American Southwest Explorer including Rocky Mountaineer
American Southwest Explorer including Rocky Mountaineer
American Southwest Explorer including Rocky Mountaineer
10 Days Starting and ending in Denver, CO, USA
Visiting: Denver, Rocky Mountains, Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, Bighorn Mountains, Cody, Yellowstone County, Salt Lake City, Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Glenwood Springs
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1559
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
7-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The American Southwest is a vast and diverse region of the United States. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, cultures, and natural wonders that make it a unique and captivating destination. Journey from Denver and explore the region's red rock formations and desert vistas to its rich cultural heritage, the Southwest is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Journey through 2 days of extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Denver Arrival
Location: Denver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Doubletree by Hilton Denver Cherry Creek, Denver, or similar
Upon arrival at Denver International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel and you will meet your Tour Director.
Day 2 : Denver > Rocky Mountains > Cheyenne
Location: Rocky Mountains, Denver, Cheyenne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Best Western Plus Frontier Inn, Cheyenne Wy, Cheyenne, or similar
This morning, enjoy a short city tour of the "Mile High City", including the gold-domed State Capitol whose 13th step on the west side of the building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level - one mile high. A short distance from Denver you'll enter Rocky Mountain National Park where you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Here, 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments.
And if you thought the journey to the park was beautiful, just wait until you experience Trail Ridge Road. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky", and offering incomparable views in every direction, Trail Ridge Road winds past countless peaks, through tundra high above the tree line, and crosses the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet.
Continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city that embodies the spirit of the Old West. Considered the nation's railroad capital, Cheyenne is home to a collection of steam engines, including Old Number 4004, the world's largest steam locomotive and one of the eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country.
Day 3 : Cheyenne > Mount Rushmore > Rapid City
Location: Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, Rapid City, or similar
Your journey begins this morning with a visit to Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Originally established as a private fur trading fort, this "grand old post" evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains and witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America's western expansion. Continue through the majestic beauty of South Dakota's Black Hills to Mount Rushmore National Memorial where you'll come face to face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and America's rich heritage.
Day 4 : Rapid City > Bighorn Mountains > Cody
Location: Bighorn Mountains, Rapid City, Cody
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Buffalo Bill, Cody, or similar
Today, crossing back into Wyoming en route to Cody, you'll travel through Bighorn National Forest where undisturbed rolling hills, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs, thick pine forests, and the Bighorn Mountains dominate the landscape. Upon arrival in Cody, you'll visit the Buffalo Bill Museum. Celebrating the spirit of the American West, including the culture and art that bring the heritage of Wyoming alive, the Buffalo Bill Museum focus' on the life and times of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the town founder, and a living legend. In the evening enjoy attractions that include rodeos, gunfight reenactments, and cowboy music (seasonal).
Day 5 : Cody > Yellowstone
Location: Cody, Yellowstone County
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, Yellowstone, or similar
Today, take an unforgettable journey into America's first national park and nature's wonderland - Yellowstone National Park. Here, the Earth is in action with geysers, mountain ranges and rivers, waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes. The iconic spots - Old Faithful and Yellowstone Canyon - will be familiar from photographs, but seeing them in person is a humbling experience. They're not just as good as you've heard - they're better. This mountain wildland is also home to eagles, grizzly and black bears, buffalo, elk, and much more, so you're bound to see wildlife wherever you go.
Day 6 : Yellowstone > Salt Lake City
Location: Yellowstone County, Salt Lake City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Crystal Inn, Salt Lake City, or similar
Today’s journey takes you through scenic Southern Idaho to Salt Lake City, the capital of the state of Utah and most populous, known for the Mormon Community. Upon arrival, enjoy views of the State Capitol Building and downtown’s historic Temple Square, home to the 6-spired Salt Lake Temple and domed Tabernacle of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, prior to arriving at your hotel.
Day 7 : Salt Lake City > Canyonlands National Park > Dead Horse State Park > Moab
Location: Salt Lake City, Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Canyonlands National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The MainStay Suites Moab near Arches National Park, Moab, or similar
Heading south this morning, you’ll pass through Provo, home to Brigham Young University, en route to Canyonlands National Park. Today you will see a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River & its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze & the Rivers themselves. We will visit some of the most scenic spots on the Island in the Sky mesa which rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Continue on to Moab for your stay tonight.
Day 8 : Moab > Arches National Park > Moab
Location: Moab, Arches National Park, Moab
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The MainStay Suites Moab near Arches National Park, Moab, or similar
Today we visit Arches National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty 5. Once in the park, you’ll discover a landscape of contrasting colors landforms, and textures unlike any other in the world. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles and giant balanced rocks, this red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations and inspire you with its most unique scenery. Return to hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 9 : Moab > Glenwood Springs (On Board The Rocky Mountaineer) > Afternoon Departure From Moab
Location: Moab, Glenwood Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Denver, Glenwood Springs, or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Today you will board the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train for an unforgettable 2-day journey through extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah and Glenwood Springs, CO. You will be amazed by the vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways, and enchanting hoodoos. Get comfortable as you depart from Moab, where you’ll set out on the journey to Glenwood Springs.
Gazing out your window, take in the scenic views of the stunning American Southwest. Before arriving in the resort town of Glenwood Springs, take a moment and admire the stunning mountain views of Mount Garfield and the vibrant Ruby Canyon.
Day 10 : Glenwood Springs (On Board The Rocky Mountaineer) > Denver Departure
Location: Denver, Glenwood Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave beautiful Glenwood Springs rested as you continue heading east for another day of extraordinary views toward Denver. Enjoy a hot breakfast while watching the morning sun bounce off the rugged canyons as you tour along the Colorado River.
Let the hosts captivate you with stories of the region as you take in the views of the picturesque canyons before reaching the Colorado Rockies. Cross the Continental Divide, while cutting through the Moffat Tunnel. The tour ends upon arrival at the Train Station in Denver
What's Included
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• 9-night hotel accommodations as specified or similar with a private bath and/or shower
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• 2-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer with Silver Leaf Service including luggage handling, and rail station transfers in Glenwood Springs
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• 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, and 1 lunch on the Rocky Mountaineer
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• Services of a professional multilingual Tour Manager throughout
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• Enjoy a city tour of Denver, the “Mile High City”
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• Discover the beauty of the Rocky Mountains by visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park
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• Experience Trail Ridge Road, appropriately known as the “Highway to the Sky”, offering incomparable views in every direction
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• Make your way through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota to Mount Rushmore and take in this one-of-a-kind work of art as well as America’s rich heritage
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• Travel through Bighorn National Forest where undisturbed rolling hills, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs, thick pine forests, and the Bighorn Mountains dominate the landscape
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• Visit the iconic Yellowstone National Park and admire its nature and wildlife
What's Not Included
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• Airfare unless specified in the tour itinerary
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• Meals are not included in order to allow for more flexibility
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• Laundry, telephone, optional excursions, and other items of a personal nature
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• Travel Insurance
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• Gratuities
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• Pre and Post Accommodation
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• Airport Transfers
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• Everything that is not mentioned in included
Mode of Transport
The rail portion is conducted by the Rocky Mountaineer Hosts, there will not be a guide on the rail portion. All coaches are equipped with air-conditioning and an onboard lavatory. Additionally, coaches may have the following onboard amenities: wi-fi, footrests, luggage nets, movable seats, individually adjustable air conditioning, etc.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each passenger traveling on an escorted tour is allowed one piece of checked baggage per person due to space limitations. Additional luggage will be charged at $7.00 per person per day (price is subject to change). Due to the nature of this holiday, bags are handled many times, so a durable, reasonably sturdy, and clearly labeled bag is required. The Tour Manager will issue you a special luggage tag which should remain on your customer’s bag at all times to help ensure the bag is delivered to, and retrieved from, the hotel room at each destination
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Entrance fees per the itinerary are included
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights are not included unless specified in the tour itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please ask for details
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We cannot accept bookings on motorcoach tours for children less than seven (7) years of age. For all tours, children and young adults under the age of 21 must be accompanied by and share their room with an adult at least 21 years of age. Some hotels may also require that at least one of the room occupants is 21 years of age or older. Child 11 years and under with 2 adults sharing existing bedding with minimum child age is 7 years (child rates are on request).
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, and you will receive your travel documents confirming the hotel names approx 2 weeks prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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