MONTANA AND WYOMING

Land in the buzzing metropolis of Seattle, Washington’s ‘Emerald City’ with Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. You’ll be staying at the strikingly modern Thompson Seattle which boasts a superb location just across the foodie haven of Pike Place Market.

Make use of the city’s excellent transport system to discover the lively Capitol Hill area, the Museum of Pop Culture and the impressive Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit which showcases the blown glass sculptures of local artist Dale Chihuly. But no visit would be complete without ascending the Space Needle, the iconic relic of the 1962 World’s Fair, for a comprehensive view of the downtown area and, on clear days, the frosted peak of Mount Rainier.

Stay: Three nights at Thompson Seattle

Your Wild West adventure really begins now as you make your way into the Big Sky Country of Montana. From the grassy foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the boundless prairie of the Great Plains, this is prime dude ranch territory. Enjoy five nights at The Resort at Paws Up, a luxe, all-inclusive resort with 37,000 acres of pure Montana wilderness, 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of Blackfoot River at its disposal.

Here, in this natural adventure playground under the vast Montana skies, you’ll be able to fill your days with a huge array of activities including clay pigeon shooting, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, ATV riding, kayaking, rafting and horseback riding through wildflower meadows and fragrant conifer forests. You can even learn to throw a lasso and experience the drama of a cattle round-up on an authentic cattle drive. After a full day, return to the comfort of Paws Up with its tranquil woodland spa and delicious gourmet cuisine (featuring prime barbecued steaks).

Stay: Five nights at The Resort at Paws Up

Your next adventure brings you to Yellowstone which, in 1872, became the world’s first national park. Encompassing dramatic canyons, alpine rivers and lush forests, Yellowstone is famed for its spectacular geothermal activity – it’s hot springs, boiling-mud cauldrons and erupting geysers an awesome reminder of just how powerful the earth can be. ‘Old Faithful’ remains the star attraction, a cone geyser that fires its 130-foot plume with clockwork regularity, but the park is also home to more than 60 species of mammal, including wolf, grizzly bear, lynx, bison and elk.

Yellowstone Under Canvas, and its luxurious, safari-style tents, lies just 10 minutes away from the west entrance of the park, so adventure is right on your doorstep. There are endless activities to be had in and around the area, from guided hikes with local experts to white-water rafting the Gallatin Canyon and horseback riding through the rich national forest. Not to mention hundreds of mountain biking trails, world-class fly fishing, zip lining and scenic helicopter tours.

Stay: Three nights at Under Canvas Yellowstone

Your next drive brings you to Jackson Hole and Aman’s exquisite Wyoming resort. Here, you’ll find yourself on the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park, an awe-inspiring mountain wilderness where wildlife is prolific and adventure opportunities boundless. Spring and summers are spent hiking through wildflower-carpeted valleys, floating down the Snake River and getting up close to bears and bison on guided wildlife safaris. Meanwhile, the cooler months are all about the world-class powder skiing to be had nearby, as well as snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and romantic sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge.

Nestled on the edge of butte in the foothills of the Grand Tetons, Amangani commands magnificent views across the Snake River Valley. In between excursions, you’ll be able to enjoy the serenity of the resort with its blazing log fires, deep-soaking tubs and spectacular 35-metre heated outdoor pool.

Stay: Two nights at Amangani

Your final drive brings you to Utah’s cosmopolitan capital, Salt Lake City. At the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, next to the serene waters of the Great Salt Lake, the city is a favourite amongst outdoor sports enthusiasts with great hiking, biking and rock-climbing to be had in the nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Other attractions include the 10-acre Temple Square complex (headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), the Natural History Museum of Utah and the serene Red Butte Garden. Plus, a myriad of pavement cafes and eclectic shops worth exploring. Base yourself at the landmark Grand America Hotel.

Stay: Two nights at The Grand America Hotel

Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight home.