Montana has a way of capturing the imagination and stealing hearts, and yet it means something different to everyone. Some come for the untouched wilderness and wildlife. Others want to experience the culture of the old west. Be mesmerized by the soaring peaks and electric blue lakes of Glacier National Park, where you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, discovering Montana all while meeting the friendly Hutterite's and even a real-life horse Wrangler in the wilderness. As you journey from dramatic mountains to sweeping prairies, you’ll see that Big Sky Country is more than just a nickname: It’s really the only way to describe the endless wonders of this incredible state.
August 13 – 19, 2025 | 7-Days
Itinerary
August 13 | Welcome to Montana!
Welcome to Montana! The name Montana comes from the Spanish word montaña, which in turn comes from the Latin word montanea, meaning “mountain,” or more broadly “mountainous country.” Today you arrive at Missoula airport, where you’ll be greeted by your Universal Travel representative and assisted with your luggage to your luxury motor coach. Once boarded, you’ll transfer a short distance to your hotel. Take some time to freshen up, and you’ll meet your fellow travelers for a welcome to Montana dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Missoula (D)
August 14 | Travel Day to the Flathead Valley
After breakfast, you’ll travel north into the Flathead Valley, a land of forests, cattle, and alfalfa, with velvet-green valley floors, green and granite mountains, and, on a sunny day, a dramatic view of the Rocky Mountains. Tucked into the northwest corner of Montana, the Flathead Valley lies between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Enjoy an included lunch before you arrive in Whitefish, which was just recently named one of the 11 best small towns in America by Travel and Leisure magazine. This afternoon check into the Grouse Mountain Lodge for a comfortable 3-night stay. Tonight’s dinner will be served in the hotel dining room.
Overnight: Whitefish (B,L,D)
August 15 | Conrad Mansion | Bigfork & Cowboy Ranch
This morning you’ll depart for Kalispell. Kalispell has a notable Old West charm that effortlessly coincides with its lively arts and cultural scene. Upon arrival in town, you’ll tour the Conrad Mansion museum and explore the lovely gardens. Built in 1895 by Missouri River freighter and trader Charles Conrad, the Conrad Mansion is a 13,000 sq. ft. family home. Complete with electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heat, the Conrad Mansion was an extremely modern and comfortable home for this pioneer family of five. Over 90% of the artifacts on display are original to the Conrad family. From here travel a short distance to beautiful Bigfork. Surrounded by mountains and forest, Bigfork hugs the short Bigfork Bay on Flathead Lake. Formed millions of years ago by glacial action, the clear, cold waters of the lake offer hundreds of acres of watery playground and provide the perfect climate for growing the famous Flathead Cherries. Enjoy ample time on your own for lunch and to browse the unique shops and world-class art galleries on Main Street. Later this afternoon get ready for a fun filled visit to an authentic Montana working Guest Ranch. Here, bring the “Old West Back in Time,” with good old western hospitality, horseback riding, a cowboy BBQ dinner, and live entertainment! Take in the peace and serenity of the guest ranch and its animals such as buffalo, horses, corriente cattle, cats, dogs, rabbits, and wild turkeys. For those trying out their “horse legs,” experienced wranglers and well-trained trail horses will take you out on a 30min. trail ride during your visit.
Overnight: Whitefish (B,D)
August 16 | Big Mountain & Whitefish
After a leisurely breakfast, set off for another spectacular day in the Rockies as you travel a short distance to Big Mountain, home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Here enjoy a scenic lift ride to the top of Big Mountain. Choose from an enclosed gondola or an open chairlift, then sit back and enjoy the mountain scenery and views of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park, and even the Canadian Rocky Mountains! Next, you will be going “Downhill” on an Alpine Slide, a 1/3-mile journey down a beautiful hill. Ride a sled down dips, around banked turns, under bridges, and through a tunnel, while controlling your speed with a hand brake. An adventure for all ages you won’t want to miss! The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore downtown Whitefish on your own. This small resort town is known for its quaint boutiques, specialty stores, and bustling restaurants.
Overnight: Whitefish (B)
August 17 | Glacier National Park & Red Busses
Early this morning you’ll depart for Lake McDonald Lodge, located on the westside of Glacier National Park Lake. Built in 1914, the Lodge is nestled on the shores of the largest lake inside the Park. After some free time at the Lodge, board your pre-reserved and private Red Bus. Since much of the park’s scenery is vertically oriented, the roll-back tops are perfect for providing full views of the stunning mountains and the area’s signature Big Sky. The guides are seasoned park veterans who are here because they love the park and enjoy sharing the park with you. The fleet of 33 buses in Glacier is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world! Your tour starts at Lake McDonald Lodge, and soon you will find yourself on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a spectacular 50-mile road that winds over passes, crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, and travels through incredibly varied terrain from glacial lakes to jagged cliffs. Early this afternoon, you’ll arrive at St. Mary, which marks the eastern end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here you’ll have some free time at the St. Mary Visitor Center. The Exhibits at the center highlight the rich Native American history associated with Glacier National Park. This afternoon you’ll check in to East Glacier Park Lodge, the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway and completed in 1913. Inside the historic hotel, Douglas Fir logs tower 40 feet high over the lobby and a fire crackles in the stone fireplace. Instead of television you’ll find beautiful mountain views, and instead of air conditioning you’ll breathe fresh Montana mountain air. Enjoy an included dinner in the hotel dining room.
Overnight: East Glacier Park Lodge (B,D)
August 18 | Hutterite Colony & Helena
This morning you are at your leisure to enjoy the “Big Tree Lodge” before you check out and travel East-bound, leaving the Rockies behind you. In time for lunch, you’ll arrive at a Hutterite Colony. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about their history and what daily life within the colony looks like. The term Hutterite comes from the name of the founder of the group, Jakob Hutter, a hat maker by trade. Hutterite people live in colonies located primarily throughout rural Montana, South Dakota, and the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Each adult has assigned responsibilities to sustain the colony. Enjoy an included lunch in the colony’s ding room before the ladies take you to their homes. This afternoon your journey continues to Helena, the capital of Montana. After check in at your hotel, and some time to freshen up, you’ll meet your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Helena (B,L,D)
August 19 | Departure for home
After breakfast, you’ll travel to the Missoula airport and check in for your flight home, taking many beautiful memories with you! (B)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip air to Missoula (checked bag fees are not included)
- Seven days motor coach transportation
- Professional Tour Director
- Six nights accommodations
- Six breakfasts
- Two lunches
- Five dinners
- Admission to Conrad Mansion museum
- Big Mountain Gondola Ride & Alpine Slide
- Fun filled evening at the Lonesome Dove Ranch incl. horseback trail ride and entertainment
- Admission to Glacier National Park including Red Bus ride on the “Highway to the Sun Road”
- Visit of a Hutterite Colony
- Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities
- All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides
- Gratuities for Drivers, Guides, and Step-on Guides
Payment
$800.00 deposit due at reservation
Final payment due March 26, 2025 (no penalties until March 31, 2025)
Cancellation
50% non-refundable April 1, 2025
100% non-refundable May 1, 2025
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.