Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Day 1 – Welcome to Montana! (Wednesday, September 23)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at the Los Angeles International Airport this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving in Bozeman, Montana this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Situated in the Gallatin Valley – once known by the Shoshone and Blackfeet tribes as the "Valley of the Flowers" – Bozeman has transformed from a 19th century pioneer stop into a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure and craft brewing. It is also famously the fictional home of the Dutton Ranch from the series Yellowstone. Upon arrival, we’ll settle in for a two-night stay, with the evening free to enjoy dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 2 – Bozeman (Thursday, September 24)

After an included breakfast, we’ll head to Alpacas of Montana for a unique, hands-on adventure. At this charming alpaca farm, we’ll meet a vibrant array of alpacas – each with a distinct personality and fleece – while learning about these unique camelids’ 6,000-year history with humans and the fascinating differences between alpacas and llamas. Midday is yours to explore Bozeman’s Main Street Historic District, a beautifully preserved slice of the American West. Wander through several blocks of 19th century architecture housing over 100 boutiques, art galleries, and cafés for lunch on your own. This afternoon we’ll visit Museum of the Rockies, a world-class natural history museum located on the campus of Montana State University. Dedicated to uncovering and preserving the prehistoric and cultural heritage of the American West, the museum features one of the largest collections of North American dinosaur fossils including a massive, nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and a remarkably preserved Allosaurus specimen. Our visit includes a show in the Taylor Planetarium, a 40-foot domed theatre with 110 reclining seats and immersive experiences that provide a new perspective to astronomy, planetary exploration and other exciting topics. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park (Friday, September 25)

This morning we’ll visit Montana Grizzly Encounter, providing the unique opportunity to observe rescued grizzly bears in a spacious, natural habitat designed to mimic their wild environment. Located just east of Bozeman, this sanctuary focuses on providing a safe home for bears that cannot be released into the wild and educating the public on bear safety and conservation. A knowledgeable staff member will be present in the viewing area to share insights into their rescue stories and the vital needs of these majestic animals. We’ll continue south, making a stop for lunch on own in Gardiner. This afternoon we’ll enter Yellowstone National Park, our nation’s oldest and perhaps most spectacular national park! We’ll stop to admire the Roosevelt Arch, the massive 52-foot structure built from local columnar basalt and designed to provide a sense of "visual fanfare" for travelers arriving by train in the early 1900s. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the ethereal Mammoth Hot Springs, where boardwalks lead you through steaming travertine terraces that look like a "living, inside-out cave." Late this afternoon we’ll arrive at the Old Faithful Inn, where we’ll enjoy a two-night stay adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. Constructed in 1904 from local logs and stone, the Old Faithful Inn is a National Historic Landmark that features a towering lobby, massive stone fireplace and a variety of dining options including the iconic Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Yellowstone National Park (Saturday, September 26)

This morning we’ll join a local guide for a full-day immersion into a land of mystery and geological wonder. Home to more hydrothermal features than the rest of the planet combined, Yellowstone reveals its power through steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots, and prismatic hot springs. We’ll traverse the scenic Hayden Valley, keeping a watchful eye for roaming bison and elk, before reaching the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Here, we’ll stand in awe of both the Upper and Lower Falls as they plunge into the canyon’s golden depths. Our journey continues to the vibrant Fountain Paint Pot and the crystal-clear expanse of Yellowstone Lake. A highlight of the day is a visit to Midway Geyser Basin, where we’ll marvel at the surreal, vivid rings of Grand Prismatic Spring. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch amidst the park’s natural beauty. Maximum elevation: 8,000’ (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Grand Teton National Park (Sunday, September 27)

This morning we’ll journey south into Grand Teton National Park, where the youngest and most rugged peaks in America pierce the clouds in majestic splendor. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge, framed by floor-to-ceiling views of the Teton Range. This afternoon we’ll take to the water for a gentle Snake River float trip. As we drift through the heart of Grand Teton National Park, a knowledgeable river guide will help spot moose, eagles, and other wildlife along the banks. Our day concludes in the historic and vibrant town of Jackson, Wyoming where we’ll begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel within walking distance of Jackson’s charming Town Square. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Grand Teton National Park (Monday, September 28)

This morning, we’ll join a local guide for an in-depth exploration of Grand Teton National Park. We’ll step back in time at the Mormon Row Historic District, home to the iconic John Moulton Barn – the most photographed barn in America – set against the jagged backdrop of the Teton Range. Our guide will lead us to a curated selection of premier vistas, including Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend, ensuring we capture the most breathtaking views within the national park. This evening we’ll experience a true taste of the Old West at Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout & Show. After traveling for two miles in a horse-drawn covered wagon into scenic Cache Creek Canyon, we’ll enjoy a hearty Dutch oven dinner followed by western music, humor and harmony. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Journey Home (Tuesday, September 29)

This morning we’ll visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the premier museum in the U.S. dedicated to the artistry of the natural world. Perched on a hillside, the museum’s dramatic stone architecture – inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Scotland – is designed to blend seamlessly into the rugged Wyoming landscape. Enjoy time at leisure wandering through 14 distinctive galleries that house a diverse collection ranging from early tribal artifacts to contemporary masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, John James Audubon, and Carl Rungius. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Jackson Hole Airport for our scheduled nonstop flight to Los Angeles. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective destinations. (Breakfast)

Note: The maximum elevation on this tour is over 8,000 feet. The walking can be strenuous due to the high elevations. Travelers should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. National park lodge rooms do not have air conditioning, internet, television or radio.

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.