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From: £4395
Teddy Roosevelt described a train journey through Colorado as "the trip that bankrupts the English language." Beginning and ending in Denver, this extraordinary itinerary makes a great circle of the Rockies and includes five remarkable train rides that fully justify President Roosevelt's enthusiasm.
Denver is your first glimpse of the wonders of Colorado and what lies ahead aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Enjoy sights of the changing landscape as you travel west across the Continental Divide. That's just the beginning - you'll be treated to little-seen views of the mountains, valleys and forests of Colorado aboard four more railways - the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
Price per person includes:
Please call Bon Voyage to check availability for your dates of travel. All tours and inclusions are subject to change - the itinerary below is a sample. Pre/post-travel options are available.
Arrive in the Mile High City and spend your first night exploring on your own.
The next morning, meet your group and transfer to Golden, CO, by coach to explore the Colorado Rail Museum. A tour through its featured exhibits, extensive collection of rolling stock and Roundhouse restoration facility offers an insider's perspective of this fascinating site. Then immerse yourself in the mining history of the Rocky Mountains aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This narrow-gauge, two coil loop railway was completed in 1884 and takes you on the original 4.5 mile loop between Georgetown and Silver Plume.
On your third day, step back in time and discover the mining and railroad past of this region as you join the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. Course through San Isabel National Forest, traveling into thick groves of alpine trees alongside the Arkansas River. Views of Colorado's tallest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, come into view as the train continues through the lush valley crossing the Continental Divide during the 2.5 hour tour. Photo opportunities abound as do the conductor's ghost stories and lore that highlight the area's colourful history.
Upon return to Silverthorne, take the remainder of the day to enjoy the wild surroundings of the town.
Depart Silverthorne this morning and enjoy a leisurely day of travel by deluxe motorcoach bound for Durango near the Colorado/New Mexico border. The route includes inspiring vistas of the Rockies, lush National Forests and protected Grasslands. Pass through quaint mining towns with several stops to stretch your legs and admire the scenery on foot. The journey continues south, passing through the Rio Grande National Forest before arriving in Durango late afternoon.
On your second morning, board one of the most scenic railroads in the Southwest, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This journey takes us on a route along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton. Sights of canyon country, San Juan National Forest, protected wildlife areas and beautiful mountain vistas overtake the landscape. A true highlight of this journey is the ride through the Animas River Gorge. The train travels above the gorge on a manmade ledge offering spectacular views of the gorge below. Silverton, an 1874 mining town located high in the San Juan Mountains, is our destination.
While this locale is now a hotspot for tourists and winter sports, its gritty past is still visible in its historic buildings and adventurous atmosphere. After returning to Durango, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
An unforgettable journey lies ahead on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in North America and consistently voted one of Colorado and New Mexico's top attractions. The Southwest's scenes are on full display on this 64-mile ride, including glimpses at steep canyons, colourful meadows, ranches, grassy hills, beautiful mountain ranges, rushing waterways and brilliant blue skies. We cross over Cascade Creek Trestle and pass through charming mountain towns and abandoned villages. This route crosses the Colorado/New Mexico border 13 times and allows passengers to get a feel for what a daily train ride would have been like in the heyday of steam train travel.
It's an incredible day today aboard the the Royal Gorge Route Railroad - the fifth railway journey of the tour.
Transfer by motorcoach to the station in Canon City - a route that offers another look at the stunning forests and mountains that make Colorado so beloved. You'll have a unique perspective of the stunning scenery from seats in the train's first-class vista-dome car. Travel along the Arkansas River and see the Hanging Bridge at the narrowest point in the chasm. Enjoy lunch in the train's dining car before the excursion concludes with a stop underneath the soaring Suspension Bridge from the rim to the river's edge.
Continue by coach to Colorado Springs where you are free to explore the offerings of this lively city.
Enjoy your final day and sixth rail excursion aboard the newly re-opened Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway. The nine-mile journey to the summit is full of beauty and wildlife and once at the top you'll have time to take in views from every angle. Just as with the trip up the mountain, the ride down is also narrated by a knowledgeable Conductor who is chock-full of facts about Pikes Peak, the Rockies and Colorado as a whole. Before returning to Colorado Springs, we visit Garden of the Gods - a National Natural Landmark site - for a drive through the dramatic red rock formations that reach up to 300 feet tall.
The rest of day/evening is at your leisure.