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National Parks & Trains of Colorado
10 DAYS FROM £1235

This holiday has departures available between: 4th Aug 2008 to 4th Aug 2008
811 K P Wilkinson Kent Well' we've just returned from the National Parks and Canyons tour in the USA and it was a fantastic experience for us all.

As expected, the scenery was simply breathtaking; the food was great with very generous portions and comparatively cheap prices too; the service was excellent and people were genuinely friendly.

Our Archer's Tour Director (Lynne Hendricks) was just superb; she not only made the tour absolutely hassle free but she also gave us so much extra interesting and entertaining information that there was never any chance of boredom even on the longer coach journeys. The portable CD players were not needed!
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Explore the magnificent mountain scenery of Colorado, featuring some of the most famous rail journeys in the US.

Included Highlights

Denver
Colorado Railroad Museum
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Ruxton Creek, Four Mile Switch, Pikes Peak
Colorado Springs 'Garden of the Gods'
Royal Gorge Railroad
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Aerial Tram ride
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad San Juan Mountains, Colorado-New Mexico border, Osier
Durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad San Juan National Forest, Rio de las Animas Canyon, Silverton
Mesa Verde National Park Spruce Tree House
Moab
Arches National Park
Glenwood Canyon
Rocky Mountain National Park

Holiday price includes

Flights: UK - Denver - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Professional tour director on tour and local representative's assistance at other times
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option no supplement to pay

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Denver.
Fly to Denver where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Denver - Colorado Springs. Included Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Begin the day with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum. This 'can't miss' site for rail enthusiasts features over 70 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars. Then travel south from Denver to the town of Colorado Springs, a place of legendary natural beauty, located on the plains at the foot of Pikes Peak. Afterwards we visit the 'Garden of the Gods', a 'city park' that is a garden of towering red rock formations. Next is a fabulous train ride on the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, which will take you to the 14,110 feet summit of Pikes Peak. The railway was the first line to use diesel-electric cog locomotives. The first third of the 8.9 mile long journey is along Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon. The middle third is on a gentler grade, then we pass over the Four Mile Switch and get our first glimpse of Pikes Peak! At about the 5 mile point, the grade steepens and you climb above the timberline where the views become more expansive.

DAY 3: Colorado Springs - Canon City - Alamosa. Included Royal Gorge Railroad.
This morning, journey to Canon City and the Royal Gorge. Experience the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, spanning a quarter of a mile across, it is the world's highest suspension bridge. At 1,053 feet high, the panoramic vistas of the Gorge are as mesmerising as the Grand Canyon. See spectacular views of the Arkansas River and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the Aerial Tram ride. Travel for 12-miles on the Royal Gorge Railroad. The actual rail tracks were laid over 120 years ago by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad through a steep-walled gorge over a thousand feet deep. It is not unusual to spot wildlife in the area: eagles, and Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. This is truly a 'once in a lifetime' experience, so don't forget your camera. The views are breathtaking. Overnight in Alamosa where the high plains and flat valley expands 722 square miles, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the east and the San Juan Mountain range to the west.

DAY 4: Alamosa - Cumbres & Toltec Railroad - Durango.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was built in the 1880's to serve miners in the area and has changed very little. The railroad is the most authentic steam era line in North America. Jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the 64-mile line connects Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico via the San Juan Mountains and the 10,015-feet high Cumbres Pass. The line is an archetypal remnant of the Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad system that once stretched hundreds of miles throughout the Rocky Mountains. You'll cross the Colorado-New Mexico border eleven times. The train stops in Osier, Colorado for lunch. We then disembark the train at Cumbres Pass and continue by motorcoach to Chama. Later we arrive in Durango, a town born in the gold-rush and silver-mining era, at times run by gunslingers. (L)

DAY 5: Durango - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango.
Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad this morning for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Enjoy the experience of travelling by a coal-fired and steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the old west took over a century ago. The legendary steam train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snow-capped peaks. The locomotives used to pull today's train remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition. This historic train has been in continuous operation for over 125 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Free time in Silverton, once a major mining town, which owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner: 'We have no gold, but silver by the ton!'

DAY 6: Durango - Mesa Verde - Moab.
Today we visit the ruins of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park. See Spruce Tree House, which dates from 1,200 AD and is tucked away under a sandstone cliff face. Spend time at the park's museum, depicting the story of these people who mysteriously disappeared almost 700 years ago. Later we arrive in Moab, a small town on the Colorado River surrounded by red sandstone formations.

DAY 7: Moab - Arches National Park - Vail Valley area.
This morning we visit Arches National Park where over two thousand natural sandstone arches are preserved. You will see the world famous 'Delicate Arch', 'Balanced Rock', and 'Park Avenue'. Later, we cross back into Colorado and journey through the massive 1,800-foot walls of Glenwood Canyon and then continue to the Vail Valley area, one of America's most popular mountain resorts. The Vail Valley is a spectacular experience awaiting your discovery. Stroll through the pedestrian village and experience the unique shopping opportunities or let one of the world-class chefs prepare a meal to delight your taste buds.

DAY 8: Vail Valley area - Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver.
See Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake. Cross the Continental Divide and behold incomparable vistas of lush meadows, alpine glaciers, and thundering waterfalls. Take the scenic Trail Ridge Road over magnificent mountainous terrain, which attracted the likes of Kit Carson and his group of trappers to Rocky Mountain National Park. A break at 12,000 feet provides fantastic alpine scenery. Next is the town of Estes Park. Nestled in a high mountain valley at just above 7,500 feet elevation, Estes Park features hundreds of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants for you to enjoy. Free time this evening will allow you to enjoy one of America's fastest growing cities. A bustling area centred around a mile-long pedestrian promenade is lined with outdoor cafes and flower baskets. Dining at one of the 300 restaurants and a horse drawn carriage ride could be the perfect ending to the day.
Note: The drive through Rocky Mountain National Park is subject to favourable road and weather conditions.

DAY 9: Denver - UK.
Transfer to Denver International airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

DAY 10: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 14,110 ft.

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Denver: Comfort Inn Downtown; Colorado Springs: Clarion Inn Downtown; Alamosa: Inn of the Rio Grande; Durango: Holiday Inn Durango; Moab: Big Horn Lodge; Vail/Beaver Creek area: Comfort Inn Vail/Beaver Creek.

Trains

  • Pikes Peak Cog Railway

    Since the 1890's the Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway(the world's highest cog railroad, the highest Colorado railroad and highest train in the United States) has taken passengers to the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak.

  • Royal Gorge Railroad

    The Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad is considered to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The train takes you on a 24-mile journey through the 1,000 foot deep Royal Gorge, alongside the raging Arkansas River, where you'll have the opportunity to observe Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, and flora, native to the gorge.

  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, (only 11 months after construction began), the tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both passengers and freight. From the very beginning, the railroad was promoted as a scenic route for passenger service although the line was constructed primarily to haul mine ores, both gold and silver, from the San Juan Mountains. It is estimated over $300 million in precious metals has been transported over this route. Today the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to operate historical trains with rolling stock indigenous to the line. The locomotives used to pull today's train remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition. The coaches each feature bathroom facilities and are heated during the winter months for passenger comfort. The Durango & Silverton is owned and operated by American Heritage Railways.

  • Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

    Built in the 1880's little changed since. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a 64-mile, fully operational steam railroad jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. The C&TS is recognized around the world for its spectacular scenery and unspoiled vistas, as well as the historic rolling stock and railroad structures that are preserved on the line. Many of the buildings and railroad equipment date to the turn of the twentieth century or earlier, making the C&TS one of the best preserved steam era railroad in North America.

Holiday Extensions

  • National Parks & Trains of Colorado + Las Vegas - 3 extra nights from £84

    Why not take the opportunity to enjoy dazzling lights, the sounds of slot machines, and famous entertainers, that make this desert oasis one of the most exciting places in America?
    On day 9 transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas, and your hotel the Imperial Palace, for the next three nights. On day 12 included transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

  • National Parks & Trains of Colorado + San Francisco - 3 extra nights from £129

    Why not take the opportunity to enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere and the world famous sights such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and the sweeping panoramas of the 'City By The Bay'?
    On day 9 fly from Denver to San Francisco and transfer to your hotel, the Cathedral Hill for the next three nights, before transferring to the airport on day 12 for your overnight flight home.

Accommodation on Extensions

National Parks & Trains of Colorado + Las Vegas - 3 extra nights from £84

  • Imperial Palace DiamondDiamondDiamond

    The Imperial Palace comprises contemporary towers featuring an ornate and traditional Asian style. The hotel offers friendly a
    atmosphere, great entertainment, dining, shopping and everything you need for a complete holiday.

    Location: In the centre of the 'Strip' the hotel affords the best location to enjoy the non-stop entertainment and vibrant energy of the 'City that never sleeps'.
    Facilities: Beauty salon; fitness centre; hot tub and health club; outdoor swimming pool; entertainment shows; 9 restaurants; bar; concierge services; casino; classic car collection.
    Price includes: Room with private facilities; telephone; cable television; pay-per-view movies; hairdryer; ironing board; iron.

National Parks & Trains of Colorado + San Francisco - 3 extra nights from £129

  • Cathedral Hill DiamondDiamondDiamond

    A warm welcome awaits you here, where you can enjoy the ambience, hospitality and service established in 1960.

    Location: Set back from Van Ness Avenue and Geary, the hotel is three blocks from the California Street cable car line and six blocks from the concert venues at the Civic Centre. Regular buses run past the hotel for easy and cheap access into the city whilst a variety of restaurants are nearby.
    Facilities: Outdoor heated pool; laundry service; 24-hour fitness room; Gift and Sundries Shop; hair salon; Jack Tar bar & grill; coffee shop; safety deposit boxes in reception.
    Price includes: Room with private facilities; cable/satellite TV; air-conditioning; hairdryer; iron/ironing board; coffee-maker.

Holiday Review: ,
National Parks & Trains of Colorado
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