Trains of the Colorado Rockies
Travel through the stunning Colorado Rockies by train. Enjoy the natural beauty of this area, resplendent with lakes, imposing peaks and lush green meadows. This fascinating tour includes a train ride aboard the famed Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the San Juan Mountains. Journey on the world’s highest cog railroad peak to Pikes Peak - you will marvel at the backdrop this spectacular summit has to offer.
Collette Experience
- Ride aboard the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
- Journey on the world’s highest cog railroad to Pikes Peak, a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs.
- Spend two nights in Durango, a fun filled cowboy town where you can relive the excitement of the Old West.
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■ Denver ■ Rocky Mountain National Park ■ Georgetown Loop Railroad ■ Vail Grand Junction ■ Durango and Silverton Railroad ■ Mesa Verde National Park ■ Royal Gorge Railroad ■ Colorado Springs ■ Pike’s Peak Cog Railway ■ Garden of the Gods ■ 11 Days ■ 12 Meals ■ 8 Breakfasts ■ 4 Dinners
Day 1 - UK / Denver
A daytime flight from your chosen UK airport takes you to Denver, where you are met on arrival and
transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton
Day 2 - Denver
Enjoy the day at leisure in Denver. Join your fellow travellers this evening for dinner.
Meals: D
Day 3 - Denver / Boulder / Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park / Denver
Travel this morning to the resort village of Estes Park, famous for its Stanley Hotel, the
inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining. Enjoy some leisure time to meander among
its unique shops and fine galleries and perhaps have lunch in one of the village's many
dining options. Next stop is Rocky Mountain National Park where you'll discover the true
meaning of "panoramic" as you experience some of Mother Nature's most spectacular
accomplishments.You will travel across the famed Trail Ridge Road* which forms the highest
continuous highway in America reaching heights of 12,183 ft. Its name derives from its proximity
to historic pathways used by native people to cross the Rocky Mountains. With its gentle grades
and broader curves, this celebrated "Roof of the Rockies" offers massive peaks, rugged
canyons and thundering waterfalls as you cross the continental divide en route to Grand Lake and
then back to Denver.
Hotel: Grand Vista Hotel Meals: B
Day 4 - Denver/ Georgetown / Vail / Grand Junction
This morning travel through the Rocky Mountains on a scenic and historic train ride aboard the
Georgetown Loop Railroad. Completed in 1884 for the Colorado Central Railway as a means to
transport silver in and out of the region, this spectacular stretch of narrow gauge railroad
is an engineering marvel and features several horseshoe curves and bridges including the
Devil's Gate High Bridge. Next, travel out to the picturesque Alpine village of Vail,
founded as a ski resort in 1962 and incorporated as a town in 1966. Lined with spectacular
chalets, restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops and numerous cultural activities, this town is
one of the finest resort destinations in the world. Later, arrive in Grand Junction, your
home for the next two nights.
Meals: B
Day 5 - Grand Junction / Colorado National Monument / Grand Junction
This morning travel through the Rocky Mountains on a scenic and historic train ride aboard the
Georgetown Loop Railroad. Completed in 1884 for the Colorado Central Railway as a means to
transport silver in and out of the region, this spectacular stretch of narrow gauge railroad
is an engineering marvel and features several horseshoe curves and bridges including the
Devil's Gate High Bridge. Next, travel out to the picturesque Alpine village of Vail, founded
as a ski resort in 1962 and incorporated as a town in 1966. Lined with spectacular chalets,
restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops and numerous cultural activities, this town is one of the
finest resort destinations in the world. Later, arrive in Grand Junction, your home for the
next two nights.
Meals: BD
Day 6 - Grand Junction / Silverton / Durango
Today’s drive takes you south to the small mining town of Silverton, a national historic
landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town offers spectacular views combined
with magnificent Victorian charm. Enjoy some free time in town to explore its historic
architecture and buildings - most built between 1882 and 1910 during Silverton’s boom
times. Then it's "All Aboard' as you embark on the Durango and Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive was built to haul silver and
gold ore from the San Juan Mountains... but passengers soon realized it was the view that was
truly precious. Today, re-live the scenic journey from Silverton to Durango and be awestruck
by its views.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Meals: B
Day 7 - Durango / Mesa Verde National Park / Durango
An incredible day awaits at Mesa Verde National Park which preserves the one thousand year
culture of the remarkable Anasazi Indians, “the Ancient Ones”. Visit the fascinating Spruce
Tree Cliff Dwellings and see the famous Cliff Palace, two of the largest cliff dwellings built
between AD 1211 and 1278 by the ancestors of the Puebloan peoples of the Southwest. Believed
to be home to approximately 80 people, Spruce Tree House was built into a natural cave and
found to have 130 rooms and 8 ceremonial chambers. This evening enjoy a meal at your hotel
or local restaurant.
Meals: BD
Day 8 - Durango / Canon City / Colorado Springs
Travel east across southern Colorado to Canon City and the home of the Royal Gorge Railroad.
Board the train for a 24-mile ride beneath the highest suspension bridge in the world, the
Royal Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge 1,053 feet above the railroad tracks. It is no
understatement to say that this is some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see.
Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Meals: B
Day 9 - Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs / Colorado Springs
Depart for Manitou Springs and the home of Pike's Peak, the legendary symbol of the 1859
Gold Rush. Upon arrival you will embark on Pike's Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog
railroad, for an 8.9-mile journey to the top of Pike's Peak (approx. 14,110 ft). During the
journey you will see many magnificent views and perhaps see some animals in their native habitat.
Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods. Placed on the National Register for Historic Places
in 1979, this park offers towering sandstone formations and a wonderful view of Pike's Peak.
Tonight join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip filled with scenic
delights and railway adventures.
Meals: BD
Day 10 - Colorado Springs / Denver /UK
Your tour ends today. Transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight home.
Meals: B
Day 11 - Return Landing
Morning arrival at your chosen UK airport - times vary.





