Compare National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton by G Adventures vs New Mexico – Land of Enchantment 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Jackson

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Jackson/Grand Teton National Park

Spend the day exploring the spectacular peaks and valleys of Grand Teton National Park, beginning in the Moose historic district, where early log-cabin homesteads help tell the stories of the bold fur trappers, mountain men, and female entrepreneurs who settled the region. At the park's Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, young travelers begin their junior ranger journey. Later, grab an oar for a rafting expedition down the Snake River. As you gently float along, spot mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and moose in the surrounding woodlands and meadows. Enjoy a delicious lunch after your river adventure.

Day 3 Grand Teton National Park

Board a boat for the ride across Jenny Lake; then set out on a hike in Cascade Canyon—carved by retreating glaciers some 15,000 years ago—and continue to Hidden Falls, plummeting almost a hundred feet into the gorge. This afternoon, opt for a hike around Jackson Lake. Young explorers will also have the opportunity to complete their junior ranger activities and claim their Grand Teton badge!

Day 4 Grand Teton National Park/Yellowstone National Park

On a morning drive, we’ll cross the Continental Divide and travel into the vast caldera of the Yellowstone supervolcano—a volcano capable of a massive eruptions, which Yellowstone has experienced three times in just over two million years. View wisps of steam rising from geothermal hotspots throughout the park—home to about half of the world’s geysers. Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center to begin a new junior ranger journey, and gather to watch the famed geyser erupt on the clock. Stroll boardwalks winding between the bubbling and gurgling hot springs and geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin, and peer into the spectacular rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring, where thermophilic bacteria generate incredible shades of yellow, blue, and red.

Please note, the long drive days listed on days 4-7 include multiple stops and are inclusive of all activities described in the day itinerary.

Day 5 Yellowstone National Park

Venture out in search of astonishing geological activity and amazing creatures in the Yellowstone wilderness—established as the world’s first national park in 1872. Hike in the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and see the rushing river and falls; then in the lush Hayden Valley, marvel at the bubbling Mud Volcano and the turbulent waters of the acidic Sulphur Caldron. Further your discoveries at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center where you will encounter bear habitats, gray wolves, river otters, and have the opportunity to observe, understand and ultimately appreciate these magnificent animals.You’ll also have the chance to explore the historic town of Mammoth Hot Springs, home to Yellowstone National Park headquarters; and stop at Roosevelt Lodge, once a tent camp for trappers and explorers. Set out on safari through the sweeping Lamar Valley—known as the “Serengeti of North America” for its high concentration of wildlife, including bison, elk, and elusive wolves and grizzly bears.

There is so much to see and do in Yellowstone National Park and the wildlife is a big part. Based on animal sightings and park ranger feedback, we give our CEOs the opportunity to adjust the order of highlights explored in the park. The activities above will be delivered across day 5 and 6 of this tour.

Day 6 Yellowstone National Park

Venture out in search of astonishing geological activity and amazing creatures in the Yellowstone wilderness—established as the world’s first national park in 1872. Hike in the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and see the rushing river and falls; then in the lush Hayden Valley, marvel at the bubbling Mud Volcano and the turbulent waters of the acidic Sulphur Caldron. Further your discoveries at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center where you will encounter bear habitats, gray wolves, river otters, and have the opportunity to observe, understand and ultimately appreciate these magnificent animals.You’ll also have the chance to explore the historic town of Mammoth Hot Springs, home to Yellowstone National Park headquarters; and stop at Roosevelt Lodge, once a tent camp for trappers and explorers. Set out on safari through the sweeping Lamar Valley—known as the “Serengeti of North America” for its high concentration of wildlife, including bison, elk, and elusive wolves and grizzly bears.

There is so much to see and do in Yellowstone National Park and the wildlife is a big part. Based on animal sightings and park ranger feedback, we give our CEOs the opportunity to adjust the order of highlights explored in the park. The activities above will be delivered across day 5 and 6 of this tour.

Day 7 Yellowstone National Park

Enjoy a final day exploring one of America’s most beloved national parks. Descend a wooden boardwalk into the vast Norris Geyser Basin, dotted with colorful pools and steaming fumaroles; then stop by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for lunch, where young travelers can claim a Yellowstone junior ranger badge.

Day 8 Yellowstone National Park/Jackson

Head back to Jackson early this morning where tour ends in downtown Jackson.

When arranging your flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration. Please note that your outgoing flight from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) must depart no earlier than 14:00 (2pm) on Day 8. The group will be brought to downtown Jackson. You must make your own way to the airport from there as only permitted airport vehicles can do airport drop offs.

Day 1 Arrive Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Albuquerque. A transfer is included from the Albuquerque International Sunport to Hotel Albuquerque. Join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner tonight at your new ultra-modern hotel – inspired by the ancient local Chacoan culture and nestled between Albuquerque's historic Old Town and the vibrant Sawmill district, against a backdrop of New Mexico's mesas and the Sandia Mountains.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Albuquerque

PORTOFCALL : Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Day 2 Pueblo culture & the Nuclear Age in Albuquerque

Today you'll explore New Mexico's myriad cultural influences, from Pueblo tribes to innovations of the Atomic and Nuclear ages. A guided sightseeing tour of Albuquerque includes historic Nob Hill, the University of New Mexico, downtown districts and Old Town Albuquerque. On a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science, a private welcome and introductory talk by a museum docent provide insights on New Mexico's unique role in the history of the Nuclear Age. After lunch, get a closer look at the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people, from pre-Columbian to current times, with a visit to the unique Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a showcase of puebloan history and culture operated by 19 Native American pueblo communities. Return to your hotel late afternoon; dine at the hotel tonight. Note: The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, the annual 9-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in early October. Guests on the October 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 departure dates can enjoy an optional early morning (5:00 AM) excursion today (day 2) to see the mass ascension of balloons; ask for details at booking.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Albuquerque

PORTOFCALL : Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Day 3 Bandelier National Monument and on to Taos

Depart Albuquerque this morning and stop at Jemez State Monument to see the ruins of its 17th-century mission church before peeking into the lives of the ancient Anasazi Pueblo culture at Bandelier National Monument, one of North America's oldest human settlements. Lunch in a 100-year-old adobe home whets your appetite for the mountain vistas that enhance today's journey to the Taos region, which has long attracted a thriving and talented community of artists and craftspersons with the scenic beauty of its contrasting forests and deserts. Visit Santuario de Chimayo en route to your Taos resort, where you'll spend the next two nights and enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

PORTOFCALL : Taos, New Mexico, USA

Day 4 Pueblo Life, past & present in Taos

Start your day with a private lecture that shares insights on Pueblo life. A guided excursion to continually inhabited multistoried Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique way of life that has remained unchanged for almost ten centuries. Continue to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a magnificent structure that is a landmark site in Taos and the second-highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System. The remainder of the day is free.

MEALS : B

LODGING : El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

PORTOFCALL : Taos, New Mexico, USA

Day 5 Landscapes along the Rio Grande to Santa Fe

After leaving your Taos resort, today's gentle float trip* on the Rio Grande with a native guide ends with a traditional Pueblo Indian cooking demonstration and family-style lunch, where you will meet local artisans crafting baskets and drums. Continue on through picturesque desert landscapes for a memorable guided visit to Ghost Ranch, immortalized in the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe; explore the area's stunning landscapes, and view trees and mountains as O'Keeffe saw and painted them. Arrive at your hotel in Santa Fe in time for dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 6 An authentic taste of Santa Fe

As the crossroads of the historic Southwest, Santa Fe's unique culture and ambiance are a blend of Spanish, Native American and Old West influences. Experience this diverse cultural mix on a guided walking tour of Santa Fe's centuries-old center, on which you'll see the city's historic plaza, terminus of the storied Santa Fe Trail, and America's oldest public building, the Palace of the Governors; and visit St. Francis Cathedral, the Manhattan Project site, and famous Loretto Chapel, adjacent to your hotel. Discover the tasty secrets of southwestern cuisine at a private presentation by a local chef, followed by lunch highlighting the city's diverse heritage at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Later, a special private guided tour of the New Mexico History Museum offers a close-up look at the legacy of the Spanish Colonial era that is so prevalent here. Choose from among an amazing array of choices for dinner as you please tonight in Santa Fe.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 7 Georgia O'Keeffe's Southwest & a visit with a local artist

Enjoy an exclusive, private morning visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe – revealing the sensuous landscapes and other works by this renowned 20th-century artist, who so loved this part of the Southwest that she made it her home later in life. The collection contains over 1,100 paintings, sculptures and drawings by O'Keeffe herself, and nearly 1,800 works by her contemporaries, including many photos chronicling her life and career. Later, embark on a Tauck Exclusive insider visit to the studio of an acclaimed local artist, who you'll meet for a private demonstration, presentation and lecture on the art styles of New Mexico. After time to explore and have lunch as you please this afternoon in Santa Fe, celebrate the close of your remarkable New Mexico adventure at this evening's farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour ends: Albuquerque. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe to Albuquerque International Sunport. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for your flight check-in. Ask at booking about extending your stay with additional hotel nights.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA