstone National Park
Location: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 feet (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River (signed waiver required) inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 10: Geysers And Colourful Hot Springs
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Day 11: The Ranch At Ucross
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Ucross
Accommodation: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Accommodation Name: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Day 12: Devils Tower Into The Black Hills
Location: Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon
Accommodation: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Accommodation Name: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride (waiver required) accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Day 13: Custer And The Wild, Wild West
Location: Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spot the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our first stop this morning is the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum for a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. A hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is unlike any other.
Day 14: Mountain Monuments Of The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honour of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 metres) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners with wine.
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Local Expert Talks
Join local experts for informative talks about the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
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Guided Hikes
Explore Zion National Park on a guided hike to the famed Emerald Pools.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Porterage
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as flightseeing tours over the Grand Canyon, a trip down the Colorado River, and exploring Antelope Canyon are not included.
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Lunches and Some Dinners
Lunches and some dinners are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities for Optional Experiences
Gratuities for optional experiences and personal services are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park Lodge, Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, Zion National Park Lodge, Elk Country Inn in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Ranch at UCross in Clearmont, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, and State Game Lodge in Custer State Park.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Insight Experiences
- Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions.
- Black Hills: Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the culture, tradition and living heritage of the Native American people. A special Insight Experience awaits as you are taken up to stand face-to-face with this impressive sculpture. Measuring 641 feet (195 metres) long and 563 feet (172 metres) high, the piece takes the record as the world’s largest mountain carving.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect at the Grand Canyon National Park?
At the Grand Canyon National Park, you will join a Local Expert for an informative talk about the canyon's geology, rock formations, and local flora and fauna. You will also have the opportunity to witness a sunrise over the Grand Canyon and trace the scenic South Rim along Desert View Drive, stopping at Desert View Point to see the historic Watchtower and the Painted Desert.
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What unique experiences are offered in Monument Valley?
In Monument Valley, you will meet Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles for a private exploration of the valley. You will learn about Navajo history, culture, and heritage, and enjoy a Navajo cookout with traditional Navajo tacos and fry-bread, accompanied by traditional dance and songs.
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What can I do during the leisure day at Lake Powell?
During your leisure day at Lake Powell, you can partake in optional activities such as a gentle trip down the Colorado River, exploring Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo guide, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool. In the evening, you can enjoy a Navajo cultural performance at Red Heritage, featuring pow wow dances, flute playing, and live drum music.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Zion National Park?
At Zion National Park, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle with live commentary from a Local Expert. You can choose to join a guided hike to the Emerald Pools or take a self-guided stroll along the Virgin River Walk. You will also visit the Zion Nature Center at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
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What wildlife might I see in Yellowstone National Park?
In Yellowstone National Park, you might see black bears, wolves, elk, and hundreds of bison. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including grizzly bears, bald eagles, moose, and more.
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What activities are available at the Ranch at Ucross?
At the Ranch at Ucross, you can enjoy a scenic country horseback ride accompanied by a Ranch Hand, go fishing, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, you can enjoy cocktails in the historic Ranch House bar, a home-cooked dinner, and live entertainment around a fire pit.
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What can I expect to see at the Crazy Horse Memorial?
At the Crazy Horse Memorial, you will have exclusive access to ascend 563 feet and face the monument up close. The memorial is the world's largest mountain carving, dedicated to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum?
The visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum offers a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you can learn about the culture, traditions, and living heritage of the Native American people. This experience supports the preservation and protection of Native American culture.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions