Discover America the beautiful on this exploration of the United States' greatest natural treasure—our national parks. You'll visit the gorgeous scenery and pristine landscapes of America, ranging from the yellow and orange stones of Zion National Park to the unforgettable majesty of the Grand Canyon. This tour also includes a visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Albuquerque

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, aboard a major airline. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you to your hotel. Tonight, get acquainted with your fellow travelers at an included Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: dinner

Day 2 - Albuquerque

Rise and shine early today to watch balloons ascend en masse at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. At 7am, the first of the balloons begins its graceful ascent into “the Albuquerque box,” a unique set of air currents that allow the balloons to parade through the sky and return to the site from which they launched. While you’re at the festival, you’ll have access to a heated hospitality tent stocked with drinks and snacks. After the mass ascension, the majority of the day is free to explore the city of Albuquerque on your own. This evening, you’ll return to the festival around dusk, as the sky begins to fill with illuminated globes as part of the festival’s Twilight Twinkle Glow event.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Albuquerque Balloon Festival

Day 3 - Mesa Verde

Cross the Colorado border and stop for lunch in Durango, an authentic Old West mining town. Then continue on to Mesa Verde National Park, home to the cliff dwellings of the Pueblo Indians. Along the way, you’ll pass through the scenic southwestern landscapes that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Mesa Verde

This morning, visit Mesa Verde National Park. On your guided tour, you’ll view the fascinating 800-year-old cliff dwellings that honeycomb the canyon walls. Later today, pass through Monument Valley before arriving in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Mesa Verde

Day 5 - Grand Canyon

Reach the Grand Canyon. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect millions of years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration of the canyon with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Grand Canyon

Day 6 - Grand Canyon

With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon at your leisure, you might choose to walk along the rim, or hike down to a plateau. Alternatively, consider joining our optional Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride to take in spectacular bird’s-eye views of one of our nation’s most awe-inspiring sites.
Included meals: breakfast

$275 CAD

Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon aboard a thrilling half-hour helicopter ride. Soar over the massive canyon, taking in a unique perspective on the striated terrain far below. From high above the Canyon rim, you can begin to fully appreciate the immense scale of this natural wonder. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.

Day 7 - Zion

Pass by Lake Powell, a favorite southwestern vacation destination, on your way to Zion. During your visit to Zion National Park—including a tram ride—discover why the Mormon settlers of the 19th century named it after their heavenly city. Zion is famous for its dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks, whose yellow and orange hues create magnificent vistas contrasted with the thick green foliage along the riverbanks.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Zion National Park, tram ride

Day 8 - Salt Lake City, Utah

Your journey through Utah continues with today’s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive pink sandstone, which forms awe-inspiring arches, spires, steps and bridges across the landscape. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Later today, reach Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, for an overnight stop.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 9 - Jackson, Wyoming

Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton, which is the highest mountain of the Teton range, rises to 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks are higher than 12,000 feet. This range is particularly interesting to geologists because it is the youngest range in the Rockies but displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Reach the town of Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Grand Teton National Park

Day 10 - Yellowstone

Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (so designated in 1872). See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. You’ll spend the entire day experiencing the majesty of Yellowstone’s awe-inspiring views and terrain.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Yellowstone National Park

Day 11 - Jackson, Wyoming

Enjoy a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants as you spend a leisurely day in and around the Snake River Valley. Or, join this morning’s optional Grand Tetons by Horseback excursion. This afternoon, opt for a scenic float down the Snake River. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$59 CAD

The Grand Tetons by Horseback Jackson is home to fewer than 9,000 people, but it'll feel like the big city after today's horseback riding excursion through the Grand Tetons. Suitable for riders of every skill level, this trip into Wyoming's back country will highlight the scenic beauty of the Snake River Valley. As you trot down mountain paths, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible array of wildlife that calls this area home.

$69 CAD

Snake River Float One of the best ways to see the Grand Tetons—the glorious peaks that surround Jackson—is from the Snake River. On a raft ride, you'll have a great chance of glimpsing some of Wyoming's wildlife, including soaring eagles and graceful mountain lions.Please note: This excursion is seasonal from mid-May through mid-September.

Day 12 - Jackson, Wyoming

This morning, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)