AAA Hoosier - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Marveling at the national parks of the American West is a pilgrimage that even international visitors to our country make. You’ll appreciate the joys of unspoiled wilderness anew on a full-day guided tour of Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness wolves dart across a green valley or hear the hiss from a steamy geyser as the earth exhales. You’ll also do your part in preserving this natural heritage by taking part in a volunteer project.

Your adventure begins in scenic Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where you'll enjoy a 10-mile scenic float trip down the Snake River. Then on to Grand Teton National Park with its spectacular peaks and clear glacial lakes.

Your tour of Yellowstone includes Norris Geyser Basin and the world-famous Old Faithful. Then journey through the western prairies of Wyoming, stopping for a visit in the Old West town of Cody, where you'll visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Drive through the Black Hills of South Dakota en route to Crazy Horse Memorial, and wrap up your trip with a visit to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Price includes:
• 8 nights accommodations: 3 nights in Yellowstone, 2 nights each in Jackson Hole and Rapid City, and 1 night in Cody
• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners; includes dinner and show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, and lunch at the Ucross Ranch
• Scenic Snake River float trip
• Full-day tour of Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Participation in a volunteer project
• Visits to: Grand Teton National Park, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Crazy Horse Memorial

Day 1 - Arrive Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Begin your tour at the Snow King Resort. The resort boasts a number of family-friendly activities to enjoy during your stay. Some of the optional features of the resort are a scenic chair lift and an alpine slide. Enjoy dinner this evening as a group.
Accommodation: Snow King Resort - 2 nights

Day 2 - Snake River Float
After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a 10-mile scenic float trip down the Snake River. Afterwards, we return to the Snow King to enjoy more activities at the resort or take the shuttle into Jackson Hole. Dinner and entertainment this evening is at the Jackson Hole Playhouse.

Day 3 - Jackson Hole / Yellowstone
Following breakfast, we depart Jackson for the majestic Grand Tetons. After reveling in the natural beauty, have lunch at the magnificent Mural Room at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Continue to Grant Village, located in Yellowstone National Park. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Inn - 3 nights

Day 4 - Yellowstone National Park Tour
Eat a hearty breakfast at the hotel because we have a full-day guided tour of Yellowstone National Park in store, including Norris Geyser Basin, the West Thumb Area, and Fountain Paintpots. And what trip to Yellowstone would be complete without a visit to Old Faithful? Later we return to relax at the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5 - Volunteer Activity & Half-Day at Leisure
After breakfast at the hotel take part in a volunteer project. The rest of the day is your chance to explore the surroundings and the natural splendor on your own. Guests can arrange for activities, or just take in the nearby scenery.

Day 6 - Yellowstone to Cody
Departing Yellowstone, our next destination is the old west town of Cody to visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.
Accommodation Comfort Inn Cody - 1 night

Day 7 - Cody / Rapid City
Following breakfast, journey through the western prairies of Wyoming, including Shell Canyon and the Bighorn Mountains, then enjoy lunch at the Ucross ranch where there is time to take a swim; towels are provided. Continue on to Rapid City.
Accommodation: Hotel Alex Johnson - 2 nights

Day 8 - Mount Rushmore
Today you visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest sculpture, now in progress, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Then it's on to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Few attractions stir the emotions of visitors the way Mount Rushmore does. Since its completion in 1941, it has joined the Statue of Liberty and the Stars & Stripes as one of America's most inspiring symbols of democracy. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner as a group.

Day 9 - Depart Rapid City
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer on your own to Rapid City Regional Airport.