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Historic Trains of the Old West
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- 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)
Short Description
If the closest thing to time travel is train travel, then you’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This off-the-beaten path 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’s. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum. All aboard!
Itinerary
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 perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or Colorado coffee after dinner. Ask your Tour Director for the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer.
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 against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE When President Teddy Roosevelt rode the rails through the Royal Gorge in 1905, he described the experience as “the trip that bankrupts the English language.” You’ll be speechless too on this train ride through the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge as it cuts a deep path through the Rockies along the Arkansas River.
Day 3: COLORADO SPRINGS–SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
The American Southwest Depart Colorado Springs and head south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to the charming city of Santa Fe. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the rich history and richer culture of Santa Fe - home to an abundance of art galleries amid its diverse visual arts scene of ancient traditional art to modern contemporary works that celebrate the desert beauty of this ruggedly beautiful landscape.
Day 4: SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO
Enchanted Jewels Today, 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 showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. We then visit nearby Chimayo, which was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, located in a century-old adobe home, serving some of the best New Mexican cuisine. Visit [LF] Santuario De Chimayo and learn about the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)
LOCAL FAVORITEHISTORY & HERITAGE Experience the spiritual traditions of the American Southwest in Chimayo. This historic area attracts locals and guests alike who visit its church sanctuary, which holds sacred soil known for its healing powers. Experience this legendary, authentic New Mexican tradition!
Day 5: SANTA FE–BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT–TAOS–DURANGO
Ancient Cultures Leave Santa Fe, stopping to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time to explore. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the age-old dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. Envision a way of life long since passed to gaze at mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and several thousand ancestral Pueblo dwellings sharing 33,000 acres of designated wilderness. Bandelier's human history is traced to over 11,000 years ago when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the land. By 1150 AD Ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. This incredible site is inspiring as the Pueblo blessing: “Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth.”
Day 6: DURANGO. EXCURSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Today, 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 HIGHLIGHTANCIENT DWELLINGS See Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings. Also, visit the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot ancient plateau (now Mesa Verde National Park). Stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).
Day 7: 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 the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad steam train as it hugs steep canyon walls to wind its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon. Arrive in Silverton, once a major mining town that owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner: “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”
LOCAL FAVORITEACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a stay at the historic Hotel Colorado in beautiful Glenwood Springs. This elegant Rocky Mountain retreat has been a welcomed respite for travelers for more than 125 years where special guests like President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown have enjoyed its gracious accommodations and service in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Day 8: 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 cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Climb aboard the historic Georgetown Railroad to be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Rockies. Envision the old railroad days as you roll through stunning views of aspen trees, pines, and firs with views of Clear Creek Canyon.
Day 9: 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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10,827 Globus Travel Reviews & Ratings
Historic Trains of the Old West
Company Reviews
It was a great itinerary
Mostly the country
Good hotels, more dinners and good tour guide
Tour director Bea
WARNING TO TRAVELERS USING GLOBUS…
My dream trip of a 10-day European vacation turned into a nightmare with Globus Family of Brands! Despite completing 2 of 3 payments, and paying in full for business class airfare, Globus cancelled my trip after I missed the last payment by two weeks, citing “failure to pay” as the reason for the cancellation.
Globus failed to provide notification of a final payment being due by either phone or email. Traveler requested proof of email notifications sent and Globus was unable to produce.
Globus offers no option for the set up of automatic payments.
Globus failed to provide notification of the cancellation. Traveler became aware only when a proactive call was placed to check on trip activities because of an inability to log into portal (portal had been deleted by Globus).
Globus refused to rebook and allow me to pay in full. Company ceased communication after repeated attempts by email for resolution. Repeated requests ignored.
Globus stated that they are keeping $3700 + dollars as penalty. Repeated attempts for an exact amount have been ignored by both phone and email. Please note that a minimum of $3700 was paid in order for Globus to keep the money as a penalty. Showing in fact, that the traveler did not fail to pay.
Despite multiple attempts to reach a resolution, Globus stopped responding, displaying a shocking lack of regard for customer service.
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All email communication has been saved.
This was my first time traveling…
Details
Optional Activities
NC|Historic Trains of the Old West
NCS|With Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Accommodations
Sonesta Denver Downtown
Visit this Denver boutique hotel for an urban retreat. Find out more about their excellent downtown location that provides easy access to Denver adventures. You'll be close to the Colorado Convention Center, as well as well-known sights like the vibrant LoDo area and renowned sports venues like Coors Field and Ball Arena.
Denver
United States
1450 Glenarm Place
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
Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Housed in a landmark 300 year old hacienda, the Hilton captures the magic of the Southwest and its rich cultural heritage in a luxury boutique hotel experience featuring modern amenities in the heart of Santa Fe's historic downtown.
Atlanta
United States
PO Box 743288
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
Trip ID#:
globus-NC
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