Best of Times Proudly Presents
SOUTH DAKOTA The Land of Great Faces and Great Places
May 17th - 21nd, 2010
(Monday - Friday)
There's
no better place to learn about the American spirit than from the foot of
Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 60-foot faces of George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into
the mountainside - it's something you have to see to believe. Mount Rushmore
is just one of the many parks and sights that you'll experience. This isn't
your average, ordinary, run-of-the-mill vacation. This is an adventure!!
Here's What They're Saying: "The most exciting trip we have been on.
Magnificent scenery, very educational and great food. You don't have to
leave our country to see so many wonderful sights. The trip was loved by
all!"
Anna Yeager - former Group Leader for Upper Valley Seniors of Lebanon, NH.
LOOK AT WHAT'S INCLUDED!!!!
- Roundtrip Transportation to Logan Airport*
- Roundtrip Airfare
- Lodging at Fairfield Inn a Marriott Property
- 5 Day / 4 Night Tour of Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Badlands Region of South Dakota
- 9 MEALS (4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 2 Lunches)
- All Luggage Handling Costs
- Travelers Insurance by TravelSafe Insure-A- Group
- All Driver Gratuities For Transfers to Logan Airport
- Fully Escorted by BEST OF TIMES Professional Tour Director**
"I was totally unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands". Frank Lloyd Wright
Day 1
Monday,
May 18, 2009 We depart from Boston via Northwest Airlines at 6:00 AM. Arriving
in Rapid City, South Dakota just before 10:00 AM allows us plenty of time
for a tour of the city. We'll discover why Rapid City is known as the "City
of Presidents" as we view the many Presidential Statues, Memorial Park
and more. Lunch is on our own. We check into our hotel, The Fairfield Inn
(a Marriott property) mid-afternoon. Dinner this evening is at the famous
Minervas Restaurant. Minervas Restaurant Sioux Falls, has been defining
quality food and great service since 1977. With a menu that offers everything
from classic pastas and in-house aged steak to ocean fresh seafood, it's
definitely one to please everyone's taste. Enjoy!! (D)
Day 2
Tuesday, May 19 Breakfast each morning consists of a full Continental Breakfast
at the hotel. This includes assorted hot and cold cereals, breads, English
muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, waffles, Jimmy Dean egg sandwiches, assorted
juices, milk, coffee, tea, etc. Following breakfast we depart via Motor
Coach for a day of touring. Included today: The Borglum Historical Center.
We'll discover Gutzon Borglum, artist and extraordinary individual, as we
delve into the mind, life and historical events of the man who at age 60
began carving Mt. Rushmore, a Shrine of Democracy. Mount Rushmore National
Memorial -- Carved by Borglum high up among the clouds to signify the principles
and ideals of America, the four presidents commemorated here contributed
to the essence of democracy held sacred in the Constitution of the United
States of America. Simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Lunch today is
an all-you-can-eat buffet at Heritage Village. Includes a salad bar and
many great selections. Next, its on to Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's
largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski
started the Memorial in 1948 to honor the culture, tradition and living
heritage of North American Indians. Eight of his children continue his work
today. As we make our way back towards Rapid City, we'll travel through
Custer State Park, one of America's premiere preserves (buffalo herds) and
Needles Highway a magnificent scenic mountain road winding through the imposing
landscapes of the central Black Hills. With bizarre rock pinnacles and the
fairytale Sylvan Lake, spectacular views abound and the drive-through tunnels
create a memorable experience. Dinner this evening is at the Historic Ruby
House Restaurant in Keystone. Take a step back in time and enjoy a delectable
meal. Early evening we return to our hotel concluding a great adventure
day in America. (B,L, D)
Day 3
Wednesday,
May 20 Breakfast at the hotel. We depart for touring beginning with the
breathtaking Loop Drive of the forbidding landscape of Badlands National
Park. With ragged ridges, chiseled spires and deep canyons ravaged by eons
of wind and rain, the badlands seem eerily unwordly. Despite the extreme
weather and desert-like wilderness, the park is home to an array of wildlife,
from herds of free-roaming bison and antelope, to big horn sheep, swift
fox and the black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North
America. This is some of the most remarkable landscape in the world and
we will make stops including the Visitor Center for incredible picture taking
opportunities. Lunch today , on our own, is in the small town of Wall (population
800). Expect a hearty welcome as it is also home of the world's most famous
drug store. Wall Drug is more than just a drug store. You'll find souvenirs,
clothing, knick-knacks, rocks, curios and other unique attractions throughout
the store - and of course delicious homemade food. Following our mid-afternoon
return to the hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the Watiki Water
Park directly connected to the hotel. Also available is a cocktail bar and
small food court.
Dinner this evening is at the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Following one of the Old West's most unique and time-honored folk traditions, they specialize in a hearty western meal with all the trimmings. Following dinner, great musicians entertain the audience with old time music from cowboy ballads to country swing to gospel favorites. (B,D)
Day 4
Thursday, May 21 Breakfast at the hotel. We depart for Hill City, SD in
the Black Hills - so named because from a distance, the Ponderosa pine trees
look black. All Aboard - the 1880 Steam Train. Immerse yourself in the staggering
beauty of the Black Hills, gliding over the landscape of the Great American
West. This is a 28 mile round trip, fully narrated. A fun, western experience.
A delicious lunch today is included at Hill City's most famous restaurant,
The Alpine Inn. Following lunch you'll have time to wander the main street
with its many unique shops. Then its on to a visit to Prairie Berry Winery,
a fifth generation winery. Using ingredients native to the American Great
Plains, it produces some very unique, flavorful wines. We then continue
on to the historic town of Deadwood. Take in the history and culture of
this town and maybe even enjoy a spin of the slots at one of the many casinos.
The grave sites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are nearby at Boot
Hill. Dinner here is on our own at one of the many restaurants/eateries.
Our day concludes with an evening return to view the spectacular Mount Rushmore
Grand Evening Illumination. As wondrous as the memorial is during the daytime,
it is absolutely spectacular at night, truly befitting for this "Shrine
of Democracy". (B,L)
Day 5
Friday, May 22 Breakfast at the hotel. Departure day begins with a guided
tour of the Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory to discover how historic
Black Hills Gold is made - a very interesting and fascinating process. We
then transfer to the Rapid City Airport for our return flight home to Boston.
Lunch is on our own at the airport. (B)
*Most Boston/Worcester Locations. Groups with less than 10 paying customers
may be asked to drive to a Best of Times Designated Pick-Up Location instead
of their own.
** There is a minimum requirement of 20 paying customers from Best of Times
to have the services of a Best of Times Professional Tour Director.
Price: $1599.00pp Double Occupancy $1799.00 Single Occupancy
For Reservations or Further Information Please Call Best of Times 1.800.343.8999