First Class Colorado Rail Adventure featuring Rocky Mountaineer

Arrive in Denver and make your way independently to Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. After meeting your group and Tour Manager this evening, feel free to pamper yourself with the luxuries of the hotel, including its fully-equipped spa that uses water from the hotel's artesian well, or venture out into the city to explore the various restaurants.

Overnight Denver, CO.

Delve deep into the region's rail history today at the Colorado Rail Museum. We see the diversity of the museum's exhibits and the 15-acre railyard, home to a collection of over 100 pieces of railway history, including cabooses, steam and diesel engines, and passenger cars.

Our day continues aboard a deluxe motorcoach bound for Colorado Springs. Arriving at our hotel, the Antlers, we're ideally situated in downtown Colorado Springs with brilliant views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Springs, CO.

• Dinner

One of the most notable summits in the country, America's Mountain - Pikes Peak, greets us this morning. Aboard the Manitou & Peak Cog Railway, we climb along the 9-mile course to the top. The brand new railcars are equipped with oversized windows for sweeping 360-degree views over the Englemann Canyon, Ruxton Creek that lies within it, and Minnehaha Falls.

Before catching our first glimpses of the summit, beautiful views of Deer Park overtake the tracks. At the summit, there's plenty of time to soak up the scenery, which includes two mountain ranges, small mining towns from Colorado's past, and, on clear days, distant views of Denver. You could also learn about the mountain's history at the Summit House before the cog railway makes its descent back down the mountainside.

Next, we set our sights on awe-inspiring rock formations formed millions of years ago at Garden of the Gods. Over 1,360 acres of land comprise this National Natural Landmark, with hiking trails and scenic roadways weaving throughout the grounds to provide unbeatable perspectives on these amazing sandstone and limestone rocks. During our visit, gaze at some of the most famous formations, some of which jut 300 feet or more into the sky. The evening is yours to enjoy one of the onsite restaurants or sightsee through the city.

Overnight Colorado Springs, CO.

• Breakfast

We begin our day with a deluxe motorcoach journey to Cañon City. On arrival, we're introduced to the gorgeous surroundings of the Royal Gorge on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. What makes this journey so special is a combination of pristine scenery and outstanding cuisine, as we make the 2-hour trip in the train's Dining Car.

This first-class restaurant on wheels is all plush seating, white linen-clad tables, and large picture windows. Sit back, relax and enjoy views of the rushing Arkansas River and 1,000-foot granite cliffs. We also pass colorful rock formations and admire the contrast with the clear blue sky. Lunch is served as we travel, with each dish freshly prepared on the train by a highly trained staff. A selection of local wines and beers complement the cuisine.

At any point during the journey, feel free to venture out to the open-air car to bask in the full glory of the Royal Gorge scenery, including the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. When we arrive back at the station, we board our motorcoach once again to continue to Alamosa, where the evening is at leisure.

Overnight Alamosa, CO.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today's journey on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad promises breathtaking vistas inaccessible by any other mode of transportation. This 3-foot narrow-gauge railway traces a 64-mile route between Antonito, CO, and Chama, NM, meandering across the state line a total of 13 times.

Along the way, enjoy impeccable views of the Southwest with vast ranches, lush aspen groves, vibrant canyons, and distant mountain ranges. Step out onto the open-air gondola to get a better look as we pass winding waterways and cross the Cascade Creek Trestle with charming mountain towns and deserted villages. But the scenery is just part of the equation. The train itself is also gorgeous, with its meticulously preserved cars featuring tin ceilings, period seating and panoramic windows.

Arriving in the town of Osier, a delicious home-cooked lunch awaits us before we continue back on board through the rugged landscape at a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. At our final destination after a memorable day of travel, our motorcoach is waiting to take us to our accommodation in Durango, CO.

Overnight Durango, CO.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Gnarly volcanic rock formations, 14,000-foot mountain peaks and quintessential sights of the San Juan Forest are just some of the things you can look forward to on our trip aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad today. The route follows the Animas River from Durango to Silverton, embracing all the beauty of canyon country as the journey unfolds.

Sometimes the train meanders alongside the river, while the tracks loom high above at other points. Take in all these vistas and more from our first-class seats brimming with amenities like an onboard attendant and souvenirs. Relax at your seat while enjoying the breathtaking scenery outside as we make our journey through the San Juan National Forest to Silverton.

Narration by a knowledgeable guide and complimentary soft drinks and snacks further enhance the experience. We arrive in Silverton with plenty of time to grab lunch on your own and explore the sites of this mining boomtown. This evening, a deluxe motorcoach returns us to Durango, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Durango, CO.

• Breakfast

We depart Colorado this morning with our sights set on the ruby red landscapes and sandstone formations of Utah. The drive takes us through forests, protected lands and vast expanses, with the landscape becoming decidedly more arid as we near Moab. On arrival, we get our first taste of this new terrain at Arches National Park.

Home to over 2,000 breathtaking sandstone formations, this park is a delight to discover. As we make our way through the park, admire balanced rocks, fin-shaped formations and pinnacles carved by the elements. On our tour, we see the Delicate Arch, an iconic sight you'll instantly recognize as Utah's state symbol, and Landscape Arch, which is the world's longest natural freestanding arch. Afterwards, we check in at our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Moab, UT.

• Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning to wander about through Moab. There are lovely art galleries to peruse, as well as plenty of places to purchase Southwest-inspired jewelry and crafts. A choice of restaurants offer everything from quick bites to fine dining.

This afternoon, we transfer to the train station to board America's premier luxury train, the Rocky Mountaineer. Settle into your comfortable seat in our glass-domed train car and enjoy a drink as we depart the station and begin our scenic journey. Onboard hosts are always nearby to offer interesting commentary on the route, to refill your drink or to cater to any requests you may have.

Dinner is served as we pass Mount Garfield and through Ruby Canyon. Keep watching as the train crosses the Utah-Colorado border and enters mountain country. The sun begins its descent behind the peaks as we near our destination for the night, Glenwood Springs, and disembark the train. After checking into our hotel, the evening is at leisure to explore this charming resort town. Meander through the downtown area, with its shops, bars and eateries, or - if time permits - soak up the hot springs.

Overnight Glenwood Springs, CO.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Well-rested and ready for another day of wondrous scenery, we rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. A two-course breakfast is served onboard as our journey along the Colorado River commences. Marvel at the array of colors that spring forth from the red-brown canyons, blue waters, and rich evergreens. Byers and Gore Canyons are just two highlights to look forward to; there is so much to see.

This afternoon, listen to the train hosts' stories and informational presentations about the region as you dine on a three-course lunch inspired by local cuisine. Later, refreshments are served as we head into the 6-mile Moffatt Tunnel. The Continental Divide is coming up, and crossing it is always cause for celebration. As we emerge from the tunnel on the other side of the Divide, our destination, Denver, approaches.

On arrival, our Colorado rail adventure comes to an end. Saying goodbye to fellow travelers, head into Denver on your own or make your way to the airport for your return flight home.

Estimated arrival time into Denver is around 5:00 - 6:30 PM.

• Breakfast, Lunch