Day 1 : Fly to Montana

We fly to Missoula and check in to our comfortable accommodations. The evening is at leisure to get acquainted with your fellow traveling companions.

Day 2 : Whitefish

Our day begins with a visit to The Historical Museum of Fort Missoula, a 32-acre park that tells the story of western Montana’s past. Walk through over 20 preserved historic buildings and structures dating back to 1863, including Grant Creek Schoolhouse, Quartermaster’s Storehouse, Frenchtown Mill Stones, and much more. Afterwards, we travel north from Missoula to Whitefish, viewing some of the most spectacular scenery our nation has to offer in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Along the way, we break for a delicious included Welcome Lunch in Polson and take in amazing views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Flathead National Forest. Arriving in Whitefish, we stop at a nearby mountain resort to enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the mountaintop for bird’s-eye views. We then check in to our overnight accommodations and have a restful evening.

Day 3 : Going-to-the-Sun Road

After an included breakfast, we’re off to Glacier National Park, which features over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes as standing reminders of the last Ice Age. We board vintage 1930s Red Buses with roll-back tops for a journey on one of the world’s most scenic routes, Going-to-the-Sun Road. Throughout this drive, learn more about the park’s history from an expert guide, take in views of the towering mountains, and gaze upon a variety of majestic wildlife including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Enjoy lunch within the park at St. Mary Village before we continue to Great Falls and check in to our accommodations for the evening.

Day 4 : Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

We begin our day with a tour of the Lewis & Clark Historic Trail Interpretive Center and relive the explorers’ brave journey. Overlooking the beautiful Missouri River, this center includes exhibits, artifacts, films, and a two-story diorama of the expedition’s portage of the river’s waterfalls. After an included lunch, we visit the C.M. Russell Museum, an art complex that’s dedicated to Charles Marion Russell. Known as one of America’s greatest artists, his primary focus was the signature “cowboy art” that showcased Western cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. We then depart for Helena, Montana’s capital and the heart of this Big Sky State. We check in to our hotel for the next two nights and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5 : Gates of the Mountains

Following our included breakfast, we embark on a guided city tour of Helena. Learn about the storied history of this vibrant city and marvel at the Gothic-style cathedral, which rivals those in Europe with its stunning towers and stained-glass windows. Our tour makes stops at various intriguing attractions, like the Montana State Capitol building. This afternoon, we board a riverboat to discover the epitome of Montana’s natural beauty, Gates of the Mountains, coined by famous explorer Meriwether Lewis. A guide narrates our journey down the Missouri River, sharing historic stories of Lewis and Clark’s explorations. As we marvel at the rugged scenery with towering limestone cliffs to both sides of the boat, keep watch for intriguing wildlife. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner together and return to our hotel.

Day 6 : Yellowstone National Park

This morning, we begin our drive to Gardiner, Montana, the original gateway to America’s first national park. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 to protect a large variety of wildlife and preserve the world’s most extraordinary collection of geysers and hot springs. We have free time in the Mammoth Hot Springs area to explore nature’s beauty before traveling through the northern loop of Yellowstone, where we may have the opportunity to be part of the notorious bison traffic jam. This evening, we travel to West Yellowstone for our accommodations with shops and restaurants conveniently nearby.

Day 7 : Old Faithful

After an included continental breakfast, we return to Yellowstone National Park to enjoy a full day of soaking up the natural wonders with a guided tour. During our adventure, we make stops at Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, and Artist Point. Have your camera ready to capture stunning views of Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls and the multicolored Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. A scenic drive then takes us through Hayden Valley, a region of lush forest meadows and haven for wildlife. Watch for bison and other fascinating animals! We depart Yellowstone this afternoon and settle in for a comfortable two-night stay in Jackson, Wyoming.

Day 8 : The Grand Tetons

This morning, we visit Grand Teton National Park, boasting picturesque views of shimmering lakes, rolling meadows, and soaring mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Watch for elk, bison, fox, moose, and bald eagles as we venture through the park and take advantage of premier photo opportunities. Learn about the past, present, and future of this protected area with immaculate exhibits and a short video during our stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center. We also visit the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel with 100-year-old history and picture-perfect vistas of the Tetons, including Grand Teton. Tonight, we enjoy a covered wagon ride in Cache Creek Canyon to our included dinner - a tasty barbecue cookout accompanied with the music and songs of the Old West!

Day 9 : Salt Lake City

Step aboard our comfortable motorcoach this morning for one last scenic drive, taking us from Jackson into Salt Lake City. Along the way, we break at Bear Lake Overlook to stretch our legs as we take in spectacular views of the turquoise water nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Tonight, we celebrate with our new friends at a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner. Our accommodations this evening are in downtown Salt Lake City.

Day 10 : Fly Home

We return home with fond memories of our Rockies adventure.