Highlights of the American West
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to call your Tour Director and leave a detailed message, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. If for any reason, you do not receive an answer in a timely matter, please call the company emergency line and leave a detailed message, so we may assist you.
Tour Director Name and Phone
Company Emergency Line
What's Included
* Roundtrip Air
* Motorcoach Transportation
*12 Meals ( 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners)
*Baggage Handling
*Tours of Distinction Professional Guide
* Local Guides
* Local Guides for TOD Tour Director, Local Guides, Outfitters, and Motorcoach Driver
*Welcome Dinner
* Tour of Salt Lake City
* Float Trip on Snake River and Tour of Grand Teton National Park
*Yellowstone National Park - Old Faithful and Old Faithful Village
* Tour of Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley
* Tour Buffalo Bill Center of the West
* Dinner - Cody Cattle Company Chuckwagon
* Cody Night Rodeo (August departure only)
* Devil's Tower National Monument
* Deadwood
*Badlands National Park tour
* Wildlife Jeep Safari Tour - Custer State Park and tour of State Game Lodge
* Crazy Horse Monument and Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony
* Tour Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
* Tour and picnic lunch - Fort Laramie National Historic Site
*Farewell Dinner
*Trolley Tour of Cheyenne
*Tour Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Highlights
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, our American West Tour begins with a tour of Salt Lake City's downtown area including the Capitol and Temple Square, home of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latterday Saints. Our first day concludes with a lavish welcome dinner in Salt Lake City. The next day we take a scenic drive along the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake and through Logan Canyon to Jackson, Wyoming. An exciting half-day cruise on Snake River with magnificent views and a tour of Grand Teton National Park takes up most of the day before we end head over to Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. A tour of Yellowstone is the highlight of the day before we head out to the historic town of Cody, Wyoming, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The day is capped off with food and entertainment at the Cody Cattle Company, and a rodeo for August departures. Heading east, we cross Big Horn Mountain for our first stop of the day at Devil's Tower National Monument. This afternoon we have time on our own to explore the atmospheric town of Deadwood, where the Wild Wild West feels like it is alive and well! On the following day, we take a tour of Badlands National Park and after lunch, we take a Wildlife Jeep Safari at Custer State Park before we make our way to the Crazy Horse Monument. At dinner, we will experience the moving Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony. A tour of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, a stop at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for a tour and picnic lunch, and a trolley tour of Cheyenne followed by a visit to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum round out the highlights of this fun-filled adventure.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details a document that has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and Tours of Distinction. The itinerary featured is correct at this time. Occasionally itineraries change as we make adjustments according to input from travelers, and our tour directors, as well as with lodging and other availability. Our goal is to give you the most rewarding travel experience that is seamless and fun.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days before travel, in case any changes affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route as described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary. On occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Note: Accommodations and restaurants can vary per departure date until the tour start date, they are not final and should be considered as examples of better than or comparable hotels and restaurants.
Itinerary
* please check hotels and make sure they are correct in the order I put them in and also please make corrections on web and in this itinerary on day 4
Day 1 - Arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like to be an early Frontiersman, now is your chance! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our local guide and our awaiting motor coach. Enjoy a city tour of Salt Lake City, where we will see downtown, the Capitol, Temple Square, and more. We will check into our hotel before our ‘welcome’ dinner.
This morning, we will head over to Temple Square after breakfast. After, we say goodbye to Salt Lake City as we travel north along the shores of the Great Salt Lake. We will travel through Logan Canyon to beautiful Bear Lake. We will arrive in the fun town of Jackson, WY. Once we check into our hotel, the evening is free to explore the many shops, art galleries, and restaurants on your own.
This morning after breakfast, we are in for a wonderful experience as we are introduced to Grand Teton National Park on a half-day scenic float trip on the Snake River! Enjoy amazing views of the Teton Mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities as your guide explains the geology and history of the area. After the float trip, we continue sightseeing in Grand Teton which will include: Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, and Jackson Lake. Next, we enter into Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, for sightseeing including the heart of the park, Old Faithful. There will be time to witness an eruption and explore Old Faithful Village and the many thermal features in the area. Later this afternoon, we travel to West Yellowstone and check into our hotel. This evening is free to explore and have dinner on your own.
After breakfast, we head
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Badlands National Park for sightseeing. This famous park consists of nearly 243,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. After lunch, we travel to Custer State Park and the historic State Game Lodge to get up close and personal with the residents of this park as you head out on a Wildlife Jeep Safari to view the buffalo herds and much more. Next, we make our way to the Crazy Horse Monument for sightseeing of the unfinished mountain carving and insight into the Lakota culture. Then, join the group for an included dinner followed by a wonderfully patriotic and inspiring event as we attend the Crazy Horse Evening Lighting Ceremony!
We start our day after breakfast with a beautiful drive to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, where we will have morning views of this magnificent monument. Depart the Black Hills and take your journey south returning to the plains of Wyoming. We make a stop at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for sightseeing and a picnic lunch. This afternoon, we continue to the capital city of Cheyenne and checked into our hotel. After we have time to freshen up, we will enjoy a ‘farewell’ dinner, at the hotel.
Notes
1. Our ground transportation for this trip is a motorcoach. It is a good idea to bring along your mobile phone, camera, charging devices, sunscreen, and any other necessities.
2. Since we will be moving almost every night from one hotel to another, it is best to pack light. Always put your most important belongings in the same spot so you don't forget them. You may want to make a checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you depart the hotel.
3. Since temperatures vary and are cooler in the early morning and in the evening and warmer during the day. It is best to dress in layers, opt for long pants, long-sleeved breathable shirts, a warm jacket, and a rain poncho just in case. Wear sturdy hiking shoes that are supportive, waterproof, and breathable.
4. Early morning and early evening are the best times to spot wildlife. In Yellowstone, the elk mating season begins in the fall. Never approach them on foot, and keep more than 25 yards away. In the summer, look for mountain goats, big horn sheep calving, wildflowers, and songbirds. Bears may be less visible because they move to high elevations. August signals the beginning of bison rutting season.
5. June, August, and September are great times to visit Utah. In June and September, there are fewer crowds in Yellowstone, while August is a peak time to visit this park. Most of Yellowstone lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet and the weather varies in accordance to where you are in the park. In the summer, daytime temperatures usually hover between 70 and 80 degrees, and nights can be cool. In the early fall, daytime temperatures are in the 60s and can go as low as 30 at night. Whenever you visit Yellowstone it is a good idea to bring a warm jacket and to layer. And, always bring rain gear, just in case.
6. The best time to visit the Grand Tetons is from mid-May through mid-September when all park activities and trails are open. The temperatures in June and August range from the low 60s to the 80s, and by late September they hover in the low 70s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August so make sure to pack a rain poncho and umbrella.
7. Jackson is very pleasant from June - September when temperatures range between 70 and 80. Evenings tend to cool off so you might need a light jacket. In September, you might catch the beginning of Wyoming's foliage season. From June through September the average daytime temperature is 68.
8. Download the travelstorys app for downtown Cody (https://travelstorys.com/tours/38/Historic%20Downtown%20Cody). Listening to the history of the buildings of Cody brings this town's Wild West vibe to life. June, July, and August are the high season in Cody and the temperatures range from the 70s to 90s. September is a beautiful month here with average daytime temperatures in the 70s. Make sure to hydrate as Cody has a dry heat.
9. Visiting Deadwood, South Dakota is exciting as you walk in the footsteps of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Madam Mustache. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark whose roots go back to 1876. The Adams Museum, the Wild Bill Bar, and the Statue of Wild Bill Hickok are not to be missed. Main Street of the historic Old Town features saloons, restaurants, casinos, and shops. Summer temperatures in Deadwood can get up to 90, and in June and August, there may be afternoon thunderstorms. September is a beautiful month here with temperatures in the 70s.
10. The night sky in Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota is phenomenal. You will find some of the darkest skies in Utah’s National Parks where you will be able to see up to 15,000 stars in the desert in comparison to 500 in an urban sky! You might consider downloading a Star App on your mobile device to help you understand the night sky.
Group Leader Description
This Tours of Distinction tour is accompanied by one of our professional tour directors. This person is responsible for coordinating traveler's accommodations, attractions, meals, and luggage on the trip. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have general knowledge of the places we will be visiting. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local tour guides who will have in-depth knowledge of the areas and attractions we are visiting. The Group Leader is also responsible for keeping the tour itinerary on time and for checking the attendance of all travelers to make sure no one is left behind. It is also the Group Tour Leader's responsibility to maintain appropriate traveler conduct while on the tour.
Transportation
If airfare is included in the cost of your tour, we will book the most convenient flights available within the budget allotted for this trip. For tours where no air is included, please contact Tours of Distinction for assistance.
For this trip, we will be using a large motorcoach from one of our trusted partners. We choose our partners with great care to ensure that your transportation throughout the trip is smooth and uneventful. However, we are not responsible if the motorcoach has mechanical issues and will work with the executives of the company to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
We do not practice seat rotation due to COVID-19, especially on a trip where the motorcoach is in use for multiple days. The motorcoach has comfortable seating, a restroom, internet, plugs to power up devices, overhead bins for essentials, and video capability. There are some long rides on this trip and the motorcoach will be stopping every few hours for folks to use the facilities and to get a snack.
Solo Travelers
If you are a solo traveler and do not want to pay a single supplement and are open to sharing your accommodations with another traveler, Tours of Distinction will do their best to match you up with someone else. We cannot guarantee that we can find another traveler for you to room with and take no responsibility for any situations that may arise between roommates.
About Accommodations
Tours of Distinction uses Premier hotel accommodations on this trip that are centrally located within walking distance of downtown areas and close to some National Park entrances. Our chosen hotels may vary in size, character, and amenities. All our rooms are booked and chosen because they offer double occupancy with private bathrooms. Sometimes lodging facilities are changed before departure. These changes are predicated on availability and on the advice of our clients and the tour director's past experiences. When a change is made, you will be placed in the same caliber of hotel or better.
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What to Take
Travel Essentials in Carry-on or Travel Bag/Purse
Medicine
Driver's License
Credit cards/ATM cards
Cash
Glasses/sunglasses/contacts
Insurance cards
House/Car keys
Cell phone and chargers
Travel Documents
Emergency contacts
Credit card/bank contacts
Travel Pillow, Back pillow, earplugs
Water bottle
Hand sanitizer
Tolitery bag and toiletries
Compression socks if flying
Chargers for Phones, Computers, Camera
Pens
Lip balm
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Itinerary
General Packing List
Underwear, undershirts/bras
Socks
Sleepwear
Comfortable shoes
Hiking Boots
Long and short sleeve shirts/blouses
Turtlenecks or scoop-neck cotton shirts
Jeans
Jacket
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Sun hat
Sweaters
Pants
Rain poncho/umbrella
Fold up tote bag
Toiletries
Sealable plastic baggies to hold packed liquids
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Deodorant
Hair styling tools
Face cleanser and make-up, make-up remover
Shaving supplies
Bandages/antibiotic ointment
Asprin and Vitamins
Currency
It is always good to bring some cash on a trip. Some travelers spend more than others, so please consider your own spending habits when it comes to purchasing souvenirs, shopping, drinking, and tipping. It is also prudent to take along some emergency cash for circumstances out of our control.
Currency Exchange
Credit cards are accepted everywhere in the U.S. and ATMs are readily available on this trip.
Tipping
On a TOD tour, all tipping is included for baggage handling, drivers, tour director, local guides, and meals. It is customary to tip your waiter, waitress, or bartender when dining on your own. You may also want to tip your chambermaid at your hotel, the range is $2 to $5 per day. At the end of each trip, it is up to your discretion to tip the local guide (range is $2-$5 for the experience), tour director, and bus driver (guideline is $5-$10 a day), if you feel that they did an outstanding job.
Unacceptable Behavior
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trip. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Lewd, drunken behavior is also unacceptable.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just for trips overseas. It’s prudent to buy travel insurance for every trip because you never know what might happen when you’re far from home! We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, accidents, medical evacuations, loss of luggage, and personal effects.
Feedback
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Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a Tours of Distinction trip. For minors traveling with a guardian or parents, they must be 21 or older. The minimum age for group travel is 12.
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