Itinerary

1. Bozeman, Montana - Tour Begins

   Step outside, take a deep breath in, and look around you – you’re in big sky country. Montana is wilderness, adventure, and beauty, and you’re about to see what makes it unique, as well as its crown jewels. Today, arrive in Bozeman, the jumping off point to explore the northern and southern loops of Yellowstone, America’s first national park. Get your cameras ready and your boots laced tight, there’s a good chance you’re going to come across roaming bison, roaring geysers, and more.

   Accommodation: The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone

2. Bozeman - Yellowstone Southern Loop - Gardiner

   This morning, pass through Yellowstone’s western gate and venture into the Lower Loop, the road that encircles the entire lower half of the National Park. Your first stop will be at the Grand Prismatic Spring, where steaming azure-blue waters clash brilliantly with the bright orange of the clay earth surrounding it. You’ll quickly learn why this is one of the most photographed spots in the entire park – its unearthly beauty is something to behold. The best spot to take it all in is at the overlook, and you’ll have enough time to take the 20-minute hike up if you choose. Afterwards, head to Old Faithful, the legendary geyser that you can “set your watch to.” Enjoy lunch on your own, walk the boardwalk trails surrounding Old Faithful, and check the time on the next eruption. No drive through Yellowstone is that quiet, though – you’ll want to gaze out your window at the mountains, plains, cliffs, and forests. Bison, elk, bears, eagles, wolves, and antelope call this incredible slice of wilderness their home, and you might spot them at any time.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
   Accommodation: The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone

3. Gardiner - Yellowstone Northern Loop - Gardiner

   Today, explore Yellowstone’s northern loop. Your first stop will be Mammoth Hot Springs. Here, bubbling pots of geothermal water trickle down the step-like terraces, creating incredible shapes and colors. Explore the boardwalks that wind through the steaming landscape. Next, head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone lookout, where you’ll find yourself standing over the massive, 20-mile-long canyon. Its craggy walls are streaked with brilliant whites, pinks, and oranges from the volcanic minerals contained in the rocks. The Yellowstone River roars along at the bottom over three different waterfalls. Later today, return to your hotel in Gardiner.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown

4. Gardiner - Paradise Valley - Helena

   This morning, head through the sweeping vistas of Montana’s Paradise Valley. In the distance, you’ll see the Absaroka Beartooth Mountains to the east, and the Gallatin Range of the Rocky Mountains to your west. You’ll arrive in the capital of Montana, Helena, a city with rich gold rush history and beautiful Victorian era architecture. These days, the “Queen City of the Rockies” is less known for gold and more known for its great local restaurants and microbreweries, as well as a stunning trail system in the surrounding landscape.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
   Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown

5. Helena - Gates of the Mountains - Helena

   Start your day today with a local guide showing you around the beautiful and welcoming mountain city of Helena on a narrated, train trolley tour. See the opulent mansion district, marvel at the Cathedral of St. Helena, and roll by governor’s homes. Pass by a restored miners’ village, enjoy the unique architecture along Last Chance Gulch, and catch a glimpse of the Old Fire Tower. After exploring the city a bit, you’ll have time on your own to enjoy the charm of downtown Helena before heading to the Gates of the Mountains. Here, on the shores of the Missouri River, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the most renowned explorers in American history – Lewis and Clark. Climb aboard a boat and cruise these storied waters, follow the path Lewis and Clark took on their legendary journey across this vast wilderness, and take in the natural beauty. Meriwether Lewis himself named this stunning canyon the Gates of the Mountains, and you’ll discover just how it must have felt to come across this awe-inspiring sight. Tonight, return to Helena for an evening at leisure.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Great Bear Lodge at St. Mary Village

6. Helena - Great Falls - St. Mary

   Today, venture to Great Falls, where the mighty Missouri River thunders down from the Rocky Mountains, over five waterfalls to the great plains below. This was a massive obstacle for Lewis and Clark’s expedition in 1805. They had to carry their boats over land for a month to make it from the lower falls to the upper falls. You will not have to work that hard, because it’s your choice! Visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center where you can learn about the trials of the legendary expedition -OR- explore the exhibits at the C.M. Russell Art Museum during a guided tour, where you’ll see the art of Charles Russell, a cowboy-turned-artist from the turn of the century, as well as his original home and log studio. Afterwards, continue to St. Mary, the eastern entryway to Glacier National Park.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
   Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge

7. Glacier National Park - Going-to-the-Sun Road - Whitefish

   Head into Glacier National Park to board one of the 1930’s vintage red buses and venture down one of the most breathtaking roads in North America, Going-to-the-Sun Road.* Sit back and admire the views of the valley as your “jammer,” one of the experienced guides, drives you through this natural landscape. Relax and take in all the majestic sights, before heading to the town of Whitefish where forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains unfold in every direction.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch
   Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge

8. Missoula

   Your day in Missoula starts off with a visit to the Museum of Mountain Flying. Aircraft as well as interactive history displays that interpret and preserve the history of mountain flying and smoke jumping. Next, visit the Holt Heritage Museum, located on the Lolo Trail which was used by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806. A private museum built by Bill and Ramona Holt, the extensive collection tells the story of Western Montana – from cowboys and rodeo’s, to the native Nez Pierce and Salish/Kootenai cultures. This evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, where you can raise a glass and toast to a wildly fun Montana adventure.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner

9. Missoula - Tour Ends

   Say goodbye to Big Sky Country and its beautiful sights as you head home.

   Meal included: Breakfast