Trains of the Colorado

br />Experience the majesty of the Colorado Rockies from four trains that celebrate the can-do spirit of the Old West. Scale Pike’s Peak on the world’s highest cog railway. Climb aboard an 1881 steam train for a journey through the San Juan Mountains. Travel the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the U.S., reaching 12,183 ft. Discover the ancient culture of the Anasazi Indians at Mesa Verde National Park. Relish cowboy culture in an evening of authentic dining and entertainment.

Day 1: Denver, Colorado Area - Tour Begins
Traverse the Colorado Rockies with Collette Vacations as you journey through the beauty of nature with Alpine lakes, towering peaks and rolling meadows at every turn.

Day 2: Denver Area-Estes Park-Rocky Mountain National Park-Denver Area
Travel to the resort village of Estes Park, famous for its Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's novel, The Shining. Enjoy leisure time to meander among its unique shops and fine galleries. Next stop is Rocky Mountain National Park to discover the true meaning of “panoramic” as you experience incredible views. Then, travel across the famed Trail Ridge Road* which forms the highest continuous highway in America reaching heights of 12,183 feet. This celebrated “Roof of the Rockies” offers views of massive peaks and rugged canyons as you cross the continental divide.

Day 3: Denver Area - Georgetown - Grand Junction
Travel through the Rocky Mountains on a scenic and historic train ride aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Completed in 1884 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. A lunch stop is made at the picturesque Alpine village of Vail. Lined with chalets, outdoor cafes and intriguing shops and galleries, Vail is one the finest resort destinations in the world. Later, arrive in Grand Junction, your home for the next two evenings.

Day 4: Grand Junction - Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction
Visit one of the grand landscapes of the American West - Colorado National Monument. Travel along the Rim Rock to see a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Later, journey to Colorado’s wine country to learn about one of the region’s finest vineyards and sample the fruits of its labors. Tonight’s winemaker’s dinner at a lovely vineyard will be an exceptional experience where you can relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers.

Day 5: Grand Junction - Silverton - Durango
Drive south to the small mining town of Silverton, a national historic landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town offers spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture built between 1882 - 1910. Then it's “all aboard” 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 you will soon realize it is the view that is truly precious.

Day 6: 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. Visit the fascinating Spruce Tree Cliff Dwellings to see two of the largest cliff dwellings built between AD 1211 - 1278 by ancestors of the Pueblos. This evening, enjoy an Old West adventure filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment**.

Day 7: Durango - Canon City - Colorado Springs
Travel east across southern Colorado to Canon City’s 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. This is some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see.

Day 8: Colorado Springs - Manitou Springs - Colorado Springs
Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pike's Peak, the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. 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 magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods, on the National Register for Historic Places, to view the towering sandstone formations and a wonderful view of Pike's Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip filled with scenic delights and railway adventures.

Day 9: Colorado Springs - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Colorado Springs.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/25/2012 - 6/3/2012	$1,999
6/1/2012 - 6/10/2012	$1,999
6/9/2012 - 6/18/2012	$1,999
6/22/2012 - 7/1/2012	$1,999
7/6/2012 - 7/15/2012	$1,999
7/14/2012 - 7/23/2012	$1,999
7/27/2012 - 8/5/2012	$1,999
8/3/2012 - 8/12/2012	$1,999
8/17/2012 - 8/26/2012	$1,999
8/24/2012 - 9/2/2012	$1,999
8/31/2012 - 9/9/2012	$1,999
9/7/2012 - 9/16/2012	$1,999
9/8/2012 - 9/17/2012	$1,999
9/15/2012 - 9/24/2012	$1,999
9/21/2012 - 9/30/2012	$1,999
9/26/2012 - 10/5/2012	$1,999
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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