Rocky Mountain Splendour
14 Nights Denver to Denver
This is an exciting Luxury 15 day tour that takes you through beautiful Colorado – the Centennial State and home to the Majestic Rocky Mountains. Colorado is a year round destination boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year. With western history abound, four national parks, forty State parks, and 26 world class ski resorts this is some of the most beautiful scenery in all of the USA. On this tour you will stay in the Mile High city of Denver and amng other highlights visit the unforgettable Rocky Mountain, and Mesa Verde National Park with it’s Cliff dwellings and mesa top villages built between AD450 and 1300.
Day 1 - Denver
Upon arrival into Denver pick up your rental vehicle and drive to the Downtown area of the city to your first hotel, the Historic Brown Palace Hotel where you will stay for the next 3 nights. This hotel is known as "the" place to stay while in downtown Denver and has been "the" downtown lodge for over 100 years.
Days 2 & 3 - Denver
You will have two full days to explore the museums and attractions of Denver, many of which are located within a short walk or shuttle ride from your downtown hotel location. Others, such as the Red Rocks Park and Lookout Mountain (gravesite of Buffalo Bill Cody) are an easy drive away.
Day 4 - Grand Junction (244 miles)
Leaving the city of Denver, today you will drive through the mountains of Colorado, past the winter play-resorts of Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail. You will pass through the beautiful Glenwood Canyon and continue to follow the Colorado River to the "west slope" where you will spend two nights in the heart of Grand Junction at the Hawthorne Suites Lodge.
Day 5 - Grand Junction
A day to explore the beauty of the Colorado National Monument, visit some of the wineries of Western Colorado and the other attractions and museums. For anybody with an interest in Paleontology there is a lot of Prehistoric Dinosaur history in this region of Grand Junction.
Day 6 – Moab (145 miles)
Today you travel just a short distance into Utah, again following the Colorado River as it journeys into the more desert terrain. You will spend the next three nights at one of the top resort lodges in Utah--the Sorrell River Ranch, fast becoming a must stop for many travellers looking for the best. Ideally situated along the Colorado River, the ranch is a perfect place to both relax and enjoy some of the many optional activities such as river rafting, horseback riding, fishing, jeep touring, jetboat touring and much more.
Days 7 & 8 - Moab
With two full days in the area, you will also have plenty of time to enjoy the some of the most interesting scenery along this tour route--Arches and Canyonlands National Parks--as well as take advantage of the time to enjoy the many facilities and touring options the ranch offers.
Day 9 - Telluride (132 miles)
Today we suggest more touring in the southern regions of the Canyonlands Park (Needles District) before returning to Colorado and on to near one of the most up and coming resort areas in the state—Telluride. Here you will again find many activities and lots of hiking opportunities, or you can simply relax back at your lodge - The Chipeta Sun Lodge/Ridgeway CO
Day 10 - Telluride
From your base at beautiful Telluride you can explore the canyon, travel to nearby hot springs, take a jeep tour up into the San Juan Mountains, or enjoy some shopping in some of the fine shops and galleries.
Day 11 – Durango (111 miles)
Travel to the corner of Colorado today to visit the Mesa Verde National Park. This park features the many cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Indians built between 800-1000 years ago and was the first national park dedicated to the works of man--and not just nature. You will then proceed on to Durango for a two night stay in the Historic Strater Hotel located along the main street of this former mining community.
Day 12 - Durango
A full day to enjoy the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. The cost here is optional based on the category of ride you may wish to take. For this program, we suggest the Parlor Car (18 and over only). You will return in the late afternoon with time to explore more of Downtown Durango and enjoy a second night at the Historic Strater Hotel.
Day 13 – Colorado Springs (314 miles)
Your route today will take you past the newest of the parks in the US National Park System--the Great Sand Dunes National Park near to Alamosa. Then continue through the San Luis Valley north, then follow the Arkansas River to the Royal Gorge and on into the city of Colorado Springs. Here you will stay for the final two nights at the Cheyenne Mountain Lodge overlooking the nearby mountains.
Day 14 – Colorado Springs
A full day to enjoy the sights of Colorado Springs with, again, many options to choose from: Cog Rail to the top of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, US Olympic Training Center, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, and many other excellent attractions. You may even wish to take a drive around Pikes Peak to the gaming town of Cripple Creek to try your luck before returning to the Cheyenne Mountain lodge.
Day 15 – Denver /Home (70 miles)
A last day in this incredible state and time to take a leisurely drive back to Denver Airport which will take about 1.5-2 hours, depending on the time of day and traffic. Drop off your hire car and board your overnight flight home.
Daily Departures 22 May - 30 September 2010
Our Price Includes:
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Direct Return Flights
- 14 nights accommodation and room tax
- Car hire
- A detailed and comprehensive travel pack with a full itinerary, maps and excursion suggestions.
For your convenience flights & Car Hire are included in our tour prices. If you already have a flight and instead just require hotel accommodation and car hire please contact us for a price.
Travelling in 2010? Please call or us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk for a competitive quotation.