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
* Motorcoach Transportation
*Six Nights of Premier Accommodation
* Baggage Handling
*Baggage Handling
*Tours of Distinction Professional Guide
* Local Guides for TOD Tour Director, Local Guides, Outfitters, and Motorcoach Driver
*Gratuities
* Nine Meals (6 Breakfasts, 3 dinners)
*Welcome Dinner
* Bar T5 Covered Wagon and Cookout Dinner and Entertainment
* Farewell Dinner
*Tour of Salt Lake City, Utah
* Safari Tour of Yellowstone National Park with a Local Guide including Old Faithful
* Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
* National Museum of Wildlife Art
* National Elk Refuge
* Grand Teton National Park
*Jenny Lake Cruise at Grand Teton National Park
* Tour of Utah Olympic Park located in the Wasatch Mountain Range
Highlights
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, our American West Tour begins with a lavish welcome dinner in Salt Lake City. The next day we will enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, which is the capital city of Utah as well as the world headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latterday Saints, before heading out to West Yellowstone, Montana. On our Salt Lake tour, we will learn about the history of this city from its pioneering days to its discovery by LDS leader, Brigham Young, who claimed, "This is the place." On the following day, a Yellowstone National Park safari awaits. Guided by a local expert we will be on the hunt for a variety of animals that call this park home. We will also see thundering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, verdant forests, and, of course, Old Faithful, which shoots plumes of steam every 90 minutes or so into the sky. In Jackson, Wyoming we will visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to learn about the animals of Yellowstone. Next, we will visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art which overlooks the National Elk Refuge, a perfect place to take Instagramable photos! Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is next on the itinerary and features the scenic Jenny Lake Cruise where we will learn about the geology, flora, and fauna of this park. The final destination of our American West experience is Park City, Utah, located at the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range. The downtown area combines its silver mining heritage with award-winning restaurants, shops, and art galleries, many of which are located in charming historic buildings.
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
Day 1 - Arrive in Salt Lake City, UTUpon arrival in Salt Lake City, we will check into our hotel for the evening. After settling in, we will enjoy a welcome dinner.
* Hotel: Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City
* Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Salt Lake City - West Yellowstone, MT
After breakfast, enjoy a Salt Lake City guided tour featuring the unique downtown area, State Capital, Temple Square, and the This is the Place Monument, where Brigham Young envisioned the building of the Mormon City. Later relax and enjoy the drive north into Idaho before arriving in West Yellowstone, Montana. We will check into the Best Western Desert Inn, our stay for two nights.
What a day! We embark on a wildlife safari and tour of Yellowstone National Park. A local guide joins us on our day of touring to give a “safari experience” for the best opportunities to view some of the park’s astounding array of wildlife such as elk, bears, wolves, moose, sheep, and bison. The amazing park also features over 10,000 hot springs, thundering waterfalls, geysers, and endless forests. The day features incredible scenery as we drive through the park and a stop at Yellowstone Lake. Of course, the day is not complete without a visit to the park’s most famous attraction, Old Faithful Geyser which shoots a plume of steam skyward about every 90 minutes. Enjoy time to wander, shop, or have a bite to eat in this area.
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and the chance to see and learn about the world of these incredible animals. Located in West Yellowstone, the animals at the center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Later, we head south toward Jackson, WY, making a stop along the way at the National Museum of Wildlife Art where we will tour 14 galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, and other artwork. The museum sits on a cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the building seems to come from the earth itself, capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings making it a stunning photo op. The art represented here ranges from early Native American communities to contemporary artists devoted to nature. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Jackson, WY for a two-night stay at the beautiful Lodge at Jackson Hole. In Jackson, the storefronts aren’t replicas and the purple mountains aren’t something you sing about…it epitomizes the ideal version of the American West.
Today’s destination is Park City, Utah. Framed by the craggy Wasatch Mountain Range, Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics is one of the most beautiful mountain resort areas in North America. Visit the Utah Olympic Park and enjoy a movie that features the Game’s highlights. Don’t miss a visit to the museum that is filled with memorabilia from the Olympic Games. In the city center, enjoy a stroll down Main Street filled with over 64 historic buildings, charming shops, galleries, and boutiques. Once a basecamp of a silver mining town, this historic Main Street has come to represent the soul of one of the most popular mountain towns in the American West. Tonight, we will enjoy a farewell dinner after checking into the DoubleTree Park City.
Today, depart anytime filled with wonderful memories of Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and the unspoiled expanse of the American West.
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 just about 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. 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. The night sky in Utah and Wyoming 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. 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.
The Weather (Insert chart here)
What to Take
Packing List
To start with write down where you are going, what you are doing, what the temperatures will be, and how long you will be gone. Keeping this in mind will help you focus on the itinerary and help you define how much you need to bring. A general rule is to plan your outfits ahead of time and pack clothes that will go together. Many experts recommend up to five shirts/blouses, two pairs of pants, a lightweight to medium weight sweater or fleece, evening wear, a scarf or tie, sleepwear, underclothes, and socks. As for the suitcase, it is always a good idea to be aware of airline luggage restrictions and to check carry-on size requirements to ensure that it will fit in the overhead bin on the plane and on the motorcoach.
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
Your constructive feedback is important to Tours of Distinction, we love hearing from you. It is so important to us that we will give you a 5% discount on your next Tours of Distinction trip. Your tour evaluation will be emailed to you upon your return home. If you don't receive it, please give us a call at 800-426-4324 so we can send it to you.
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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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