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Exploring Big Sky Country

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Our Price From 8,427 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 172 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Bozeman
 Trip Finishes
Missoula
11 Day Exploring Big Sky Country Itinerary (Collette)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Exploration
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
COL692

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Collette's 11 Day Exploring Big Sky Country. Step outside, take a deep breath in, and look towards the mountains – you’re in the big sky country of Montana, now. Explore both the Northern and Southern Loops of Yellowstone National Park, and visit Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, and more. Venture to Helena, the “Queen City of the Rockies.” Cruise on the Missouri River through the Gates of the Mountains, named by legendary explorers Lewis and Clark.

Spend time in the mountain town of St. Mary Village before heading...read more in to explore Glacier National Park. Take an adventurous white water rafting trip or a calm, scenic float down the Flathead River. Meet a descendant of the last Kootenai chief and learn about the importance of the land in native life. Get a glimpse into the heroic and dangerous life of a Smokejumper. A land of wilderness, adventure, and beauty, Montana is waiting for you.

Itinerary

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. Stay: AC Hotel Downtown

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. (B/D) Stay: The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone (2 Nights)

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. (B)

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. (B/D) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown (2 Nights)

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. (B)

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. (B/D) Stay: Great Bear Lodge at St. Mary Village

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. (B/L) Stay: Grouse Mountain Lodge (2 Nights)

Your day in Missoula starts off with a visit to the Museum of Mountain Flying. Aircraft as well as interactive history displays that interpret and preserve the history of mountain flying and smoke jumping. Next, visit the Holt Heritage Museum, located on the Lolo Trail which was used by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806. A private museum built by Bill and Ramona Holt, the extensive collection tells the story of Western Montana – from cowboys and rodeo's, to the native Nez Pierce and Salish/Kootenai cultures.

This evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, where you can raise a glass and toast to a wildly fun Montana adventure. (B/D)

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

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore both the Northern and Southern Loops of Yellowstone National Park.
  • Learn about native culture at the Flathead Reservation.
  • Explore the wild beauty of Glacier National Park.
  • Spend time in the picturesque town of Whitefish.
  • Cruise along Lewis and Clark's famous trail through the Gates of the Mountains.
  • Dig into a mouth-watering barbeque dinner.
  • Sample traditional food of the Kootenai people.

  • Expertly crafted itineraries
  • 4-star+ accommodation
  • Skilled and engaging tour managers
  • Expert local guides with insider knowledge
  • Attraction entrance fees
  • Many meals full of local flavour
  • Unparalleled sightseeing
  • Enriching cultural experiences
  • Comfortable on-tour transportation
  • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
  • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

  • 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.

  • Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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