Idaho - The Gem State
Idaho, or the Gem State, is ideal for family travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those just looking for a relaxing getaway. The state offers a broad choice of activities: white-water rafting, ranching experiences, Native American culture, biking, golf, wineries and exciting winter sports. A year-round destination with so much to offer.
Some amazing facts about Idaho:
- It is second only to Alaska for the amount of wilderness and white-water river it offers
- The spectacular Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America! Yes, deeper than the Grand Canyon!!
- The beautiful Shoshone Falls (close to Twin Falls city) are higher than the Niagara Falls, in fact they are often referred to as the Niagara of the West!
We can put together any itinerary to suit your individual requirements - with a choice from a wide variety of hotels to suit any taste or budget. Here is just an example of a suggested route:
DAY 1
Arrival into Boise, the delightful capital city of Idaho. Boise has all the amenities of a big city as well as a variety of outdoor activities (floating on the Boise River, cycling along the Boise River Greenbelt, mountain biking on the hills surrounding Boise).
Arrival into Boise, the delightful capital city of Idaho. Boise has all the amenities of a big city as well as a variety of outdoor activities (floating on the Boise River, cycling along the Boise River Greenbelt, mountain biking on the hills surrounding Boise).
Something special: Boise is home for one of the largest Basque population outside the Basque Country; in fact if you are wondering around downtown Boise, just ask for the Basque District and discover the Basque Museum and Cultural Centre and a number of restaurants where you can taste pintxos and other Basque delicacies.
Guests arriving on Wednesday should be sure not to miss the weekly free summertime community concerts at the Grove Plaza. Any night of the week dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many outdoor dining venues found clustered along and near Eighth Street. Early arrivals should consider taking one of the Boise Township Tours or a float down the Boise River for a fun city overview.
Overnight in Boise.
DAYS 2 & 3
Travel north along the Payette River Scenic Byway to the city of McCall. This casual, lakeside resort town is surrounded by forests with access to boating, swimming, and fishing, or enjoy the alpine views from the water with McCall Lake Cruises. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities in this area. Enjoy white water rafting in the area or just relax on the waterfront eating an ice cream! Something special: in Winter McCall becomes a Winter Wonderland paradise. If you are visiting McCall the last week of January/first week of February make sure to look out for the beautiful snow sculptures (McCall Winter Carnival).
Travel north along the Payette River Scenic Byway to the city of McCall. This casual, lakeside resort town is surrounded by forests with access to boating, swimming, and fishing, or enjoy the alpine views from the water with McCall Lake Cruises. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities in this area. Enjoy white water rafting in the area or just relax on the waterfront eating an ice cream! Something special: in Winter McCall becomes a Winter Wonderland paradise. If you are visiting McCall the last week of January/first week of February make sure to look out for the beautiful snow sculptures (McCall Winter Carnival).
Do you like ethnic food and adventure? Experience the Blue Moon Yurt in the Ponderosa Forest. Book your place and at the entrance of the Ponderosa Forest you will find the blue Moon Yurt team to welcome you and direct you to the yurt which is only accessible via Nordic ski or snowshoeing.
For wildlife lovers, a sleigh ride to meet the elks is a must! Just 20 min away from McCall, Donnelly is where you can experience feeding the elks while on a sleigh ride.
Finally, combining adventure and relaxation: snowmobile to a hot spring! Snowmobile rentals are available in McCall and the surroundings. Some hot springs around Mc Call: Gold Fork, Burgdorf and Zim Hot Springs.
2 nights in McCall.
DAYS 4, 5 & 6
Travel from Mc Call to Sun Valley & Ketchum (218 miles) – A 4-5 hours drive but the beautiful landscape makes it very enjoyable! Something special about the area: Sun Valley was the first purpose built ski resort in the USA, hosting the world’s first three ski chairlift! Sun Valley is also well-known among celebrities and the famous Ernest Hemingway lived his last months in Ketchum, just one mile away from Sun Valley. In fact, in Sun Valley you can find Hemingway Memorial!
Travel from Mc Call to Sun Valley & Ketchum (218 miles) – A 4-5 hours drive but the beautiful landscape makes it very enjoyable! Something special about the area: Sun Valley was the first purpose built ski resort in the USA, hosting the world’s first three ski chairlift! Sun Valley is also well-known among celebrities and the famous Ernest Hemingway lived his last months in Ketchum, just one mile away from Sun Valley. In fact, in Sun Valley you can find Hemingway Memorial!
The Roundhouse on Bald Mountain is the perfect place for a meal in between ski sessions. If you are not a skier, you can just take the gondola up the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view. Look out for night ski sessions and treat yourself with a delicious dinner overlooking the mountain.
In summer, experience different activities: mountain biking, golf, fishing, white water rafting and relax in the hot springs. Visit the Silver Creek Preserve, just 33 miles away from Sun Valley. This is the perfect place to spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities in a great environment.
Spend three nights in the beautiful Sun Valley.
DAY 7
Travel to Craters of the Moon 73 miles away from Sun Valley and Ketchum. Something special: In 1969 the astronauts Mitchell, Shepard, Cernan, and Engle visited Craters of the Moon before going up to the moon. In fact NASA was training them to select the right rocks when on the moon. So if you wonder how it looks like on the moon, Craters of the Moon is the closest you can get!
Travel to Craters of the Moon 73 miles away from Sun Valley and Ketchum. Something special: In 1969 the astronauts Mitchell, Shepard, Cernan, and Engle visited Craters of the Moon before going up to the moon. In fact NASA was training them to select the right rocks when on the moon. So if you wonder how it looks like on the moon, Craters of the Moon is the closest you can get!
Take half a day to explore the National Monument or if you would like to camp in a crater, this the right place to do it!
After your trip to the moon get ready for a new adventure! Drive to Idaho Falls (130 miles).
DAYS 8, 9 & 10
Stay in Idaho Falls and visit the surroundings. Idaho Falls is the largest city in Eastern Idaho. It is possible to visit the city through the Greenbelt, cycling and walking along the river and discovering the shops and restaurants around. Idaho Falls is the perfect starting point to visit different places in Eastern Idaho.
Stay in Idaho Falls and visit the surroundings. Idaho Falls is the largest city in Eastern Idaho. It is possible to visit the city through the Greenbelt, cycling and walking along the river and discovering the shops and restaurants around. Idaho Falls is the perfect starting point to visit different places in Eastern Idaho.
Something special: Mesa Falls – beautiful waterfalls to visit during summer or winter. Mesa Falls consist into Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. It is fascinating to know that Upper Mesa Falls pours its water over the remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption!
If you wish to see the wildlife of the area, make sure to visit Yellowstone Bear World, a wildlife drive-thru park where you can also feed baby bears!
For a day of relaxation, travel to Lava Hot Springs, just 1h30 away from Idaho Falls. Here you can spend the day in the hot spring or you can also drive to Soda Springs where you can see a man made geyser erupting every hour.
If you are interested in Native American culture, visit Fort Hall Indian Reservation one hour away from Idaho Falls. You can also find the Shoshone Bannock Tribal Museum in the Reservation and have quick wonder around to learn about the story of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes.
For a fun activity with the family, visit Potato Museum in Blackfoot. Here you will discover everything about the famous Idaho potatoes and you can see the world’s largest Pringle!
DAYS 11, 12 & 13
Drive to Jackson Hole and visit Yellowstone NP for 2 or 3 days and depart from Jackson Hole.
Drive to Jackson Hole and visit Yellowstone NP for 2 or 3 days and depart from Jackson Hole.
For more information on Idaho, please visit https://visitidaho.org/https://visitidaho.org/
0844 80 444 80
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