Colorado Rails and Rockies | Sept 30-Oct 7

Sep 30  – Denver

Today, board your flight bound for Denver. On arrival, you will receive a warm greeting from your Universal Travel representative. Board your luxury motor coach and transfer to your hotel with some free time to relax and freshen up. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Denver                   (D)

Oct 1 – Denver to Glenwood Springs | Rocky Mountaineer

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding your luxury motor coach, making a short transfer to the Denver train station. Upon arrival, board the Rocky Mountaineer to begin your fascinating rail journey. Travel through two days of extraordinary landscapes from Denver to Moab, and experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury from your glass domed coach car. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways, and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. This Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan, and crossing the Continental Divide. A two-course gourmet breakfast will be served upon departing the Denver train station. The custom-designed coaches offer you a clean, crisp view from the comfort of your reclining seat. Dine on a three-course, regionally-inspired lunch as your hosts captivate you with stories of the region while you take in the views, from your pre-reserved  seats, of picturesque Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon. Early this evening you arrive into Glenwood Springs. Disembark and reminisce about your day in the comfort of your hotel room. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Glenwood Springs                 (B,L)

Oct 2 – Glenwood Springs to Moab | Rocky Mountaineer | Hummer Off Road Adventure | Sound and Light Show Boat Tour

Leave beautiful Glenwood Springs rested and relaxed as you continue heading west for another day of extraordinary views toward Moab onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy another two-course hot breakfast while watching the morning light bounce off the rugged canyons and Mount Garfield, as you cross the Colorado-Utah border. Admire mother nature with its red rock formations lining the cliffs in Ruby Canyon and Red Sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab at noon. You will be transferred to downtown Moab with free time for lunch on your own. After lunch, embark on an off-road experience in style and comfort aboard the world’s most serious custom 4×4 ride! Professional guides operate these Hummer vehicles with raised seating in the rear for optimum passenger viewing. Within minutes you’ll be scaling one of Moab’s famous red rock fins on your way to an area known as “Hell’s Revenge”. Weave in and out of rock canyons and feel the excitement of climbing unbelievable sandstone hills. Learn about the geology and unique history of the area and return with a new feeling of freedom and unforgettable memories that your children and grandchildren will never believe you did! In the late afternoon check into your hotel with some free time to relax at the sparkling pool. This evening enjoy an included BBQ dinner before embarking on a Sound and Light Boat tour on the mighty Colorado River. Once darkness settles in, the formal part of the evening begins with 40,000 watts of  natural light illuminating the canyon wall. Lights, shadows, music, and narration make the stories of the canyon’s formation, creation, and history come to life on the walls above the river.

Overnight: Moab                   (B,D)

Oct 3 – Moab to Durango | Million Dollar Hwy | Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

After a leisurely breakfast, your journey continues as you travel on the Million Dollar Highway towards Silverton. Built in the late 1880’s, the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway, is one of the nation’s most spectacular drives. Upon arrival at the historic mining town of  Silverton, you have some free time to explore main street and a lunch on your own. Early this afternoon take a nostalgic ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a designated National Historic Landmark. Upon arrival at the Durango train depot, check into your hotel for overnight. This evening, you are free to enjoy leisure time in this western town.

Overnight: Durango              (B)

Oct 4 – Durango to Alamosa |Mesa Verde | Great Sand Dunes National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, journey to Verde National Park via your luxury motor coach. Upon arrival, visit the cliff dwellings inhabited by Anasazi, known as the Ancient Ones, nearly 4,000 years ago. This is the nation’s largest archeological preserve with 4,000 sights including 600 cliff dwellings. Your travels continue eastward, with a comfort stop and time for lunch on your own before visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the tallest dunes in North America. A sandbox of epic proportion, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles with the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Check into your hotel late this afternoon, followed by an included dinner in town.

Overnight: Alamosa                   (B,D)

Oct 5 – Alamosa to Colorado Springs | Royal Gorge Railroad

After breakfast at your hotel, you travel to Canon City. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to Royal Gorge Park & Bridge, with some free time to walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge. Next, embark on a vintage train ride with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Experience your rail journey in style with the best view from your upgraded Vista Dome, where you are invited to ride and dine in comfortable, booth-style seating for a relaxing journey through this meandering canyon. Take in the majestic, soaring views of the Royal Gorge while enjoying a fantastic, locally sourced lunch from the Royal Gorge Route’s 403 Grill. Upon arrival into Colorado Springs, check into your hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure to explore Colorado Springs on your own.

Overnight: Colorado Springs                 (B,L)

Oct 6 – Colorado Springs

After breakfast, board your coach and travel a short distance for a visit to the Garden of the Gods Park, a magical stop at this National Natural Landmark. The Park is famous for its red sandstone rock formations and abundance of plant and animal life. Your next stop will be at the charming town of Manitou Springs, with time to shop and lunch on your own. Consider stopping in at one of the local art galleries while passing through. This afternoon ride Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad. They say every journey begins with a single step and yours begins right here: a nine-mile journey, 14,115 feet in altitude and sweeping 360-degree views! Return to your hotel with time to relax and freshen up for dinner. This evening experience cowboy fun, food, and entertainment at the Flying W Ranch, a living symbol of Western heritage.

Overnight: Colorado Springs                  (B,D)

Oct 7 – Colorado Springs | Flight back home

This morning after breakfast  and checking out of your  hotel, you will be transferred to Denver Airport for your flight home. Fond memories will last forever!    (B)

INCLUSIONS: 

* Roundtrip air to Denver

* Full size luxury motor coach

* Daily breakfast, two lunches &  four dinners

* Seven hotel nights

* Two day package onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Cars, including two 2-course breakfasts/ one 3-course lunch, plus alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages while onboard & one overnight in Glenwood Springs

* One way train tickets for Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad/ Royal Gorge Route Railroad (Vista Dome upgrade) & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway

* Admissions to Royal Gorge Park/ Garden of the Gods Park/ Mesa Verde Nat. Park & Great Sand Dunes Nat. Park

* Colorado River Sound & Lights  boat cruise

* 4×4 Hummer off-road adventure

* Tour Director throughout the itinerary

* Luggage handling for one bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees)

* All resort, hotel, service, and government fees

* All gratuities for drivers, guides & Hosts on all trains

$1000.00 deposit at reservation

Final payment due April 25, 2025

50% non-refundable May 1, 2025

100% non-refundable July 1, 2025