Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to a local airport* (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport)
• Roundtrip Transfers – airport/hotel
• Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours Tour Director/Driver
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by Mercedes Sprinter Van (or similar)
• 7-night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
• Park entrance fees
• Gratuities for included meals
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Ride Along Host to and from the airport

Highlights

• Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square 
• Grand Teton National Park 
• Float Trip down the Snake River 
• Yellowstone National Park 
• Lamar Valley
• Cooke City
• West Yellowstone
• Old Faithful
• Great Salt Lake 
• Antelope Island State Park
• Salt Lake City Tour

Itinerary

Saturday, August 5, 2023: Arrive In Salt Lake City

Transfer by motorcoach for a flight to Salt Lake City, Utah. Arrive at the Salt Lake airport and meet your Southwest Adventure Tours, Tour Director. Board the vehicle and transfer to your downtown hotel with some free time to relax and freshen up. This evening, join the group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Courtyard Downtown or similar (Dinner)

Sunday, August 6, 2023: Salt Lake City - Jackson

This morning, enjoy the heavenly sounds of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during their weekly broadcast (choir schedule permitting). Depart Salt Lake City and travel north through Utah and Southeastern Idaho with a stop for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, enter Wyoming on the way to the fun western town of Jackson. As time allows, enjoy some evening sightseeing of Grand Teton National Park before checking into your hotel. Dinner is included at one of the fantastic local restaurants in Jackson. Hotel: Elk Country Inn or similar (Breakfast, Dinner) 

Monday, August 7, 2023: Grand Teton - Jackson

This morning, return to Grand Teton National Park and start your day with a wonderful Float Trip down the Snake River. After a stop for lunch, enjoy wildlife and photography opportunities as you tour the park, including Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, Coulter Bay, and more. It will be an afternoon of unsurpassed scenic beauty. Later in the afternoon, return to Jackson with the rest of the day free to explore the town on your own. Hotel: Elk Country Inn or similar (Breakfast, Lunch) 

Tuesday, August 8, 2023: Cooke City

Drive north through Grand Teton to Yellowstone National Park and explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Lunch is included today. Then travel over Dunraven Pass and make your way to the Lamar Valley for evening wildlife viewing. Continue along the Scenic Beartooth Hwy to the wonderful small town of Cooke City for an overnight stay and dinner on own. Hotel: Super 8 or similar (Breakfast, Lunch) 

Wednesday, August 9, 2023: Yellowstone

Return to Yellowstone National Park and the Lamar Valley for morning wildlife viewing. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs for sightseeing, exploring, and lunch. In the afternoon, visit Norris Geyser Basin before traveling through the Madison River Valley on the way to West Yellowstone. The evening will be free to explore on own. Hotel: Kelly Inn or similar (Breakfast, Lunch)

Thursday, August 10, 2023: Yellowstone

Today, we will focus on the Geyser Basins of Yellowstone National Park, explore Fountain Paint Pots, Old Faithful, and go to the Old Faithful Lodge for Lunch. Afterwards, explore Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Geyser Basin, and other areas at the guide’s discretion. There will be multiple opportunities to enjoy watching the wildlife within the park. The evening is free to explore West Yellowstone at your leisure. Hotel: Kelly Inn or similar (Breakfast, Lunch)

Friday, August 11, 2023: West Yellowstone - Salt Lake City

This morning, depart West Yellowstone and travel south through the potato fields of Idaho with a rest stop and a stop for lunch along the way. Next, travel along the shores of the Great Salt Lake and visit Antelope Island State Park for the very best views of this unique inland salt sea. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a short City Tour of Salt Lake City including the highlights of the city known as “The Crossroad of the West.” This evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Courtyard Downtown or similar (Breakfast, Dinner) 

Saturday, August 12, 2023: Journey Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Salt Lake City Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

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

Activity Level: 3
This tour requires 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, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.  
 

General Information

Travel Documents

U.S. State department and destination specific travel regulations at the time of brochure printing required the following document for your travel, either 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 this listed here, please consult with your Travel Advisor. 

As travel requirements are rapidly changing due to COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. 

Payment

Deposit of $250 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by  May 23, 2023.  

Cancellation Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure - $25 per person, plus... 
After May 23, 2023 - NON-REFUNDABLE

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests 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

Temperatures for Utah and Wyoming,  in August average in the high 80s to low 90s during the day with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by 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 the needed assistance.

GRP5423

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