Trails of the Rocky Mountains

This eleven day adventure takes in the astounding and awesome scenery of Utah, Colorado and New Mexico and provides even more breathtaking sights as you travel through the Rocky Mountains, experiencing National Parks, Springs, Cliff Dwellings and so much more!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Denver

Arrive in Denver, the "Mile High City”, and take your complimentary transfer to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director in the afternoon and then join your fellow adventurers for an early evening Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Sheraton Denver Hotel

Day 2 - Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park – Vail

We drive to the quaint town of Estes Park and enter the Rocky Mountain National Park. Travelling along Trail Ridge Road you’ll witness majestic mountain views and abundant wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, along the Blue River and over Vail Pass we finally arrive at the alpine village of Vail. The rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish. Wander through the pedestrian-only alleys lined with shops, restaurants and cafés or just make your way to our hotel for the evening. (N.B. should Trail Ridge Road be closed due to weather conditions we will travel over Berthoud Pass).

Hotel: Holiday Inn Apex Vail (full breakfast)

Day 3 - Vail Colorado National Monument – Canyonlands National Park (2 nights)

Travelling along the Colorado River enjoying the grand landscape of the Rocky Mountains and in the afternoon, we enter Colorado National Monument. You’ll follow the scenic Rim Rock Drive, viewing sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, desert bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. Then we visit Canyonlands National Parkland, where we stop at Island in the Sky - a mesa resting on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain and offering a breathtaking panorama. In the evening, watch the spectacular sunset and enjoy dinner with breathtaking views over some of Utah’s most unique sights.

Hotel: Ramada Inn (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 4 - Arches National Park Excursion and Moab at Leisure

Today, we’ll visit Arches National Park, home to over two thousand natural sandstone arches including the famous Double Arch. Journey along Scenic Drive, making stops to view some of the park’s most striking features. In the afternoon, those with a sense of adventure might want to join an optional Hummer tour through Moab’s incredible red rock back country or perhaps join an optional jet boat ride on the great Colorado River, where you learn about the geology, wildlife, and culture of Moab and the river.

Hotel: Ramada Inn (Full Breakfast)

Day 5 - Moab – Telluride – Mesa Verde National Park

A Stop in Telluride, a fashionable mountain resort with a rich Victorian heritage located in the stunning San Juan Mountains, will give you time at leisure to browse the local shops and galleries, or simply relax at an outdoor café and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we stop off in Dolores to visit the Anasazi Heritage Center and learn about the people who once inhabited the Colorado Plateau. We finally arrive at the Far View Lodge, spectacularly situated inside Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hotel: Far View Lodge (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 - Mesa Verde National Park – Durango (2 nights)

Today, we’ll see some of the best archaeological sites in the U.S. From at least the year 600AD, people lived and flourished in communities throughout the area, building elaborate “cliff dwellings” – stone villages built inside the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. Later, we’ll head for the frontier town of Durango, one of the last great cowboy towns left in the Southwest. In the evening, as an option, perhaps join a fun stagecoach ride into a secluded canyon, followed by a cowboy dinner.

Hotel: Doubletree Hotel (Full Breakfast).

Day 7 - Silverton Excursion and Durango at Leisure

Ride the Narrow Gauge Railroad (optional) or climb aboard the coach that will take you along the Million Dollar Highway to the historic mining town of Silverton. It’s just like stepping 100 years back in time as you explore the historic buildings, quaint art shops and learn the colourful local history. Perhaps you’d like the option of a guided tour of the Old Hundred Gold Mine before returning to Durango, where the rest of the day is free.

Hotel: Doubletree Hotel (Full Breakfast).

Day 8 - Durango – Santa Fe (2 nights)

We leave Colorado and enter New Mexico, travelling through the Rio Grande and Santa Fe National Forests to arrive at the state capital city of Santa Fe. Situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe is one of North America’s best loved cities. You’ll be charmed by its narrow, winding streets, 400 year old adobe buildings, world-renowned galleries, quaint boutiques and inviting restaurants – all within easy reach of your hotel. Upon arrival we’ll get a good feel for the city aboard a narrated open-air trolley tour which highlights Santa Fe’s main points of interest. Dinner tonight will be served in a local restaurant.

Hotel: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner).

Day 9 - Santa Fe at Leisure

Today you have the entire day to explore the cultural treasures of Santa Fe at your leisure. Discover why UNESCO designated Santa Fe as one of the world’s nine Creative Cities with its unique offerings of art, culture and ancient traditions. Perhaps join an optional excursion to Taos for a guided tour to Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Monument). There is also time to explore the shops around the historic plaza in Taos before returning to Santa Fe.

Hotel: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza (Full Breakfast)

Day 10 - Santa Fe – Pecos National Historical Park – Colorado Springs

Heading east, we visit Pecos National Historical Park that encompasses the site of an ancient pueblo, two Spanish colonial missions, the Santa Fe Trail and the site of the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass. Travelling north, we arrive in Colorado Springs, nestling at the foot of Pikes Peak, one of America’s most famous landmarks. It’ said that it was the summit of Pikes Peak that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the nation’s “other” national anthem, America the Beautiful. On the way to dinner, view the stunning sandstone formations at the Garden of the Gods. Then join us for our Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner).

Day 11 - Colorado Springs – Denver

We visit the US Air Force Academy, the scenic Rocky Mountain campus that is home to America’s future Air Force officers. There is time to explore the Visitor’s Center and view a short movie highlighting the academy experience and tour the stunning Cadet Chapel. Look up and you might see the Air Force Academy’s famous parachute team, “The Wings of Blue” or catch a glimpse of F-16s training above. Your tour ends with a complimentary transfer to Denver International Airport or the Sheraton Denver Hotel for passengers extending their stay (full Breakfast will be provided).

Departure Dates & Prices

All prices and tour information is correct at time of publication on our website, however is subject to change and availability – please check all details at time of booking.

Departs On	Returns On	Tour + Air
31 May 2009	10 June 2009	€1799.00
14 June 2009	24 June 2009	€1799.00
21 June 2009	15 July 2009	€1799.00
05 July 2009	29 July 2009	€1943.00
19 July 2009	29 July 2009	€1943.00
02 August 2009	12 August 2009	€1943.00
09 August 2009	19 August 2009	€1943.00
30 August 2009	09 September 2009	€1943.00
13 September 2009	23 September 2009	€1799.00
27 September 2009	07 October 2009	€1763.00

Please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request. Prices are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct however may be subject to change. Please confirm all details at time of booking.

Included Highlights

• Rocky Mountain National Park - the dramatic Trail Ridge Road
• Vail - pedestrian-only village turned world-class ski resort
• Colorado National Monument - drive along the scenic Rimrock Drive.
• Moab - spectacular red rock canyon country
• Arches National Park - home to over 2000 sandstone arches
• Canyonlands National Park - colourful landscape of canyons, mesas and buttes.
• Telluride - quaint Victorian town, popular with artists and celebrities
• Dolores - visit the Anasazi Cultural Center chronicling the ancestral Puebloan civilization.
• Mesa Verde - America's premier archaeological site with ancient cliff dwellings
• Durango and Silverton – a taste of the real old West
• Santa Fe – cultural gem of South Western art
• Pecos National Historical Park – magnificent views steeped in history
• Colorado Springs – explore the Garden of the Gods and US Air Force Academy.

Dining Highlights

• 14 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)
• Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in Denver
• 10 full breakfasts
• One dinner in the hotel
• Two specialty dinners at local restaurants in Moab and Santa Fe
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Colorado Springs

First Class Travel Highlights

• Exclusive services of one of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors
• Luxury, fully air-conditioned motor coaches with reclining seats and restroom facilities
• Stay in two-bedded rooms with private facilities
• Inclusive of all hotel service charges, baggage handling fees (one suitcase per person) and local taxes

Airport Transfers

Complimentary transfers on Day 1 from Denver International Airport to the Sheraton Denver hotel and on Day 11 from Colorado Springs to Denver International Airport or the Sheraton in Denver for those extending their stay.