In the spirit of our exploration section here is a unique adventure package so different from just the regular cruise or tour. I took this trip a couple of months ago and am sharing the itinerary with you:
ITINERARY Day 1 night in Denver
The Westin Denver Downtown
The Westin Denver Downtown is location steps from Coors Field, Empower Field at Mile High, Meow Wolf, 16th Street Mall, Union Station and local restaurants and breweries. Sleep in comfort in upscale hotel rooms and suites, which boast thoughtful details like a Westin
Day 2 DENVER–COLORADO SPRINGS.
The Mile-High City See Denver’s historic Union Station, Mile High Stadium, and more on an orientation tour en route to Colorado Springs.
Take a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Travel up to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, the place that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. Explore Garden of the Gods Park, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.
Tonight, a [LF] home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music under the stars at the historic Flying W Ranch (weather permitting).
(B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Enjoy some Rocky Mountain home cooking under the stars with a BBQ at Flying W Ranch. Tap along to western music to get you in the spirit in this working cattle ranch in the Colorado foothills!
1 night in Colorado Springs
Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains within close proximity to the Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods, this all-suite hotel offers a one of a kind tropical atrium, spectacular views of Pikes Peak, spacious guestrooms with convenient amenities, fitness center, and swimming pool.
Day 3 COLORADO SPRINGS–GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK–DURANGO.
Peak Perfection A scenic drive travels along the Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway, over the Sangre de Cristo Range, home to ten 14,000-foot peaks, and through meandering ranchlands to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Later, continue deeper into the Colorado wilderness passing through the San Juan National Forest to Durango.
Tonight is free to explore Durango. Why not visit the saloons, speakeasy, and more on historic Main Street.
(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles, with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high. With the highest dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and soaring peaks. Enjoy free time here to explore the Visitor Center and dunefield trails.
2 nights in Durango
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
You can find the DoubleTree by Hilton Durango at the Animas River's banks. The San Juan National Forest, which has the largest wilderness region in Colorado, is 10 miles away and offers outdoor fun. They are a five-minute stroll from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the historic Downtown Durango. When you arrive, take advantage of the hot tub, indoor pool, and DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Day 4 DURANGO. RAIL JOURNEY TO SILVERTON.
Rocky Mountain Highs This morning, board the [LF] Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Return to Durango for a free evening.
(B)LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE The legendary Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon to Silverton, a National Historic Landmark. Silverton, once a major mining town, owes its name to an early miner’s claim, “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!” Spend time visiting the breweries, boutiques, and saloons that dot the thriving Greene Street.
Day 5
DURANGO–MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK–CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS–MOAB, UTAH.
Ancient Mystery Today is a step back to ancient times, lands, and people. Start with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continuing to the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. Continue to Moab for a free evening.
(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & TRADITION Learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and see their mysterious, centuries-old cliff dwellings. Also, visit the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot plateau, and stop at a great vantage point for pictures of the cliff palace, 700 year old Anasazi dwelling. Visit the Canyons of the Ancients, learn about about the Ancestral Puebloan, Native American and historic cultures
2 nights in Moab
Hyatt Place Moab
Located only five miles away from the sandstone arches of Moab, Hyatt Place Moab features spacious and comfortable guestrooms, 24-hour dining, pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Day 6 MOAB. EXCURSION TO CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK & DEADHORSE STATE PARK.
Crimson Canyons Visit magnificent Canyonlands National Park. Return to Moab for a free evening. Perhaps visit the quaint shops and restaurants on Main Street or stretch your legs on the Mill Creek Parkway Trail. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park to see deep canyons stretching across the Colorado Plateau, an intricate canyon labyrinth with a million crimson hues. Then, on to Dead Horse Point State Park to see a vast mesa with an incredible view of the Colorado River as it twists through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below.
Day 7 MOAB–ARCHES NATIONAL PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO.
Rockies by Rail Today, explore the incredible landscape of Arches National Park, containing
more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Then embark on the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic train ride in Silver Leaf Class. Travel east through the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. See Parachute Creek and Mount Logan while following the scenic Colorado River. Take in the beautiful red rock formations, desert cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and mountain vistas.
Overnight stay in historic Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Rocky Mountaineer travels through spectacular scenery. SilverLeaf Service features a single-level coach offering reclining seats, and meals served at your seat, and panoramic views from oversized windows. Enjoy an onboard culinary experience in regional cuisine and ingredients local to the Southwestern U.S.
On the right is one of the many famous people who visited the Colorado hotel that we were in at Glenwood, including Buffalo Bill, several presidents, famous actors and gangsters
Day 8 GLENWOOD SPRINGS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–DENVER.
On Top of the World A full day aboard the RockyMountaineer through the Colorado high country. From dense wooded forests and white-capped mountains of White River National Forest, to the picturesque Byers and Gore Canyons and the tranquil mountain lakes of Arapahoe National Forest, you’ll experience the journey of a lifetime. Cross the high elevations of the Continental Divide with a sparkling wine toast while driving through the six-mile-long Moffatt Tunnel. Arrive in Denver this evening for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director tonight. (B,L,D)
1 night in Denver
Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown combines the charm of a boutique hotel with top-notch amenities just steps away from Union Station. The hotel features rustic-chic décor with mural-size golf-mining photos, plenty of natural light, sliding barn doors, and polished concrete ceilings.
Day 9 DENVER.
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
This is a fabulous trip that should be experienced by all who want something different. Call me at 866-382-4484 ext 205 and I will help you set up this wonderful experience.