Traversing seven US states and incorporating eight national parks, this epic adventure takes in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural phenomena. From the colossal deep-sided gorge of the Grand Canyon and the ancient cliff-side dwellings carved into the Mesa Verde National Park to the spiritual homelands of the Native American ancestors and recognisable backdrops to countless films, this itinerary gives you the best of the West.
Extend your stay for 3 nights in the fabulous, unique desert city of Las Vegas, a magnificent dazzling playground for everyone to enjoy.
Depart on your scheduled flight to Denver. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a guided city tour of Denver. This tour will offer an overview of Denver's vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. Highlights include visits to iconic sites such as the State Capitol (viewed from outside), the historic Larimer Square, and the bustling Union Station. Gain insights into the city's rich history and contemporary developments.
Following the city tour, the journey continues to the Fort Laramie Historic Site. This significant location, once a vital trading post and military fort, played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. Explore the well-preserved buildings and learn about the lives of the pioneers, soldiers, and Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the American frontier. After the visit, proceed to Rapid City for an overnight stay.
Breakfast
Set off from Rapid City to visit the iconic Mount Rushmore. Here, they will marvel at the colossal sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of the mountain. The site offers not only a breathtaking view but also an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this monumental achievement through the visitor center exhibits.
Next, the tour continues to the Crazy Horse Monument, an ongoing tribute to the legendary Lakota leader. Witness the impressive progress of this massive sculpture and explore the accompanying visitor center, which houses a rich collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits that provide insight into the culture and history of the indigenous peoples.
The day's journey concludes with a visit to Badlands National Park, known for its striking landscapes of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Explore the park's unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems, which are home to a variety of wildlife. The park's scenic drives offer ample opportunities for photography and nature appreciation. Return to Rapid City for an overnight stay.
Breakfast
Today takes you to Buffalo nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains. Stop en route at the historic gold rush town of Deadwood. Deadwood is an entire city registered as a National Historic Landmark that has been restored to its former historical glory and reminiscent of the iconic backdrops seen in Spaghetti Western films. Since the discovery of gold in 1874, it became a thriving commercial centre in the heart of the Black Hills that once drew legends and legions alike in search of their fortune. Stay overnight in Buffalo, a delightful town known for its history of trapping, ranching and mining offering a taste of traditional downtown charm, modern hospitality and stunning countryside trails.
Breakfast
Depart from Buffalo and head towards West Yellowstone. The journey includes a visit to the historic Little Big Horn National Battlefield. This site commemorates one of the most famous battles in American history, where the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes defeated the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army.
Explore the battlefield, visit the memorials, and gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place in June 1876. The tour will include stops at key locations within the battlefield, such as Last Stand Hill and the Indian Memorial, offering a comprehensive view of the conflict from multiple perspectives. After this enriching historical experience, the tour continues to West Yellowstone for an overnight stay.
Breakfast
Enjoy a full day tour of the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, the world's first ever national park. Full of colorful hot springs, spouting geysers, bubbling pools and mud pots, Yellowstone is a wonderland of incredible natural scenery - be sure to have your camera at the ready to catch the world-famous Old Ye Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. Explore mountains, forests and lakes and discover hundreds of species of mammals, birds fish and reptiles including bears, elk, moose and roaming buffalo. Retire to your hotel in West Yellowstone for your overnight stay. Please note: todays itinerary will be weather permitting in May and October, should the itinerary be affected, alternative arrangements will be made.
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then journey towards Jackson. The day's highlight is a visit to Teton National Park, renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Awe at the park's breathtaking scenery, with its towering peaks and serene valleys offering numerous photo opportunities and moments of natural beauty.
Enjoy an informative tour through the park, providing insights into the area's geological history, flora, and fauna. You may spot a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and possibly even bears, as you traverse the park's scenic routes.
Upon arrival in Jackson, you'll have free time to explore the charming town of Jackson Hole at your own pace. Known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and western heritage, Jackson Hole offers a delightful mix of cultural and recreational activities. Whether it's browsing local galleries, shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings, you'll find plenty to see and do. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Jackson.
Breakfast & Lunch
Combining the amenities of a major metropolitan area with the friendliness of a quaint, mountain town, Salt Lake City is a beautiful vibrant destination perhaps better known as being the headquarters of the Mormon Church after Mormon forerunners fled persecution in Illinois and settled here over 150 years ago. Visit Logan Canyon, a canyon that runs through the Bear River Mountains where there'll be time to enjoy lunch al fresco (weather permitting) and admire the views through the valley that elevates to 2,400 metres.
Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a coach orientation tour of Salt Lake City, led by your Travel Director. You will hear about the Mormon history, beliefs, and the meaning of a temple to them. Continue on to the Capitol Building with time to explore inside the building, thought of as one of the best places in the city. You will then have time to explore Temple Square further at leisure. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore this wonderful city at your own pace.
Breakfast
Today you will depart from Salt Lake City and head towards Cortez. The day's highlight is a visit to Arches National Park, renowned for its stunning natural arches and unique geological formations. As you explore the park, you'll be captivated by the dramatic landscapes, including the famous Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows Section. The park offers numerous opportunities for photography and nature appreciation, with its striking red rock formations set against the clear blue sky.
Your guide will provide insights into the park's geological history, explaining how the arches and other formations were created over millions of years. You'll also learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unique desert environment. After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and educational experiences, the tour continues to Cortez for an overnight stay, allowing you to reflect on the natural beauty and wonders encountered throughout the day.
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring Mesa Verde National Park. This park is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants. As you tour the park, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the most impressive archaeological sites, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House.
Learn about into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, explaining how they built and lived in these remarkable cliff dwellings. You'll learn about their daily lives, agricultural practices, and the challenges they faced in this rugged environment. The park's visitor center and museum also offer additional exhibits and information to enhance your understanding of this unique historical site.
After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you'll return to Cortez for an overnight stay.
Breakfast
After breakfast you will begin your journey to Tusayan, stoping en route at the Four Corners Monument, also known as Four Corners Tribal Park; the only unique landmark in the United States where four states intersect at one point - the corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet a granite and brass monument marking the location. You will have the opportunity to explore the visitor centre as well as enjoy a spot of shopping with stalls selling handmade jewellery, crafts and food. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to take an optional excursion with a narrated tour (at a fee) to Monument Valley, a red-sand desert area on the ArizonaUtah border known for its towering sandstone hills and a popular backdrop for Western films. Stay overnight in Tusayan, a gateway town to the Grand Canyon.
Travel from Tusayan to Bryce Canyon, with the day's highlight being a visit to Grand Canyon National Park. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. As you explore the park, you'll be captivated by the immense scale and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history.
For those seeking an even more thrilling experience, several optional activities are available. You can opt for the Canyon Spirit helicopter flight, which offers a 45-50 minute aerial tour of the canyon, providing unparalleled views of its vast landscapes. Alternatively, the North Canyon helicopter flight offers a shorter, 25-30 minute tour, focusing on the stunning North Rim. Another option is the Grand Discovery air tour, a 45-minute fixed-wing aircraft flight that showcases the South Rim's most iconic sights.
After a day filled with exploration and optional adventures, the tour continues to Bryce Canyon for an overnight stay, allowing you to reflect on the grandeur and majesty of the Grand Canyon.
Breakfast
Spend the day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. Begin at the Visitor Center, then visit viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Natural Bridge, Fairyland, and Sunset Point. You can opt for a 20-minute downhill walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. Learn about the park's geological history and enjoy the stunning vistas.
In the evening, you have the option to attend Ebenezer’s Dinner and Show (at a fee), a lively event that combines a delicious meal with live entertainment. After a day filled with natural beauty and optional evening entertainment, you'll return to your accommodation for an overnight stay, reflecting on the wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Breakfast
Conclude your tour with a final journey to the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas. En-route visit the cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs and canyons within Zion National Park that when viewed from below provides an altogether different perspective than the Grand Canyon and the chance to spot one of the 900 different plant species not found anywhere else in Utah. Enjoy a frivolous evening amongst dramatic architecture, bright lights and kitsch entertainment on the world-famous Sunset Strip.
Breakfast
Enjoy three nights at leisure to explore the incredible sights of Las Vegas.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in June 2026
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Iconic locations such as Mount Rushmore, and Little Big Horn were brought to life by the enthusiasm and knowledge of JP Smith our tour guide. He went above and beyond for us. His knowledge and expertise were exceptional and made the trip for us. He was greatly assisted by Adrian the coach driver. Both were professional and very approachable.
Chris Duguid
13 Jun 24The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
All UK passport holders must have a biometric e-passport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: if you do not have a bio-metric e-passport, you will be refused entry into the USA.
You will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. An ESTA can be applied for directly on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The Fee for application is approximately $40.00 plus a processing fee and is applied for and payable via a Credit / Debit Card online. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Alternatively we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require in order to apply for the visa.
The US Government enforces a restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since on or after 12 January 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver program and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is strongly recommended that you check the latest health recommendations for travel to the USA with your GP at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Any medicines you may need during your journey should be packed in your hand luggage. We suggest it is worth taking a few first aid supplies such as travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic cream, aspirin etc. Because these products can be more expensive abroad and familiar brands are not always available. It is not advisable to drink the tap water.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in America is the United States Dollar (USD). You will be able to change currency both before you travel and whilst you are away. You will also have access to ATMs during your tour where you can withdraw money in the local currency . Major Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted.
As normal practice you may be asked for your Credit / Debit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £700- £900 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Tipping Tipping is very common practice in America. It is customary to tip your guides and driver. Please allow approx. 8-11 USD per person per day for the Tour Guide and 7-10 USD per person per day for the Driver. (All tips will be collected by your tour director on the last day) Tipping at restaurants, hotel staff etc. is discretionary.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 30, and the maximum will be 45. If in the unlikely event there are less than 30 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, you will be met on arrival in Denver and will be accompanied by a tour director throughout your stay ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Your stay in Las Vegas is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included
Our standard transport for a USA Tour is an air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard facilities. Motorcoaches included on our USA tours are based on a capacity of 47-55 guests.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort, or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK.
In the USA, the Triple or Quad Room will be a double room with two queen size beds in the room. Most hotels don’t have additional space in the room to add any rollaway bed or sofa bed.
Breakfast (when Included) will be of a continental style, and at some hotels will be a “Grab & Go “ style. A Grab & Go will usually consist of Coffee / Juice and Bakery items. If you would like a full service hot breakfast, there are many locally eatery options outside of your hotel.
Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of local of dishes and flavours.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.
On your arrival in Denver you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Destination America, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Destination America representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Destination America E-mail: daoperations@destamer.com
Please find below the emergency contact details for Destination America: 24 hour Emergency number: 001 310-617-6635
