Day 1: Thursday, August 26, 2010
Rapid City, South Dakota - Tour Begins
Rapid City is the gateway to some of the most intriguing and beautiful attractions in America. Experience the authentic west when you visit the inspirational memorials of spectacular Mt. Rushmore and visionary Crazy Horse. Delight in the tranquility of the Black Hills, Badlands and Custer State Park.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 2: Friday, August 27, 2010
Rapid City - Keystone - Rapid City
Travel back to a time when steam locomotives and railroads were the primary form of transportation in America. Your journey between Hill City and Keystone on an 1880's train transforms you into an early American riding the rails in hopes of finding a new future. Later, a short ride brings you to Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the sculpture.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 3: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Rapid City - Hot Springs - Rapid City
This morning you journey to the town of Pine Ridge to see the works of the Collette Foundation. In partnership with the SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club, the Collette Foundation is providing much needed after school programming for the Native American youth. During your stop you will learn a bit about the history of the region and the native youth population. Later today, travel to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary where you can view America as it was 300 years ago. Experience a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres, where over 400 wild horses run free. You’ll also see Indian petroglyphs over 10,000 years old, a prairie dog town, an authentic Native American Sun Dance site, and the movie set from the classic, Crazy Horse.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 4: Sunday, August 29, 2010
Rapid City - Deadwood - Rapid City
Your first stop is at Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with native art, crafts and jewelry. Created by hand, their work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition. Next, travel to Deadwood where the entire city is a national historic landmark. Authentic recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide will introduce you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery and Kevin Costner’s TaTanka: “Story of the Bison,” an interpretive center that depicts the relationship of bison and man through interactive exhibits. Journey through an authentic Lakota encampment where everything, from tepees to live Lakota interpreters offers a snapshot of Indian life during the height of the buffalo culture in 1840. Enjoy free time in the historic town of Deadwood, a rollicking, rambling western town. Gold, gambling and gunpowder were the three key ingredients that created this town in 1876. Historic Main Street is one of the nation’s finest examples of historic preservation.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 5: Monday, August 30, 2010
Rapid City - Crazy Horse - Custer - Rapid City
Today you visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation center and theaters. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence of their culture on their art. Then travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the Needle Highway*. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop en route to Custer State Park. Upon arrival into the park, take an exciting Buffalo Safari Jeep ride into the backcountry, where a band of bighorn sheep, or a herd of majestic elk or buffalo, may be sighted! Top off your day with a Chuck Wagon BBQ at a secluded canyon featuring cowboy hospitality, good food and western entertainment.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 6: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Rapid City - Badlands - Wall - Rapid City
Start your day with a visit to Badlands National Park. Upon arrival you will make a stop at the visitor’s center to view its informative exhibits and displays as well as see a video introducing you to this area. The Badlands loop is a marvel of vibrant colors and rock formations caused by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. At your next stop you’ll learn about Black Hills Gold on a tour through Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory, where you have the opportunity to watch skilled artisans handcraft South Dakota’s official state jewelry. This evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the K Bar S Lodge, nestled in the woods of Keystone. The comforts of home and warm hospitality combine with fine food, good drink and plenty of interesting conversation with your hosts.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 7: Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Rapid City - Tour Ends
Today Breakfast is included.
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August 26 - September 1, 2010
Highlights...
1880 Steam Train • Mt. Rushmore • Deadwood • Crazy Horse Memorial • Custer State Park • Wall Drug Store • Badlands National Park •
7 Days •
10 Meals:
6 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners
Per Person Rates*:
Double $1949
Single $2399
Triple $1919
*Included in Price:
Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Philadelphia Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
*Not Included in Price:
Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $140 per person.
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YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
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| DAY 1 - 6 |
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Radisson Hotel, Rapid City, SD |
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
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Experience It!
Crazy Horse Monument
Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture now in progress, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The nine-story-high face of Crazy Horse, a visionary leader committed to preserving the traditions and values of the Lakota way of life, was completed in 1998 when work shifted to the 22-story-high massive horse’s head. The work was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans. Korczak determined that the Memorial would be more than just a sculpture…it would be a humanitarian project telling present and future generations the story of Native American peoples by collecting and preserving outstanding examples of Indian culture and heritage. Visitors to the Memorial can view the progress of the sculpture as well as tour an Indian Museum and Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and orientation center. Although Korczak died in 1982, his wife Ruth and their family continue the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
Click here for: Important Reservation Information.
For more information call
Rich Phillips
DSEA Retired
(302) 834-9245
Please Note:
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• * The drive through Needle Highway is not available on departures prior to Memorial Day weekend or departures after mid-September.
• *The "Collette Foundation" is a 5 - year, $2- million dollar investment, focused on improving the quality of life of children in our partner communities worldwide. This employee-run, global initiative connects Collette employees, its partners, travelers and communities worldwide toward a common good. The foundation will touch twenty countries, including the United States, Peru, Mexico, Kenya, South Africa, China, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Australia, Italy and Ireland.
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