Overview
Finish:Denver, United States Of America
- Visit Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes National Parks, Colorado National Monument, Garden of the Gods
- Scenic Drive along Million Dollar Highway, Rim Rock Drive, Peak to Peak Highway
- Iconic Train The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park
- Durango: After some free time in Silverton to get lunch, browse the town and stop at the Visitor Center, take a trip back in time aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as this coal-fired, steam-powered train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car.
- Denver, Boulder, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Palisade, Silverton, Durango, Ouray, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs
- Rocky Mountain National Park: The Rocky Mountains may seem larger than life, but your journey to Rocky Mountain National Park will see you come face to face with this extraordinary mountain landscape which snakes along western North America.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to its advanced billing. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above treeline, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car.
- Vail: Welcome to one of Colorado's great playgrounds. While the winter attracts the ski crowds, the summer draws in guests to the European-style Vail Village. Surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks, the pedestrian village offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Feel the friendly local vibe that makes Vail cosmopolitan and unpretentious.
- Aspen: A typical mountain lunch will be served, complete with bonfire, s'mores, and live western entertainment. Before lunch you can try your hand at horseshoeing, cornholing, and using a lasso.
- Aspen: This morning, head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen, renowned the world over as a resort for the rich and famous, with high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk through the delightful center of town.
- Head for Palisade, known as the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado,' perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at the Clark Family Orchards and 'Connect with Locals' as you meet with family members and learn about the history of this 7-generation farming family and their 7-generation orchards. You'll also get an opportunity to sample fresh in-season produce, salsas, jams and preserves, pickled veggies, grilling sauces and salad dressings. In addition to ten varieties of the famous Palisade Peaches, a wide variety of other fruit and vegetables are also grown on property (production varies depending on seasons).
- One of the hidden gems in the Western USA, Colorado National Monument is a stunning section of land sitting atop the Colorado Plateau. The views offer dramatic panoramic photo opportunities of Monument Canyon (Independence Monument and Monument Canyon View Overlooks), the monument's most prominent attraction and runs the entire width of the park. You will also learn the controversy of why Colorado National Monument has yet to be designated as a National Park. (Possible viewing stop at Red Canyon and/or Cold Point Shivers Overlook on the way out toward the East Side entrance.) Drive along Rim Rock Drive enjoying spectacular views all around you.
- Silverton: From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," one of the most beautiful roads in America, designated as an All-American Byway of Colorado's most spectacular views as it spirals over Coal Bank Summit, Molas Pass, and Red Mountain Pass. Arrive in the mining town of Silverton, once a bawdy mining town.
- Mesa Verde National Park: There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve: Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. Start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film, various exhibits and Park Rangers to answer your questions about this unique geographical phenomenon. The back of the Visitor Center gives you a unique view of the full breadth of the dunes, framed by the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Your Travel Director will then take you to the best place for picture taking from the bottom of High Dune, a towering sand dune about 699 feet (198 m) from base to top.
- Colorado Springs: This afternoon visit the brand new U.S. Olympics and Paralympics Museum. The Museum is The 60,000-square feet dedicated to America's greatest athelets ansd their incredible stories behind their Olympic endeavors. It was called one of America's best new attractions upon it's 2020 opening and today is considered one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. Before exploring at your own leisure you are invited to take part in a 60-minute storytelling experience led by an experienced guide. The tour highlights origins of the ancient and modern Olympic and Paralympic Games, the legacy of U.S. Olympic & Paralympic athletes, stories behind the artifacts, and more. Guide included.
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Board the most iconic experience in Colorado Springs: the newly renovated historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railway. After 126 years of operation, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway has undergone a $100 million renovation and will take you past cascading streams, waterfalls, through aspen and pine forest as it winds its way up to the summit for some of the world's most spectacular views from this 14,115-foot peak (4,302 meters). There will be time to enjoy the extraordinary views and visit the new Summit House.
- Aspen: Wind along country roads passing elk habitat and views of the Elk Mountain Range as you journey out of Aspen and up Snowmass Mountain. As you climb, you'll venture off road, past small waterfalls and through open meadows, and aspen groves. When you reach Coney Glade Overlook you'll be able to take in the amazing views as your local experts will explain the history and geology of the area.
What's Included
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.