This tour explores the magnificent 'Big Sky' country of Montana and the Black Hills of Dakota - the evocative landscape of the 'Old West'. At the end of the Civil War European settlers expanded into this and the Native American inhabitants chose to fight back. The Sioux nation inflicted a series of unexpected reverses on the United States Army, culminating in the massacre of Custer's 7th Cavalry Regiment at Little Bighorn in 1876. We follow the course of these battles whilst exploring the natural wonders of the Black Hills including the majestic Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. We will end in the Yellowstone National Park, where the scenery is truly magnificent and simply unmissable when visiting this part of the United States. A highlight of the tour will be the splendid re-enactment of Little Bighorn which takes place on the banks of the very river.

Your guide will be Bob Kershaw, author of ‘Red Sabbath’, a definitive history of Custer’s ill-fated campaign, and who knows the ground intimately and will dispel a number of Custer myths and examine how the native Americans were able to check the vastly superior US Army in the West after a hard fought Civil War.

The years following the Civil War up to the end of the century saw a resumption of the ’white man’s’ expansion into the American West, unsettling the Native Americans who were not prepared to let their hunting grounds and way of life be destroyed: they proved to be particularly worthy foes. In 1867 the Sioux wiped out an entire company of US Cavalry in the Fetterman Massacre and fought the iconic Wagon-Box action against overwhelming odds the following year. In 1871 the discovery of gold in the Black Hills accelerated the clash of cultures so that when the US Army attempted to force Indian 'roamers' onto government reservations, war ensued. The campaign was a debacle, Crook's column was worsted at the Rosebud on 17th June 1876 and nine days later Custer's 7th Cavalry command was massacred at Little Bighorn.

Day 1 - Fly Out

Fly London to Rapid City, South Dakota. Transfer to Custer and check-in to our hotel for two nights.

Day 2 - The Black Hills

We drive through the Custer State Park and the Black Hills, sacred to the Sioux Nation, and follow the trail of Custer’s expedition. Here we will see the Mount Rushmore national monument with its massive carvings of four American presidents and the Crazy Horse Monument.

Day 3 – Buffalo

We take a long, scenic drive to Buffalo. On arrival we investigate the grim site of the Fetterman Massacre and the incredible Wagon Box Fight. We move onto Sheridan, where we check into our hotel for four nights.

Day 4 – Rosebud

Explore the remote battlefield of the Rosebud, where Crook's Column was worsted by the same Sioux who overcame Custer at the Little Bighorn.

Day 5 - Little Bighorn

A full day devoted to exploring Custer's Last Stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, including the Reno-Benteen fight, the museum and the National Cemetery. Like most battlefields in the US, Little Big Horn has been beautifully preserved, allowing a clear picture to be drawn of how the action unfolded from both perspectives.

Day 6 - Re-enactment

Experience the authentic re-enactment of the battle on its Anniversary, where 7th Cavalry troopers fight Indian braves near the actual battlefield site. We will see Native American riders riding bareback portraying warriors of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Crow tribes along with Cavalry riders crashing across the Little Bighorn River as was done on that fateful day.

Day 7 – Cody

Today we immerse ourselves in the Wild West Lifestyle! Drive to Cody through the awe-inspiring Bighorn Mountains. We’ll visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Centre and the Old Trail Town, a reconstructed Wild West Village which includes original cabins used by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check-in to our hotel for two nights.

Day 8 – Yellowstone

Spend a full day touring the southern area of the Yellowstone National Park. You will see some of the most awe inspiring natural scenery in North America and witness sites such as the Old Faithful geyser, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake. Overnight in Cody.

Day 9/10– home

Return overnight flight from Cody to London