DAY 1 –Depart for Boise, Idaho

 

With included flights, board the plane to Boise, Idaho.  Check into our downtown hotel with time to explore this walkable city.

 

Les Bois, the City of Trees. A vibrant urban downtown nestled along the tree-lined Boise River leading to scenic mountains. Boise is the state Capital of Idaho, offering arts, culture, entertainment, restaurants, and outdoor recreation!  It is easy to be outdoorsy in Boise! Warmer weather activities like floating down the Boise River or hiking for beginners to experts and everyone in between. 

 

The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is a world-class educational park inspired by Anne Frank’s faith in humanity. It is the only Anne Frank Memorial in the United States and one of the few places in the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is on permanent, public display in its entirety. The Memorial includes a life-sized bronze statue of Anne Frank as she peers out an open window. The Memorial is comprised of several major elements. Attic Amphitheater, Memorial Quotes Walls, Water Feature, Rose Beal Legacy Garden and Marilyn Shuler Classroom for Human Rights. 

 

Boise’s Basque Community is one of the largest Basque communities in the United States. The Basque Block has a variety of architectures, bright colors and turn of the century charm and diversity. The Basque Center and the Market is filled with delicious foods and wine, and you will experience this first-hand with our included dinner! 

 

 

DAY 2 – Sun Valley, Idaho

 

After breakfast, our next stop is Sun Valley, Idaho. Known for its world-class skiing, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, river rafting, ice skating shows and paddle boats on the lake too! The town is surrounded by Sawtooth National Forest, which offers spectacular views of the mountains, as well as many locations for fishing and horseback riding. The town itself is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events throughout the year. We have included a visit to the legendary Sun Valley Lodge, allowing you to become part of the history of the country’s first destination ski resort as it turns 87! Join the lustrous list of guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Sonia Henie, Ernest Hemingway, and Clint Eastwood.

 

DAY 3 – Craters Of The Moon, Grand Tetons

 

Fuel up with breakfast as we head east to Craters of the Moon.  Often overlooked, this unique park comprises a vast landscape of lava fields, volcanic craters, and other geological formations that make it look like a scene from another planet. The landscape was created over time by lava oozing out of fissures in the earth and occasionally spewing out of vents. The caves are lava tubes, formed by hot rivers of molten rock flowing beneath the surface. The hollow lava tubes provide refuge for bats and other wildlife. We will explore the park’s unique terrain through various hiking trails that range from easy strolls to more challenging treks. Enjoy a scenic drive with stops along the way to stroll, hike, take photos or explore a cave. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, as well as the opportunity to see various wildlife species. You will learn about the geological history of the region at various interpretive centers and ranger-led programs. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve offers an extraordinary experience to visitors, providing a unique natural wonder.

 

Later this evening, we travel through the Grand Teton National Park with an overnight in Moran, Wyoming

 

DAY 4 – Grand Tetons & Yellowstone National parks

 

Start your first half of the day at the Grand Tetons National Parks.  We are happy to include this park, often left out for lack of time.  Located only 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park is a stunning national park in Wyoming. The areas around the Grand Teton mountain range and its lakes were established as a national park in 1929 in order to protect the land from commercial exploitation. The protected area was extended into the surrounding valley in 1950. This truly special federal park boasts a diverse ecosystem with 310,000 acres of terrain ranging from summertime wildflower meadows to rushing whitewater streams. These ancient mountains also contain some of the oldest rocks in the National Park Service, dating to nearly 2.7 billion years ago.

 

Later today, we head over to the oldest and most popular National Park in North America, established in 1872!  Within Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, there are unparalleled opportunities to observe an abundance of wildlife, including bison, wolves, bears, and elk. Nature photography everywhere, hiking, biking, riding horses, and skiing! The park’s most famous attraction is the geothermal wonders of Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 60 to 90 minutes. These eruptions can go up to a height of 100 to 180 feet! Visitors can also explore other geysers, hot springs, mud pots and Sulphur cauldrons located throughout the park. Additionally, the Yellowstone River runs through the park, providing visitors with opportunities to go kayaking or rafting. The park’s visitor centers offer educational exhibits and programs on the park’s history and wildlife. Visiting West Yellowstone National Park promises to deliver unforgettable experiences to all visitors who want to see nature in person, not a movie or on television or photos.

 

DAY 5 – Yellowstone National Park

 

Another rarity…Enjoy a FULL DAY in Yellowstone National Park!  Guided, relaxing or hiking, we are sure you will figure out a way to make the most of it!

 

 

DAY 6 – Kalispell, Montana

 

Today, you will visit Grant Kohrs Ranch.  Wide open spaces, the hard-working cowboy, his spirited cow pony, and vast herds of cattle are among the strongest symbols of the American West. Once the headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history. Today the main house and its original furnishings are preserved intact, along with the bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, horse barns, cattle sheds, and other outbuildings dating as far back as the 1860s. Cattle also continue to graze on the lush grasses of the ranch, much as they have since the 1860s.

 

Later, Learn about aerial firefighting at the Smokejumper Visitor Center. Smokejumpers are highly trained specialists who parachute into remote areas of national forests to fight the spread of wildfires. The nation's largest training base for smokejumpers is located in Missoula.

 

*We recommend watching “Always”, with Richard Dreyfuss prior to this visit.

 

DAY 7 – Glacier National Park

 

You may think it impossible to outdo what you have seen so far.  But wait!  Named for the remnants of glaciers from the ice age, Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and Montana. It is often called the "Crown of the Continent," because of its dizzying array of natural beauty. What's more, the park boasts more than 700 lakes, numerous waterfalls and two mountain ranges, spread across more than 1 million acres that shelter a variety of wildlife.  Bonus:  You will experience this park aboard the famous Red Jammers, an ideal way to see and learn more about Glacier National Park. In fact, the vintage 1930s buses are part of the human history and heritage of the park. As much of the park’s scenery is vertically oriented, the roll-back tops are perfect for providing full views of the stunning mountains, and the area’s signature Big Sky. The guides are seasoned park veterans, who are here because they love the park and enjoy sharing the park with visitors.

 

 

DAY 8 – Bonners Ferry & Sandpoint, Idaho

 

This small beautiful alpine town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille has a rich history, rooted in both forestry and naval training. During World War II, the town was home to a naval training base for submariners. The base was used to train U.S. Navy submariners in the art of underwater warfare. After the war, the base was closed, and the town returned to its roots in forestry. The town became a hub for the timber industry, with logging and timber processing being a significant part of the local economy. The town is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, with forests surrounding the town. Today, Sandpoint embraces both its history in naval training and forestry and is a popular tourist destination with unique charm and small-town feel. Visitors can learn about the town’s history at local museums, enjoy the outdoor activities while absorbing the calming beauty of the area. Craft beer is alive and well in Sandpoint and don’t forget the wine tasting! 

 

DAY 9 – Worley, Idaho

 

Worley, Idaho, where the sky greets Mt. Tch’mutpkwe and near the source of the St. Joe River, we are 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene and 28 miles from Spokane Valley.  The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, originally known as the Schitsu’umsh people, established themselves along the lakes and streams of Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington. Schitsu’umsh, “those who were found here” or “the discovered people,” is part of the tribe’s ancient language. Celebrate these traditions and values on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation as they share what their ancestors built to honor those humble beginnings.

 

 

DAY 10 – Lewiston & Coeur D’alene, Idaho

 

One word describes Hells Canyon, awesome. The deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon encompasses a vast and remote region in Idaho and Oregon and features dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, and vegetation. Take in the natural beauty of the canyon while watching for sightings of bighorn sheep, deer, and eagles, as you take a guided jetboat ride. The jetboat tour includes a stop at the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, allowing you to follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark who traveled through the area during their journey to discover an inland waterway to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features a film describing the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho. The area is rich with Nez Perce Native American history, and visitors can tour local museums to learn about their culture and traditions. 

 

 

The Coeur d’Alene area is surrounded by dozens of lakes left behind by the glaciers from the ice age. One of the first things that visitors notice about Coeur d’Alene is its amazing lake. This massive body of water covers nearly 50 square miles and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in North America. During some free time, you may decide to visit the Museum of North Idaho, showcasing the area’s rich history, and the Kootenai County Historical Society and Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s mining past. The history of mining began in 1863 and made Idaho into the nation’s leading silver state. 

 

DAY 11 – Spokane, Washington

 

Say farewell as we depart Idaho for the Spokane, Washington airport to begin our journey home.