Day 1 - Denver
Arrive in Denver and transfer independently to the historic Brown Palace Hotel. Meet your Tour Manager for a short tour briefing before heading out for dinner at your choice of local restaurants. Overnight Denver, CO.
Day 2 - Colorado Rail Museum & Georgetown Loop Railroad
Start the day at the Colorado Rail Museum and get an insider’s perspective on a docent-led tour through its exhibits, collection of rolling stock and Roundhouse restoration facility. After an included light lunch, continue west and immerse yourself in the mining history of the Rocky Mountains aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This narrow-gauge, two coil loop railway takes us on the original 4.5-mile loop between Georgetown and Silver Plume. From your table in the fully enclosed Parlor Car, look out the panoramic windows for views over Clear Creek Canyon. Overnight Denver, CO. (L)
Day 3 - Amtrak to Grand Junction and on to Palisades
Depart early this morning on Amtrak’s California Zephyr bound for Grand Junction. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Upon arrival, continue by deluxe motorcoach to Palisades, CO, and our lodging set amidst Colorado’s wine country and a complimentary wine tasting before dinner on own. Overnight Palisades, CO.
Day 4 - Grand Mesa Drive & Colorado National Monument Park
This morning enjoy an excursion along Grand Mesa Scenic Byway with views of the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. This afternoon we take a winery tour followed by a visit to Colorado National Monument Park for an included dinner served during a spectacular sunset. Overnight Palisades, CO. (B, D)
Day 5 - Scenic Drive to Durango, Back of the Yard Tour & James Ranch
Relish an in-depth view of the Colorado landscape as we set out for a scenic day of travel through mountain ranges, past enchanting alpine towns and into national forests en route to Durango. Upon arrival, visit the Durango & Silverton Museum and take a guided walk through the yard and roundhouse to learn about the railroad’s rolling stock, see the machine shop and hear about behind-the-scenes operations at the station. This evening we take a short drive north of Durango through the beautiful Animas River Valley to James Ranch for an included dinner. Overnight Durango, CO. (B, D)
Day 6 - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This morning, we board one of the most scenic railroads in the Southwest, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This journey takes us on a 90-mile roundtrip route along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton, sights of canyon country, San Juan National Forest, protected wildlife areas and beautiful mountain vistas overtake the landscape. We are treated to all these sights from our first-class seats in the Silver Vista Car, a glass-domed car with leather seats, panoramic windows and a closed vestibule with the largest viewing platform on the train. Silver Vista service also offers private narration from a knowledgeable host, complimentary morning and afternoon snacks and soft drinks. There will be time for lunch on own and exploring in Silverton. Overnight Durango, CO. (B)
Day 7 - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
An unforgettable journey lies ahead today as we set out on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in North America and voted the #1 Top Attraction in Colorado and New Mexico by USA Today. The Southwest’s scenes are on full display on this 64-mile ride, including glimpses at steep canyons, colorful meadows, ranches, grassy hills, beautiful mountain ranges, rushing waterways and brilliant blue skies. We cross over Cascade Creek Trestle and pass through charming mountain towns and abandoned villages. This route crosses the Colorado/New Mexico border 13 times and allows passengers to get a feel for what a daily train ride would have been like in the heyday of steam train travel. The route is full of incredible views, and we enjoy them all from panoramic windows of the Premium Parlor Car. This meticulously preserved car features tin ceilings, period-appropriate seating and access to the train’s open-air gondola. Onboard, we are served a variety of hot and cold beverages. A delicious home-cooked lunch awaits us upon arrival at the train station in Osier. As the tour concludes, we continue our heritage rail voyage through Colorado into the San Luis Valley, the oldest settled area in Colorado, en route to Alamosa. Tonight, join your small group for dinner, and share stories of the day as you enjoy tastes of the region. Overnight Alamosa. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Gorge on our fifth railway journey of the tour, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. We board our motorcoach this morning and travel to the station in Canon City - a route that offers another look at the stunning forests and mountains that make Colorado so beloved. We board the train’s Dining Car for a one-of-a-kind lunch experience. This first-class restaurant on wheels features large picture windows from which to view Royal Gorge and plush seating at linen-covered tables. A three-course lunch awaits us, with each course freshly prepared on the train using locally sourced ingredients. While we dine, dramatic views of rushing rivers, steep canyons and beautiful rock formations come into sight. If you choose, head out to the open-air car after lunch to take in the scenery. The route runs entirely along the bottom of the gorge, allowing you to look up at the amazing sights, including the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. Following the 2-hour excursion, we drive to Colorado Springs. Overnight Colorado Springs, CO. (B, L)
Day 9 - Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of the Gods
This morning we board the newly re-opened Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog train, for an exhilarating ride to the 14,110-foot summit of America’s mountain, Pikes Peak. At the top, there will be time for photos of the surrounding mountain vistas that inspired the song, America the Beautiful. Next, we visit Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark filled with dramatic sandstone formations. Overnight Colorado Springs, CO. (B, D)
Day 10 - Tour Conclusion
Our tour concludes after breakfast. A group transfer to Denver International Airport will accommodate flights departing after 1:00 p.m. (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
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