| Day 1: We meet at your town of departure to board our bus to O’Hare Airport, and check in for our flight to Denver, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel we will enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at the hotel. (D)
Day 2: After breakfast we will depart for Colorado Springs for a visit to the Air Force Academy and its famous Cadet Chapel. We will then proceed to Pike’s Peak, where we will board the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a ride to the summit for its unforgettable views. Lunch is planned at the Old Depot Restaurant before a visit to the Garden of the Gods with its fascinating red sandstone formation. (B, L, D)
Day 3: We depart the hotel after breakfast and head to Cannon City, site of the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. We will board the train for the 12 mile ride that follows the most famous portion of the old Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. We ride through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of Royal Gorge. This evening we gather together for dinner. (B, D)
Day 4: Today we will ride the original Rio Grande Line over the Rockies aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This is America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad and it explores 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Antonio and Cumbres Pass, the highest point on the railroad. We will enjoy lunch at Osier as we think of the gold and silver miners as well as the loggers who traveled the same route long ago. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Today we board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; voted on as one of the “Top Ten Exciting Train Journeys in the World”, by the travel writers association. The route winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest. The locomotives used today remain 100% coal fired, steam-operated and are maintained in their original condition. (B, D)
Day 6: Today we will pass through the Rocky Mountains as we travel on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. A 1880s engineering feat, the Devil’s Gate High Bridge rises 95 feet above Clear Creek. As we travel over the reconstructed bridge, marvel at the most complex railroad loop in the world. Witness some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery before we arrive back in Denver. (B, D)
Day 7: Following breakfast we will have a city tour of Denver, Capital of Colorado, including the State Capital Building, Civic Center and much more. We will have free time this afternoon to either visit some of the sights on our own, or spend some time shopping in this beautiful city. We will meet for our farewell dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 8: After breakfast it is time to get ready to depart Denver and fly back to Chicago. After our arrival in Chicago the group will be transported back to their starting point. (B) |
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| Air Transportation |
| We will use a major airline from Chicago to Denver round trip – the flight might operate either out of O’Hare or from Midway Airport. |
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| Hotels |
Denver
The Doubletree Hotel
Colorado Springs
The Radisson Hotel
Alamosa
Clarion Hotel
of the Rio Grande
Durango
The Quality Inn Hotel
Grand Junction
The Doubletree Hotel |
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| Travel Insurance |
| The cost of this trip includes full third-party insurance which covers trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, medical coverage and coverage against financial default of all suppliers including the airlines used. The medical coverage also covers pre-existing medical conditions. |
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B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
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Don’t forget to turn in your create-a-video cameras to the group leader. |
It’s known as “Colorful Colorado” for its eternal beauty. Enjoy it by motorcoach and train.