Be sure to fill up on a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we head into Yellowstone National Park for a full day of sightseeing. The world's first national park is filled with natural beauty and geologic oddities such as steaming geysers, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots that have delighted visitors for over 100 years. It’s a land so amazing that the first explorers to bring back tales of Yellowstone were called liars. We’ll be met by our local guide at the entrance of the park before we take in the natural beauty along the Hayden Valley. With the striking backdrop of rolling hills and vast plains, keep an eye out for grazing bison, stealthy wolves, and inquisitive elk. Up next is Mammoth Hot Springs and a visit to the awe-inspiring “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone” to see the Upper and Lower Falls where the mighty Yellowstone River cut its way through sheer rock to cascade down hundreds of feet to the foaming torrents below. A boxed lunch will be provided before we head to the geyser basins to visit the centerpiece of the park, Old Faithful! There will be plenty of time to explore the area and witness an eruption of the world’s most famous geyser. The powerful eruption reaches awe-inspiring heights and reminds visitors of the potent force beneath the earth’s surface. After enjoying the Fountain Paint Pots, we will make our way back to the hotel. “Big Sky Country” means plenty of room for the stars to shine. Tonight we will take in the panoramic and unobstructed views of the stars during a special star-gazing experience!

(Breakfast and box lunch included)

After breakfast we will uncover the cultural and natural history of the Northern Rocky Mountain region at the Museum of the Rockies. There’s a remarkable collection of dinosaur fossils, including a full Tyrannosaurus rex, plus fascinating exhibits on the stories and traditions of the American Indians who inhabited Yellowstone Country and the area’s rich history from early exploration to the mid-twentieth century. Then we are off to see the iconic Blue Horses in Three Forks that will instantly captivate us with their mid-action form and lively shade of blue. Crafted by local artist Jim Dolan, these life-size sculptures encapsulate the vibrant spirit of Montana and provide a captivating snapshot you won't soon forget! Up next is a scenic ride down the Missouri River aboard an open-air boat to marvel at the natural wonders at the Gates of the Mountains. Made up of towering walls of limestone that seem to stand guard over the Missouri River, these rock formations stand high above the water and are home to several wildlife species. After our exciting cruise, we will continue our journey to Missoula, MT, to settle into our hotel and gather for dinner together.

(Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included)

Nestled amidst the stunning scenery of Missoula, the Museum of Mountain Flying offers a high-flying journey through the history of aviation in Montana and the Northern Rockies. The museum boasts an array of vintage aircraft and rotating exhibits, each carrying narratives of heroic human spirit and mechanical marvel. Adventure then awaits as we step into the exhilarating world of aerial firefighting at the Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center for an in-depth look at the profession of smokejumping. Displays filled with dioramas, historical photographs, and artifacts explain firefighting procedures, smokejumping history, and other fire-related issues. This is no ordinary museum – it’s an active smokejumpers base offering a front-row seat to firefighters as they prepare to tackle wildfires from the sky! We will then enter the Flathead Indian Reservation to visit the St. Ignatius Mission. This National Historic Site was built in 1891 by American Indians and Jesuit missionaries. Adorning its walls and ceiling are fifty-eight hand-painted murals by Brother Joseph Carignano, a self-taught artist who worked as a mission cook and handyman. Our day will come to an end in Kalispell, MT, where dinner as a group and our accommodations for the next three nights await.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Today we will experience Glacier National Park, a unique, glacier-adorned park that extends into both Canada and the United States. We’ll board our vintage, open-top Red Jammer buses and set out on an amazing half-day excursion to view roaming wildlife, stunning glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains in spectacular fashion. The Red Jammers are as iconic as any Glacier National Park feature and get their name from the sound their transmissions once made as the drivers “jammed” the gears over the mountain passes. If time allows today, we will also visit the Blackfeet Memorial, a revered space to appreciate the resilient spirit of the Blackfeet Nation and their rich history. A visit here is an opportunity to pay homage, learn, and reflect on an integral part of Montana’s cultural fabric. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Kalispell and grab dinner on your own. 

(Breakfast included)

Gear up for an adventurous morning as we embark on a scenic rafting trip on the Flathead River. Our experienced guide will lead us down the river and point out the abundant wildlife along the way. Deer, mountain goats, osprey, eagles, beavers, bears, and howling wolves have all been known to be spotted along the river’s edge! Once back on land, the afternoon is yours to revel in the small-town feel of Whitefish, an exciting resort town filled with unique boutiques, antique shops, and fine-art galleries showcasing works by local and regional artists. After an exciting day, we’ll cap off our time in majestic Montana with the flavors of the region during a fantastic farewell dinner to celebrate a truly special week.

 (Breakfast and dinner included) 

We will transfer to the airport after breakfast for our flight home.

(Breakfast included)