This summer we took the Globus tour of the Western National Parks. It was FANTASTIC !!!! I keep telling everyone that at our first stop, the Grand Canyon, I made the comment to our guide "wow, you just can't beat that view". He replied "if you like that view, just wait". Guess what, he was right.
I've told other people that many different tour companies take you to the same place, but what makes some a little more expensive than others is where they stay at night and whether there extras are included or options that you have to pay extra. Some tour companies charge less because they use cheaper hotels a little way from the sight you've spent the day seeing. This was our third Globus tour (2 to Europe) and I'm still very happy with this company. The hotels they book are right in the middle of everything so at night you can enjoy the location.
Our hotel in the Grand Canyon was right on the rim and you could walk along the canyon after dinner. The hotel Monument Valley had a balcony over looking the view and you could easily imagine John Wayne and the cavalry riding their horse through the old west. Our hotel for Mt. Rushmore was in the Custer State Park and bison were walking along the road. Our hotel in Yellowstone was the Old Faithful Inn and you could walk or watch the geyser from the viewing porch.
And a lot of people will say that you could easily drive and see the parks on your own, but having a bus pull right up to the door of the destination without worrying about where you are going to park and where to go or do is a mighty big plus. My brother-in-law was on his own camping in Yellowstone and thought he might like to see Old Faithful. He couldn't find a parking spot anywhere near and gave up and went back to his campsite without seeing the geyser. Also, at some of the stops the guide will tell you that it is an easier walk if you go clockwise instead of counter-clockwise because the steps are down hill instead of having to climb up. Plus it was fun getting to know all the other people on the bus. Some have become really good friends and we have continued corresponding with them.
So I can't tell you about the other tour companies, but I give Globus a "2 thumbs up" rating. I would be interested in finding out what you choose to do.
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