Yellowstone & America's West

Today, depart for Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel. Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and is widely recognised as the centre of the Mormon faith, with many of the city's most iconic landmarks reflecting its rich religious heritage.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this attractive and well-planned city at your own pace. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Temple Square, admire the impressive Salt Lake Temple (exterior), or visit the striking Utah State Capitol, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Downtown Salt Lake City also offers a variety of cafés, restaurants and shopping precincts, providing the perfect introduction to the American West.

Overnight: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites or similar, Salt Lake City

Meals included: In-Flight

Today, after breakfast, depart Salt Lake City for Jackson, Wyoming. Today's journey covers approximately 455 kilometres and takes around 5 to 6 hours, excluding sightseeing and comfort stops.

Travelling north through the scenic Cache Valley, the route winds into the spectacular landscapes of northern Utah and western Wyoming. Depending on the season and weather conditions, there may be opportunities to stop at some of the region's most picturesque locations.

Travel through the dramatic Logan Canyon, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs, forested slopes, before reaching the vivid blue waters of Bear Lake. Often referred to as the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’. Continuing into Wyoming, pass through the charming communities of Star Valley, including Afton, Thayne and Alpine, surrounded by sweeping views of the Salt River Range. Afton is home to the world's largest elk antler arch spanning the town's main street.

The journey then follows the Snake River through the spectacular Hoback Canyon, where you may be able to spot wildlife, particularly during spring when bears, elk and other animals can be seen at lower elevations. Arrive in the authentic western town of Jackson later in the afternoon. Nestled beneath the magnificent Teton Range, Jackson is known for its iconic elk antler arches, western boardwalks and vibrant town square. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight: Elk Refuge Inn or similar, Jackson

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, depart Jackson for one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Today's journey covers approximately 205 kilometres over around 4 to 5 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing stops.

Travel through magnificent Grand Teton National Park, where soaring granite peaks rise dramatically above crystal-clear lakes, alpine forests and sweeping meadows. Weather permitting, enjoy several scenic stops to admire the breathtaking landscapes and watch for local wildlife including moose, elk and bison.

Continue north into Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park and one of North America's greatest natural treasures. Journey through a landscape shaped by volcanic forces, where steaming geysers, colourful hot springs and bubbling mud pots create an unforgettable spectacle.

Later this afternoon, exit the park and arrive in the welcoming town of West Yellowstone, located just outside the park's western entrance.

Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals are unpredictable and weather and other conditions may affect sightings. Routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favourable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavourable, routing may be adjusted accordingly.

Overnight: Best Western Desert Inn or similar, Yellowstone West

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, explore the extraordinary wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Covering almost 9,000 square kilometres, Yellowstone sits atop one of the world's largest active volcanic systems, creating the planet's greatest concentration of geothermal features.

Throughout the day, travel between many of the park's most iconic attractions while your guide shares the fascinating geology, wildlife and history of this remarkable landscape. Highlights include the vast Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest high-elevation lake, the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its powerful waterfalls, and Hayden Valley, one of the park's premier wildlife viewing areas. Witness the famous Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes, sending thousands of litres of boiling water high into the air.

Throughout the day, keep watch for Yellowstone's incredible wildlife including bison, elk, mule deer, wolves, black bears and, with a little luck, grizzly bears. Afterwards, return to West Yellowstone after a memorable day exploring America's first national park.

Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals are unpredictable and weather and other conditions may affect sightings. Routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favourable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavourable, routing may be adjusted accordingly.

Overnight: Best Western Desert Inn or similar, Yellowstone West

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart West Yellowstone and travel east through Yellowstone National Park towards Cody, Wyoming. Today's journey covers approximately 215 kilometres and takes around 4 hours, excluding sightseeing.

Along the way, continue enjoying Yellowstone's remarkable scenery before leaving the park and following the Shoshone River into Cody, the town founded by legendary showman William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Visit the impressive Buffalo Bill Dam, completed in 1910 and once recognised as the tallest concrete arch dam in the world. Continue to the acclaimed Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum complex comprising five museums dedicated to the history, culture, wildlife and art of the American West.

Later, visit the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, which tells the powerful story of the Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated here during the Second World War. Through exhibits and personal stories, gain a deeper understanding of this significant chapter in American history.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites or similar, Cody

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning, depart Cody for Buffalo, Wyoming, travelling approximately 285 kilometres over 4 to 5 hours, excluding sightseeing.

Weather permitting, the route takes you through the spectacular Bighorn National Forest, where winding mountain roads climb through dense forests of pine, spruce, fir and aspen before descending into wide open valleys. Pause at scenic viewpoints to admire the rugged mountain landscapes while learning about the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region, including moose, elk, black bears, mountain lions and numerous bird species.

Arrive in the historic frontier town of Buffalo this afternoon. Located at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo retains much of its Old West character and was once frequented by famous figures including Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals are unpredictable and weather and other conditions may affect sightings.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express & Suites or similar, Buffalo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Buffalo towards South Dakota. Today's journey covers approximately 365 kilometres with around 5 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing.

The first stop is Wyoming's Devils Tower National Monument, America's very first national monument. Rising over 260 metres, this remarkable igneous rock formation has long held spiritual significance for many Native American tribes and is one of the country's most recognisable natural landmarks. Enter South Dakota, and continue East through the scenic Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, winding beneath towering limestone cliffs, waterfalls and dense forests within the Black Hills National Forest. Time permitting, enjoy a short walk to admire one of the area's picturesque waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls.

Later in the afternoon, arrive in the historic gold rush town of Deadwood. Once home to legendary Wild West figures including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Deadwood today combines beautifully preserved historic buildings with lively restaurants, casinos and museums.

Overnight: Comfort Inn & Suites or similar, Deadwood

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, enjoy a full day discovering some of South Dakota's most famous attractions.

Begin with a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, an enormous mountain carving honouring the legendary Lakota leader. Learn about the history of the monument and explore the museums dedicated to Native American culture and heritage. Continue to nearby Custer State Park for an unforgettable open-air Jeep Bison Safari. Lasting approximately 2 hours, this guided excursion ventures along the park's backroads in search of free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, deer and other wildlife. The park protects one of the world's largest publicly-owned bison herds and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Following some free time to relax, conclude the day with an evening visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. As twilight settles over the Black Hills, admire the colossal granite carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln while learning about the creation and significance of one of America's most iconic monuments. Return to Deadwood later this evening.

Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals are unpredictable and weather and other conditions may affect sightings.

Overnight: Comfort Inn & Suites or similar, Deadwood

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Deadwood and journey to Badlands National Park before continuing to Rapid City. Today's total travel distance is approximately 235 kilometres with around 3.5 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing.

Spend time exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Badlands National Park, where colourful layered rock formations, dramatic canyons and vast prairie create one of the most unique landscapes in North America. The park is also internationally recognised for its exceptional fossil deposits and abundant wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by these remarkable landscapes before taking time for a leisurely walk along one of the park's scenic trails. Later this afternoon, continue to Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota's Black Hills region. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy your final evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Alex Johnson or similar, Rapid City

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, at the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your return flight to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight