This was my first ever escorted tour and would start my love for organised travelling. Starting in mile‑high Denver and winding through wildlife‑rich plains, towering rock formations, sacred memorials, and iconic canyons before ending with the bright lights of Las Vegas and a final wander around San Francisco.
Each stop offered its story, its surprise, and its moment worth remembering.
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Summary: My National Parks adventure began in Denver, where I spent a day exploring Red Rocks, Buffalo Bill’s grave, Central Park, and the iconic mile‑high Capitol before heading deeper into America’s great landscapes.
Location: Custer, South Dakota, USA
Summary: A day of bison, granite tunnels and iconic faces as I travelled through Custer State Park and made a brief stop at Mount Rushmore.
Location: South Dakota, USA
Summary: A brief, but memorable stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial followed by a rainy, eye‑opening visit to Tatanka: Story of the Bison.
Location: Black Hills, Wyoming, USA
Summary: A last‑minute change of plans led me to Devil's Tower, where a quiet walk around the monument became one of the most memorable moments of my 2011 tour.
Location: Deadwood, South Dakota, USA
Summary: A short stop in Deadwood turned into a walk through Wild West history, from Saloon No. 10 to the legends of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Summary: A brief stay in Yellowstone gave me a taste of its wildlife, geothermal wonders and dramatic weather, a place I’d happily return to for a longer visit.
Location: Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Summary: During my 2011 tour of National parks and Monuments in America, we had a brief stop in Zion National Park. I took a peaceful walk along the river, enjoying the dramatic canyon views, and finishing the visit with a creamy ice cream.
Location: Arizona / Utah, USA
Summary: A scenic flight over Monument Valley gave me a breathtaking aerial view of its famous buttes and mesas, one of the most unforgettable moments of my 2011 tour.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Summary: A brief stay in Las Vegas gave me a front‑row seat to Gladys Knight, a walk through the casinos and a final taste of the Strip before flying on to San Francisco.
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Summary: A stopover in San Francisco brought Chinatown dinners, a Segway tour of the city’s landmarks and an unexpected laugh with a low‑rider at the traffic lights.
