Itinerary
- Day 1
Chicago
You'll arrive in Chicago with the rest of your day to yourself. Wander downtown on your own, check out the neighborhoods, or head back to your hotel to relax. In the evening, meet up with your group and tour leader for an informal welcome dinner or gathering.
Optional Activities
- Explore downtown Chicago
- Visit museums in Chicago
- Day 2
Chicago
Start with a guided tour of Chicago's highlights, driving along Lake Shore Drive, through the Magnificent Mile, and past Navy Pier. After that, the afternoon is yours to explore. You could walk through downtown to see the architecture, spend time at the Art Institute, or visit the Field Museum to check out the dinosaurs and natural history exhibits.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Lake Shore Drive
- Sightseeing of the Magnificent Mile
- Sightseeing of Navy Pier
Optional Activities
- Explore downtown Chicago architecture
- Visit famous museums in Chicago
Landmarks/POIs Lake Shore Drive Magnificent Mile Navy Pier - Day 3
Chicago to Sioux Falls
Head west from Chicago through farmland and grasslands. You'll pass through corn and wheat fields before crossing the Mississippi River into Iowa. Continue along the Missouri River and arrive in Sioux Falls by evening, where you'll stay for the night.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Mississippi River
Landmarks/POIs Mississippi River Missouri River - Day 4
Sioux Falls to Rapid City
Travel west through South Dakota's grasslands to Badlands National Park, where the colorful layered rock formations create a dramatic landscape. From there, head to the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore and take in the views. By evening, you'll reach Rapid City for the night.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Badlands National Park
- Sightseeing of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
Landmarks/POIs Badlands National Park Mount Rushmore National Memorial Black Hills - Day 5
Rapid City to Cody
Continue heading west through Wyoming toward Cody. You'll drive through landscape with twelve mountain ranges mixed in with deserts and grasslands. The scenery changes throughout the day as you move deeper into the state.
- Day 6
Cody to Yellowstone National Park
Arrive at Yellowstone National Park with your guide. Spend the day exploring geothermal features, waterfalls, and canyons. You'll see Old Faithful erupt, visit Yellowstone Lake, check out the canyon and falls, and drive through Hayden Valley to spot wildlife like bison and elk.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Yellowstone National Park
Landmarks/POIs Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone Lake Old Faithful Yellowstone Canyon Hayden Valley - Day 7
Yellowstone to Salt Lake City
Head south through Grand Teton National Park, where jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically from the valley floor. Stop at Snake River Outlook for photos. Later, cross into Utah and explore Salt Lake City, including the State Capitol building, Temple Square, and the historic Tabernacle.
Included Activities
- Panoramic Sightseeing of Grand Teton National Park
- Sightseeing of Snake River
- Sightseeing of State Capital Building & Temple Square & the Tabernacle
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner at Rooftop Restaurant for panoramic views of Temple Square
Landmarks/POIs Grand Teton National Park Snake River Snake River Outlook Utah State Capitol Temple Square Tabernacle - Day 8
Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and walk through the landscape with your guide. The red and orange sandstone spires, called hoodoos, create an otherworldly scene. If weather allows, stay into the evening to see the night sky full of stars and constellations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Bryce Canyon
Optional Activities
- Gaze upon the night sky with stars and constellations (weather permitting)
Landmarks/POIs Bryce Canyon - Day 9
Bryce Canyon to Flagstaff
Leave Bryce Canyon and drive to Lake Powell, where red rock walls rise above blue water. Continue to Grand Canyon National Park and spend time at the rim looking out over the mile-deep canyon. Later, drive Historic Route 66 toward Flagstaff, arriving there by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Lake Powell
- Grand Canyon National Park Visit
- Sightseeing of Route 66
Landmarks/POIs Lake Powell Grand Canyon National Park Colorado River Route 66 - Day 10
Flagstaff to Las Vegas
Head toward Las Vegas, passing through Seligman, a small Route 66 town that looks like it hasn't changed in decades. By afternoon, you'll reach Las Vegas. Spend the rest of your day exploring the Strip, visiting casinos, watching shows, or trying different restaurants.
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of Seligman Town
Optional Activities
- Explore the Las Vegas Strip at leisure
Landmarks/POIs Seligman Las Vegas Strip - Day 11
Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Travel west toward Los Angeles through the Mojave Desert, where Joshua trees dot the landscape. After arriving in L.A., join your guide for a tour through Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, and parts of Beverly Hills before heading to your hotel.
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of the Mojave Desert
- Sightseeing of Hollywood & Sunset Strip & Beverly Hills
Landmarks/POIs Mojave Desert Hollywood Sunset Strip Beverly Hills - Day 12
Los Angeles
You have the entire day to explore Los Angeles on your own. Head to the beach, hike in the hills, visit museums, go shopping in different neighborhoods, or just relax and get to know the city at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Universal Studios Tour - full-day optional tour of the world's largest theme park and movie studio, including inside looks at movie sets, behind-the-scenes secrets of iconic films, and thrilling feature rides
Landmarks/POIs Universal Studios - Day 13
Los Angeles to Santa Maria
Head north from L.A. through Santa Barbara, a beautiful coastal town with palm trees and white sand beaches. Walk around and see the Spanish heritage and old mission. Stop at a lifeguard tower made famous by the TV show Baywatch, then drive to Santa Maria for the night.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of California Lifeguard Tower
Optional Activities
- Explore Santa Barbara
Landmarks/POIs Santa Barbara California Lifeguard Tower - Day 14
Santa Maria to San Francisco
Continue north to Carmel, a charming artist's town with cottages and galleries. Browse the shops and galleries, then head to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf. Walk along the pier to Cannery Row, famous from John Steinbeck's writings. Drive through Santa Clara Valley and arrive in San Francisco, where your trip ends and you say goodbye to your group.
Included Activities
- Old Fisherman's Wharf visit
- Sightseeing of Cannery Row
Optional Activities
- Browse shops and galleries in Carmel
Landmarks/POIs Carmel Old Fisherman's Wharf Cannery Row Castroville
