The Colorado Rockies

Travel to Rocky Mountain National Park to discover the true meaning of “panoramic.” This celebrated “Roof of the Rockies” offers views of massive peaks and rugged canyons as you experience one of the largest national parks in the United States. En route to Grand Junction, enjoy a glorious ride past Vail, Breckenridge and other famous ski areas in Colorado.

  Breakfast     High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Day 3. Grand Junction – Arches – Canyonlands – Grand Junction

One amazing park visit follows another. In Arches National Park, see the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches as well as an astounding variety of geological formations. Next, arrive at Canyonlands National Park and travel to the Island in the Sky mesa which rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.

  Breakfast      High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Day 4. Grand Junction – Colorado National Monument – Grand Junction

Visit one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Travel along the Rim Rock to see a colourful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Later, journey to Colorado’s wine country to learn about one of the region’s up-and-coming vineyards and sample the fruits of its labour. At a lovely family-owned vineyard, meet a family member who will take you on a private tour to see the process up-close. Then sit down to a winemaker’s dinner to hear stories of the vineyard, the wine they produce and the life of a winemaker.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27  Low  10     Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction

Drive south to the small mining town of Silverton, a National Historic Landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town blends spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture. Then it’s “all aboard” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive was built to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains…but you will soon realise it is the view that is truly precious. This evening, enjoy an Old West adventure* filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  24 Low  6      Durango Strater Hotel

Day 6. Durango – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango

An incredible day awaits at Mesa Verde National Park, best known as the home of the ancient and mysterious Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Visit the fascinating Spruce Tree Cliff Dwelling to see one of the largest and best preserved cliff dwellings built between 1211-1278 by this fascinating Native American culture.

  Breakfast      High  24  Low  6      Durango Strater Hotel

Day 7. Durango – Colorado Springs

Enjoy a relaxing ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the scenery as you depart the San Juan National Forest, cross Wolf Creek Pass over the Continental Divide, and pass through the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness.

  Breakfast     High  23  Low  7     Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs

Day 8. Colorado Springs – Manitou Springs – Colorado Springs

Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pikes Peak – the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9 mile trip to the top of Pikes Peak (approx. 14,110 ft.). During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods, on the National Register for Historic Places, to see the towering sandstone formations and enjoy a wonderful view of Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip filled with scenic delights and railway adventures.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  23  Low  7     Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs

Day 9. Colorado Springs – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs.

  Breakfast