Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

11 days
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Group Tour
All aboard! Calling all trainspotters and railway enthusiasts! You’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Dura...
$5,116
From$4,979
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Denver: Sightseeing; farewell dinnerROYAL GORGE
    • Take a ride back in time on an escorted vacation in Colorado and New Mexico
    • Begin with sightseeing in the “Mile High City” of Denver, including the historic Union Station in stylish lower downtown (LoDo)

What's this trip about?

    All aboard! Calling all trainspotters and railway enthusiasts! You’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; and through the rugged splendor of the Rockies aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll also pick up steam with visits to Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings, Chimayo’s famous pilgrimage site, and Glenwood Spring’s historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum. Chasing rainbows is easy as hundreds of hot-air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere of New Mexico into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Add this special event to witness the incredible Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other colorful rituals of the world’s largest balloon event.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City DENVER, COLORADO
End CityDENVER

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Attractions

  • Albuquerque
  • Colorado
  • Denver
  • Santa Fe

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN DENVER, COLORADO

Welcome to Colorado! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perf...

Day 2: DENVER–ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD–COLORADO SPRINGS

All Aboard the Royal Gorge! Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of The Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations ...

Day 3: COLORADO SPRINGS–ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

The Land of Enchantment Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to visit Albuquerque – home of the annual Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy free time this evening before an early morning adventure tomorrow! (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLI...

Day 4: ALBUQUERQUE

Up, Up & Away! Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. See Old Town Albuquerque before returning to the hotel for free time before marveling at t...

Day 5: ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE

The American Southwest Travel, via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, to the charming city of Santa Fe. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the rich history and culture of Santa Fe ...

Day 6: SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO

Enchanted Jewels Begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique objects that ...

Day 7: SANTA FE–BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT–TAOS–DURANGO, COLORADO

Ancient Cultures Depart Santa Fe and explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-m...

Day 8: DURANGO. EXCURSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Stone HousesToday, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT...

Day 9: DURANGO–NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD–SILVERTON–GLENWOOD SPRINGS

All Aboard in Durango! Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic [LF] Hotel Colorado. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Board...

Day 10: GLENWOOD SPRINGS–GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD–DENVER

Making Tracks in the Old West Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and ...

Day 11: DENVER

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Denver? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,979
Price per day$453
Last Updated: 3/19/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
01 Oct 2025
11 Oct 2025
$4,979
Available
01 Oct 2025
11 Oct 2025
$4,979
Available
08 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$4,979
Available
08 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$4,979
Available
30 Sep 2026
10 Oct 2026
$5,429
Available
30 Sep 2026
10 Oct 2026
$5,429
Available
07 Oct 2026
17 Oct 2026
$5,429
Available
07 Oct 2026
17 Oct 2026
$5,429
Available

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Other Globus Reviews

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Marilou Spero

Feb 2025

Written on

Our guide

Our guide, Evie, was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, and so very helpful. Also very friendly and respectful. The bus driver was a very experienced driver. He ke...

J

Janet Abell

Feb 2025

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I have enjoyed traveling with Globus…

I have enjoyed traveling with Globus they always hel...

S

Stacy Kelly

Feb 2025

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I did not care for our tour guide…

I did not care for our tour guide Barbara. On a personal level she was very nice but no one cared about the things she talked about on the bus rides. No history of ...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Denver City Center

Sleek Hotel on the first 19 floors of the 43-story Hilton Tower in heart of downtown financial district.

Denver

United States

1701 California Street

Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains within close proximity to the Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods, this all-suite hotel offers a one of a kind tropical atrium, spectacular views of Pikes Peak, spacious guestrooms with convenient amenities, fitness center, and swimming pool.

Colorado Springs

United States

7290 Commerce Center

DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque

Hospitality is number one at the DoubleTree in Albuquerque, where you're welcomed by the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and a superb location. Situated downtown, it's the closest hotel to the Albuquerque Convention Center and is connected by underground concourse. Complimentary shuttle service is available to shopping, dining and entertainment within a three-mile radius. Offering stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, this Albuquerque hotel provides a unique, relaxing setting in the heart of the city.

Albuquerque

United States

201 Marquette Ave NW

La Posada de Santa Fe

Welcome to La Posada de Santa Fe. This beautifully decorated hotel has lots to offer. Enjoy the rich history of New Mexico and enjoy all the modern amenities.

Santa Fe

United States

330 East Palace Avenue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango

You can find the DoubleTree by Hilton Durango at the Animas River's banks. The San Juan National Forest, which has the largest wilderness region in Colorado, is 10 miles away and offers outdoor fun. They are a five-minute stroll from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the historic Downtown Durango. When you arrive, take advantage of the hot tub, indoor pool, and DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Durango

United States

501 Camino Del Rio

Hotel Colorado

Settle into the enriching history of this hotel in the charming mountain town of Glenwood Springs. As host to dozens of presidents and well-known people throughout history, there is a lot to explore at this hotel. Not to mention the ghost stories! The hotel sits nestled between the gorgeous Colorado mountains and directly across the street from the famous Glenwood Hot Springs. Enjoy the hot spring pools, cocktails on the hotel patio, or a little shopping and dining in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs

United States

526 Pine Street

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
globus-NCS

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