Embark on a self-drive journey between Seattle and Las Vegas encompassing some of the USA’s most spectacular and iconic national parks including Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Zion.
Start in Washington’s largest city Seattle before travelling cross-country to lakeside Coeur d’Alene in Idaho and the stunning Glacier National Park in Montana. Continue to one of the worlds most famous national parks, Yellowstone, where you can visit the jaw-dropping Old Faithful Geyser and colourful Grand Prismatic Spring. Moving south through Wyoming, discover the towering peaks and sparkling lakes of Grand Teton National Park. Cross into Utah for a stop in Salt Lake City before visiting two of the south west’s most dramatic national parks – Bryce Canyon and Zion. Uncover the astonishing red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and the massive monoliths of Zion before finishing your journey in Las Vegas.
Seattle – Coeur d’Alene – Glacier National Park – Bozeman – Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Salt Lake City – Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park – Las Vegas
Trip Highlights
- In Seattle visit the Space Needle. Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture
- Visit Glacier National Park with its snow-capped peaks, alpine forests and hiking trails
- Explore the geysers and rainbow pools of Yellowstone, America’s oldest National Park
- Witness Teton’s abundant wildlife that includes bison, moose, elk and antelope
- Watch the sunset over the dramatic sandstone monoliths of Zion National Park in Utah
- Revel in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip or catch a world-famous show
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Seattle
Start your journey by boarding your non-stop international flight from the UK to Seattle. Upon arrival make your way to the city to check into your centrally located hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Located on Washington’s northwest coast framed by mountains and forest Seattle is a cutting-edge city where technology meets nature. Spend the evening at leisure where you are able to explore the city’s exciting food and drink scene.
Andra MGallery Hotel Collection
Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle
Day 2
Seattle
Today enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Seattle. Top attractions include the observation deck of the 650-foot tall Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass art and sculpture museum and the Museum of Pop Culture inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Pike Place Market is a great place to stop for a leisurely lunch with daily food markets and street food stalls. In the evening enjoy a cocktail in the Space Needle’s bar overlooking the city at night and dine at one of the city’s excellent eateries.
Andra MGallery Hotel Collection
Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle
Day 3
Seattle to Coeur d’Alene - 311 miles
This morning pick up your hire car in downtown Seattle to begin your journey heading inland to Coeur d’Alene in western Idaho. This drive will be the longest of your road trip, however there will be many opportunities to stop off for coffee and food. On arrival in Coeur d’Alene check into your hotel before exploring this picturesque city. Located on the pretty Lake Coeur d’Alene, there are many lakeside parks including Tubbs Hill and City Park which are great for sand beaches and walking trails. Spend the afternoon relaxing, stretching your legs and taking in the beautiful scenery of northwest Idaho, America’s Gem State.
Blackwell Hotel
Day 4
Coeur d’Alene to Kalispell - 239 miles
Today you will cross state borders and enter Montana. Drive to Kalispell where you will stay for the next two nights. En route stop off at Flathead Lake which is home to crystal clear water and pine forests and offers the perfect conditions for a gentle swim after a long drive. Kalispell is the gateway to the spectacular Glacier National Park which is a wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains dotted with glacier-carved peaks, rolling valleys and glistening lakes.
Homewood Suites by Hilton, Kalispell
Day 5
Glacier National Park
Enjoy a full day exploring Glacier National Park today at your own pace. A quintessential part of any Glacier visit, Going-to-the-Sun-Road connects the east and west sides of the park. Take this road to explore the trails, mountains and lakes of Glacier National Park. Highlights include the huge alpine lake, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass which offers breathtaking vistas from the Continental Divide, Grinnell Glacier famous for its hiking trails and the beautifully clear Hidden Lake.
Homewood Suites by Hilton, Kalispell
Day 6
Kalispell to Bozeman - 291 miles
After breakfast depart Kalispell and drive south to the Rocky Mountains city of Bozeman. After a long drive, you are free to explore the city or relax in the hotel’s indoor pool or attractive terrace. Bozeman offers a few attractions including the Museum of the Rockies which houses a renowned collection of dinosaur fossils, the Montana State University and the Gallatin History Museum which is home to regional artefacts and a photo archive.
RSVP Hotel
Kimpton Armory Hotel
Day 7
Bozeman to West Yellowstone - 90 miles
This morning take the short drive to West Yellowstone on the Montana-Wyoming border where you will stay for the next two nights in order to explore iconic Yellowstone National Park. America’s oldest national park, Yellowstone is renowned for its spewing geysers and rainbow pools, rolling grasslands, alpine valleys and rushing waterfalls. After checking in to your authentic lodge, take the very short drive into Yellowstone National Park and spend the afternoon exploring the north western region where you can regularly see bison, elk and pronghorn antelope gracing the land. You may also wish to visit the famous Mammoth Hot Springs which is known for its terrace-like cascades of steaming pools.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
Day 8
Yellowstone National Park
Today spend the whole day self-exploring Yellowstone by car. Drive around its figure-of-eight Grand Loop Road and pause at different points to follow various walking trails, view wildlife and photograph extraordinary geothermal features. Highlights include the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser known for its consistent eruptions and the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring, a blue hot spring tinged with greens, yellows and oranges. Other places of interest include the Yellowstone Caldera and Lake, Upper Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
Day 9
West Yellowstone to Jackson - 126 miles
After breakfast depart West Yellowstone and start your journey heading south into Wyoming towards Jackson. A unique old Western-style town surrounded by prairie land and lakes, Jackson is the gateway to the stunning Grand Teton National Park. Home to tree-lined boulevards, craft shops, art galleries and boutique cafes, spend two nights in charming Jackson. On arrival, opt to enjoy lunch in the Town Square which features arches made of shed elk antlers or visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art which is home to works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Elk Country Inn
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Day 10
Grand Teton National Park
Today spend the day exploring Grand Teton National Park by car at your own pace. Although not one of the US’s largest, Grand Teton is one of the country’s most spectacular national parks that is home to jagged peaks and sheer cliffs that rise up to 7000 feet above the ground. Sparkling lakes lie at the feet of the towering mountains where the park's wildlife congregates including bison, moose, elk, pronghorn antelope and squirrel. Discover Grand Teton National Park’s beautiful panoramas and enjoy gentle hikes through the natural wilderness. Return to Jackson in the evening and explore the city’s fabulous food and drink scene.
Elk Country Inn
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Day 11
Jackson to Salt Lake City - 278 miles
This morning continue your journey south and cross into the Beehive State of Utah towards Salt Lake City. Situated in the foothill of the Rocky Mountains, Utah’s capital Salt Lake City is bordered by the Great Salt Lake and the snowy-peaks of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Originally home to the Ute Indians before the Mormons settled in 1847, the city has substantially grown to become a culturally diverse melting-pot home to a first-class performing arts scene, award-winning craft breweries and an impressive tech scene. Spend the afternoon at leisure; explore the impressive Utah State Capitol Building or landscaped Temple Square, get active on one of the many biking or hiking trails or head to the Great Salt Lake and enjoy some kayaking, sailing, or even a sunset cruise.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Day 12
Salt Lake City to Torrey - 213 miles
Today continue further south into Utah and enjoy the drive to small desert town of Torrey. After lunch why not head to Capitol Reef National Park which is home to striking rock formations, red canyons and golden sandstone layers. Take a gentle hike through part of the park viewing the incredible natural structures, or for the more adventurous, why not abseil down Cassidy Arch or take part in some canyoning. That evening enjoy a beer under the star-filled sky in the open desert.
Capitol Reef Resort
Day 13
Torrey to Springdale via Bryce Canyon National Park - 180 miles
Depart Torrey and continue through the spectacular scenery that Utah has to offer. On the drive to Springdale and Zion stop en route at Bryce Canyon National Park famous for its terracotta-coloured hoodoos which are spire-shaped rock formations. Spend a few hours exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Bryce Canyon and walk though mazes of dazzling coloured rocks on the various walking trails the park has to offer. If time permits, why not watch the sunset from Bryce Amphitheatre where the sky and rocks morph into a canvas of fiery colour. Continue to Springdale where you will stay for the next two nights.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Day 14
Zion National Park
Today you are at leisure to explore the dramatic landscapes of Zion National Park, one of the greatest parks of the south west. Zion is dramatic and wild with its massive sandstone monoliths, riverine forests and cascading waterfalls. It offers fantastic hiking, nature walks, wildlife viewing and world-class rock climbing and canyoning. Highlights of Zion National Park include the Great White Throne, Grand Staircase and Checkerboard Mesa, all spectacular monoliths, as well as the Emerald Pools Trail, Canyon Overlook and the famous Angel’s Landing. An excellent way to see the park in addition to hiking trails, is the six-mile Scenic Drive which bisects Zion Canyon.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Day 15
Zion National Park to Las Vegas - 161 miles
Depart Springdale in the morning and continue your journey, briefly through Arizona, before reaching Nevada and enjoying the final stretch of open road to Las Vegas. Known as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is a bewildering blend of neon lights, glitz and glamour and 24-hour casinos. After checking in to your hotel located on the world-famous ‘Strip’, spend the afternoon at leisure to explore this eccentric city.
Caeser's Palace
Bellagio Hotel & Casino
Day 16
Las Vegas
Today enjoy a full free day in Las Vegas where the options are endless; explore the neon-lit ‘Strip’ and the mesmerising casinos, visit the Venetian complex with the replica Grand Canal, watch the famous water show at the Bellagio or catch some last-minute rays at the hotel pool. In the evening enjoy your final meal at one of the city’s amazing restaurants or enjoy a huge variety of world-class theatre and concert performances.
Caeser's Palace
Bellagio Hotel & Casino
Day 17
Las Vegas to the UK
Enjoy your final morning and lunch at leisure in Las Vegas before making your way to the airport to drop off your hire car and board your non-stop international flight back to the UK.
Extending your stay...
Discover lesser-known North Cascades National Park with is located three hours north of Seattle and five hours from Coeur d’Alene. A rugged wilderness of alpine meadows and dense forest, the park boasts 300 glaciers, more than any other US national park outside of Alaska.
Mount Rainier National Park is dominated by snow-capped Mount Rainier, an active 4,000m stratovolcano. The views throughout are breathtaking and the hiking excellent. Mount Rainier is two hours south of Seattle and approximately a six hour drive to Coeur d’Alene in Idaho.
Explore Joshua Tree National Park, an expanse of desert wilderness which is easily reached from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Death Valley National Park. The park is famous for the twisted, spiky-branched Joshua tree which dot this expansive, stark and inhospitable landscape.
Part of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park is the lowest, driest and hottest area of the North American continent. From vast salt flats and colourful geological formations to sand dunes and weather-sculpted rocks, Death Valley reachable from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Guide to Price
17 days from £3350 - £4050 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3350 - £4050
Travel Information
Getting There
There are many direct flights between the UK and US operated by a range of airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Non-stop services operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh to all major US airports including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Chicago. Other important regional cities including Dallas, Seattle, Denver, New Orleans, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego and Atlanta also have direct air links to the UK. Aer Lingus also has excellent connections via Dublin to the US from various regional British airports.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 12 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 11 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
The United States has six time zones. Eastern Time Zone, which includes New York, is -5 hours GMT, Central Time Zone is -6 hours GMT, Mountain Time Zone is -7 hours GMT and Pacific Time Zone, which covers California and Nevada, is -8 hours GMT. Alaska is -9 hours GMT and Hawaii -10 hours GMT.
Visa Requirements
The majority of British passport holders do not require a visa to enter America but will need to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme. The ESTA allows travel to the US for up to 90 days and currently costs USD $14 per application. The ESTA is valid for two years from the date of authorisation or until your passport expires. It is recommended that any application is made no later than 72 hours before departure. Applications can also be made using the ESTA app so, if you prefer to complete or check the progress of your ESTA application on your phone, you can now download an iOS app or an Android app for your mobile device.
Please note that the USA has designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism. As a result, visitors to the USA who have previously visited Cuba either on or after 12th January 2021 are no longer allowed to apply for an ESTA and instead must obtain a visa to enter the United States.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tipping is expected for good service – especially in restaurants and bars. Not doing so is considered extremely rude.
Smoking legislation varies between city and state, however, the US generally has some of the strictest anti-smoking regulation in the world. Check state, county and city laws as smoking may not only be banned indoors but outdoors too.
Each state enacts its own road laws and whilst the majority of rules are the same throughout the country it is a good idea to check the traffic laws of the particular state you are visiting.
Although on the whole well-connected, in sparsely populated regions mobile phone coverage can be patchy so, for long road-trips, having a good map is important.
Before taking a person’s picture permission should always be asked.
Money
The currency of the United States of America is the US Dollar (USD) and this comes in a range of notes and coins. The most common notes are $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1 with 25₵ (quarter), 10₵ (dime) and 5₵ (nickel) popular coins in circulation. ATMs are reliable and commonplace throughout the country and nearly all major credit cards are accepted. Currency exchange is simplest at the airport but currency can also be changed in most large banks.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion and although not compulsory is expected by those that provide a service. It is normal to give a tip of between 15% and 20% to waiters and taxi drivers, a tip of $1 to bartenders and $1 per person, per day to chambermaids. Occasionally some restaurants may automatically add service to the bill.
Food & Drink
The US is famous the world over for its cuisine and each region has its own distinct food culture. New York City is arguably the food capital of the country with everything from fabulous Asian and Italian food to Jewish delis, hole in the wall doughnut stores or burger joints. New England is renowned for its seafood and shellfish, in particular oysters, lobster and clams, whilst in the Midwest head to a diner for classic American fare – coffee, waffles, burgers, shakes and beer! The South is all about slow-cooked barbecue and each region has its own particular style – especially in Louisiana with its Spanish, Cajun and Caribbean influences. Food in Texas, the Southwestern states and California has been heavily swayed by neighbouring Mexico but California is also renowned for the quality of its Asian fare. Hawaii has its own unique Polynesian food culture whilst cuisine in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska is heavily focussed on game and seafood.
Coffee is the most common drink in America and cafes, coffeehouses and diners, which offer free refills, can be found almost anywhere. Aside from coffee, beer is incredibly popular and there has been a boom in small micro-breweries and craft beer in recent years. The wines of California, Napa and Sonoma are amongst the best in the world with vineyards now stretching north to Oregon and Washington. The South is famous for whiskey with the Jack Daniels distillery the best known, although there are numerous family-run producers. Do note that alcohol laws in the US are strict, the legal drinking age is 21 and almost everyone is required to provide identification when purchasing alcohol.
Accommodation
The range of accommodation in the USA is vast and varied. From charming family-run homestays, simple motels and luxurious hotels to atmospheric national park lodges, rural ranches and picturesque campsites, there is something for everyone. Hotel options, in particular, are comprehensive with a full spectrum of national and international chains present throughout the country. Ranch accommodation can be found in the Rockies and southwestern states, each unique and offering varying types of experiences.
Shopping
With long opening hours, competitive pricing and a plentiful supply of stores and malls, it’s of little surprise that shopping is, for many an American, a national pastime. Without exception, all major cities offer excellent shopping ranging from giant purpose-built shopping malls and out-of-town outlets to one-off thrift stores and chaotic flea markets. Clothing and electronics can represent good value and special food products – such as Vermont maple syrup – are popular gifts. It is worth noting that sales tax is not included on items and only added at the point of sale. The tax also varies from state to state with five states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon – levying no tax at all.
Suggested Reading
Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and DK have excellent guide books on the US. Lonely Planet also have specific editions that focus on road trips and Route 66. Bradt also publish a guide book on the US rail network. Michelin and Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the entire country. America has also bestowed on the world some of the greatest novelists and writers in history including Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, J. D. Salinger, Ernest Hemmingway, Herman Melville, Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe. Good books include:
‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain
‘The Last of the Mohicans’ by James Fenimore Cooper
‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald
‘The Grapes of Wrath’ by John Steinbeck
‘Cannery Row’ by John Steinbeck
‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac
‘Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West’ by Dee Brown
‘The American Future: A History from the Founding Fathers to Barack Obama’ by Simon Schama
‘A People’s History of the United States’ by Howard Zinn
‘American History: A Very Short Introduction’ by Paul S. Boyer
Health
Your doctor is generally the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on America the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is comprehensive and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
As usual you did a fantastic job
HG - USA - July 2023
We had a wonderful time as usual. Everything went to plan with no hiccups, and we saw and did some incredible things.
Yellowstone and Jenny Lake were out of this world, we saw moose, elk and we saw a bear which was incredible to see in the wild. We also drove on the salt flats where they do the land speed records which was an experience.
As usual you did a fantastic job and we loved every second of it.
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
