Western Frontiers end Rapid City

Embark on an epic encounter with the American Frontier. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel. With sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip you'll take in all the glitz and glamour.

We leave the shimmering Sin City skyline behind as we journey to the canyons and towering cliffs of Zion National Park, following the footsteps of brave pioneers and first nation settlers. Then it's onward to the enchanting landscapes of Bryce Canyon. Admire its rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah's skies.

Travel north to Utah's capital to see its Mormon centre - Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Learn about the basic beliefs and history of the Mormon pioneers which brought about the building of the temple and the Tabernacle, home of the Tabernacle Choir. This evening, enjoy an optional dinner at the Roof Restaurant, Utah's premier gourmet dining location.

Delve into the heritage of thousands of pioneers who braved the Oregon Trail, stopping in Montpelier at the Oregon Trail Center. Experience first-hand what life was like along a wagon trail heading west in the 1850s and enjoy lunch at a covered wagon-themed restaurant before departing to scenic Jackson. Admire the spectacular scenery at the foot of the icy peaks of the Grand Tetons as you spend an evening at leisure.

Journey through the alpine terrain of Grand Teton National Park en route to the UNESCO-listed Yellowstone National Park. (When the south entrance is closed due to weather conditions, the itinerary will travel west from Jackson via Idaho and enter Yellowstone National Park through the west entrance.) We spend two nights in the world's oldest national park at one of its cozy lodges, each with their own unique setting and atmosphere.

Explore the rusting walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, keeping a keen eye out for bison and elk, before joining your Travel Director for an exploration of the park's bubbling hot springs and mud paint pots. Old Faithful puts on an spectacular show as its water arcs impressively up into the air. And there amidst the geothermal wonderland, we enjoy a relaxed evening under the canopy of Yellowstone's stars.

Tip your Stetson in tribute to "Buffalo Bill" whose hometown of Cody is our next stop on this pioneer trail. Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum complex to gain a deeper understanding of the "Spirit of the American West". Then it's on to Big Sky Country where we'll 'Connect with Locals' in an effortlessly delivered encounter with "Happy Pappy" and some true Western hospitality.

Our day begins with a visit to Little Bighorn, the infamous battlefield where the ill-fated Custer led his men against a battalion of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Then, travel east through the Black Hills to Rapid City.

Venture into the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. Drive through the magnificent natural landscape that paves your way to the base of Crazy Horse Memorial. Admire the colossal carved face of the famed Lakota war chief and learn how your visit 'Makes a Difference' by preserving Native American Culture. Visit Mount Rushmore to view the faces of former American presidents etched into the granite rock-face, then meet Stephen Yellowhawk in Rapid City and 'Dive into Culture' as you experience his tribe's history through dance and song during a festive Farewell Dinner.

Our foray through the American Frontier at its end, we say farewell to newfound friends and transfer to the Rapid City Regional Airport to return home.