Cowboy Country (Family Tour) - 8 Days
8 Days
Jackson
Rapid City
*****
Tauck Bridges (family tours)
Hit the trail for a true Western adventure…the ultimate family trip to Wyoming and South Dakota. Experience life on the ranch… whoop it up at a rodeo… explore treasures of the National Park Service… and learn the stories of the people who shaped the Wild, Wild West.
Welcome to cowboy country! Our family vacation to Wyoming and South Dakota is a fun-loving adventure that takes you and your family into some of the most spectacular national parks you'll ever see. Look for beaver, elk, bison and more on the way to Yellowstone National Park, where you'll stay just steps from Old Faithful…take in a night of "Wild West" entertainment in the rodeo capital of the world…raft down the Snake River…sample the life of a cowboy with horseback riding and a cow milking lesson on a real ranch…and discover the man-made artistry of Mount Rushmore and the natural majesty of Grand Teton National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Jackson & Grand Teton Nat'l Park
A transfer is included from Jackson Hole Airport to Snow King Resort in Jackson. Meet fellow travellers who will share this Cowboy Country adventure with your family at our welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2: A visit to Snake River Ranch
Your family's first day in Wyoming begins with a visit to Snake River Ranch, one of the last working cattle ranches in Jackson Hole, and an opportunity to learn firsthand about cowboy life and Wyoming ranching. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the working cattle ranch has been run by the same family since the 1920s. Cowboys make their living here using their time-honored skills, and share insights with you about the working parts of this 3,000+ acre ranch as you learn what the life of a real American cowboy is all about. You'll have an opportunity to go horseback riding on a trail ride and take a wagon ride, perhaps meeting the other residents of the area – moose, elk, coyote, fox, owls, hawks and bald eagles. Return to the resort, where the remainder of the day is free to explore Jackson or Snow King Mountain with its many activities.
Day 3: On to Yellowstone, the world's first national park
Depart Jackson – you're certain to marvel at the mountain majesty of Grand Teton National Park before setting off on a rafting adventure* down the Snake River. Along the way, your guide will help you spot the beavers, eagles, elks and other animals that live in the park (children must be 6+ for rafting). Visit Grand Teton National Park's Colter Bay Visitor Center to view the American Indian artwork and artifacts on display before traveling on to Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872 as America's (and the world's) first national park, your historic "home away from home" for the next two nights is the Old Faithful Inn, just steps away from the famous Old Faithful Geyser – shooting up to 184 feet in the air approximately every 90 minutes. This afternoon, if you wish you can join us on a locally guided walk explores Geyser Basin – keep an eye out for Yellowstone's diverse wildlife as you explore some of the features of the park, whose geologic wonders include two-thirds of all the geysers in the world. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore as you please. Have dinner at this iconic inside-the-park hotel at your leisure tonight.
Day 4: Mud pots & more on a perfect day in Yellowstone
Wake up to a world of amazing natural wonders in Yellowstone National Park and spend the day sightseeing in the park with a local expert who shares information about the park and its abundant wildlife as you explore; Yellowstone protects threatened or endangered species including the gray wolf, whooping crane, lynx, grizzly bear and bald eagle. See some of the 10,000 hot springs within the park, as well as bubbling pools of mud and volcanic calderas; enjoy a picnic lunch in the park; and, a short distance from your lodge, make sure you reserve some family time to watch mighty Old Faithful shoot its plume of steam high into the air just about every hour and a half – a highlight of any Wyoming family vacation! After a day that is truly a celebration of the West's natural beauty, enjoy dinner at leisure back at the lodge.
Day 5: All about Buffalo Bill's West & rodeo fun in Cody
Say goodbye to Yellowstone and continue your Wyoming vacation to the historic town of Cody, Wyoming, founded in part by the famous "Buffalo Bill" Cody, from whom the town got its name. Glimpse the history and culture of the heyday of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, whose five acclaimed, connected museums each tell a different side of the story – focusing on the Plains Indians, Western art, historic firearms, the region's natural history, and the life and career of "Buffalo Bill" Cody himself. Have a western-style dinner and then thrill to bucking broncos, steer wrestlers, calf ropers and barrel riders and more at the nationally famous Cody Nite Rodeo – a fixture since 1938 here in Cody, often called the "rodeo capital of the world."
Day 6: Bighorn vistas and a different look at cowboy life
Journey through Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains today, past deep canyons, vast grasslands, and blankets of wildflowers en route to one of the highlights of your Wyoming vacation – a double dose of Western ranch life that your family will love! First, feel the spirit of Cowboy Country during an authentic ranch experience – a cookhouse lunch, interacting with the farm animals and a lesson in milking a cow – at the T-A Guest Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming. T-A Ranch was the site of a famous siege and shootout during the infamous "Johnson County War" in 1892; you can still see the old gunshot holes in the ranch's original horse barn. Later, continue on to an overnight and dinner at your leisure at a different Wyoming ranch – the Ranch at Ucross – topping the night off with an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories and s'mores.
Day 7: Black Hills giants – Crazy Horse & Mt. Rushmore
Depart the Ranch at Ucross and Wyoming and head for the Black Hills of South Dakota. Look up in wonder at the Crazy Horse Memorial, where you'll view the work in progress as artisans carve the likeness of the famous Lakota warrior out of the mountain. Begun in 1948 after an Oglala Lakota elder commissioned sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to create the memorial on the face of Thunderhead Mountain to show "that we have heroes too," the independently funded project is now carried on by members of the late sculptor's family; when completed, it will be the largest rock sculpture in the world. At the project's visitor's center – which includes the former Ziolkowski family home – you'll explore exhibits that speak to the diverse histories and cultures of America's native peoples, and learn more about this unique family project. Then it's on to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you'll be welcomed by the colossal granite heads of four US presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln. The sculptures were the work of Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and his son, a 14-year project begun in 1927. From here, you'll head to the K Bar S Lodge for an overnight stay and this evening's farewell reception and dinner to celebrate a week of authentic western magic in Cowboy Country.
Day 8: Journey Home
Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from K Bar S Lodge to Rapid City Regional Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage for driver and tour director plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights.
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.