South Dakota

br />Discover the spirit of the American West. Climb aboard an 1880 locomotive. Visit magnificent Mt. Rushmore. See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. Travel to the legendary Black Hills. Visit Kevin Costner’s “TaTanka, Story of the Bison” interpretive center, depicting the relationship of bison and man. See the American prairie as it was 300 years ago. Explore the legends in the city of Deadwood, home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Travel the backcountry of Custer State Park. Journey through the natural beauty of Badlands National Park. Complete your experience with a home-hosted farewell dinner in a lodge nestled in the woods of Keystone.

Day 1: Rapid City, South Dakota - Tour Begins
Rapid City is the gateway to some of the most intriguing and beautiful attractions in America. Experience the authentic west when you visit the inspirational memorials of spectacular Mt. Rushmore and visionary Crazy Horse. Delight in the tranquility of the Black Hills, Badlands and Custer State Park.

Day 2: Rapid City - Keystone - Rapid City
Travel back to a time when steam locomotives and railroads were the primary form of transportation in America. Your journey between Hill City and Keystone on an 1880's train transforms you into an early American riding the rails in hopes of finding a new future. Later, a short ride brings you to Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the sculpture.

Day 3: Rapid City - Crazy Horse - Custer - Rapid City
Today you visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation center and theaters. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence of their culture on their art. Then, travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the Needle Highway*. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop. Later, drive through Custer State Park where a band of bighorn sheep, a herd of majestic elk, or buffalo may be sighted! Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Rapid City - Deadwood - Rapid City
Learn about Black Hills gold on a tour through Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory…here you’ll see skilled artisans handcraft South Dakota’s official state jewelry. Then, visit Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with native art, crafts and jewelry. Created by hand, their work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition. Next, travel to Deadwood, a rollicking, rambling western town named as a national historic landmark. Authentic recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide will introduce you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery and Kevin Costner’s TaTanka: “Story of the Bison,” an interpretive center that depicts the relationship of bison and man through interactive exhibits. Journey through an authentic Lakota encampment where everything from tepees to live Lakota interpreters offers a snapshot of Indian life during the height of the buffalo culture in 1840. Enjoy time at leisure in Deadwood where gold, gambling and gunpowder were the three key ingredients that created this town in 1876.

Day 5: Rapid City - Hot Springs - Rapid City
Today, travel to Hot Springs to see the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary to view America as it was 300 years ago. Experience a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres, where over 400 wild horses run free. You’ll also see Indian petroglyphs over 10,000 years old, a prairie dog town, an authentic Native American Sun Dance site, and the movie set from the classic, Crazy Horse.

Day 6: Rapid City - Badlands - Wall - Rapid City
Start your day with a visit to Badlands National Park. Upon arrival, make a stop at the visitor’s center to view its informative exhibits and displays as well as see a video introducing you to this area. The Badlands loop is a marvel of vibrant colors and rock formations caused by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. This evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the K Bar S Lodge, nestled in the woods of Keystone. The comforts of home and warm hospitality combine with fine food, good drink and plenty of interesting conversation with your hosts.

Day 7: Rapid City - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
7/24/2012 - 7/30/2012	$1,399
8/21/2012 - 8/27/2012	$1,399
8/28/2012 - 9/3/2012	$1,399
9/18/2012 - 9/24/2012	$1,399
9/25/2012 - 10/1/2012	$1,399
5/28/2013 - 6/3/2013	$1,375
6/11/2013 - 6/17/2013	$1,375
6/18/2013 - 6/24/2013	$1,375
7/9/2013 - 7/15/2013	$1,375
7/23/2013 - 7/29/2013	$1,375
8/20/2013 - 8/26/2013	$1,375
8/27/2013 - 9/2/2013	$1,375
9/10/2013 - 9/16/2013	$1,375
9/17/2013 - 9/23/2013	$1,375
9/24/2013 - 9/30/2013	$1,375
10/1/2013 - 10/7/2013	$1,375
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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