The best way to experience the historic old west is on on a train! This period adventure begins in Denver and is a scenic journey through the Rocky Mountains including stops in Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs, Silverton and Durango, Colorado. Heading south to New Mexico the tour visits: Taos, Chimayo and Santa Fe before heading back to Denver via Royal Gorge and Colorado Springs.
9 Days • fr. $4,129
Welcome to colorful Colorado! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
SHERATON HOTEL DENVER
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Denver this morning to see historic Union Station, the Mile High Stadium, and the U.S. Mint.
Then it’s on to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience, the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railway, noted by President Teddy Roosevelt as “the trip that bankrupts the English language” in 1905. This memorable journey will travel through beautiful scenery, into the Royal Gorge, and along the Arkansas River.
Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of the Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.
Breakfast
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON COLORADO SPRINGS
Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment” to the charming city of Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the United States. In addition to its history and culture, Santa Fe is home to many art galleries with a diverse visual arts scene spanning ancient traditional art to modern contemporary. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
HILTON OF SANTA FE HISTORIC PLAZA
Experience Santa Fe up close as you embark on a guided trolley tour of the many historic buildings, revealing the town’s Spanish, Native American, and early settlers’ heritage. Main sights include the San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, and Loretto Chapel's “Miracle Stairway.”
We then visit nearby Chimayo, which was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, located in a century-old adobe home, serving some of the best New Mexican cuisine. Visit Santuario de Chimayo and learn about the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year.
Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
HILTON OF SANTA FE HISTORIC PLAZA
Leave Santa Fe, stopping to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans and their cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument.
Next, visit the adobe town of Taos on the high-desert mesa for free time to explore this ancient meeting place.
Continue into Colorado and arrive in Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, perhaps browse the many shops on Main Street, or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries.
Breakfast
DOUBLETREE INN DURANGO
Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved 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 Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).
This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
DOUBLETREE INN DURANGO
This morning, board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. The legendary steam train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon.
Arrive in Silverton, once a major mining town that owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner: “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”
Then, continue to Glenwood Springs for the evening. Why not unpack your swimsuit and head down to the hot springs? The world’s largest and welcoming visitors for over 125 years. Entrance to the hot springs pools are included with your stay.
Breakfast
GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS HOTEL
Travel through the beautiful Colorado mountains and board the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, sit back and relax as you enjoy the beauty of the rugged Rocky Mountains plus views of Clear Creek Canyon.
This afternoon, continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation.
Breakfast, Dinner
SHERATON HOTEL DENVER
After breakfast, bid farewell to your new friends.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.