Historic Trains of the Old West
Historic Trains of the Old West
Historic Trains of the Old West
9 Days Starting and ending in Denver, Colorado
Visiting: Denver, Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, Durango, Colorado, Durango
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NC-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the American West with the "Historic Trains of the Old West" tour. This adventure takes you through the scenic landscapes of Colorado and New Mexico aboard historic trains, including the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. Explore the Mile-High City of Denver, the stunning Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs, and the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe. Visit the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delightful meals, including a special farewell dinner in Denver. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
ARRIVE IN DENVER, COLORADO Welcome to Colorado! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.TOUR HIGHLIGHT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or Colorado coffee after dinner. Ask your Tour Director for the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer.DENVER-STATE-CAPITOL-BUILDING.jpg
Day 2: Denver,Royal Gorge Route Railroad,Colorado Springs
Location: Colorado Springs
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DENVER–ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD–COLORADO SPRINGS All Aboard the Royal Gorge! Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. 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. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE When President Teddy Roosevelt rode the rails through the Royal Gorge in 1905, he described the experience as “the trip that bankrupts the English language.” You’ll be speechless too on this train ride through the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge as it cuts a deep path through the Rockies along the Arkansas River.COLORADO-SPRINGS-GARDEN-OF-GODS.jpg
Day 3: Colorado Springs,Santa Fe,New Mexico
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation Name: Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
COLORADO SPRINGS–SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO The American Southwest Depart Colorado Springs and head south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to the charming city of Santa Fe. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the rich history and richer culture of Santa Fe - home to an abundance of art galleries amid its diverse visual arts scene of ancient traditional art to modern contemporary works that celebrate the desert beauty of this ruggedly beautiful landscape.SANTA-FE-OLD-MISSION-CHURCH.jpg
Day 4: Santa Fe. Excursion To Chimayo
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation Name: Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO Enchanted Jewels Today, begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings, and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. 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 [LF] 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. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEHISTORY & HERITAGE Experience the spiritual traditions of the American Southwest in Chimayo. This historic area attracts locals and guests alike who visit its church sanctuary, which holds sacred soil known for its healing powers. Experience this legendary, authentic New Mexican tradition! CHIMAYO.jpg
Day 5: Santa Fe,Bandelier National Monument,Taos,Durango,Colorado
Location: Durango, Colorado
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
SANTA FE–BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT–TAOS–DURANGO Ancient Cultures Leave Santa Fe, stopping to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time to explore. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the age-old dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. Envision a way of life long since passed to gaze at mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and several thousand ancestral Pueblo dwellings sharing 33,000 acres of designated wilderness. Bandelier's human history is traced to over 11,000 years ago when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the land. By 1150 AD Ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. This incredible site is inspiring as the Pueblo blessing: “Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth.” BANDELIER-NATIONAL-MONUMENT.jpg
Day 6: Durango. Excursion To Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Durango
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
DURANGO. EXCURSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT DWELLINGS 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 ancient plateau (now Mesa Verde National Park). Stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).MESA-VERDE.jpg
Day 7: Durango,Narrow-Gauge Railroad,Silverton,Glenwood Springs
Location: Durango
Accommodation Name: Hotel Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast
DURANGO–NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD–SILVERTON–GLENWOOD SPRINGS All Aboard in Durango! Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic [LF] Hotel Colorado. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Board the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad steam train as it hugs steep canyon walls to wind 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!” LOCAL FAVORITEACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a stay at the historic Hotel Colorado in beautiful Glenwood Springs. This elegant Rocky Mountain retreat has been a welcomed respite for travelers for more than 125 years where special guests like President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown have enjoyed its gracious accommodations and service in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.DURANGO-SILVERTON-TRAIN.jpg
Day 8: Glenwood Springs,Georgetown Loop Railroad,Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GLENWOOD SPRINGS–GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD–DENVER Making Tracks in the Old West Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Climb aboard the historic Georgetown Railroad to be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Rockies. Envision the old railroad days as you roll through stunning views of aspen trees, pines, and firs with views of Clear Creek Canyon.GEORGETOWN-LOOP-TRAIN.jpg
Day 9: Denver
Location: Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Denver? Additional nights are available for purchase.
DENVER Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Denver? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)DENVER.jpg
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza in Santa Fe, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango in Durango, and Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
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Welcome Drink
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day.
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Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Experience a unique ride on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
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Garden of The Gods
Explore Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs.
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Museum of International Folk Art
Visit the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe.
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Santuario De Chimayo
Visit Santuario De Chimayo and learn about its miraculous healing powers.
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Bandelier National Monument
Explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans and their cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad
Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest.
What's Not Included
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Additional Nights in Denver
Additional nights in Denver are available for purchase and are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Notes
Add 2 days in Albuquerque for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Available only on the tour NCS on October 1st & 8th. Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departures: September 8th & 10th (Mother Nature permitting).
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Colorado and New Mexico aboard historic trains, including the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad, with additional coach transfers between destinations.
Accommodation
Denver:Hilton Denver City CenterColorado Springs:Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado SpringsSanta Fe:Hilton of Santa Fe Historic PlazaDurango:DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel DurangoGlenwood Springs:Hotel Colorado
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza in Santa Fe, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango in Durango, and Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.
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Are there any special events or seasonal highlights on this tour?
Yes, you can add two days in Albuquerque for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, available only on the tour NCS on October 1st and 8th. Additionally, you can enjoy spectacular fall colors on the Fall Foliage departures on September 8th and 10th, depending on Mother Nature.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. This ensures extra space between travelers while still providing an up-close and personal experience.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include a scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, exploring Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs, visiting the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, exploring ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument, touring Mesa Verde National Park, and riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad through San Juan National Forest.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel through the scenic landscapes of Colorado and New Mexico aboard historic trains such as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad, with additional coach transfers between destinations.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional nights in Denver, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks, travel insurance, optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
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What is the significance of Mesa Verde National Park on this tour?
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, you will visit Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings, and the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this ancient plateau.
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What can I expect during the visit to Chimayo?
In Chimayo, you will visit the Santuario De Chimayo, known for its miraculous healing powers, and enjoy lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, located in a century-old adobe home serving some of the best New Mexican cuisine.
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What is the experience like on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad?
The Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad offers a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest, hugging steep canyon walls and winding through Rio de las Animas Canyon. The journey ends in Silverton, a historic mining town.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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