I'm thinking about booking the above tour in September but wondered if you could answer a couple of questions?

• Journey Time - I don't see a non-stop flight on Delta's website to Rapid City, indeed it seems to suggest even a couple of plane changes with quite long transit times.

  Can you give me an idea of the total journey time from Heathrow to Rapid City and also the return, Vegas to London ???

• Weather - what sort of weather can I expect in September?

• Excursions & Meals - can you tell me how much I should budget if I was to take all the excursions... and more difficult, because you don't know what or how much I eat 😃 any estimations of how much I would expect to spend on meals?

• Clothes & Laundry - is there any point during the itinerary when there's sufficient time to launder clothes ???

So many more questions but I don't want to hog your time :rolleyes:

Thanks

I have the answers to most of your questions below! I hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

WEATHER

It could be anything from warm to very hot - possibly up to 35 degrees - but it will be cool at night because of the desert climate. So I would pack mainly for warm weather but take a jumper or two as well.

LAUNDRY

You'll probably want to wash clothes about halfway through your trip, and you'll have two nights each in Salt Lake City (Days 7-8) and Cortez, Colorado. This would be a good time to wash clothes, either at the hotel or at a laundry. Your tour manager will be able to advise on the best option.

FLIGHTS

[see message below].

FOOD

American food is good value and very plentiful so you may not need to order that much. Personally I would allow £10-15 per meal, perhaps more if you like to have a drink or two as well. Your breakfast is included but you will need to get lunch and dinner each day.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

I haven't seen the latest information on the optional excursions yet but I have included last year's desciptions and prices below, so you should be able to get a fairly good idea of how much you will need.

USA - Grand Canyon - Helicopter flight

30 exciting minutes in the air over the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Words cannot adequately describe this incredible trip.

Approx. 30 minutes - Minimal Walking - Outrageously good value

This Optional Highlight is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort ( approx 169.00 USD)

USA - Jackson - Balloon Flight in Jackson Hole

The ultimate hot air balloon flight in the early morning against the majestic backdrop of the

Grand Teton mountain range. Approximately one hour in the air amongst some stunning scenery.

Early Morning - Moderate Walking - An unforgettable adventure

This Optional Highlight is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort ( approx 295.00 USD)

USA - Jackson - Barbeque Supper

Ride out to the campsite by horse-drawn covered wagon and through an Indian ambush – just like in the movies! Then enjoy a cowboy-style cookout, surrounded by the Teton mountains, whilst being entertained by a live country and western band. (operates mid-May to late September)

Evening - Minimal Walking - Experience the Cowboy Life

This Optional Highlight is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort ( approx 45.00 USD)

USA - Kanab - The Chuckwagon Cookout

Cowboy cookout and movie acting (evening). Kanab is Utah's "Little Hollywood", where many of those classic western films were made. We will pretend to make our own movie, with usually hilarious consequences, and then enjoy cowboy style food, accompanied by live country and western music.

Approx 1 1/2 hours - Minimal Walking - Tremendous Fun

This Optional Highlight is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort ( approx 29.00 USD)

USA - Monument Valley - Flight over the Valley

Fly over Monument Valley, Lake Powell, the Rainbow Bridge and part of the Grand Canyon on this breathtakingly beautiful flight.

Approx. 1¾ hours - Minimal Walking - The flight of a lifetime

This Optional Highlight is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort ( approx 349.00 USD)

USA - Prebookable Great Salt Lake, Park City and Salt Lake City Tour

Visit the shore of the Great Salt Lake, second saltiest body of water on the planet, and learn about its unique environment. Then move on to historic Park City, and old silver mining town, now a resort city, which still looks very much as it did in the 1800’s. Finally, tour the highlights of Salt Lake City itself.

Extended half day - Moderate Walking - Excellent Value

(£24.00)

USA - Prebookable Lake Powell Scenic Cruise

A very relaxing way to spend an afternoon, looking at the surreal landscape of Lake Powell from the water and getting up close to some of the multi-coloured rock formations in what was once the Glen Canyon before the damming of the Colorado River at the town of Page.

1½hours on the lake - Moderate Walking - Scenic & Relaxing

(£32.00)

USA - Prebookable Las Vegas by Night

A must-see! Prepare to be absolutely dazzled by the city whose lights beat them all! Get into the mood of this unashamedly brash neon city as we “Cruise” the world-famous ‘Strip’ and downtown area. Soak up the razzle-dazzle from your comfortable air-conditioned coach as we show you the lights and stop for some fascinating sights along the way, all with fascinating facts about this glamorous modern oasis in the desert.

Evening – Moderate Walking – Must see scenic tour!

(£24.00)

USA - Prebookable Monument Valley 4 Wheel Drive Tour

The only way to see Monument Valley is on an authorized guided tour in a four wheel drive

vehicle. We use the services of the Navajo Tribe of Native Americans, who will teach you about their heritage and culture, as well as show you the incredible scenery in Monument Valley itself.

2½ hours - Moderate Walking - A very special journey

(£31.00)

Unless specified above all Optional Highlights are available to pre-book in the UK (no later than 5 days prior to departure), on the following number: 01858 581 024. Please note that Optional Highlights may be available to book in resort through your Tour Manager, however, availability may be limited and prices may vary from those displayed above.

I've just heard that this is an indirect flight, usually via Minneapolis. You will change planes here and your baggage will be checked by immigration staff before you board the flight to Rapid City.

On your return journey, your baggage will be checked through.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

The only thing you missed out is the total journey times ?

Many more excursions than listed in the brochure - more temptation :cool:

Do you know if the pre-bookable 4WD Monument Valley Drive excursion clashes timewise with the Monument Valley Flight? Is it one or the other, or can one do both, finances permitting?

Cheers

oh ps - as everybody asks - how many are already booked for the 7th Sept departure?

Thanks for your high praise!

The flight from Heathrow to Minneapolis is about 9 hrs. Then you have four hours there before your connecting flight to Rapid City. You'll need to go through immigration at Minneapolis, which will take up a fair bit of that time. The flight to Rapid City takes about 1 hour to 1 hr 30. So altogether, the journey will be around 14-15 hours, if I have done my sums correctly. The journey back will be about 3 hrs shorter because you only have an hour at Minneapolis.

I'm glad you like the look of the excursions. Bear in mind that this is last year's list so some may have changed. You will be sent an up to date list before you travel, though.

So far, 24 people have booked this holiday.

Have a great trip.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

I have just booked :thumbup:

I am sooo hoping that the balloon excursion Jackson Hole is still available this year... one on the "must do" list, though I had imagined it might be on an African Safari!

Can I put in my request for an aisle seat now :D

Great news - I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!

If you can let me know your booking reference, I will forward your flight request on to our Holiday Advisors.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor