See nature in all its glory while exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, lands of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. Each park has its own distinct characteristics, and you may customize your adventure at times, choosing between a bike tour and a float trip in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. At Yellowstone, you will behold geothermal wonders such as Old Faithful, grazing bison and perhaps grizzly bears. Besides admiring wildlife in its natural habitat, you will view artistic interpretations of it in a wildlife museum.
DAY 1
Upon touching down at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, you will gather your luggage and meet the guide for the transfer to the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the hotel stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and luxury. Built in 1924, this iconic hotel showcases Italian Renaissance architecture with its grand lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate woodwork. The spacious guest rooms and suites offer a blend of classic charm and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and sophisticated stay.
The evening will be yours to explore Seattle’s vibrant culinary scene, perhaps discovering a hidden gem for dinner. Then, you will retreat to the comfort of the Fairmont Olympic for a restful overnight stay.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the airport for a short flight to Jackson Hole.
Following a delightful lunch in town, you will have the opportunity to design your afternoon by selecting between two adventures:
Option One: Embark on a private bike tour through the stunning landscapes of Antelope Flats, surrounded by the breathtaking Grand Teton Mountains. While pedaling through open meadows, you might spot herds of pronghorn grazing peacefully. The vibrant colors of the wildflowers will contrast beautifully with the deep greens of the grasslands. During the ride, the guide will enrich each moment by sharing fascinating stories about the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. Stops will be made along the way to admire the panoramas and enjoy the serenity.
Alternatively, you can opt for a private float trip down the serene Snake River. As you push off from the riverbank, the sounds of nature will envelop you. In time, you will pass through lush forests and open meadows, each turn in the river revealing new and breathtaking vistas. As you gently drift along, the Grand Teton Mountains will provide a stunning backdrop as their snow-capped peaks reflect in the crystal-clear water. It is not uncommon to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, moose grazing by the riverbanks or even a bear. The guide will share intriguing insights about the ecosystems, the regional history and the unique geology that shapes this beautiful landscape.
Following the adventure of your choice, you will proceed to Teton Mountain Lodge. Located in Teton Village, the lodge is just a short drive from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect home base for adventure. This luxurious retreat is where rustic charm meets modern elegance. The lodge’s architecture seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, featuring stone fireplaces, wooden beams and cozy furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room offers beautiful mountain views and private balconies.
This evening, dinner will be at Il Villaggio Osteria in Teton Village. Enjoy a taste of Italy in the heart of Jackson Hole. This cozy, rustic restaurant specializes in a wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas. The warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a multi-course meal, all while taking in the stunning mountain views.
After dining, you will return to the hotel for evening.
DAY 3
You will begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Teton Mountain Lodge, fueling up for an exciting adventure. Your private tour of Grand Teton National Park will present the awe-inspiring beauty of the Teton Range with its rugged, snow-capped peaks towering over pristine alpine lakes and lush valleys. There, the Snake River winds its way through lush meadows, offering a serene contrast to the towering granite spires. Wildlife roams freely, from majestic elk and moose to the elusive grizzly bear, creating a vibrant tapestry of life against the backdrop of snow-capped summits.
As you explore, you will find hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear pools, and trails that lead you through fragrant pine forests to breathtaking vistas. The air will be crisp and invigorating, filled with the scent of wildflowers and the sound of birdsong. Whether admiring Inspiration Point or soaking in the tranquility of Jenny Lake, every moment at this park will feel like a brushstroke on the canvas of the American wilderness.
After a morning of exploration, you will enjoy a leisurely lunch independently, before heading to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this museum houses over 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world, including pieces from renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and John James Audubon. The museum’s collection spans from 2500 B.C.E. to the present, offering a comprehensive look at the history of wildlife art, making it a collection unlike any other.
The impressive collection extends to the outdoors, where a life-size Sculpture Trail brings the art to life against the backdrop of the stunning Jackson Hole landscape. Be sure to see the Spirit Totems, a path of improvisational expressionist sculptures inspired by indigenous forms from the Pacific Northwest. The pieces swirl and tower as high as 19 feet and feature many animal and bird-like forms, creating an awe-inspiring experience.
As the day winds down, you will savor a delicious dinner at Palate, the museum’s on-site restaurant, known for its creative cuisine and spectacular views.
Finally, you will return to Teton Mountain Lodge for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences and the surrounding natural beauty.
DAY 4
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you will set off on an exclusive journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. The adventure will begin with the awe-inspiring sight of Old Faithful, its powerful eruption sending plumes of steam and water high into the sky, a timeless spectacle that never fails to captivate.
As you wander deeper into the park, you will encounter a kaleidoscope of geothermal wonders. Vibrant hot springs shimmer with hues of turquoise, emerald and gold, their colors dancing in the sunlight. The air will be filled with the earthy scent of sulfur as you approach the bubbling mud pots, their rhythmic gurgling a reminder of the powerful forces beneath the earth’s crust.
The path will lead you through lush meadows where majestic bison graze peacefully, their massive forms a symbol of the wild beauty of this land. In the distance, the haunting howl of a wolf may echo through the forest, a rare and thrilling sound that speaks to the untamed spirit of Yellowstone.
You will pause for lunch by the serene banks of the Yellowstone River, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering peaks and verdant forests. Here, you might catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear fishing for its next meal or a family of elk crossing the river in a graceful procession.
As the day unfolds, each moment in Yellowstone will reveal a new wonder, from the delicate wildflowers that carpet the forest floor to the soaring eagles that glide effortlessly above. This experience is not just a journey through a national park; it is an immersion into a world where nature’s raw power and serene beauty coexist in perfect harmony.
As evening approaches, you will return to the comfort of the hotel for a delightful dinner, savoring the flavors of the region. You might reflect on the day’s adventures before settling in for a restful overnight stay.
DAY 5
The day will begin with breakfast at Teton Mountain Lodge, as you savor the fresh mountain air and stunning views one final time. Afterward, a private transfer you take you to Jackson Hole Airport for the flight to Seattle.
Upon arrival, another private transfer will take you to the lovely and familiar setting of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
At the hotel, you will participate in a cognac tasting, a refined and intimate experience designed for both cognac enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Hosted by the hotel’s Beverage Director and acclaimed mixologist, this event will offer a deep dive into the world of cognac. During this 90-minute masterclass, you will learn about the history, production methods and various styles of this exquisite French brandy. The tasting will include a welcome cocktail and six unique cognacs to sample, each chosen to highlight different flavors and characteristics. Small, shared food plates may also be provided to complement the tasting experience.
Next, you will enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner with the group to celebrate the memories you have made on the adventure, before retreating to the hotel for the evening.
DAY 6
As the morning sun casts a golden glow over Seattle, you will begin the day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. A private group transfer awaits to deliver you to the cruise ship. The journey through the bustling streets of Seattle will offer glimpses of the city’s vibrant life, from the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market. As you approach the harbor, the cruise ship will come into view, promising a voyage filled with new horizons and unforgettable experiences.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Programs including flights are subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control.
•Itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 4:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until Day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 4:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
You will be met at the baggage carousel and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.
Hotel check-in is 4:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of the land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 1
TBA Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
TBA Transfer to Fairmont Olympic Hotel
4:00pm Check in and settle in
Dinner on your own
Overnight at Fairmont Olympic or similar
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Transfer to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10:00am Arrive at the airport
11:00am Fly to Jackson Hole Airport
2:00pm Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport
2:30pm Lunch in Jackson Hole
4:00pm Design Your Day: Antelope Flats bike tour or Snake River float trip
8:00pm Dinner at Il Villaggio Osteria
Overnight at Teton Mountain Lodge or similar
DAY 3
8:00am Breakfast at Teton Mountain Lodge
9:00am Private tour of Grand Teton National Park
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:30pm Private tour of National Museum of Wildlife Art
6:00pm Dinner at Palate restaurant
8:00pm Return to the lodge
Overnight at Teton Mountain Lodge or similar
DAY 4
8:00am Breakfast at Teton Mountain Lodge
9:00am Private tour of Yellowstone National Park
12:00pm Gourmet picnic lunch
1:00pm Continue tour of Yellowstone National Park
4:00pm Depart for the lodge
4:30pm Arrive at the lodge
6:00pm Dinner on your own
Overnight at Teton Mountain Lodge or similar
DAY 5
8:00am Breakfast at Teton Mountain Lodge
9:00am Private transfer to Jackson Hole Airport
11:00am Fly to Seattle
1:30pm Private transfer to the hotel
2:00pm Check in and settle in at the hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight at Fairmont Olympic or similar hotel
DAY 6
08:00am Breakfast at Fairmont Olympic
12:00pm Check out of the hotel and transfer to the cruise ship
12:30pm Approximate arrival at cruise ship for embarkation
Expected Weather
The average temperature is a high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit/22 Celsius and a low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit/1.6 degrees Celsius.
What to Bring
Dress in layered clothing and bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, hiking socks, long pants, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and camera. You are encouraged to bring a day bag for personal items during tours through the national parks.
Local Currency
US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
Electricity
110-120V (60 Hz)
Luggage
Maximum 2 bags per person, maximum weight 40 pounds per bag.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A U.S. passport or visa is required to enter the United States unless under the Visa Waiver Program, or a citizen of Canada or Bermuda.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
All flights will be scheduled on commercial aircrafts, typically Boeing 737, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, or Airbus A320.
Hotels
Teton Mountain Lodge
3385 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Please Note:
Sites and order of visits are subject to change due to weather or other operational influences. All activities in this itinerary require some degree of light hiking on uneven, rocky surfaces. This program is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with walking disabilities.
Program Includes for guests:
• Private airport transfer
• 3 nights at Teton Mountain Lodge - Lodge King
• 2 nights at Fairmont Olympic - Deluxe King
• Daily breakfast, beginning on Day 2
• Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
• Lunch on Days 2 and 4, including non-alcoholic beverages
• Dinner on Days 2, 3 and 5, including a selection of beer and wine
• Touring in luxury private vehicles
• Local English-speaking tour guide on transfers and sightseeing tours
• Porterage at hotels, airports and pier (based on 2 pieces of luggage per person)
• Bottled water daily on tours
• Taxes and gratuities
• Economy-class flights per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
• Alcoholic beverages
• Any meals not mentioned
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, gift shop purchases, spa treatments and laundry
• Entrance fees to any sites not mentioned
• Camera fees
• Visa fees
• Any other services not mentioned above
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.