America's National Parks Cowboy Country hosted by the RIVER 97.3's Glenn Hamilton

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to Baltimore Washington International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare from Baltimore to Rapid City SD, with return from Jackson, WY
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• Seven-night hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach with Wi-Fi (where available)
• Sightseeing and admissions as listed per itinerary
• Services of a professional AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director, Driver and local guides
• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• All local taxes, hotel services charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Hosted by the RIVER 97.3's Glenn Hamilton
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Badlands National Park
• Custer State Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Mt. Rushmore
• Deadwood
• Buffalo Bill Center of the West
• Yellowstone National Park
• Jackson Hole
• Grand Teton National Park

Itinerary

Tuesday, August 26: Depart for Rapid City

Transfer by motorcoach to Baltimore Washington International airport for a flight to Rapid City, SD. Upon arrival in Rapid City, settle in for the evening and prepare for your adventure to cowboy country of the US! Hotel:  Alex Johnson Hotel, Rapid City, SD (or similar).

Wednesday, August 27:  Rapid City - Badlands

Visit rugged Badlands National Park.  After viewing a short film that introduces you to the area, follow the Badlands Loop Road, a wonder of rock formations and vibrant colors formed by mineral deposits.  Stop at Wall Drug, a classic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing.  This evening, a Lakota Native American will join you before your welcome dinner to discuss his dedication to his community and the Native American way of life, past and present.  (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, August 28:  Custer State Park - Crazy Horse - Mt. Rushmore

Travel to Custer State Park and search for a herd of over 1,000 roaming bison. Your guide will fill you in on the park's wildlife history and facts.  Next, prepare to be amazed by the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Many Native American artists and craftspeople practice their art at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence their culture has on their work. Later, see Mount Rushmore, one of the country's most famous landmarks. (Breakfast)

Friday, August 29:  Rapid City - Deadwood - Buffalo, WY

Stop in Deadwood, a rambling Western town and a National Historic Landmark. Recreations of turn-of-the-century streetlamps light the way through the restored architecture. A local guide introduces you to the history of the city, where gold, gambling and gunpowder were once the order of the day.  Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and other figures from the Wild West. Continue to Kevin Costner's Tatanka: "Story of the Bison." This interpretive center features large, awe-inspiring sculptures depicting the relationship of bison and the Lakota Native Americans. Your day ends in Buffalo, Wyoming. Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites, Buffalo, WY (or similar).  (Breakfast)

Saturday, August 30:  Buffalo - Cody

This morning, make your way through the Bighorn Mountains and cross through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation. This afternoon, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a tribute to one of the most well-known figures of the Old West.  Hotel: Buffalo Bill Village Holiday Inn and Cabins, Cody, WY (or similar). (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, August 31:  Cody - Yellowstone National Park - Jackson, WY

Visit Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park. Famous for its geysers, hot springs and incredible wildlife - including free-ranging herds of buffalo - Yellowstone lives up to its reputation. No visit to the park would be complete without seeing its most renowned attraction: Old Faithful. Watch in awe as the geyser sends a fountain of steam more than 130 feet in the air. Travel over the Sylvan Pass and see Yellowstone Lake on the way to Jackson, your home for the next 2 nights. Hotel: The Lodge at Jackson Hole, Jackson, WY  (or similar). (Breakfast)

Monday, September 1:  Jackson, WY - Grand Teton National Park

Wind through Grand Teton National Park, home to the youngest peaks in the Rockies. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore trendy downtown Jackson. Look for the Antler Arch at the entrance to the historic town square.  Get a taste of the Old West at your farewell dinner where your ride in a covered wagon takes you past the Cache Creek for a night of Western hospitality at a chuckwagon dinner with entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, September 2:  Depart the Wild West for Central PA

Today you leave cowboy country with fond memories of your National Parks journey. Transfer to the Jackson airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA. (Breakfast)

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and/or compensation. 

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents

U.S. State Department and destination specific travel regulations at time of brochure printing required the following documents for your travel, a valid government issued REAL ID or passport. Travel regulations and state compliance requirements are subject to and have been known to change. For the most current requirements, which due to potential changes may be other than what is listed here, please consult with your Travel Advisor. 

Payment 

A deposit $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA  by May 14, 2025.

Cancellations Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus..
From February 27, 2025 to May 27, 2025              $698 per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From May 28, 2025 to August 10, 2025                 40% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From August 11, 2025 to August 25, 2025            75% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
After August 25, 2025                                            NON-REFUNDABLE

* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment. 

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Average high temperatures in the mid-west in late August are in the mid-80's, dropping to the low 60's in the evening. Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are suggested. Daytime, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Baggage

Due to limited space while touring, all passengers are limited to one checked bag no more than 50lbs. You may also bring a small carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Soft sided carry-on bags no larger than 17"x14x4" with a zippered enclosure are recommended. Wheeled carry-on cases that are used as carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airlines or airport. 

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP6025

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AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.