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9-Nights Welcome to Colorado from $3,555
Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1506048
Welcome To Colorado
Enjoy Colorado sightseeing visiting Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes National Parks, hearing 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.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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!
- 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.
- Denver, Boulder, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Palisade, Silverton, Durango, Ouray, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs
- 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 car.
- 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 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.
- 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 6
9 nights from $3,555 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Welcome to Colorado
Day 1 - Good Day Denver
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 Welcome Dinner.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Traverse the Rocky Mountains
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, 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.
Accommodations: Embassy Suites
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Urban Farming and Picturesque Towns
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, Hotel Colorado has undergone a complete renovation, bringing it back to its former glory as the Grande Dame of Glenwood Springs having hosted historical figures including Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Molly Brown and now, you.
Accommodations: Colorado
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Admire Aspen
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.
Accommodations: Colorado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Savor the Flavors of Colorado Connect with Locals
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!
Accommodations: Wine Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Journey Through The Rustic Rockies Stays With Stories
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 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. This evening, you'll enjoy a night at The Strater Hotel, one of the West’s first iconic hotels and the centerpiece of Durango, your Stays with Story.
Accommodations: Strater Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Unmask 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. Later, indulge in free time in Durango with options of 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.
Accommodations: Strater Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Discover The Great Sand Dunes
Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions- 101 square kilometers with the tallest dune towering 229 meters high, 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 198 meters from base to top. Then learn about this unique geographical phenomenon before heading for Colorado Springs.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Traverse To Majestic Pikes Peak
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 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 Farewell Dinner where you’ll have the chance to raise a glass and celebrate the adventures we’ve had in Colorado.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Roam the Garden of the Gods
Our journey ends today as we say a fond farewell to new friends and depart Colorado Springs for Denver, but not before one last stop at 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. After some free time, you will be joined by a Garden of the Gods Local Specialist for a guided scenic loop drive around the central Garden zone and spurs out to Ridge Road and Balanced Rock for views of North and South Gateway Rocks, Gray Rock, Montezuma Tower, Scotsman Picnic Area, High Point, Siamese Twins, Steamboat Rock, and Balanced Rock where we’ll say our goodbyes to the group. After a final big morning, transfer to Denver International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Ford's Travel
10738 W. Bell Road
Sun City, AZ 85351
USA
(623) 933-8256
(844) 827-3721