Staff Choice:
Wendy Explores Colorado
Our staff are bursting to tell you about their own favourite Archers Direct holidays.
This month our Marketing Manager, Wendy Ward recommends our new National Parks & Trains of Colorado escorted touring holiday. Although departures don’t start until May 2007, she recently returned from Colorado where she experienced many of the destinations and journeys included in this exciting new tour.
Also see our ‘destination of the month’ feature on Colorado holidays.
Denver
I had a short stay in Denver which is also know as The Mile High City. With a passionate interest in art, one of the most fascinating places I visited was the Denver Art Museum, which had a huge collection of Native American art.
Railroad Journeys
Travelling to work by train every day had perhaps blunted my enthusiasm for the rail journeys included in the tour but they were without doubt the highlight. They were a million miles away from any rail experience I had ever had, the only similarity being that my local line is still using rolling stock that is over 100 years old (or so it seems).
The most thrilling rides were on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway which ascended 14,000 feet to the summit of Pike’s Peak. The views from the top will leave you breathless (or was that the altitude).
The aerial tram ride at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park was exhilarating as was the Royal Gorge Railroad. Although only 12 miles I wanted to savour every moment as the views were spectacular. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and I can believe it.
Travelling through the San Juan National Forest on the vintage steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was beautiful. It seemed nothing had changed for over a hundred years.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is located in the foothills of Pikes Peak which is arguably the most famous mountain in the United States and draws millions of tourists a year. I found the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centre very interesting. It’s housed in an award winning art-deco facility. A beautiful scenic spot in Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods with its red rock formations.
In Conclusion
I’ve never been to a destination where looking up and down was as interesting or thrilling as looking left and right. Colorado was a revelation. It’s destination that cannot help but bring a holiday to life. Although I wouldn’t rush back (once you’ve done it, you don’t need to do it again), in hindsight, it would be in a must do destination. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been. I’ve never heard so many people marvelling in unison as I did on the Colorado train journeys. I have to admit to being part of that particular choir.
Got a Question for Wendy?
If you would like to ask Wendy a question about this destination eMail her at wward@cosmos.co.uk and she will get back to as soon as possible.
Follow in Wendy’s Footsteps & Visit Colorado
Experience this holiday for yourself on our new National Parks & Trains of Colorado escorted touring holiday. Click the above link for full itinerary details, maps, photos, prices and availability.
Also see our ‘destination of the month’ feature on Colorado holidays.
Click here for our previous Staff Choice articles.
