National Parks & Canyon Country + San Francisco
Five of the USA's most impressive National Parks are the focus of this sensational tour of the Wild West's natural splendours.
There is plenty to see and do including the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and the infamous Alcatraz. Wander the crowded streets of Chinatown, a city within a city; head to Fisherman's Wharf to explore this colourful waterfront jammed with tempting seafood restaurants, cafes and souvenir stands.
On day 15 of your tour transfer to Las Vegas airport for your flight to San Francisco. Transfer to your hotel, the Executive Hotel Vintage Court, where you will spend the next 3 nights before transferring to the airport on day 18 for your overnight flight home.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Denver.
Fly to Denver where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Denver.
'The Mile High City' of Denver is the capital of Colorado and the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. An attractive city with broad streets, a tree-lined pedestrian mall leading to the gold-domed State Capitol, and Larimer Square in the city's historic heart. It's also home to some fine museums and galleries.
DAY 3: Denver - Cheyenne - Black Hills of South Dakota - Keystone.
We travel first through Cheyenne, the state capital of Wyoming, then it's on through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, immortalised in a famous song from the musical 'Calamity Jane', to the historic frontier town of Custer. Late this afternoon, travel to see the ongoing construction of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental statue carved out of a mountain, that pays respect to the great hero of the Native Americans, Chief Crazy Horse.
DAY 4: Keystone - Mount Rushmore - Deadwood.
Drive deep into the Black Hills, through what was once Sioux Indian territory, to see the magnificent granite face of Mount Rushmore, a giant monument to four great American presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Afterwards visit Tatanka, 'The Story of the Bison', and experience the richness of the Lakota Indian life as it was around the 1840's. Next it's on to Deadwood, a lawless frontier town during the 1876 Gold Rush, where Wild Bill Hickok was murdered. Stay overnight in this historic town.
DAY 5: Deadwood - Sheridan - Cody.
This morning, head through the rich high country where open-range cattle kings made war on the homesteaders in the 1890's. Driving past Sheridan in the Bighorn Mountains, the scene of many fierce battles between the US Cavalry and the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, you'll arrive in Buffalo Bill's frontier town, Cody, for an overnight stay.
DAY 6: Cody - Yellowstone National Park.
Travel to splendid Yellowstone National Park, the USA's largest nature reserve, which contains more than 3,000 geysers and hot springs. You'll drive along the Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the stupendous Lower Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls. You'll also see geyser basins with bubbling mud paint pots and the regular 'blow' of Old Faithful.
DAY 7: Yellowstone - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson.
Head to the magnificent Grand Tetons. With saw-toothed, 13,770 feet high ridges crested with snow most of the year, it's one of America's last preserves of wild solitude. Arrive in the Wild West town of Jackson which with its wooden sidewalks and saloons with bat-wing doors, is just like a living film set! In the evening there's an optional barbecue cookout and Wild West show.
DAY 8: Jackson.
Time to relax in Jackson or how about joining a scenic raft trip down the Snake River?
DAY 9: Jackson - Salt Lake City.
Today, leave Jackson and drive to Salt Lake City, Utah's vibrant capital. Magnificently set on the edge of a salt desert and surrounded by mountains and forests, this is the centre of the Mormon religion where Brigham Young declared to his followers "This is the place". Your sightseeing will include Temple Square with its impressive six-spired temple, adjacent tabernacle and Beehive House.
DAY 10: Salt Lake City - Bryce Canyon National Park.
Journey through sagebrush landscape to Bryce Canyon National Park, with its 20 miles of breathtaking sandstone cliffs and ever-changing colours. Marvel at some of the earth's most brilliant shades of rock, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called 'hoodoos'.
DAY 11: Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Page.
First stop today is Zion National Park, its striking landscape of steep canyons and stone towers carved out by rushing streams over a period of millions of years. Then head to Page, originally built to house workers during the construction of the massive Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back the waters of 186 mile long Lake Powell.
DAY 12: Page - Painted Desert - Grand Canyon.
How about starting your day with an optional scenic flight over stunning Monument Valley? Then take a scenic drive through the Painted Desert and across the Kaibab National Forest, before arriving at the Grand Canyon in the early afternoon. Marvel at one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you experience breathtaking views. You'll have plenty of time to do some viewing before dusk as your accommodation is inside Grand Canyon National Park.
DAY 13: Grand Canyon - Las Vegas.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional 'flightseeing' excursion: a helicopter flight over the heart of the canyon with incomparable views of flame-coloured walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. Leaving the high country of Arizona, we pass through Williams on famous Route 66, and then the old Mohave gold strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns, to Las Vegas - a neon desert oasis, packed with spectacular hotels and casinos.
DAY 14: Las Vegas.
The day is yours to explore the original 'Sin City'. Stroll down the 'Strip', with its outrageous themed hotels or relax by the poolside. In the evening, there's an opportunity to join an optional night out to a show.
DAY 15: Las Vegas - San Francisco.
Transfer to McCarran airport for your flight to the San Francisco. On arrival transfer to your San Francisco hotel.
DAY 16 to 17: San Francisco.
Two full days at leisure to discover the sights of this unique harbour city at your own pace. There is plenty to see and do including the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and the infamous Alcatraz. Wander the crowded streets of Chinatown, a city within a city; head to Fisherman's Wharf to explore this colourful waterfront jammed with tempting seafood restaurants, cafes and souvenir stands.
DAY 18: San Francisco - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
DAY 19: Home landing in the UK.
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Deadwood City Tour
As we travel down Deadwood's cobblestone streets, you will hear about an era gone by. Recount local history beginning with Custer's expedition followed by the Gold Rush and lots more. Hear the stories of legendary Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and other notable characters from local guides that are almost as entertaining as the history itself.
$8 (US Dollar)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Visit the world's finest western museum. This five-museum complex includes the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, and the Natural History Museum.
$18 (US Dollar)
Wildlife Scenic Float Trip
The 8-Mile Scenic Float begins at Pritchard Creek and travels past the nesting areas of both bald eagles and ospreys. The trip is a great way to see the beauty of the river and the geology that forms the Grand Canyon of the Snake River, without getting wet. The river is home to a variety of waterfowl and native animals including moose, deer and river otters. Early morning is the watering time for most animals along the river, and affords the best opportunity for wildlife viewing. Feel free to bring your camera with you! (3 hours)
$70 (US Dollar)
Antelope Canyon Slot Tour
Come with your guide to a spectacular petrified sand dune, created by wind, water and sand, presenting a sculptured masterpiece. Nothing can describe this work of Mother Nature. Experiencing this beauty will leave you breathless. Trips are approximately one and a half hours long and you will travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Canyon entrance. From there you will walk into the Canyon, you will be at the bottom of the Canyon looking up 130 feet to the top. There is no hiking or climbing involved, only easy walking on the Canyon floor which is level for the most part. Your experienced Navajo guide will show you great places to take photographs as you explore this awe-inspiring wonder.
$35 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour
Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)
$175 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Imax
Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)
$13 (US Dollar)
Rainbow Bridge 25-30-Minute Flight
During one of our Rainbow Bridge tours you will discover that the remote regions of northern Arizona hold one of the world's largest natural wonders. Tucked among the rugged and isolated canyons, and spanning over 275 feet wide and 290 feet high, the Rainbow Bridge is an attraction no visitor can miss. Accessibility to the Bridge is limited to hiking, by permit only, a 13-mile trail or a two-hour boat ride from Lake Powell. A place for prayer and worship in the Navajo culture, the Bridge signifies good fortune and is considered a sacred place for tribal members. Rainbow Bridge was not discovered by outsiders until 1909 by two parties who joined together in search of the towering sandstone formation. President Howard Taft declared it a national monument in 1910. (30 minutes, weather dependent)
$163 (US Dollar)
Monument Valley 90-Minute Flight
You will experience everything seen on the shorter Rainbow Bridge flight, plus much, much more! This is your only chance to see Monument Valley, the site of many well-known Western movies. The rock formations you will see on this surrealistic flight are totally different from those in the Grand Canyon. (90 minutes, weather dependent)
$255 (US Dollar)
Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing
This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)
$199 (US Dollar)
Evening In Chinatown
Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Included in this evening's agenda is a lavish four-course dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant. This evening will include a short walking tour of Chinatown.
$42 (US Dollar)
San Francisco By Night with dinner at The Franciscan
The evening begins with dinner at a popular Fisherman's Wharf restaurant and spectacular views of the bay. Afterwards visit historic Ghirardelli Square. Set on the city's dynamic waterfront, the square offers a great view of the sea and elegant 19th-century factor and mill buildings that are worth exploring. During your visit, relax with an Irish coffee and some world famous chocolates. Before heading back to your hotel we will drive out to Treasure Island to view the city lights from across the bay.
$63 (US Dollar)
Deluxe Wine Country Tour of Napa & Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma are world famous for their fine wine and beautiful scenery. Learn about wine from our expert guides as you travel north to California's Premiere wine country. You'll learn the areas' history of wine making, from the early Spanish missionaries who brought grape vines from Europe to the Forty-Niners who served wines in their saloons. You will tour wineries and see how grapes are picked, crushed, blended and bottled. You'll walk through beautiful vineyards with your tour guide and then taste the finished product - wine tasting fees included. There will be time for lunch at Historical Sonoma Square or Vintage 1870 in the heart of Napa.
$75 (US Dollar)
Rocket Boat
Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.
$24 (US Dollar)
Bay Cruise
This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)
$25 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
National Parks & Canyon Country + San Francisco 17 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
National Parks & Canyon Country + San Francisco 17 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

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| 7 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 7 Jun 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 7 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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| 12 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Aberdeen |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Newcastle |
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| 27 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 27 Jun 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 27 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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National Parks & Canyon Country + San Francisco
Price from £1899.00
Holiday Highlights
- Mount Rushmore and Tatanka 'Story of the Bison'
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Lake Powell
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Las Vegas
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
07 Jun 2012 to 03 Oct 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
