October 1 - 7, 2024

October 1 - 7, 2024

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive in Denver, CO 

 Arrive at the Denver Airport today, before 4 pm MST, and take your shuttle to the hotel where you will meet your local guide. Tonight, meet the group for a get-acquainted dinner. (D) 

Day 2:  Georgetown Train - Glenwood Springs, CO

This morning our first stop will be at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. This museum’s mission is to acquire, preserve and exhibit railroad equipment, artifacts, and photographs emphasizing Rocky Mountain area railroads. You will learn about the history of this region from the 1860’s to present. After departing the museum, we are on our way to the town of Georgetown nestled in the mountains and take a journey on the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. This spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge was considered an engineering marvel for its time. Continue our journey through the Rockies for the scenic mountain town of Glenwood Springs and your overnight stay. This evening you may enjoy a soak in the local hot springs.  (B, D)

Day 3: Silverton - Durango Railroad

This morning travel to the historic town of Silverton, enjoy some free time to explore the many shops and have lunch on your own. After your explorations, board the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the last such railroads operating in the United States. "All aboard!" for a delightful trip through the Colorado Rockies between Silverton and Durango. The rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal lakes take you back to the early days of the West when mountain men searched this untouched land for traces of bear and mountain lion. Upon arrival in Durango re-board your motorcoach and check into your hotel for a two-night stay with the rest of the day free to explore this fun western town on your own. (B) 

Day 4:  Mesa Verde National Park

 After breakfast, travel to nearby Mesa Verde National Park for a day of exploration. Here you will visit cliff dwellings where the mysterious Anasazi once lived. Known as the "Ancient Ones" to the Navajo, the Anasazi lived in the Four Corners area almost a thousand years ago, then suddenly disappeared leaving their incredibly well-preserved dwellings to intrigue and challenge modern man. This is the nation’s largest archeological preserve with 4,000 sights including 600 cliff dwellings. Spend some time in the Visitors Center with its large collection of ancient artifacts for an introduction to the ancient culture. A local expert will guide you through the most famous ruin sites with a stop at the Spruce Tree House Restaurant for lunch on own. After a fascinating tour of the park, return to Durango for dinner on your own. (B) 

Day 5: Pagosa Hot Spring - Royal Gorge

After a leisurely morning we will depart for Pagosa Springs, nestled in southwest Colorado this is one of the state’s last undiscovered gems. Known for its amazing hot springs, abundant sunshine, and small-town feel, it offers healing waters and an enigmatic town for lunch on own. We will then make our way to Cañon City and check into our hotel. This evening we will board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad on the Oktoberfest Dinner Train for a vintage train ride along the legendary Arkansas River deep within the Gorge. (B, D) 

Day 6: Canon City - Colorado Springs

After breakfast, we will travel to Manitou Springs and take a ride on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway that climbs to the top of Pikes Peak. Looking at this famous peak, rising 12,110 feet above sea level, you will understand the meaning of "Rocky Mountain High!" We will then stop at the Garden of the God Trading Post for lunch on our own. Then we will enjoy a driving tour of the Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This world-class Visitor & Nature Center is the most visited attraction in the region with an exciting, 14-minute, HD show: "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There”. This afternoon check into your hotel and freshen up but do not wander too far because tonight you will rejoin your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B, D) 

Day 7: Home

Say farewell to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. After breakfast, you will transfer to the Denver International airport before noon for your departure. Please make departure flights after 12:00 pm MST for your journey home. (B)  

Please Note - * This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground or unpaved trails. This tour covers areas of higher altitudes including overnight locations above 6,000 ft. and touring above 9,000 ft. with a half-day trip to the top of Pike’s Peak which is 14,000 ft.

Highlights

  Price Per Person Start at:

       Double - $ 3,951.00 

• 6 Nights, 11 Meals
• Colorado Railroad Museum
• Georgetown Loop Railroad
• Glenwood Springs
• Silverton 
• Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Durango
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Pagosa Springs
• Royal Gorge Park & Bridge
• Royal Gorge Route Railroad
• Pike's Peak Cog Railway
• Fully Escorted
• Tours are Guaranteed with a 20-passenger minimum