Discover the natural wonders of some of North America’s most spectacular national parks. Begin with a city tour of Vancouver before traveling to orchard-graced Kelowna and Glacier and Yoho National Parks. Crossing into Alberta, explore the beauty of Banff National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Pass into U.S. territory through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and drive to Helena, Montana’s historic capital. In Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by half the world's geothermal features including Old Faithful. Drop south to stunning Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and bring your appetite for a chuck wagon cookout and Wild West show in Jackson. Enjoy sightseeing in Salt Lake City, unique rock formations in Bryce Canyon, and cross the Painted Desert to the world-famous Grand Canyon. Finally, travel on legendary Route 66 to Las Vegas, where a sightseeing tour and leisure time round out this incredible vacation.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. (WR)

Day 2 Vancouver
This morning’s city tour of Vancouver includes the harbor area, Chinatown, and Stanley Park The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a tram ride up Grouse Mountain, rent a bike and ride around the seawall of Stanley Park, or explore the Museum of Anthropology. For shoppers and browsers, consider taking a water taxi to Granville Island or visit historic Gastown. (B)

Day 3 Vancouver–Kelowna
This morning, start out through British Columbia’s fertile valleys and rich mountain forests to Lake Okanagan. Travel along the lake to the resort city of Kelowna, attractively set on the lake shore and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Enjoy a visit to KELOWNA LAND AND ORCHARD, one of the largest family-owned orchards in Canada. Upon arrival, sample some farm-fresh apple juice, then hop on a farm wagon for a behind-the-scenes, interactive look at the working farm. (B)

Day 4 Kelowna–Glacier National Park
This morning, travel through the Okanagan Valley agricultural region to Canada’s Glacier National Park. On Rogers Pass, enjoy panoramic views of peaks taller than 10,000 feet, then continue on to Yoho National Park. View Natural Bridge before scaling Kicking Horse Pass. Continue on to enter the province of Alberta and BANFF NATIONAL PARK, the scenic heart of the Rockies. (B,D)

Day 5 Banff National Park
Sightseeing today includes a ride on BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain and stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the tranquil setting of this mountain resort. Maybe take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. In the evening, join our optional excursion to the Oh Canada Eh? dinner show. (B)

Day 6 Banff–Waterton Lakes National Park
Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Just outside the town of Fort Macleod, visit HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP, a World Heritage Site. Then, it’s on to scenic WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, and a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B,D)

Day 7 Waterton Lakes National Park. Glacier National Park Excursion
Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of GLACIER NATIONAL PARK. Get ready today for a trip aboard the famous vintage red “JAMMER BUSES” along one of North America’s most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass, enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery, where jagged mountain peaks, green forests, pristine lakes, and meadows dominate the landscape. (B)

Day 8 Waterton Lakes National Park–Helena
Continue south along the foothills of the Rockies past the Gates of Mountains Recreational Area. Arrive in Montana’s historic capital city, Helena, and enjoy a drive through the impressive mansion district before arriving at your hotel. After dinner, stroll along Last Chance Gulch, the historic pedestrian center downtown. (B,D)

Day 9 Helena–Yellowstone National Park
From Helena, head for Three Forks, where Lewis & Clark made a critical choice on their journey west, then into YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Marvel at the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs and stop at Fountain Paint Pots to see the bubbling mud. Watch Old Faithful Geyser erupt before settling into your hotel tonight. (B,D)

Day 10 Yellowstone National Park–Grand Teton National Park
Travel along Grand Loop Road to Artist Point for splendid views of Yellowstone Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. Journey south into breathtaking GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore before ending the day in the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, enjoy dinner at the BAR-T-5 CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (B,D)

Day 11 Jackson
A full day at leisure gives you time to enjoy this incredible American playground. Options include strolling along the downtown boardwalks, relaxing with a drink at one of the swing-door saloons, or taking a scenic float trip on the Snake River to view wildlife and brilliant scenery. (B)

Day 12 Jackson–Salt Lake City
Today’s journey continues alongside some of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges and into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. (B)

Day 13 Salt Lake City–Bryce Canyon
Travel through sagebrush landscape to BRYCE CANYON, a national park with a beauty all its own. Take a leisurely drive this afternoon with photo stops to capture the bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” The balance of the day is at leisure, with an overnight at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park (B,D)

Day 14 Bryce Canyon–Grand Canyon
Make a short stop this morning in Kanab, where many Hollywood westerns were filmed. Afterward, cross the Painted Desert with its ever-changing colors and catch your first glimpse of the world-famous GRAND CANYON , one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savor the magnificent sunset. (B,D)
Special Feature: Your hotel tonight is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra.

Day 15 Grand Canyon–Las Vegas
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Then, travel on part of legendary Route 66 to Las Vegas, one of America’s most famous cities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour while en route to your hotel, located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and amusement parks. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINER. (B,D)

Day 16 Las Vegas
Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Las Vegas McCarran Airport. (B)