7 Days/6 Nights

Colorado’s Vintage Railways

Ride the world-famous Royal Gorge Route, return to the exciting days of the Frontier West on the old-fashioned Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Railroad, enjoy the incredibly scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad, and relax on The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad as we ride past Mount Massive and Mount Elbert. All aboard!

Tour Highlights

• Ride the rails on five famous, Old West-style passenger trains.
• Gaze at awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain splendor as far as the eye can see.
• Explore the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
• Relive U.S. history in genuine, 19th-century pioneer mining towns.

Itinerary

Day 1—Denver: It was the Iron Horse that helped tame the Old West, bringing an entire continent together and leading to the ­historic expansion of the United States. Now you can relive the thrill and excitement of that historic era on our Colorado's Vintage Railways Tour.

Meet your fellow rail travelers for a  welcome reception at our hotel in Denver—the Mile-High City. Then get ready to say "all aboard" for the rail ­adventure of a lifetime! Welcome Reception included.

Day 2—Denver/Colorado Springs: Today we're off to the stunning Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This 1,367-acre park at the base of Pikes Peak is where the Great Plains meet the Rockies—and is like a little piece of heaven! You'll be amazed by the abundance of plant and animal life here, as well as the magnificent red sandstone formations such as the Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock. The visitor center offers interesting maps and exhibits, as well as a captivating tour of the park.

You'll also enjoy the magical town of Manitou Springs, hidden between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Nine mineral springs throughout the town are fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. The Ute, Cheyenne and many other native Americans considered this area sacred. Meals included: B, L.

Option—Pikes Peak Cog Railway: If you're feeling extra adventurous, sign up for a thrilling 8,000-foot ascent to the top of majestic Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.) taking in miles of mountainous scenery along the way. Price: $33 per person.

Day 3—Royal Gorge Railroad: Make sure there's plenty of film in your camera today as we ride on "North America's most scenic railroad"—the world-famous Royal Gorge Route! From the comfort of your enclosed coach seat or open-air observation car, you'll enjoy fabulous scenery and wildlife, and be pampered by the outstanding train staff. Our classic, old-time diesel engine chugs along the mighty Arkansas River and it winds its way through the steep granite cliffs of the gorge. Along the way, we'll pass under the Royal Gorge Bridge, suspended more than 1,000 feet above the tracks. Meals included: B, L.

Day 4—Cumbres & Toltec Railroad: Return to the exciting days of the Frontier West during our trek on the old-fashioned Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The memories begin the minute the stately steam engine blows its horn! Relax in your comfortable coach or open-air observation car as we climb high mountain passes and travel through a breathtaking gorge. Our unforgettable journey from Antonito comes to an end in the old stagecoach town of Chama, New Mexico, home to one of the last coal tipples in the country. We’ll stop mid-way in the small mining town of Osier for a delicious lunch. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 5—Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Immerse yourself in yesteryear with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum’s awesome memorabilia, including full-size ­locomotives, maps, photos and artwork. Then it’s “all aboard!” Gaze in awe as we make our way through the magnificent canyons in the lush San Juan National Forest! Meals included: B, D.

Day 6—Grand Junction/Leadville, Colorado Southern Railroad: The junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers is what has made the fertile soils around Grand Junction the top fruit-growing region in the state. First thing this morning, we visit a fruit farm in this lush valley. Then we travel to the mining town of Leadville for our final rail excursion. This famous train will take us through the San Isabel National Forest right past Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, the two tallest peaks in Colorado. Meals included: B, L.

Day 7—Georgetown/Denver: We begin our final day together in charming Georgetown, which started as a mining camp in 1859 and still maintains much of its 19th century architecture. After a bountiful breakfast, meet storyteller Leon Joseph Littlebird as he performs for our group.

Later you’ll say good-bye to your newfound friends and take home a lifetime of happy railroading memories! Meal included: B.

Accommodations

• Day 1: Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast, Aurora
• Day 2: Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs
• Day 3: Best Western Movie Manor, Monte Vista
• Day 4: Holiday Inn Durango, Durango
• Day 5: Grand Vista Hotel, Grand Junction
• Day 6: Comfort Suites, Dillon