Big Sky Country: Tour Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 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.

• Hotel - Ac Hotel Bozeman Downtown

Day 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.

• Hotel - The Ridgeline Hotel At Yellowstone
• M​eals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 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.

• H​otel - The Ridgeline Hotel At Yellowstone
• M​eals - Breakfast

Day 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.

• H​otel - Doubletree By Hilton Helena Downtown
• M​eals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 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.

• H​otel- Doubletree By Hilton Helena Downtown
• M​eals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 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.

• Hotel - Great Bear Lodge At St Mary Village
• Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 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.

• Hotel - Lodge At Whitefish Lake
• Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Whitefish

This morning, enjoy some leisure time in the quaint, picturesque town of Whitefish. Always listed as one of America’s 25 prettiest towns, indulge yourself with time to stroll around, do some shopping, or just relax. Perhaps you’ll stop for lunch at one of the great restaurants found along Central Avenue or buy some Huckleberry jam from a local shop. A true favorite in Montana, huckleberries can be found in snacks, drinks, candy, and more. Your morning leads into an adventurous afternoon, because it’s your choice! Grab a paddle and get ready for a white-water rafting adventure -OR- take the calmer, scenic route on a float down the Flathead River. No matter which style river journey you choose, the awe-inspiring views of Glacier National Park await. Tonight, tell tales about your river escapades while sitting down for a mouth-watering BBQ dinner.

• Hotel - Lodge At Whitefish Lake
• Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Whitefish - Flathead Lake - Missoula

Depart Whitefish and drive south, journeying along the western edge of beautiful Flathead Lake. Carved by the ancient glaciers that give Glacier National Park its name, Flathead Lake stretches almost 200 square miles. Quaint, small towns dot the shores here, built with the beautiful backdrop of nature behind them. You might even spot some orchards, growing Flathead cherries. Encompassing most of the lake is the Flathead Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. At one point, these tribes had territories that stretched out of Montana and into Idaho, British Columbia, and Wyoming. The Hellgate Treaty of 1855 set aside Flathead Lake for the tribes, reducing their lands to a fraction of what it once was. Tribal land was once again shrunk in 1904 by over half a million acres. Despite all of this, the Tribal way of life continues on to this day, passed down from elders to children though a rich oral and spiritual tradition. Get a glimpse into these traditions when you meet a descendant of the last Kootenai chief, and learn about the importance of the land in native life. Afterwards, head to the final stay on your journey, the eclectic city of Missoula, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

• H​otel - Doubletree Missoula Edgewater
• M​eals - Breakfast

Day 10: Missoula

Your day in Missoula starts off with a visit to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, a 32-acre site with over 20 structures including a collection of nearly 50,000 artifacts that tell the fascinating history of Missoula County. Next, visit the Smokejumper Visitor Center and learn how and why these legendary firefighters do what they do – jump out of planes and parachute into dangerous wildfires. Missoula is home to the largest smokejumper base in the United States, and you’ll visit the ready room, smokejumper loft, the National Smokejumper Memorial, and a fire lookout tower originally built in 1930. This evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow travellers, where you can raise a glass and toast to a wildly fun Montana adventure.

• H​otel - Doubletree Missoula Edgewater
• M​eals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Missoula - Tour Ends

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

• M​eals- Breakfast
  

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• from $8,299 per person twin share - land only price.
• from $10,799 Single Traveller - land only price

Pricing is based on travelling 5 September 2023

Multiple departure dates are available in 2023

Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.

10 nights accommodation included on this tour

Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.

Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.

Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.