Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
11 Days Starting in Eastern & Midwestern USA and ending in USA
Visiting: Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Helena, Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, Great Falls, Saint Mary, Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Whitefish, Missoula
Tour operator:
Tour code:
14491
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Medium, Activity Level 3
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and more. Venture through Paradise Valley 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 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bozeman, Montana - Tour Begins
Location: Bozeman
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: No Meals
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.
Day 2 : Bozeman - Yellowstone Southern Loop - Gardiner
Location: Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Ridgeline at Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
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. After you’ve explored Old Faithful, pass by the massive and beautiful Lake Yellowstone. 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.
Day 5 : Helena - Gates Of The Mountains - Helena
Location: Helena, Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, Helena
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day today with a local guide showing you around the beautiful and welcoming mountain city of Helena. Delve into the history of the city’s south side and get a view of its gritty past. This was where the rough-and-tumble elements of Helena gathered, from bars filled with miners to the city’s persecuted immigrant population in Chinatown. Learn about these oft-ignored communities as you make your way through these areas. 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.
Day 6 : Helena - Great Falls - St. Mary
Location: Helena, Great Falls, Saint Mary
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Great Bear Lodge at St. Mary Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
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, followed by hiking along the Missouri River -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.
Day 7 : Glacier National Park - Going-To-The-Sun Road - Whitefish
Location: Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Whitefish
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Firebrand
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10 : Missoula
Location: Missoula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Your day in Missoula starts off with a visit to the Smokejumper Visitor Center. 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. Impact Moment: Later, spend time with horses during a visit to the River Pines Farm Horse Sanctuary, a non-profit dedicated to providing a forever home to horses in need. 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.
Day 11 : Missoula - Tour Ends
Location: Missoula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to Big Sky Country and its beautiful sights as you head home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Drinks with Meals
(non-alcoholic)
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Meals – Half Board
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Fully Guided
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Train Tickets
(if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Experiences
- Explore both the Northern and Southern Loops of Yellowstone National Park.
- Learn about native culture at the Flathead Reservation.
- Spend some time with horses during an Impact Moment at River Pines Farm Horse Sanctuary.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, with few exception.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
That will vary by country of residence and country destination.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Varies by tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, it varies by tour.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pr
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Local currency.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.
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What is the maximum group size?
Varies by tour.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,
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What is the tipping policy?
Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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