Sunny Days & Starry Nights: Wonders of Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

Welcome to Billings! Welcome to Billings, where wide-open Western spirit sets the stage for the adventure ahead. At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and a toast to the days ahead.

Where the Wild Things Are Begin with a guided introduction to Billings, then journey west into the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Stroll the steaming limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs before continuing to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the Lower Falls plunge nearly twice the height of Niagara. Settle in for a two-night stay inside the park, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and wonders of this volcanic wilderness. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Yellowstone’s wild heart has captivated travelers for generations. Geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, and sweeping mountain vistas come together across millions of protected acres—a living landscape where bison roam, steam rises from the earth, and every viewpoint feels unforgettable. ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more with a free evening in Yellowstone. Stroll the boardwalks, watch the sun set over the mountains, enjoy live music, or gaze at the star-studded night sky.

Geologic Wonders Spend the day immersed in Yellowstone’s extraordinary geologic drama and wild beauty. Watch for wildlife in its natural habitat, marvel at Firehole Lake Drive, Fountain Paint Pot, and discover the Norris Geyser Basin. Stand before world-famous Old Faithful as it sends plumes skyward. Enjoy time to discover more park highlights on your own before dinner at the celebrated [LOCAL FAVORITE] Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Discover the Old Faithful Inn, which features some of the best National Park Service rustic architecture in the country. The towering timber, crackling stone fireplace, and historic lodge atmosphere create a sense of wonder and nostalgia that perfectly complements a day spent exploring Yellowstone. Old Faithful Inn Dining Room is more than a place for a meal - it blends history with rustic elegance for a warm, grand, and unique experience connected to the spirit of the national park.

Spend Your Day Your Way in Big Sky Take a scenic drive to West Yellowstone for leisure time to explore on your own. Continue north to Big Sky for vast alpine landscapes with endless views of rugged peaks and open valleys. Explore more of Big Sky with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. LITTLE DIPPER OF BIG SKY Take a leisurely hike to Ousel Falls, which plummets nearly 40 feet before flowing through the heart of Big Sky. Named for the Ousel bird (aka American Dipper), the falls provide the perfect nesting place for this little trilling songbird of Big Sky. (Note: This nearly 2-mile hike follows well-groomed, gentle trails with frequent picnic and shaded rest areas. Be prepared for the effects of high altitude (6,500 feet) by bringing a personal water bottle and snacks). EXPERIENCE NEW HEIGHTS Soar on a ride on Big Sky's scenic chair lift for a bird's -eye view of magnificent mountain views. Beginning at Big Sky Mountain Village 7,500 feet above sea level, the scenic lift rises 1,600 vertical feet to an elevation of 9,000 feet. Enjoy the unobstructed views from open-air multi-passenger chairs en route to the summit to and join your local Naturalist Guide for a guided walk. Hear about this remarkable region's storied history and stunning ecosystem. Enjoy free time this evening in Big Sky. Enjoy cool mountain air, outdoor concerts, scenic mountain dining, breathtaking sunsets, and some of the best stargazing in the country under Montana's dark skies. (B)

Striking Gold Set off from Big Sky on a sweeping scenic drive into the Old West, where frontier stories still echo along weathered boardwalks. Explore Nevada City’s atmospheric open-air living-history museum, then continue to Virginia City, once a roaring mining boomtown and the capital of Montana Territory. Arrive in vibrant Missoula for a guided city tour before an evening at leisure—perhaps with locally caught trout, craft beer, riverfront walks, or live music. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more during your evening at leisure. Consider visiting the riverfront walking trails on the shores of the Clark Fork River in Downtown Missoula or enjoy a farm-to-glass drink at Montgomery Distillery, where Old-World spirits are created using local Montana ingredients.

Down the Lazy River This morning’s journey winds through lush forests and along the sparkling shores of Flathead Lake enroute to Kalispell and Whitefish. Enjoy lunch and free time in historic downtown Kalispell, born with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the 1890s. Continue to West Glacier for a [LOCAL FAVORITE] scenic float trip on the Flathead River, then settle into Whitefish for a two-night stay. Enjoy free time this evening in Whitefish, the perfect place for a sunset stroll along the shores of Whitefish Lake, unwind on a scenic patio in the charming downtown, or take in Montana's brilliant star-filled skies. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE Drift along a calm stretch of the Flathead River with your guide, keeping watch for wildlife as Glacier National Park’s mountain scenery rises around you. Glide through crystal-clear waters for a perfect way to experience Montana's natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

Rubies of the Rockies Travel to Lake McDonald Village at Glacier National Park and climb aboard a historic Red Jammer bus for a scenic ride along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross 6,664-foot Logan Pass and enter an alpine world of jagged peaks, emerald forests, pristine lakes, and wildflower meadows. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Huckleberries are a beloved symbol of the northern Rockies and a favorite food of local wildlife. Savor a homemade huckleberry dessert at a local restaurant—a delicious finale to a day exploring Glacier National Park.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation concludes after breakfast this morning. Extra nights are available to extend your stay in Whitefish. (B)