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Colorado & the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park
Million Dollar Highway
Varaison Vineyards and Winery
Mesa Verde National Park
Cowboy Dinner & Show
Discover a treasure trove of natural wonders as we explore the beautiful Centennial State. Our adventure begins with gazing upon otherworldly views in Rocky Mountain National Park and an overnight in the famous ski resort town of Vail. Venture into the Grand Valley for landscapes boasting fresh fruits during our stop at a local vineyard and vast canyons in Colorado National Monument. Step back in time and uncover the historic gold rush past in Silverton, then climb aboard for an incredible rail journey with views of the San Juan National Forest. Become immersed in the Indigenous culture of Mesa Verde National Park and feel the spirit of the Old West in Durango, where we experience an authentic cowboy dinner with a boot stompin’ show! Marvel at the rolling hills of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve before our journey concludes in Colorado Springs with a cog railway ride to the summit of Pikes Peak and a visit to the stunning Garden of the Gods.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
- Day 1: Fly to ColoradoUpon arriving in Denver, we check in to our overnight accommodations and settle in for a restful evening.
- Day 2: Rocky Mountain National ParkOur adventure begins by heading into Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy sweeping overlooks of Trail Ridge Road as we wind across the highest paved highway in the country and gaze in wonder at the expansive tundra wilderness that surrounds us. Take in thrilling views from over 12,000 feet above sea level, keep your eyes peeled for majestic wildlife, and learn the history of this area at the on-site visitor centers. Tonight, we check in to our accommodations near the alpine village of Vail and get to know fellow travelers at an included Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3: Colorado National MonumentToday's travels take us westbound to the Grand Valley, home to the state’s wine country and marvelous red cliffs. We visit Varaison Vineyards and Winery in Palisade, a rich agricultural area that’s renowned for its peaches, to indulge in a tasting of locally crafted vinos and an included lunch. Next, enjoy a scenic drive through one of the great landscapes in the American West, Colorado National Monument. As we venture along Rim Rock Drive, soak up vistas of imposing monoliths, red rock canyons, and wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and eagles. This evening, our accommodations are in Grand Junction.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 4: Silverton Rail JourneyThis morning, we head south towards Silverton on the renowned Million Dollar Highway. Located in the heart of the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, the Silverton area was packed with mining camps in search of silver and gold in the late 1800s. Explore the historic district’s intriguing attractions during time at leisure, such as the Mining Heritage Center and the restored 1902 County Jail Museum, or take an optional stagecoach ride along the main drag. Next, board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a classic steam-powered journey along the same tracks that settlers once took through the area. Marvel at views of stunning canyons, the San Juan National Forest, and the Animas River flowing beside us. Later, we settle in for two nights in Durango.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Mesa Verde National ParkToday begins with a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people in Mesa Verde National Park, featuring nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and 600 cave dwellings. On a driving tour, our knowledgeable guide teaches us about the history and culture of the people who inhabited this area from 600-1300 AD. We also stop by the visitor center before returning to Durango, where we have time to visit nearby shops or kick up our feet. Later, we gather for an incredible cowboy dinner and show at Bar D Chuckwagon. Delight your taste buds with a hearty Western meal followed by a variety show, featuring songs of the Old West and comedy.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: Great Sand Dunes National ParkWe depart Durango this morning to continue our journey along the majestic terrain of the Rocky Mountains. While traveling through Wolf Creek Pass, we take in stunning views of the sweeping landscapes below from an elevation of 10,875 feet. This afternoon, a picturesque drive brings us to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape filled with rolling dunes as far as the eye can see – some over 700 feet high! Tonight, we check in for a two-night stay in beautiful Colorado Springs and have an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 7: Pikes Peak & Garden of the GodsToday, we board the world’s highest cog train for a ride up one of the most iconic mountains in the country at The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. While ascending over 14,000 feet, take in gorgeous views and watch for wildlife while our conductor shares intriguing stories. We then depart for Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark known for its supernatural beauty of red rock formations soaring into the blue skies above. A local guide joins our motorcoach tour to provide interesting commentary and great photo stops in this surreal area. Later, we gather for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce on our spectacular Colorado adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8: Fly HomeWe return home today with incredible memories of our time exploring the Centennial State.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Hampton Inn & Suites Denver - Cherry Creek
- 1 night at Highline Vail - a DoubleTree by Hilton
- 1 night at SpringHill Suites Grand Junction Downtown
- 2 nights at Fairfield Inn & Suites Durango
- 2 nights in Colorado Springs
Attractions & Highlights
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Colorado National Monument
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Million Dollar Highway
- Mesa Verde National Park guided tour
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- Wolf Creek Pass
- Garden of the Gods guided tour
- The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
10 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Vail
- Lunch with wine tasting at Varaison Vineyards & Winery
- Cowboy dinner & show at Bar D Chuckwagon
- Farewell Dinner in Colorado Springs
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport