Compare On the Road: Following In the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark from Missouri to Oregon by Road Scholar vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
St. Charles, MO D Best Western Plus The Charles Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check in is available from 3:00 p.m

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date program schedule, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, including contact numbers for key staff, and answer any questions you may have. In addition to our Group Leader, we will also have a Lewis and Clark historian as our Study Leader, who will serve as our primary lecturer and provide commentary on board, supplemented by local experts at study sites. There will be two stops at different points during the trip at stores for those who need sundries. Unless noted otherwise, travel and transfers will be via motorcoach. Estimated drive time is dependent on traffic. Each time we check out of our hotels, we will carry our bags to the bus for loading. Free time is reserved for your independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the hotel dining area, enjoy a plated dinner including entrée, salad, and dessert, plus assorted beverages.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2
Gateway Arch, Camp Dubois, Lewis & Clark Boathouse
St. Charles, MO B,L,D Best Western Plus The Charles Hotel
Activity note: We will ride about 70 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 2 hours total drive time. At the Gateway Arch, those who wish may take a walk with the Study Leader rather than take the tram ride to the top.

Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast area, enjoy a buffet with your choice of morning favorites including breakfast meats, eggs, fruit, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, pastries, and a waffle station, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach for a field trip into St. Louis to the Gateway Arch, America’s tallest national monument (630 feet/192 meters) and one of the most impressive. The design, by architect Eero Saarinen, commemorates St. Louis’s role in the westward expansion of the United States. We ascend to the top by tram for panoramic views — 30 miles on a clear day. As the museum at the arch is closed due to repairs and refurbishments, examine exhibits in the Old Courthouse that tell the story of Lewis and Clark.

Lunch: In the heart of the St. Charles historic district, we will have lunch at a winery-restaurant with soup and half-sandwich.

Afternoon: Our next field trip is to the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center where we’ll have a docent-led exploration. The lower level houses full-scale replicas of the boats used by the Corps of Discovery. The upper level is a museum with exhibits illustrating highlights of the expedition, Native American displays, and natural habitats they encountered on their epic journey, as well as the largest indoor mural in the state, “Missouri River Walk.” Outside, there are nature trails with a variety of flora and fauna in different seasons. We’ll also learn about boats, including keelboats, pirogues, and dugout canoes. As time permits, continue exploring the boathouse on your own until we reboard the motorcoach for departure. The Group Leader will announce when and where to regroup.

Dinner: In the auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus, our catered meal includes entrée, fruit salad, vegetables, dinner rolls, dessert, and coffee, tea, water.

Evening: We’ll be joined by a professor for a presentation that will set the stage for our journeys and learn about America's acquisition of the vast French-controlled lands that would be explored by Lewis and Clark: the Louisiana Purchase.

Day 3
Arrow Rock, Fort Osage, Truman Library, Trappers & Fur Trade
Independence, MO B,L,D Higher Ground Hotel
Activity note: We will ride about 240 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5 hours total drive time. Optional walk of 1 mile on the Santa Fe Trail from Fort Osage.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach for the 2.5 hour motorcoach ride to Arrow Rock State Historic Site, once a busy town on the Missouri River and now an open air museum village with several historic buildings. We’ll be joined by a local expert who will lead our examination of the exhibits of area history from early Osage and Missouri tribal settlements to French and Spanish exploration, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Corps of Discovery. The entire village is a designated National Historic Landmark, recognizing its association with westward expansion. Next, we’ll take a short ride to the Scenic Overlook at Arrow Rock for a view of the Missouri River and the salt licks noted by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Lunch: At a scenic picnic area near the Overlook, we’ll have boxed lunches with a sandwich, chips, fruit, and water, plus with a presentation on Lewis & Clark in the Arrow Rock area.

Afternoon: Our next stop is Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, approximately an hour and forty-five minutes away. This fort overlooking the Missouri River was built in 1808 under William Clark’s direction as both a military garrison and a trade center. It has been reconstructed to appear as it was in the days of Lewis and Clark, with authentically attired interpreters who provide living-history insights. We will examine the Lewis and Clark exhibits and view a film on the historic expedition. Moving on, we’ll arrive mid-afternoon at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, commemorating the life and service of our 33rd President. During your self-directed exploration of the Library and Museum, don’t miss the exhibit on Spies, Lies, and Paranoia. We’ll then proceed to the hotel for check-in.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a buffet dinner with a variety of choices.

Evening: A local expert will join us for a presentation on trappers and the fur trade. Learn about the tough, intrepid men who forged trails into the wilderness to harvest its bounty of furs, the trading outposts they established, and their impact on regional development.

Day 4
Kaw Point, Council Bluffs, Fort Atkinson
Council Bluffs, IA B,L,D Comfort Suites Council Bluffs
Activity note: We will ride about 245 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5 hours total drive time. Hiking approximately one and a quarter miles at the confluence of the Kansas City & Missouri Rivers.

Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, breads, bagels, English muffins, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After hotel check out, we will depart for Kaw Point, at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived on June 26, 1804, and camped for three days. In addition to commentary by our Study Leader, there will be a photo op. Our next stop is Nebraska City where the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center focuses on more than 300 discoveries of flora, fauna, and scientific discoveries during the Corps of Discovery’s expedition. Our Study Leader will be on hand to answer questions during your independent exploration. We’ll then depart for Council Bluffs.

Lunch: En route, we will stop for a buffet lunch with pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts.

Afternoon: Our next stop is Fort Atkinson. On July 30, 1804, Lewis and Clark set up camp on this site that later became Fort Atkinson, the first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River. Here, at today’s state historical park, the reconstructed log fort is on the site of the first meeting between Lewis and Clark as representatives of the U.S. and western “Indians” — native people of the Otoe Missouria tribe. This “council” established the format for subsequent councils during the expedition, where the principals would give speeches, smoke a pipe, and exchange gifts. Council Bluffs was named for this event. At the conclusion of our field trip, we’ll head to the hotel for check-in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At a Council Bluffs restaurant, enjoy a meal with entrée, vegetables, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverage.

Evening: After dinner we'll be provided a lecture on the Lewis & Clark journals.

Day 5
Keelboat Exhibit, Sergeant Floyd Monument, Spirit Mound
Yankton, SD B,L,D Best Western Kelly Inn Yankton South Dakota
Activity note: We will ride about 180 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 3.5 hours total drive time. Hiking one and a quarter miles at Spirit Mound.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers eggs, including hard boiled eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, muffins, bagels, breads, cold cereal, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, fruit, juices, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel and be off for our first field trip of the day to Lewis and Clark State Park. Lewis and Clark led their expedition of 26 men and supplies up the Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat to this site on the shores of Blue Lake, an ox-bow formed by the Missouri River. The park’s most distinctive feature is a full-size reproduction of their keelboat, “Best Friend,” that we’ll learn about from a staff member. We’ll continue from the park to Sioux City, IA.

Lunch: At the Sioux City Library, we’ll enjoy sandwiches with fruit, chips, cookies, water.

Afternoon: We’ll then go for an expert-led walk through the Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to learn about the leg of the expedition that traversed this region with a focus on the story of Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr., the only member of the Corps to die on the journey and the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi River. Today, a 100-foot obelisk marks Sergeant Floyd’s final resting place. We’ll continue our journey along the Lewis and Clark Trail towards Yankton, South Dakota, with a stop at Spirit Mound. Local tribes believed that tiny spirits or demons, armed with arrows, inhabited this prairie hill. Lewis and Clark set off on foot to investigate the story on Aug. 25, 1804, hiking for four hours in sweltering heat. They didn't find demons, but they did discover a fantastic view and a herd of 800 bison. We’ll explore on foot with our Study Leader. Moving on to Yankton, we’ll check-in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: In the hotel banquet hall, dinner will include salad, an entrée, side dishes, dessert and coffee, tea, water options.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Akta Lakota Museum, Lilly Park, SD Cultural Heritage Center
Pierre, SD B,L ClubHouse Hotel & Suites
Activity note: We will ride about 250 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, enjoy a buffet with your choice of hot and cold cereals, hard boiled eggs, waffles, bagels, muffins, toast, yogurt, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel, load the motorcoach, and travel to the remains of Fort Randall on the south side of the Missouri River, where we’ll have a rest stop, then proceed to the Akta Lakota Museum and St. Joseph’s School.

Lunch: During lunch, we will have an introduction by museum staff. At St. Joseph's School, we’ll have boxed lunches picnic-style and a talk by a local expert.

Afternoon: After lunch the staff will lead us through the museum — an educational outreach of St. Joseph’s Indian School — to learn more about Native peoples, area history, and take a look at an authentic teepee that was the typical abode of Plains tribes. St. Joseph’s first opened as a government boarding school in 1880 and is now operated by a Catholic order serving children and youths from area Sioux reservations. Moving on to Pierre, South Dakota's state capital, we will have an expert-led exploration of the State Historical Society’s new Cultural Heritage Center. The center features artifacts from the state's past and exhibits from Sioux life, culture, and history to the tools of ranchers and miners. We’ll then proceed to the hotel for check-in.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Our centrally-located hotel is 6 blocks from the historic downtown, and 3 blocks from the banks of the Missouri River. Take a walk or just relax.

Day 7
Sacagawea Monument, Sitting Bull Gravesite, Fort Lincoln
Bismarck, ND B,L,D Comfort Suites Bismarck
Activity note: We will ride about 245 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5 hours total drive time. Walking up ramp to board riverboat.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers your choice of biscuits and gravy, waffles, fruit, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, cheese, toast, bagels, English muffins, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After hotel check out, we’re on our way to Bismarck - North Dakota’s capital city - with stops at historic landmarks and sites along the way including, a Sacagawea Monument and a (disputed) Sitting Bull grave site.

Lunch: We’ll stop en route for a buffet lunch with meats, salads, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: For perhaps 1,000 years before Lewis and Clark, the site that became Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park was occupied by Mandan Indians who lived in earth lodges that have been reconstructed to depict their lifestyle. Many years later, it was from Fort Abraham Lincoln that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer led the Seventh cavalry through rolling hills and bluffs on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. We will explore the Custer house and earth lodges in On-A-Slant Village to learn more about the Mandan Indians. We’ll then depart for the Port of Bismarck.

Dinner: As a special treat this evening, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat featuring barbecue and sides, plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: We’ll check-in to our hotel after dinner. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 8
ND Heritage Center, Fort Mandan, Knife River Indian Village
Medora, ND B,L,D Rough Riders Hotel
Activity note: We will ride about 210 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 4 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, waffles, toast, fruit, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we’ll travel to the North Dakota Heritage Center for independent exploration and an opportunity to learn about some of the state’s rich history. The Study Leader will be on hand to answer questions. We’ll then move on to the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where staff will provide an overview of the time the Corps of Discovery spent at Fort Mandan during the winter of 1804-1805. Here Lewis and Clark met Toussaint Charbonneau and his pregnant wife, Sacagawea. Charbonneau sought to join the corps as an interpreter. During this winter Lewis joined in a buffalo hunt with the Mandans and Sacagawea gave birth. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, a buffalo robe you can try on, a cradle-board much like Sacagawea may have used to carry her baby, and an authentic wood canoe carved from a cottonwood tree. We’ll then move on to Fort Mandan where we’ll explore the fort with a member of the local staff.

Lunch: At Fort Mandan, sack lunches.

Afternoon: After lunch we'll hop aboard the motorcoach and travel to Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site. Here, a ranger will tell us about the lives of the Northern Plains Indians on the Upper Missouri as you step into a reconstructed earth lodge; view the artistry of everyday and ceremonial clothing, bags, and implements; and gain an appreciation for traditional Hidatsa tribal life. Walking through the Sacagawea site, we will see where earth lodge depressions hint of vibrant village life. From here, we’ll ride on and check-in to the Rough Rider Hotel in Medora, which was constructed in 1884 and renamed in 1903 to honor Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and their service in the Spanish-American war.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy barbecue and sides, plus lemonade, coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Lewis & Clark Sites, Pompey's Pillar, Clark’s Return Journey
Billings, MT B,L,D Best Western Clocktower Inn
Activity note: We will ride about 285 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 4.5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: After hotel check out, we’ll ride to a local restaurant for breakfast with choices of eggs, bacon, waffles, seasonal fruit and berries, muffins, hash browns, orange juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Our journey continues as we proceed from Medora to Billings, stopping at historic landmarks and sites along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon: Pompey’s Pillar, about 25 miles east of Billings, Montana, is one of the most famous sandstone buttes in America. It was named by Clark after Sacagawea's son, who he nicknamed “Pomp,” and is one of two known physical evidence sites of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Clark carved his signature on the face of the butte on July 25, 1806. Learn more about this fascinating landmark during a presentation and explore Pompey’s Pillar National Monument to see canoe replicas and enjoy the view of the Yellowstone River. Upon arrival in Billings, we’ll check-in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a dinner including entrée, starch, salad, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: Tonight, we’ll hear the fascinating account of Clark's return journey down the Yellowstone River from a local expert.

Day 10
Missouri Headwaters Park, Gates of the Mountains Lecture
Helena, MT B,L,D Radisson Colonial Hotel
Activity note: We will ride about 245 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 4 hours total drive time. Hiking approximately 1 mile at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

Breakfast: In the hotel restaurant, the breakfast options includes an egg casserole, breakfast meats, pastries, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel and head for Missouri Headwaters State Park that encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers and includes the Three Forks of the Missouri National Historic Landmark. As we explore the park, historic interpreters will relate how the Corps of Discovery anticipated these important headwaters as they traveled up the Missouri River. They stopped at the site on July 28, 1805 and named the three forks coming together at this location after Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Albert Gallatin.

Lunch: Boxed lunches at the park.

Afternoon: Reboarding the motorcoach, we’ll continue to Helena with commentary on board by our Study Leader. We expect to arrive early evening for hotel check-in.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a dinner with choice of entrée and salad plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: This evening’s presentation will focus on tomorrow’s destination — Gates of the Mountain — the spectacular landscape seen by Lewis and Clark as they boated along the Missouri River. Learn about their challenging trip through this area of towering limestone cliffs with a deep narrow channel where rock walls appeared to block their passage.

Day 11
Gates of the Mountains Boating, First People's Buffalo Jump
Great Falls, MT B,L,D Best Western Heritage Inn
Activity note: We will ride about 100 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 2.5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes sausage, bacon, eggs, hash-browns, oatmeal, cold cereal, toast, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After hotel check out, we’ll ride to the Montana State Capitol Complex set amid 10 acres of spacious lawns. The handsome Capitol Building itself was completed in 1902. Among its many beautiful paintings is Charles M. Russell's magnificent historical depiction of Lewis and Clark meeting the Indians at Ross' Hole on September 5, 1805. We’ll then depart for Gates of the Mountains, the name bestowed by Meriwether Lewis in July 1805. We’ll embark on a boat excursion along the Missouri River to view wooded slopes and towering walls of limestone that Lewis and Clark would still recognize today. High above are Bighorn sheep and Mountain Goats, eagles and some 120 other species of bird life; while the canyon is home to creatures such as beavers, black bears, deer, ermine, mountain lions, otters, squirrels, and more (which may or may not be visible during our boat ride).

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: We’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue to Great Falls, with historic interpretation on board by our Study Leader. For centuries, native peoples hunted buffalo by stampeding them over a mile-long cliff in what is now First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Tribe members waiting below would finish the kills. Some areas in the archaeological site have up to 18 feet of compacted buffalo skeletons. Ulm Pishkun in the park may be the largest such site in the world. We’ll stop to explore with our local expert. Arriving in Great Falls, we'll check-in to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel we'll enjoy salad, entrées, side dishes, desserts, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Decision Point, Fort Benton, Ryan Dam, C.M. Russell Museum
Great Falls, MT B,L,D Best Western Heritage Inn
Activity note: We will ride about 100 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 2.5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers waffles, fruit, oatmeal, cold cereals, muffins, toast, juice, coffee, tea.

Morning: For our first field trip of the day, we’ll board the motorcoach and travel to Decision Point, where the Marias River meets the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark made a historic decision here which greatly affected the outcome of the expedition. Their Minitaree Indian friends had drawn them a rough map of the rivers on the upper Missouri, but they had not included this river on their chart. It posed a problem: Which was the real Missouri? They had to be sure, so they spent a week sending exploring parties up each river. Next, we’ll head to the C. M. Russell Museum.

Lunch: At the C.M. Russell Museum, we’ll have “build your own” sandwich bar, plus salad, dessert, coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: After lunch we’ll explore the C.M. Russell Museum, where the Old West lives on. This is one of America’s finest museums of American Western art and the home of the most complete collection of C. M. Russell art and memorabilia in the world. Charles Marion Russell’s artwork is part entertainment, part history lesson. In a fascinating presentation, learn about the life of this cowboy, outdoorsman, writer, philosopher, environmentalist, conservationist, artist, and passionate advocate for the Plains Indians. Then, explore the museum on your own. Led by our Study Leader, we’ll take the motorcoach to follow the infamous Portage Route, where the Corps of Discovery experienced a grueling, month-long trial to determine the best route around the great falls — a serious underestimation on their part.

Dinner: At the hotel, dinner offers buffalo spare ribs, salad and side dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Giant Springs State Park, L & C Interpretive Center
Missoula, MT B,L,D Broadway Inn
Activity note: We’ll ride about 190 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 4 hours total drive time. Hiking approximately one and a quarter miles at Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we’ll travel to Giant Springs State Park. It was here in 1805 that Lewis and Clark “discovered” one of the largest freshwater springs in the country — flowing at a rate of 156 million gallons of water per day! The Study Leader will take us on a walk following the River’s Edge Trail from Giant Springs to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. (Those who prefer to ride aboard the motorcoach will rendezvous at the interpretive center.) Displays interpret the portage around the Great Falls and other aspects of the expedition with an emphasis on relationships with the Indian tribes of the Northern Plains. We’ll then go next door to the Montanta Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Lunch: At the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters, enjoy a catered lunch.

Afternoon: Continuing with our journey, we’ll cross over Rogers Pass to Lincoln, MT for a brief rest stop, then arrive at Missoula and check-in at our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: In a private meeting room at the hotel, enjoy a dinner with entrée, salad, side dishes, rolls and butter, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: Tonight we’ll learn more about some of the animals the Corps met along their journey. There were many purposes for the expedition, which President Thomas Jefferson handed down to Lewis in a set of charges. Among them was the recording and collecting of plant and animal specimens.

Day 14
Traveler's Rest State Park, Nez Perce Historical Park
Lewiston, ID B,L,D Red Lion Hotel
Activity note: We will ride about 255 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 7.5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, our breakfast buffet includes eggs, sausage patties, biscuits and gravy, waffles, French toast, fruit, cereal, yogurt, assorted juices, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After hotel check out, we ride to Traveler's Rest State Park where the expedition camped September 9-11, 1805 and June 30-July 3, 1806. Here on the return journey the Corps of Discovery separated into two parties as to allow one group to explore the Yellowstone country. Archaeologists found evidence of the latrine and central fire of the Corps in 2002. This is the second of the two sites with evidence confirming the group's visit.

Lunch: We will have lunch at a local lodge with soup and a half sandwich, salad, brownie, and beverage.

Afternoon: Moving on to Lewiston, we will have a rest stop at Canoe Camp where the expedition camped and built five canoes for their journey down the Clearwater, Snake and Columbia Rivers. It was here that the expedition finally reached navigable waters after hardships in the Bitterroot Mountains. At Nez Perce National Historical Park, we will have a presentation about the ways of the Nez Perce people and view a sample canoe. The Nez Perce called themselves Nimi'ipuu, which means “real people” or “we the people.” Nimi'ipuu oral history records their presence in these lands since time immemorial. More than any other group in their travels, the Corps of Discovery became friendliest with the Nez Perce, who gave them assistance at the most desperate time in the expedition in the autumn of 1805. In return, Lewis and Clark promised a productive relationship with the U.S. government (promises the government never kept as it pursued a policy of Manifest Destiny). But in 1806, when the expedition returned, they were still welcomed by the Nez Perce. After arrival and check-in at our hotel, freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a meal with entrée, salad, vegetables, rolls and butter, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15
Sacagawea State Park, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
Hood River, OR B,L,D Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
Activity note: We will ride about 290 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5.5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel’s breakfast buffet, enjoy your choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, oatmeal, fruit, juices, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll check out of hotel, leave the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, and journey towards The Dalles, Oregon, traveling through the southeast portion of Washington, with commentary en route. Crossing into Oregon, we view Hat Rock. named by Clark on October 19th, 1805.

Lunch: At Sacagawea State Park, where the Columbia and Snake rivers converge, We’ll have boxed lunches picnic-style.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll have some independent time to explore the Confluence Project site. “Here, where rivers meet and indigenous people once gathered, the Confluence Project explores the intersection of environment, cultures and a regional history that reaches back many hundreds of years.” The project is a collaborative effort of Pacific Northwest tribes, renowned artist Maya Lin, civic groups from Washington and Oregon, and other artists, architects and landscape designers. The project stretches more than 300 miles, referencing passages from the Lewis at Clark journals at seven different sites that each feature an art installation by Ms. Lin. Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll continue to The Dalles, where we will visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, with interpretation by our onboard historian.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel will include an entrée, side dishes, dessert, coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 16
Multnomah Falls, Skamokawa Vista Park, Cape Disappointment
Astoria, OR B,L,D Shilo Inn Hotel Warrenton
Activity note: We will ride about 220 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 5 hours total drive time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers eggs, ham, potatoes, muffins, fruit, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and follow the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, we’ll stop at Multnomah Falls, which plummets 620 feet and is a major landmark on the Columbia River. We’ll then continue to Skamokawa.

Lunch: At Skamokawa Vista Park, we’ll have sack lunches. Our Study Leader will discuss the expedition team when it was close to the end of its journey here. Although the Corps was looking at the Columbia River Estuary, Clark wrote "Ocean in view! Oh! The joy.”

Afternoon: Aboard the motorcoach, we’ll take a field trip to various landmarks in the area, including Yellow Bluffs, Cape Disappointment, and Long Beach, Washington, the farthest point north along the coast reached by the expedition. We’ll then check-in to our hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a dinner with choice of entrée, side dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, iced tea, water.

Evening: Tonight's presentation by a local expert takes us through the final legs of the expedition and its conclusion, the fulfillment of the dream.

Day 17
Fort Clatsop, Astoria Column, Portand
Portland, OR B,L,D Clarion Hotel- Portland International Airport
Activity note: We will ride about 115 miles on the motorcoach today, approximately 3 hours total drive time. 160 steps to the top of the Astoria Column.

Breakfast: The hotel breakfast buffet offers your choice of breakfast meat, eggs (including hard-boiled eggs), biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, breads and pastries, juices, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Our field trip this morning is to Fort Clatsop National Memorial, site of the expedition's winter quarters from December 7, 1805 to March 23, 1806. The fort site was a safe haven from the stormy shores of the Columbia River Estuary. We’ll be joined by rangers for presentations on a variety of topics. Returning to Astoria, we’ll see the Astoria Column that stands on Astoria's highest hill. Those who wish to climb the 160 steps to the top of this 125-foot spire will have an impressive view of the Columbia River Estuary.

Lunch: At an Astoria restaurant, enjoy a plated meal with choice of soup or salad, main dish, side dish, and dessert, plus soda, coffee, tea.

Afternoon: We’ll drive on to Portland and check-in to our hotel.

Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.