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Immerse yourself in the best of the American West on this immersive exploration through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Under the guidance of local experts and naturalists, you'll come face-to-face with a staggering array of pristine landscapes and geological wonders like cascading waterfalls and otherworldly geysers. As you hike, keep watch for the region's abundant wildlife, which includes grizzlies, wolves, moose, bald eagles and the elusive gray wolf. At night, stand in awe as you gaze up into the wide-open, star-filled sky.
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Hotels (6 nts).
The United States currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in the USA, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is very difficult to find in the USA and most banks do not accommodate.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
For this trip we use two 15-seat vehicles with internal luggage storage for up to 14 people plus a CEO and Driver.
These vans are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.
With mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles.
This is not a physically demanding journey. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Travelling can be difficult, with long drives and limited space in the van. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience!
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
From Jackson Hole airport (JAC), to reach your starting accommodation you can take a rideshare service or a local taxi. If you require assistance, please head to the information desk.
WELCOME MEETING TIME: 18:00
WELCOME MEETING LOCATION: Elk Country Inn - inside Hotel Lobby
Elk Country Inn
480 W Pearl Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
Jackson
USA
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
1. TRAVEL DAYS
In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.
2. WALKS AND HIKES - OPTIONAL
All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It's a healthy way to discover North America's beauty and landscape.
3. LEGAL DRINKING AGE
Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.
While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.
Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.
Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip), as are healthy, local snacks. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere. Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle and refill at the start of each day.
Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
13
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Teton Raptor Center, Grand Teton National Park
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wildlife Spotting in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park. Guided Snake River float. Grand Teton National Park entrance. Jenny Lake boat ride. Yellowstone National Park entrance. Three full days touring though Yellowstone National Park's highlights. Lamar Valley wildlife safari. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Float along the Snake River keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife-including mule deer pronghorns elk and moose, Venture into the Lamar Valley for a private naturalist-led tour of the region's fauna and flora as well as its fascinating history, Embark on an unforgettable hike through the iconic Tetons taking in spectacular jagged mountains and glistening lakes, Join a naturalist on a tour of the Teton Raptor Center to discover the region's owls hawks golden eagles and other birds of prey.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
No optional activities
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please note that your outgoing flight from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) must depart no earlier than 14:00 (2pm) on Day 7. The group will be brought to the Jackson Visitor Center in Jackson and from there you can set up transfers to the airport. Your CEO will also be able to help you book the departure transfer on site. The approximate shuttle prices to/from the airport are $95 per transfer and can hold up to 4 people. Only permitted airport vehicles can do airport drop offs. It will take at least 15 minutes to travel from your hotel drop-off point to the airport.
Local tipping is included on this Family trip which covers local guides, drivers and gratuity for included meals. At the end of your trip if you felt your two Chief Experience Officers did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per CEO $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide.
For non-included meals in restaurant, a guideline is 15-20% of cost of bill.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
This National Geographic group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Max 13.
Arrive at any time.
After breakfast, travel to Grand Teton National Park, where you'll board a boat and cruise across the tranquil waters of Jenny Lake, which carved out Cascade Canyon approximately 12,000 years ago. Enjoy a self-guided walk to Hidden Falls along a trail that slopes up 200 ft (60 m) in elevation and ends at a magnificent waterfall that cascades 100 ft (30 m) below. Continue along the trail to Inspiration Point, where you'll find spectacular views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole beyond. You can choose to return by either hiking along the lake or taking the ferry across. From there, you'll drive to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, where you'll examine the exhibits that tell the story of the region's cultural and geological histories, as well as current preservation efforts. Next, set off on a half-mile stroll to the Murie Ranch homestead, where you will learn about the Murie family's contribution to the 1964 Wilderness Act. Return to Jackson Hole in the evening for dinner in town with your fellow travelers.
Begin the day with a guided wildlife float along the Snake River and bask in the morning sun as it casts a glow on the Tetons. This is the perfect time to spot wildlife, so be on the lookout for mule deer, pronghorns, elk and moose in the surrounding woodlands and meadows. In the afternoon, travel to the Teton Raptor Center for an exclusive 1-hour private raptor experience. Led by a naturalist and staff member of the center, your tour includes a visit to the newly restored historic barn, where you will learn all about the region's raptors (birds of prey) and their role in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Discover more about the center's field work and clinic, where injured, ill or orphaned raptors are cared for. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner on your own.
This morning, your journey takes you along Yellowstone's Mormon Row, where you'll make a stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Wander along the 1-mile loop, search for birds and get to know the environment of Yellowstone. The next stop is at Old Faithful, where you'll watch the famed geyser erupt. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then visit the Tribal Heritage Center, which opened in 2022 as a way to recognize the many Tribal Nations that called Yellowstone their home before it was named a national park in 1872. You'll engage with indigenous artists, scholars and presenters from the 27 associated Tribes of Yellowstone through the center's educational programs, which include photography, beadwork, moccasin making, quilt work and more. After your visit, stroll along the boardwalks that wind between the gurgling hot springs and geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin. Peer into the rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring to admire where the thermophilic bacteria generate vivid shades of yellow, blue and red.
Get an early start to your day as you travel to the Lamar Valley with a Yellowstone National Park specialist for a private wildlife-spotting tour. Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” the Lamar Valley has a high concentration of wildlife, including bison, elk, and elusive wolves and grizzly bears. You will be equipped with binoculars to keep an eye out for fauna and flora as you learn about the region's fascinating history. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time at the hotel, where you can take advantage of its many amenities or stroll through its serene surroundings. This evening, dinner will be on your own.
After breakfast, you'll continue to explore the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Stand in awe while overlooking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, formed as a result of a volcanic eruption about 630,000 years ago. Set out on a Chief Experience Officer-led trail walk along the southern rim-from Artist Point Overlook to the Point Sublime Overlook-high above the Yellowstone River. In the afternoon, visit the Mud Pots, then continue to Yellowstone Lake for a Chief Experience Officer-guided hike up the Storm Point Trail. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a final dinner together and share stories from your unforgettable adventure.
In the morning, depart for the Jackson Visitor Center in Jackson, where your tour comes to end. From there, you must make your own way to the airport as only permitted airport vehicles can access the drop off area.
When arranging your flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Please note that your outgoing flight from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) must depart no earlier than 14:00 (2pm) on Day 7. The group will be brought to the Jackson Visitor Center in Jackson. You must make your own way to the airport from there as only permitted airport vehicles can do airport drop offs.
Details
Prices from: €3599.00
Duration: 7 Days
Merchandising: Jane Goodall Collection
Physical Grading: 1 - Easy
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Trip Type: Small Group
Service Level: Upgraded
Prices from: €3599.00
7 day National Geographic Journeys tour
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