Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado with our "Welcome to Colorado" tour. This adventure begins in Denver, taking you through the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park and along scenic drives like the Million Dollar Highway. Experience the thrill of iconic train rides on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Discover the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park and the towering dunes of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Enjoy unique experiences such as a visit to an urban farm in Boulder and a wine-tasting dinner in Palisade. Stay in historic hotels and savor local flavors while exploring picturesque towns like Aspen and Glenwood Springs. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural insights, and local hospitality, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Good Day Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Traverse the Rocky Mountains
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Accommodation: Embassy Suites
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Rocky Mountains may seem larger than life, but your journey to Rocky Mountain National Park will see you come face to face with this extraordinary mountain landscape which snakes along western North America. Drive along the Trail Ridge Road, a designated national scenic byway and the highest continuous paved highway in America.
Day 3: Urban Farming and Picturesque Towns
Location: Vail, Glenwood Springs
Accommodation Name: Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided make MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of a local urban community farm that is using organic and sustainable farming practices. Before continuing to Glenwood Springs, we spend some time on the cobble-stoned streets of Vail. Tonight, enjoy your Stay With Stories hotel.
Day 4: Admire Aspen
Location: Aspen, Snowmass Mountain
Accommodation: Hotel Colorado
Accommodation Name: Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen. Join your Travel Director for a walk through town as an exciting and exclusive experience awaits, as you're taken by jeep up to the historic Burlingame Cabin located on Snowmass Mountain. There you can take an extended jeep tour, or just sit back, relax and admire the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. Enjoy a delicious lunch hot off the grill, a campfire, live music, and s'mores.
Day 5: Savour the Flavours of Colorado Connect with Locals
Location: Palisade, Colorado National Monument
Accommodation: Wine Country Inn
Accommodation Name: Wine Country Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head for Palisade today. Stop at a local peach farm (seasonal) to learn all about fruit farming in the Rockies. After, we head on to the Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grandest landscapes of the American West. This evening, stay in the heart of wine country and enjoy a Be My Guest dinner where you will be hosted by the owner of a local winery for an exclusive evening.
Day 6: Journey Through The Rustic Rockies Stays With Stories
Location: Ouray, Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we stop in the must-see town of Ouray. From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," a designated All-American Byway and one of the state’s most scenic drives. Arrive in the mining town of Silverton to board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Durango. Take a trip back in time as this coal-fired, steam-powered train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century.
Day 7: Unmask Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls, at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Several hundred of these dwellings, in addition to thousands of known archaeological sites, are preserved in this protected area and you’ll have an opportunity to see several during your visit to the park. Later, indulge in free time in Durango with options of activities, including a fun rafting experience on the Animas River. This evening, explore Downtown Durango's bustling restaurant scene with plenty of options destined to suit any taste palette.
Day 8: Discover The Great Sand Dunes
Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Springs
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions- 101 square kilometers with the tallest dune towering 229 meters high, making it the largest sand dune in North America. Learn about this unique geographical phenomenon before heading for Colorado Springs.
Day 9: Traverse To Majestic Pikes Peak
Location: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Colorado's spectacular Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark boasting dramatic vistas and towering, jagged red-rock formations. You will be joined by a Local Specialist for a guided tour through the gardens. You'll have time for lunch on your own in Manitou Springs. Board the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an unforgettable trip to the 4,302 meters summit of Pikes Peak and learn about the locations connection with the patriotic song "America the Beautiful.'' Tonight, sit down and enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow friends.
Day 10: Roam the Garden of the Gods
Location: Garden of the Gods, Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey ends today as we say a fond farewell to new friends and depart Colorado Springs for Denver, but not before one last stop at yet another natural wonder of Colorado at the spectacular Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark boasting dramatic vistas and towering, jagged red-rock formations. After some free time, you will be joined by a Garden of the Gods Local Specialist for a guided scenic loop drive around the central Garden zone and spurs out to Ridge Road and Balanced Rock for views of North and South Gateway Rocks, Gray Rock, Montezuma Tower, Scotsman Picnic Area, High Point, Siamese Twins, Steamboat Rock, and Balanced Rock where we’ll say our goodbyes to the group. After a final big morning, transfer to Denver International Airport.
What's Included
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Hotel Accommodation
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for various attractions such as the Garden of the Gods and urban community farm.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic drives along routes like the Million Dollar Highway and Trail Ridge Road are included.
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Train Excursions
Iconic train rides on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Pikes Peak Cog Railway are included.
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National Park Visits
Visits to national parks such as Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes are included.
What's Not Included
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Lunches and some evening meals
Lunches and some evening meals are not included in the tour package.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from the tour start and end points
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel through Colorado's stunning landscapes with scenic drives along the Million Dollar Highway and Peak to Peak Highway. Enjoy iconic train rides on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, offering breathtaking views and a touch of history.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of elegance and comfort with stays at the Hyatt Regency Denver, Embassy Suites, and the historic Strater Hotel. Enjoy the charm of the Wine Country Inn and the Hilton Garden Inn, offering a mix of modern amenities and authentic Western hospitality.
Dive into Culture
- Aspen: Wind along country roads passing elk habitat and views of the Elk Mountain Range as you journey out of Aspen and up Snowmass Mountain. As you climb, you'll venture off road, past small waterfalls and through open meadows, and aspen groves. When you reach Coney Glade Overlook you'll be able to take in the amazing views as your local experts will explain the history and geology of the area.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an urban farm in Boulder, a Be My Guest dinner at a local winery in Palisade, and a ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Additionally, there is a jeep tour to the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass Mountain in Aspen. ...more ...less
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour features stays at notable accommodations such as the Hyatt Regency Denver, Embassy Suites, Hotel Colorado, Wine Country Inn, and the historic Strater Hotel in Durango. These hotels offer a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners. However, lunches and some evening meals are not included in the tour package.
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What activities are available during free time in Durango?
During free time in Durango, you have the option to engage in activities such as a fun rafting experience on the Animas River. Additionally, you can explore Downtown Durango's bustling restaurant scene.
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What is the significance of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway included in the tour?
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the world's highest cog railroad, offering an unforgettable trip to the 4,302 meters summit of Pikes Peak. The location is historically significant as it inspired the patriotic song 'America the Beautiful.'
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Welcome to Colorado
10 Days Starting and ending in Denver, USA
Visiting: Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Snowmass Mountain, Palisade, Colorado National Monument, Ouray, Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCOLZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
