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Ken Burns’ presentation of The National Parks revealed the sheer wonders of our historic legacy. Now you can extend your enjoyment of this important series with a visit to some of the landmark parks in the United States. Join WNED and AAA of Western and Central New York for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Western Frontier. Created especially for WNED viewers and listeners, this 12-day tour from Nevada to Colorado features excursions into the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon National Park, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. Marvel at the splendors of Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful, and the Black Hills National Forest! Watching the Ken Burns series was only the beginning. Now it’s time to experience the natural wonders of the National Parks for yourself. See below for more details. Included Features:
WESTERN FRONTIERS
Day 1: Monday, May 10, 2010 Las Vegas, NV (B)
Welcome to Las Vegas! A group transfer is provided to the hotel, located on the famous “Las Vegas Strip.” Your Trafalgar Tour Director will be available at the hotel this afternoon to answer any questions. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Las Vegas, NV – Grand Canyon NP, AZ (B)
Leaving the glamour of Las Vegas behind, travel south and cross the mighty Colorado River into Arizona, following parts of historic Route 66, the nation’s very first transcontinental highway. You will stop at two iconic posts along Route 66, Seligman and Kingstown, two delightful towns that retain all the flavor of the old road. Late this afternoon, reach one of nature’s grandest wonders, the Grand Canyon. The day’s highlight will be a sunset walk along the south rim in the National Park.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Zion Canyon NP, UT (B)
Departing the park, you travel into the vast Navaho Indian Reservation. Our first stop will be at the historic Indian Trading Post at Cameron, giving group members the opportunity to purchase native handicrafts. The incredible beauty of southern Utah comes alive this afternoon as we drive northward to the lush cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion Canyon National Park. Here, board a narrated shuttle to explore the scenic highlights of the park and then enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 4: Thursday, May 13, 2010 Zion Canyon NP, UT – Salt Lake City, UT (B)
This morning visit Bryce Canyon National Park where sandstone spires reflect colorful hues from every vista point. Here you visit the amphitheater of “hoodoos,” oddly shaped stone monoliths. Continuing northward, you reach Salt Lake City, capital city of the state of Utah, founded in 1847. Our orientation tour takes us to the historic Temple Square where you view the Salt Lake Tabernacle – home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Assembly Hall and the Visitor Center. This evening is at leisure.
Day 5: Friday, May 14, 2010 Salt Lake City, UT – Jackson, WY (B, D)
Traveling northward along the Great Salt Lake we cross the Oregon Trail which was the only feasible route west in the 19th century en route to Jackson, Wyoming. There will be time to wander though the authentic old-western town, framed dramatically by the Grand Tetons to the North. Why not stop for a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Saloon? This evening enjoy a specialty dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Saturday, May 15, 2010 Jackson, WY – Yellowstone NP, WY (B, D)
Today, enjoy a leisurely pace on your way to Grand Teton National Park which protects awe inspiring mountain scenery. The central feature of the park, the Teton Range, is a 40-mile-long mountain range rising from the valley floor some 6000 feet. This jagged range includes its signature peak “Grand Teton”-13,770 feet and at least 12 pinnacles over 12,000 feet. Your afternoon destination is the nation’s first National Park – Yellowstone, a geothermal wonderland.
Day 7: Sunday, May 16, 2010 Yellowstone NP, WY (B)
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most successful wildlife sanctuaries in the world and a full-day visit to the park will allow group members the opportunity to see free-roaming buffalo, wild deer, elk and bear in their natural habitats. Hear the roar of the lower Yellowstone Falls in its own Grand Canyon and see Old Faithful erupt. Upon returning to the hotel, the evening is free.
Day 8: Monday, May 17, 2010 Yellowstone NP, WY – Billings, MT (B, D)
This morning we make our way to Cody named after its most famous resident, Buffalo Bill Cody. Learn about his adventures during a visit to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Turning northward, learn why Montana is called “Big Sky” country as we travel to the historic cattle town of Billings. This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 9: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Billings, MT – Rapid City, SD (B)
Our first stop today is at the Little Bighorn National Monument, site of the infamous “Custer’s Last Stand”. Here in June 1876, Custer and his few men faced several thousand Native Americans in battle. Next, we head into South Dakota where you stop in Deadwood and explore this restored western town aboard a narrated tour. Late in the afternoon, arrive in Rapid City, our home for the next two nights.
Day 10: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Rapid City, SD (B)
The Black Hills were considered holy by the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne, a sacred place of solitude, introspection and prayer. Named for the hue of its woods, the discovery of gold in 1874 forever changed the area. Today you will spend the full day in the Black Hills stopping fist at an engineering marvel, Mt. Rushmore, to see the heads of four presidents carved into the side of a mountain. Next travel through Custer State Park with its varied wildlife and stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial, a work-in-progress, which honors all Native Americans. Upon returning to the hotel the evening is free.
Day 11: Thursday, May 20, 2010 Rapid City, SD – Denver, CO (B, D)
Today the “Great Plains” stretch before us as on the journey southward through Wyoming. The National Grasslands Prairies of Wyoming and South Dakota encompass millions of acres of windswept grass and wildflowers, home to an abundance of wildlife. At Fort Laramie, learn that real forts of the American West didn’t even remotely resemble the ones created by Hollywood! Our last night of the tour is spent in the “Mile-High City” of Denver, capital of Colorado. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 12: Friday, May 21, 2010 Denver, CO (B)
Bid good-bye to your new-found friends as your vacation comes to an end. Your Trafalgar Tour Director will assist group members in their group transfer by motor coach to the airport. For more information or to book travel, please contact our AAA of WCNY representative, Regina Sullivan, at 1-800-242-4244 (8am-5:30pm) or email at rsullivan@nyaaa.com. |
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