If you want to experience the beauty of America’s National Parks without roughing it, meet Revealed America.
In this issue we give you the actual itinerary covering Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone/Grand Teton in just one week via private jet.
Revealed America highlights include: A private tour of Mariposa Grove|; Full day private tour of Yosemite National Park, including lunch at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel; ‘Walk in Yosemite Valley with John Muir;’ Full day private Grand Canyon Tour with noted artist Bruce Aiken and geologist Wayne Ranney, including lunch at the historic El Tovar Hotel; Grand Canyon private helicopter tour; Private Colorado River/Glen Canyon float trip; ‘Horses & History’ private reception and campfire dinner at Amangiri; Full Day private tour of Yellowstone National Park; Private ‘Breakfast with the Eagles’ Snake River float trip; Grand Teton wildlife safari with a noted photographer; 5-Star accommodations at Chateau du Sureau, Amangiri and Amangani, including 14 meals during your stay and assistance with dining reservations for the other meals. Details are below.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Fresno, California via your own private jet / Private Tour Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Upon arrival in Fresno, you’ll be met by your private driver/guide who will transfer you to Chateau du Sureau, a Relais & Chateau property in Oakhurst, near the south entrance to Yosemite; the drive will take just under one hour. Upon arrival at the Chateau, you’ll have a private lunch at Erna’s Elderberry Restaurant at the Chateau. After lunch and unloading your bags, you will then drive approximately 30 minutes to tour the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias with your private naturalist guide. These are the largest living things on earth, and your guide will provide interpretation as you walk among these giants. Following your tour you’ll return to Chateau du Sureau, your home for the next two nights.
Chateau du Sureau is a romantic haven located just 16 miles from the south entrance to Yosemite. The hotel features extraordinary European hospitality, beautiful guestrooms, walking paths, fountains, a swimming pool, bocce court and the award winning Erna’s Elderberry House restaurant.
Overnight at Chateau du Sureau: Choose the Saffron Room (King Bedroom, Bathroom), Lavender Room (King Bedroom, bathroom) or Sweet Geranium Room (King Bedroom, bathroom). Saffron Room: Dramatic and opulent, with a king -size bedroom set from 1834 of ebony wood with ivory inlay, floor-to-ceiling tapestry, black marble fireplace, yellow and black marble bath. Lavender Room: A cozy corner room with king-size sleigh bed and small balcony opening onto breathtaking views of the Estate grounds, the town below and the Sierra beyond. Sweet Geranium Room: Nestled into the corner of the Château with views of the gardens and Sierra Nevada, king-size canopy bed and a cozy sitting area.
Lunch at Erna’s Elderberry Restaurant at Chateau du Sureau.
The cost for special opening of the restaurant for lunch is complimentary. If you wish, schedule spa treatments at Chateau du Sureau in the late afternoon.
Day 2
Private Full Day Tour of Yosemite National Park / Lunch at the Historic Ahwahnee Restaurant / Walk in Yosemite Valley with John Muir
Your private guide will meet you after breakfast at approximately 9:00am for a full-day tour of the highlights of Yosemite National Park, including the major waterfalls and rock formations, plus portions of the high country. Yosemite is one of America’s premier national parks, founded in the early 20th century by pioneer explorer John Muir. You will also enjoy lunch at the historic log-constructed Ahwahnee Lodge restaurant.
After lunch, you will meet “John Muir” for a walk in Yosemite Valley and a discussion of the founding of Yosemite and John’s hopes for its future. The individual with whom you will meet has played John Muir at Yosemite for more than two decades. He has also portrayed him at the Smithsonian, Explorer’s Club of New York, and many other venues. He will be in full costume and character. You’ll return to your hotel at approximately 5:30pm with time to rest and freshen up before dinner. Overnight at Chateau du Sureau. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3
Transfer to Fresno/ Fly to Grand Canyon via Private Jet / Grand Canyon Private Tour with Geologist-Author Wayne Ranney and Grand Canyon Artist Bruce Aiken / Lunch at El Tovar Restaurant / Private Helicopter Flightseeing over Grand Canyon / Amangiri Resort
Have breakfast and check out of the Chateau by 8:00am for transfer to Fresno where you’ll board your private jet for the flight to the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon airport, you’ll be met by your private guides for a 4-5-hour tour, including a drive and hikes along the Canyon rim and a chance to hike down into the Canyon if you wish. Your tour will be co-led by Wayne Ranney and Brue Aiken. Wayne is the author of Carving the Grand Canyon, and one of the pre-eminent geologists in the Southwest. Each couple will receive a signed copy of Wayne’s book. Bruce, whose paintings were created over a 30-year period while he and his family lived at the bottom of the canyon, is an amazing storyteller. He is the author of Bruce Aiken’s Grand Canyon: An Intimate Affair. Each couple will receive a signed copy of Bruce’s book of his art.
After lunch, if there is time, you’ll visit the historic buildings on the Canyon rim, including the photography studio of the Kolb Brothers (not open to the public), first to photograph the Canyon in the late 19th century. You’ll then return to Grand Canyon Airport to board a helicopter we have reserved for a private 45-minute flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon, with headset narration by your pilot-guide.
After your helicopter flight, board your private jet for your 20-minute flight to Page, followed by a 30-minute transfer to Amangiri. After checking into Amangiri, we will reserve your choice of dining options in the Amangiri restaurant:
Choose, seating indoors in the main dining room; seating outdoors on the pool patio adjacent to the main dining room; seating at the counter to watch the chefs at work in the main dining room; private dining in a room adjacent to the dining room, or private dining on the Desert Terrace distant from the dining room.
Overnight at Amangiri in Girijaala Suite or Desert View Suites
Stay in the Girijaala Suite with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ridge and an over-sized desert lounge. The Girijala Suite has same amenities as the Amangiri Suite, is more conveniently located close to the spa and lounge/restaurant, and has a superior mesa rather than desert view. Guest entry is through a private courtyard with stairs leading up to a sky lounge offering a large day bed. Broad stairs lead from the entry courtyard to an expansive swimming pool and terrace. The swimming pool, with spectacular views, measures 46×12 feet and the terrace provides four sun-loungers and built-in lounge seating with a dining table. The interior follows the layout of the suites, however the dressing room features two spacious bathing areas separated by a breezeway connecting the desert lounge with the swimming pool; one featuring twin rain showers and the other a comfortable soaking tub.
All suites offer air-conditioning for summer and under-floor heating for the cooler months. Entry to each suite is via a private courtyard that features a Douglas Fir timber screen and includes a dining table, two chairs and a sculptured light form. A glass wall with a central door opens to a combined bedroom and living area which includes a writing desk and a king-sized bed. Beyond the bed is a sitting area which features a low-set sofa, a coffee table, reading chairs and a side table. A soaring timber cabinet separates the bedroom and living area from the dressing room, and houses a television and combined CD/DVD player. Concertina glass doors open from the sitting area to a spacious desert lounge that frames the view of the natural landscape beyond. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 4
Colorado River – Glen Canyon Float Trip / ‘Horses & History’ Native American Storyteller with Private Campfire Dinner
Your private river trip departs Amangiri after breakfast at 8:45am. You’ll be transferred to the put-in point on the Colorado River at Glen Canyon Dam (the drive will take about 30 minutes). Upon arrival at Glen Canyon, you’ll board your private raft for a trip down the Colorado River. With the sheer rod rock canyon walls soaring from 800 feet to 1,600 feet above you, you’ll journey downstream, where you will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river found in the western United States.
While underway, your guide will tell the area’s story of soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, former inhabitation by native cultures, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell, and the Colorado River’s modern role in the Southwest’s water and power delivery system. Your trip will also include a stop to view ancient petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloans. The raft trip will take approximately three hours. You’ll have a picnic lunch on the river at a scenic pullout.
You’ll arrive back at Amangiri at approximately 1:30pm. The middle of the afternoon is free to enjoy the spa, go for a walk or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views.
In the late afternoon we have arranged for a private reception and dinner with a Native American tribal elder storyteller. It begins with a 45 minute horseback ride to Raven’s Nest, located on the Amangiri property (for those who choose not to ride via horseback, a vehicle will transfer you). Upon arrival at Raven’s Nest, set in a cave of entrada sandstone, you’ll have 45 minute reception with a Navajo tribal elder who will tell stories and perform a native dance. A chef from Amangiri will then prepare a campfire dinner at Raven’s Nest which you’ll eat in a rustic yet comfortable alfresco setting. After dinner, you’ll return to the resort via vehicle.
Overnight at Amangiri. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
You will be traveling in a motorized raft, since this section of the Colorado River is flat water and the trip would be too lengthy using the current and paddling only. To conclude the float trip, the raft will motor upriver to the put-in point, which cuts the return time to the lodge significantly.
If you wish, schedule spa treatments at Amangiri in the early-to-mid-afternoon.You can go to the dinner venue by horseback or vehicle, and can split your group. For example, in this case the three women decided to arrive via horse while the men came in a vehicle.
Day 5
Fly to Jackson, WY via Private Jet / Optional Visit to Jackson for Shops, Galleries, “Watering Holes” and the Museum of Wildlife Art / Amangani Resort
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the resort and be transferred to Page where you will board your private jet for the one hour and 15 minute flight to Jackson, Wyoming.
Upon arrival in Jackson, you’ll have a private transfer to the Amangani Resort, followed by a complimentary lunch at the resort. The five-star Amangani is perched on the edge of East Gros Ventre Butte surrounded by the stunning Teton Range and overlooking the beautiful meadow of Jackson Hole. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the spa and pool or to travel 20 minutes to Jackson to visit the shops, galleries, local bars and the world-class Museum of Wildlife Art.
For dinner tonight, you can either dine at the resort’s main dining room (The Grill at Amangani) or down the hill in Jackson. We recommend Rendezvous Bistro and Trio, both in Jackson or Osteria at Teton Village. If you decide to dine in town, Revealed America will assist you with reservations.
Overnight at Amangani in the 676 sq. ft. Grand Teton Suite. Grand Teton Suite: top-level suite has breathtaking views of the Grand Teton and surrounding mountain range. The suite has a king-size bed in the bedroom/living-room area and a separate bathroom/dressing room area with a sunken tub, and a separate shower. The Grand Teton Suite is 625ft. All Suites are carpeted, air-conditioned and include a bedroom/living room and a spacious bathroom/dressing room. The living area consists of a king-size bed, metal fireplace, a window-side daybed for lounging, a black resin-and-terrazzo dining table, woven cowhide chairs in faux wolf fabric and a pine-stump table.
Amangani Suites: all suites also offer a minibar, a CD player, a TV, DVD player and a two-line phone with data plug-in and high-speed Internet access. Wireless Internet connection is also available. Living area walls are decorated with back-lit cedar or fir planks. Sliding glass doors lead to a deck with a wrought iron table and chairs. All enjoy mountain and valley views. A deep soaking tub with a window view highlights the large bathroom/dressing area and the twin vanities and shower room are trimmed in slate. Double dressing areas include a full-length mirror, as well as drawers, shelves and open closet space for two. The floor is of clear-heart redwood.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
A driver-guide will be on-call in the afternoon and evening should you choose to travel to Jackson for sightseeing in the afternoon or for dinner in the evening.If you wish, schedule spa treatments at Amangani in the afternoon.
Day 6
‘Breakfast with the Eagles’ Private Snake River Float / Afternoon Private Horseback Ride in the Shadow of Teton Range / Dinner in Jackson
You’ll wake up early for a drive to experience something truly special – a trip down the beautiful Snake River in a traditional wooden Mackenzie River dory.
Early morning provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the area’s diverse wildlife and enjoy the solitude of a private scenic float. The Snake River corridor is home to myriad bird and mammal species, including eagles in the trees along the river. You’ll also see a wide variety of wildflowers and beautiful stands of mature trees. After the river float, you’ll stop at our private riverside tipi camp and enjoy a delicious brunch. The trip takes a total of four hours.
You’ll return to your hotel in the late morning. Enjoy a light lunch at the hotel in the early afternoon. In the mid-afternoon, there is a horseback ride option. You will be transferred to Spring Creek Ranch Stables, located on the same ridge as Amangani, for a one-hour private horseback trail ride. The views of the Teton Range, the National Elk Refuge and Jackson are stunning. At the halfway point, you’ll stop to stretch your legs and have a snack. You can also enjoythe view and drinks at the Amangani Lounge, or at a watering hole in Jackson.
For dinner tonight, Revealed America wil assist you with reservations at Local in downtown Jackson, highly recommended for its steak and game menu.
Overnight at Amangani. Brunch included. If you wish, schedule spa treatments at Amangani in the afternoon.
Day 7
Fly to West Yellowstone / Full Day Private Guided Tour of Yellowstone National Park / Return to Jackson
This morning, you’ll be transferred to the Jackson Hole Airport to board your private aircraft to fly to West Yellowstone (flight time is approx. 50 minutes with flightseeing). The flight will give you an incredible ‘bird’s eye’ view of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. One of your two private guides will ride with you on the plane to provide interpretation.
Upon arrival at West Yellowstone, you’ll be met by your other private guide. You’ll have a full day today with your two guides to explore Yellowstone, with stops at many of the park’s signature destinations, including Old Faithful, wildlife viewing habitats, Lake Yellowstone and more. Your guide will interpret the wildlife and geothermal features for you and lead you on off-the-beaten track hikes. Your guide will choose a beautiful area to prepare a gourmet picnic lunch, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.
After lunch you’ll continue your journey south through the park. Your guides will provide bottled water, binoculars, spotting scopes and snacks as you go. You’ll return to your hotel between 5:00 and 6:00pm. After a long day, we recommend you dine tonight at the Amangani Grill which specializes in local, sustainable ranch meats, fresh fish and seasonal farm-to-table produce.
Overnight at Amangani. Breakfast and Lunch included.
The flight from Jackson to West Yellowstone provides more than flightseeing – It saves more than two hours of driving on the same road you will take when returning in the late afternoon. Three airplane options for flight from Jackson to West Yellowstone: Your own jet, a Kodiak 100 single engine aircraft at an additional cost of $2,500, or a Beechcraft King Air 200 twin-engine aircraft at an additional cost of $5,500.
Day 8
Early Morning Wildlife Tour with Professional Photographer Daryl Hunter / Depart Jackson via Private Jet
Professional photographer and guide Daryl Hunter will meet you at your hotel at daybreak to travel the nearby Moose-Wilson Road to view moose, elk, beaver and black bears. Daryl has had his images published in National Geographic, Audubon, Outdoor Photographer, Outside Magazine, Snow Country, Outdoor Life, Esquire Sports, New York Dailey News, and countless others. Your wildlife adventure will continue to view sites for the buffalo and antelope herds and other wildlife along the Gros Ventre River and Antelope Flats.
The hotel will provide you with a breakfast box to take with you that will include beverages, bagels, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, fruit, etc. Daryl will also provide rolls, coffee and hot chocolate that will be served en-route. Following your four-hour wildlife tour, return to the Amangani to freshen up, eat lunch and check out before departing for the Jackson airport to board your private jet for your homebound flight. Breakfast included.
VIP Contact
June to September is the most popular time to go. Contact Jessica Matthews at Jessica@nationalparksrevealed.com or website Revealed America
