C.A.L.L. presents America's Majestic National Parks

Topic: Tour CalendarNEW September 4 to 13, 2008

Experience the scenic splendors of our western national parks on this incredible 10-day adventure! More than ever, our national parks are being discovered and rediscovered by travelers who want to spend their time appreciating nature, watching wildlife, and taking adventure trips. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit three of America’s most treasured national parks with John and Judy!

Day 1 ~ Thursday, September 4 - JACKSON HOLE

Today your western adventure begins! Depart Grand Rapids for the flight to Wyoming. Upon arrival at the Jackson Hole Airport, our tour guide will greet us and assist with our motorcoach transfer to the frontier town of Jackson. Check into the Antler Inn (or similar) for a two-night stay. After some time to relax and freshen up, join the group for a special evening of western food and entertainment at the Bar J Chuckwagon.

Day 2 ~ Friday, September 5 - GRAND TETON/JACKSON

This morning we are in for a wonderful experience as we enter Grand Teton National Park for breakfast and a half-day scenic float trip on the Snake River with views of unparalleled scenic beauty. As we travel through the Tetons today, we’ll see America’s youngest and most rugged mountains piercing the clouds in majestic splendor. Enjoy amazing views of the Teton Mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities as our river guide explains the geology and history of the area. After the float trip, continue touring the park with stops for picture postcard photos of lovely Jenny Lake. Lunch is independent today. Return to Jackson in the afternoon where the rest of your day is free to explore the wonderful variety of art galleries, restaurants, shops, and boutiques. Tonight, dinner is on your own. Your tour guide will be able to give you some fantastic suggestions on the very best places to eat!

Day 3 ~ Saturday, September 6 - YELLOWSTONE

After breakfast, depart Jackson and travel north for one last pass through Grand Teton National Park. With this giant mountain range as a backdrop, you will see the wildlife, the flora, and the sheer magnitude of nature. Onward to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park. Travel through Lewis Canyon and past Lewis Falls on the way to Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb for sightseeing. Next, travel to the heart of Yellowstone and visit Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser. The rest of the day is free to enjoy lunch on your own, a chance to see Old Faithful erupt, and time to explore the Lower Geyser Basin. Check into the beautiful Snow Lodge at Old Faithful for a two-night stay. Dinner is independent tonight.

Day 4 ~ Sunday, September 7 - YELLOWSTONE

This morning we will continue our exploration of Yellowstone by traveling the incredibly beautiful Upper Loop. Stop for a fascinating walking tour of the terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs, then view both the upper and lower falls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Travel through Hayden Valley with its large buffalo herds, then continue along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Lunch is independent today. After a full day of scenic beauty, arrive back in Old Faithful Village for a free evening. Take advantage of one of the many wonderful restaurants in the area for your independent dinner.

Day 5 ~ Monday, September 8 - WEST YELLOWSTONE/DEER LODGE/MISSOULA

Today, you will enjoy true Montana as you depart Yellowstone National Park via West Yellowstone. Travel through Beaverhead and Deerlodge National Forests and enjoy the spectacular scenery. See the Madison Canyon Earthquake area and enjoy Alder Gulch, home of the historic ghost town —Virginia City. We’ll then travel through Butte heading for Deer Lodge. Stop at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site for a glance into the life of a cattle baron of the late 1800’s. Then travel to Missoula, Montana for an overnight at the Holiday Inn Parkside. Your guide will be happy to make suggestions for some great dining options this evening.

Day 6 ~ Tuesday, September 9 - MISSOULA/BIG FORK

Start the day with a stop at the Smokejumpers Base Aerial Fire Depot near Missoula. Displays include dioramas, historical photographs, and artifacts relating to the history of firefighting in the Forest Service. Forest Service smokejumpers give guided tours of the base and offer firsthand accounts of firefighting and smoke jumping. Continue to St. Ignatius Mission, established in 1854 for the Flathead Indians. This church is said to be among the most beautiful in the world. Continue through the Flathead Indian Reservation and stop for a scatter lunch in Big Fork, Montana. Known as the “Village by the Bay,” Big Fork is home to restaurants, galleries, cherry orchards, and a performing arts center. Travel along the southern edge of Glacier National Park on your way to East Glacier and the historic Glacier Park Lodge for a two-night stay. Tonight we will have a group dinner at the lodge.

Day 7 ~ Wednesday, September 10 - GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

This morning start your sightseeing of Glacier National Park with a scenic Boat Cruise on St. Mary Lake. Then travel north to Many Glacier for lunch on your own, sightseeing, and optional hiking. This afternoon return to East Glacier with the evening on your own.

Day 8 ~ Thursday, September 11 - GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, we’ll tour Glacier National Park via the world-famous “Going to the Sun Highway,” amid magnificent snow-capped peaks, gleaming lakes, and the virgin forests of the McDonald Valley. This 52-mile drive that crests the Continental Divide at Logan Pass is famous for its majestic mountains and deep valley floors. The historic Red “Jammers” with their open-air tops are a fun part of the whole experience. We’ll stop for an independent lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, located on the west side of Glacier National Park. Arrive in Kalispell for a tour of the historic Conrad Mansion before checking into the Red Lion Hotel (or similar). Dinner tonight will be independent.

Day 9 ~ Friday, September 12 - BIG SKY COUNTRY/LAKE COEUR D’ALENE

The beautiful Kootenay Valley awaits you this morning as you travel west into the lake country of Idaho’s Upper Sand Point region. We’ll stop in the historic mining town of Wallace. It is known as the “Silver Capital of the World,” and every building in town is listed in the U.S. National Historic Register. You are sure to enjoy today’s Sierra Silver Mine Tour, the only tour of its kind in the Northwest. It offers a rare and exciting opportunity to personally experience the underground world of mining in the richest silver district on earth. Hard hats are issued at the portal and an experienced miner is your guide as you walk through the main drift of the mine where displays and exhibits explain techniques used to mine silver, lead, and zinc. Continuing our journey, we’ll skirt the banks of the Pend Oreille River and soon arrive at the most picturesque lake of them all—Lake Coeur D’ Alene. Explore the bays and inlets of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes aboard the Fun Fleet of Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises. It is a short drive to Spokane, Washington, site of the 1974 World’s Fair. After checking into the Hampton Inn, join the group for a farewell banquet.

Day 10 ~ Saturday, September 13 - JOURNEY HOME

This morning, transfer to the Spokane Airport for your journey home. As you depart the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be taking along memories of new friends and places that you’ll never forget!

CONTACT US: for more information regarding this tour or to have the brochure mailed to you

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about joining a Witte Tour

DOWNLOAD: the brochure and application form (Adobe PDF)

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