The driver was phenomenal. He got us safely through a traffic detour and was clearly a professional and experienced driver.
The guide was more comfortable speaking Chinese and did no more than necessary to perform his duties and did n..ot seem overly enthused about the venues. He did not have the depth of information about historical sites and was not engaging as far as anecdotes and interesting facts. He would lead the group to a picturesque location and quickly abandon us. He encouraged us to have dinner at certain Chinese buffets, forcing most of the passengers to look for less expensive alternatives. Wakeup calls were generally at 5:30 a.m. and we were on the bus by 6:30 a.m.
It took five hours to get through the Rocky Mountains and although it may have been interesting for the first half hour, the scenery was repetitive and we would have enjoyed a faster ride to Denver.
I wonder if it is possible to explore a one night hotel stay in Yellowstone Park to save time even though it may raise our costs a bit, it would give us more time to enjoy the park. It took 2-1/2 hours to enter the park to view Old Faithful and 2-1/2 hours to exit the park to arrive at our hotel in West Yellowstone. It took 2-1/2 hours to re-enter the park the next day to visit some sites and 2-1/2 hours to exit the park to start our journey to the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Wyoming, and Salt Lake City.
I understand the guide and driver’s admonition not to use the toilet, but to keep it locked for eight days and not allow for emergencies was stressful and left us sipping water for fear we will need to go on a different schedule than the 2-1/2 hours between bathroom breaks. When the bus came to a stop, everyone rushed to the front in order to head for the restroom. Women’s lines were always longer. I think tour companies should improve the functionality of bus toilets including the unpleasant smell and disposal of human waste. I have read that some toilets only have a cover, some use formaldehyde solution, and drivers have poured motor oil into the toilet to seal the top. To deny usage based on the driver’s convenience is wrong, especially when it is mentioned on the website as an amenity.
Aim for getting to the hotel between 6 and 7 p.m. We often arrived closer to 9:00 p.m. The on-site restaurants were closed and passengers had to check in and immediately go out to look for mini-marts or fast food restaurants. This left no time to enjoy the amenities of the hotel such as the gym and swimming pool.
Most passengers were tired by the end of the trip but were pleased because of the beautiful venues we visited. Those who started the tour in Los Angeles were able to visit 9 states in 8 days. The weather was beautiful for the entire trip and the cost of the trip was a real bargain.
Please rethink your bathroom policy, alter routes to get us to the hotel between 6 and 7 p.m. and improve the Yellowstone Park experience by considering a one-night stay inside the park. Otherwise, thank you for a truly awesome time. We made some new friends and have many wonderful photos.Read full review
Inconsistent scheduling. You cant eat a descent dinner since you get back to hotels late and no more restaurants open. Trips are more catered to Chinese tourist since lunches are mostly at Chinese buffet places. Also unscheduled stops just ..to please them.Read full review
The tour was awesome coz it took us to 9 states in 8 days. So much to see and absorb. Our tour guide Diana was very efficient. High 5s also to Jose for his smooth and safe driving. We will definitely recommend this tour to all our friends a..nd relatives.Read full review
I was apprehensive when I booked this tour because of all the negative reviews I read, but it was so inexpensive, I decided to book it anyway. I was really surprised when it turned out to be one of the best tours I have been on. One of the ..complains was the number of Chinese tourists on the trip but the tour guide made it very clear to everyone that all persons were to be respectful.My husband was the only non Asian on the trip but he loved it. The itinerary was fantastic, the price unbelievable, the tour guide could not have been better, and the accommodations very acceptable. We had a wonderful time.Read full review
We enjoyed this tour. Just right length of time for a lot of places to see. I recommend this tour, especially to people with limited time but wants to see a lot of places.
Covers a lot in a short time only if you are up for it. If you want to relax and not spend much time seeing more destinations then this is not for you. This if for you if your time is limited and you want to cover many destinations.
I enjoyed my trip! The guide gives you enough time to sight see the locations. It was great, all guest got along with each other and we even had 2 lady's sing in Chinese.
Great experience, wished it didn't end!
Agawa Canion Tour on Sep.9 was fantastic . Weather just spectacular .Hotel Quatrro great .Tour guide Jack and driver Vern fantastic.Thanks , see you next year.
100% excellent, want to compliment the driver and the tour guide,
By: Anonymous | Thu Sep 24, 2015 at 06.11 PM
The driver Mark and the tour guide Danial, were just wonderful, would like to compliment them on their courteous friendly personality for a wonderful time. This is regarding the tour on Sept 21-23 to Sudbury and Sue St Marie, please reward ..them for a job well done, and making our bus tour very very comfortable. Trying to upload photos of Mark and Danial, but too large, but would like to convey my thanks for a wonderful time, and for making the tour/bus ride and everything very comforting and enjoyable.Read full review
94% 8 days Bus tour to Yellowstone, Arches National Park, Mt Rushmore, Grand Teton...
By: Anonymous | Mon May 25, 2015 at 03.59 PM
This trip was the most wonderful and memorable experience that my family and myself will never forget. We took so many pictures of the most awesome places that we have in this wonderful land of America. We were delighted of each and every p..lace we stopped to tour. Our guide Barry was pleasant, funny and managed well the tour. I have rated low on Accomodation due to one of the hotels of choice didn't have elevators. We had to carry our suitcases and tip someone to help us with one of our heavy luggage and used the stairs (very inconvenient). Otherwise, we all had a great time, good camaderia and I will do it again!Read full review