Welcome to Colorado

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.

: Head for Palisade, known as the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado,' perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at the Clark Family Orchards and 'Connect with Locals' as you meet with family members and learn about the history of this 7-generation farming family and their 7-generation orchards. You'll also get an opportunity to sample fresh in-season produce, salsas, jams and preserves, pickled veggies, grilling sauces and salad dressings. In addition to ten varieties of the famous Palisade Peaches, a wide variety of other fruit and vegetables are also grown on property (production varies depending on seasons).

Aspen: This morning, head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen, renowned the world over as a resort for the rich and famous, with high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk through the delightful center of town.

: One of the hidden gems in the Western USA, Colorado National Monument is a stunning section of land sitting atop the Colorado Plateau. The views offer dramatic panoramic photo opportunites of Monument Canyon (Independence Monument and Monument Canyon View Overlooks), the monument's most prominent attraction and runs the entire width of the park. You will also learn the controversy of why Colorado National Monument has yet to be designated as a National Park. (Possible viewing stop at Red Canyonand/or Cold Point Shivers Overlook on the way out toward the East Side entrance.) Drive along Rim Rock Drive enjoying spectacylar views all around you.

Mesa Verde National Park: 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, as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop, and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.

Silverton: From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," one of the most beautiful roads in America, designated as an All-American Byway of Colorado's most spectacular views as it spirals over Coal Bank Summit, Molas Pass, and Red Mountain Pass. Arrive in the mining town of Silverton, once a bawdy mining town.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve: Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. Start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film, various exhibits and Park Rangers to answer your questions about this unique geographical phenomenon. The back of the Visitor Center gives you a unique view of the full breadth of the dunes, framed by the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Your Travel Director will then take you to the best place for picture taking from the botttom of High Dune, a towering sand dune about 699 feet (198 m) from base to top.

Colorado Springs: This afternoon visit the brand new U.S. Olympics and Paralympics Museum. The Museum is The 60,000-square feet dedicated to America's greatest athelets ansd their incredible stories behind their Olympic endeavors. It was called one of America's best new attractions upon it's 2020 opening and today is considered one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. Before exploring at your own leisure you are invited to take part in a 60-minute storytelling experience led by an experienced guide. The tour highlights origins of the ancient and modern Olympic and Paralympic Games, the legacy of U.S. Olympic & Paralympic athletes, stories behind the artifacts, and more. Guide included.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Board the most iconic experience in Colorado Springs: the newly renovated historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railway. After 126 years of operation, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway has undergone a $100 million renovation and will take you past cascading streams, waterfalls, through aspen and pine forest as it winds its way up to the summit for some of the world's most spectacular views from this 14,115-foot peak (4,302 meters). There will be time to enjoy the extraordinary views and visit the new Summit House.

Colorado Springs: Experience 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. At the excellent Visitors Center, you will experience the new Geo-Trekker Theatre for a fascinating presentation on how those majestic geological formations got here. Tour includes a Step On Guide.

Boulder: Tour Growing Gardens, an 11-acre farm. Learn about land conservation, water availability, regenerative agricultural practices, environmental education, and animal husbandry.

: Scenic Drive along Trail Ridge Road, Million Dollar Highway, San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, Rim Rock Drive, Peak to Peak Highway

: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Colorado National Monument, Palisade, Silverton, Durango, Ouray, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs

: Iconic Train The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, & Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Durango: After some free time in Silverton to get lunch, browse the town and stop at the Visitor Center, take a trip back in time aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as this coal-fired, steam-powered train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car.

Boulder: Stay at Hotel Boulderado, which for more than 100 years, has been one of the most famous and luxurious hotel landmarks in Boulder.

Glenwood Springs: Discover Hotel Colorado, a member of the National Trust's Historic Hotel of America.

Durango: Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.

Colorado Springs: Enjoy a stay at the Antlers, one of only two hotels in Colorado Springs that has the enviable location of being downtown with direct access to shops, restaurants, boutiques and bars.

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: All transport and transfers shown

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Optional Experiences and free time

9 Breakfast (B)

5 Dinner (D)

: One of the hidden gems in the Western USA, Colorado National Monument is a stunning section of land sitting atop the Colorado Plateau. The views offer dramatic panoramic photo opportunities of Monument Canyon (Independence Monument and Monument Canyon View Overlooks), the monument's most prominent attraction and runs the entire width of the park. You will also learn the controversy of why Colorado National Monument has yet to be designated as a National Park. (Possible viewing stop at Red Canyon and/or Cold Point Shivers Overlook on the way out toward the East Side entrance.) Drive along Rim Rock Drive enjoying spectacular views all around you.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve: Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. Start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film, various exhibits and Park Rangers to answer your questions about this unique geographical phenomenon. The back of the Visitor Center gives you a unique view of the full breadth of the dunes, framed by the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Your Travel Director will then take you to the best place for picture taking from the bottom of High Dune, a towering sand dune about 699 feet (198 m) from base to top.