Welcome to Colorado
Experience Overview
Enjoy Colorado sightseeing visiting Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes National Parks. Hear captivating tales of the Gold Rush, ride aboard historic trains and drive the scenic "Million Dollar" and Peak to Peak Highways against the unforgettable backdrop of red-rock country.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Palisade: This evening, 'Connect With Locals,' at Maison La Belle Vie Winery , as you meet the owners for an exclusive evening, starting with a tour of the winery and tasting the flavors of their lovingly blended estate-grown reds. Then sit down for a three-course dinner paired with wines adjacent the 4.5 acre vineyard and al fresco under the Colorado Sky!
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.
Iconic Experience
- Rocky Mountain National Park: 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.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to its advanced billing. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above treeline, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their motorcoach.
- Vail: Welcome to one of Colorado's great playgrounds. While the winter attracts the ski crowds, the summer draws in guests to the European-style Vail Village. Surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks, the pedestrian village offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Feel the friendly local vibe that makes Vail cosmopolitan and unpretentious.
- Aspen: A typical mountain lunch will be served, complete with bonfire, s'mores, and live western entertainment. Before lunch you can try your hand at horseshoeing, cornholing, and using a lasso.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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'll drive along Rim Rock Drive enjoying spectacular views all around you.
- 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 you journey along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car.
- 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.
- Mesa Verde National Park: There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
- 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.
- 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 Theater for a fascinating presentation on how those majestic geological formations got here. Tour includes a Step On Guide.
- 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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Boulder: Tour Growing Gardens, an 11-acre urban farm. Learn about land conservation, water availability, regenerative agricultural practices, environmental education, and animal husbandry. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
Must-see Highlights
- Visit Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes National Parks, Colorado National Monument, Garden of the Gods
- Scenic Drive along Million Dollar Highway, Rim Rock Drive, Peak to Peak Highway
- Iconic Train along the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park
Trafalgar Difference
- Glenwood Springs: Hotel Colorado has been delighting guests with its legendary hospitality since 1893. This landmark hotel is located right in downtown Glenwood Springs, mere steps from Glenwood Hot Springs.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19252
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 540.1651A
Starts: Denver (CO), United States Of America
Finishes: Denver (CO), United States Of America
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- 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
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,794 ($579 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City. Spend the day recovering after your travels or explore Denver at your leisure before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a dinner.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center
Meals: Dinner
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 (seasonal), a designated national scenic byway and the highest continuous paved highway in America. Spend some time at lunch on your own in Estes Park, a small western town situated at the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park. This evening you will have free time to explore Boulder on your own.
Accommodation: Embassy Suites
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local urban community farm that is using organic and sustainable farming practices. The 1-hour tour will dive into topics including regenerative agriculture, land conservation, and food access. Then walk along the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Vail Mountain Resort and feel the fresh mountain air in your lungs. Continue to Glenwood Springs, a resort city known for its hot springs, sitting in the rugged Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the vast White River National Forest. This evening, your Stay with Stories overnight is the historic and iconic Colorado Hotel in the heart of Glenwood Springs. Built in 1893 during the mining boom, the Grande Dame of Glenwood Springs has hosted historical figures including Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Molly Brown and now, you.
Accommodation: Colorado
Meals: Breakfast
Head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen, known for its high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. Join your Travel Director for a walk through town. Then, Dive Into Culture as you are taken by 4WD jeeps from Aspen up Snowmass Mountain for an exciting wilderness excursion. As you climb Snowmass, you will venture off road, through Aspen groves, past small waterfalls and through open meadows overlooking amazing views of the surrounding valleys. Your Local Experts will explain the history and geology of the area, including how ice age mammal bones, including Saber-toothed Tigers and Woolly Mammoths were found in the reservoir below. Arrive at the historic Burlingmane Cabin, and try your hand at horseshoes, corn hole, or relax and admire the breath-taking views of the mountain ranges while the staff tends to all your needs. Enjoy a delicious lunch hot off the grill with wine and beer, a campfire, live music, and s'mores. Back in Glenwood Springs, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps, visit the renowned Glenwood Hot Springs, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool.
Accommodation: Colorado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Head for Palisade, known as the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado,' perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at Clark Family Orchards (seasonal) and Connect with Locals as you meet with Clark family members and learn about the history of this farming family. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of the orchards before sampling fresh in-season produce. You’ll have the chance to bring home some unique salsas, jams and preserves, pickled veggies, grilling sauces and salad dressings. After, we head on to Colorado National Monument, preserving one of the grandest landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. This evening, stay in the heart of wine country and enjoy a Be My Guest experience dinner at the Maison La Belle Vie Winery. You will be hosted by the owner for an exclusive evening, starting with a tour of the winery and tasting the flavors of their lovingly blended estate-grown reds. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner paired with wines adjacent the 4.5 acre vineyard and al fresco under the Colorado Sky!
Accommodation: Wine Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head up the Western Slopes along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and stop in the must-see town of Ouray, nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the Rockies, and often referred to as the "Switzerland of America.” From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," a designated All-American Byway and one of the state’s most scenic drives with some 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, to board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Durango. Take a trip back in time as you journey along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. This evening, enjoy your stay at The Strater Hotel, one of the West’s first iconic hotels and the centerpiece of Durango, your Stays with Story.
Accommodation: Strater
Meals: 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. Later, indulge in free time in Durango with optional 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.
Accommodation: Strater
Meals: Breakfast
Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) and 725 feet (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. First up, set the scene for the adventure ahead with a start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film and various exhibits. 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 meters) from base to top. Then learn about this unique geographical phenomenon before heading for Colorado Springs.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Downtown
Meals: Breakfast
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. In the afternoon, enjoy the magical town of Manitou Springs before boarding the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an unforgettable trip to the 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) summit of Pikes Peak. Ride past cascading streams and forests of aspen and pine, enjoy the striking panoramas and learn of Pikes Peak connection with the patriotic song "America the Beautiful.'' Your trip through the Colorado Rockies comes to an end with a local dinner where you’ll have the chance to raise a glass and celebrate the adventures we’ve had in Colorado.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Downtown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey concludes today as we bid a fond farewell to new friends and depart Colorado Springs. Enjoy a transfer to Denver, with a complimentary drop-off at Denver International Airport, ensuring a smooth and convenient end to your adventure. Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Carl Roling - Traveled, August 2024
Wonderful! Will definitely use Trafalgar again for future trips! Excellent service! It was great to have the coupons for the “ optional experiences”, and having the airport drop off at the conclusion of the trip was wonderful!! The tour was well organized! We really enjoyed all the places we visited. The hotels were very nice! The meals that were included in the tour were delicious. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was amazing!! He was very knowledgeable and he looked out for everyone (some folks had food allergies; etc). *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a lot of fun to hang out with! The driver of our motor coach , *Personal information removed by Feefo*, did a wonderful job. He’s an excellent driver!!!! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very sociable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Great trip! Highly recommended! Trafalgar’s service is top notch! The itinerary took us to the places that we wanted to see and experience. The Welcome to Colorado trip was great! So much fun visiting all the National Parks; the scenery was beautiful! Would have liked a little more time at the Olympics and Paralympics Museum. The TD (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was super cool and made the trip enjoyable and entertaining!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024
David Bell - Traveled, September 2024
VERY GOOD.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
A good but not an excellent trip. The tour date we chose was one of the most expensive and yet Trafalgar chose to put a tour director in training to lead the tour. The tour director was not familiar with this particular tour and as a result mishandled some occasions. We do not blame the tour director since everyone has to go through a learning curve. We blame Trafalgar for not assigning the best and more experienced tour director to handle this tour. The Strater hotel is a motel 6 in disguise. The room temperature was preset to 68 degrees F and cannot be changed. The breakfast was the worst with little or no selections. The room was not cleaned properly with no replenishment of towels, body wash, shampoo etc. We were assigned a room on the first floor and the window was not locked. This was a serious security breakdown. The room at Hotel Colorado we were in was facing the courtyard and it was noisy late into the night along with a noisy air conditioning unit. Both Historic Strater and Hotel Colorado do not meet our expectations. The trip met our expectations with lots of good scenery and some widelife. The train ride from Silverton to Durango was underwelming and we preferred the drive on the million dollar highway. We did not see much at Pikes Peak and Sand Dunes National Park due to cloudy/rainy weather but that was beyond Trafalagar’s control. The Clark Family farm visit was canceled and replaced by visiting a peach orchard with no peaches on the trees since it was late in the season. Trafalgar should provide updated itinerary for the tour and not using the same template for all the tour dates. We prefer spending more time in Colorado National Monument instead of the peach orchard. Trafalgar should seriously consider replacing Strater Hotel and Hotel Colorado with other better hotels in the area. We would have more comfortable rooms and better breakfast. One can always visit these historic hotels if interested without staying there. It was a good (not excellent) trip and we are not too enthusiastic about visiting Colorado again in the near future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Daniel Rice - Traveled, September 2024
Colorado Trip. Our Tour Director spent more time telling us about her personal life instead giving us more information about what we were seeing as we traveled on the Coach. Our Coach Driver Jerry was excellent. He made sure everyone entered and departed the coach safely. He took care of every detail. Overall a great trip. You definitely need to replace the stops at the organic farm and peach orchard. Need to add more time at the Rocky Mountain Park, Pikes Peak, Vail & Colorado Springs. A couple of the pre paid meal places need to be cleaned improve.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
The trip is a vigorous one. I loved it. The tour guide was fun, friendly, helpful and prepared. The bus driver was helpful and very congenial. Whatever snafus came up they were handled with confidence, calm and ready to switch to an alternate plan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Little expensive hotel choices could’ve been a little better and meals. Surely could’ve been better. They can’t fire Mountain side much was the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
If this is your first travel ...ask for A LOT of details before you book. As noted, better disclosure of Trip Insurance when have pre-existing conditions. Did not do a good job of helping up front the options for transportation to/from Denver International Airport at start and end of tour. When airport is 31 miles outside town, individuals arriving in area they are unfamiliar with may not want to take the train on a Friday Night from the airport and then walk several blocks to the convention center hotel. This is not a youth hostel tour program. We had to change one of our flights as we booked early and were told get your own transportation, then found out there was going to be a drop off at a particular time at the Denver airport at the end of the tour. This would have been nice to know up front. Too much outsourcing these days with call centers, etc. This is a great way to see the highlights of a very large state with a sampling of many outdoor recreational, historical, foodie, farming, etc. experiences. The issues concerning high altitude before traveling were warranted as it can by dry and hot for individuals acclimated to other regions. Offering trip insurance was great, but let people know they must pay in advance when they book if they want carrier to cover pre-existing conditions. (see note about high altitude issues). If I had not asked about the policy when inquiring about the Trafalgar Trip, I would not have known this important fact. The travel director was knowledgeable, fun and compassionate. Important if you have any emergencies or changes on the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Charles Boudreaux Jr - Traveled, September 2024
Everything was taken care of very professionally. The planned activities and meals were great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
We had a great time and Stephanie and Rhonda were excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
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