Welcome to Colorado

Welcome to Colorado

118 Views
10 Days From

$3950

$3694

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado with our "Welcome to Colorado" tour. This adventure begins in Denver, taking you through the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park and along scenic drives like the Million Dollar Highway. Experience the thrill of iconic train rides on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Discover the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park and the towering dunes of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Enjoy unique experiences such as a visit to an urban farm in Boulder and a wine-tasting dinner in Palisade. Stay in historic hotels and savor local flavors while exploring picturesque towns like Aspen and Glenwood Springs. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural insights, and local hospitality, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. ...more ...less

Must-see Highlights

  • Visit Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes National Parks, Colorado National Monument, Garden of the Gods
  • Scenic Drive along Million Dollar Highway, Rim Rock Drive, Peak to Peak Highway
  • Iconic Train along the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Pikes Peak Cog Railway
  • View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park

Make Travel Matter®

Boulder: Tour Growing Gardens, an 11-acre urban farm. Learn about land conservation, water availability, regenerative agricultural practices, environmental education, and animal husbandry. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

Be My Guest

Palisade: This evening, 'Connect With Locals,' at Maison La Belle Vie Winery , as you meet the owners for an exclusive evening, starting with a tour of the winery and tasting the flavors of their lovingly blended estate-grown reds. Then sit down for a three-course dinner paired with wines adjacent the 4.5 acre vineyard and al fresco under the Colorado Sky!

Trafalgar Difference

Glenwood Springs: Hotel Colorado has been delighting guests with its legendary hospitality since 1893. This landmark hotel is located right in downtown Glenwood Springs, mere steps from Glenwood Hot Springs.

Durango: Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Good Day Denver

Location: Denver

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City. Spend the day recovering after your travels or explore Denver at your leisure before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a dinner.

Day 2: Traverse the Rocky Mountains

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park

Accommodation: Embassy Suites

Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Rocky Mountains may seem larger than life, but your journey to Rocky Mountain National Park will see you come face to face with this extraordinary mountain landscape which snakes along western North America. Drive along the Trail Ridge Road (seasonal), a designated national scenic byway and the highest continuous paved highway in America. Spend some time at lunch on your own in Estes Park, a small western town situated at the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park. This evening you will have free time to explore Boulder on your own.

Day 3: Urban Farming and Picturesque Towns

Location: Vail, Glenwood Springs

Accommodation Name: Colorado

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a guided MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local urban community farm that is using organic and sustainable farming practices. The 1-hour tour will dive into topics including regenerative agriculture, land conservation, and food access. Then walk along the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Vail Mountain Resort and feel the fresh mountain air in your lungs. Continue to Glenwood Springs, a resort city known for its hot springs, sitting in the rugged Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the vast White River National Forest. This evening, your Stay with Stories overnight is the historic and iconic Colorado Hotel in the heart of Glenwood Springs. Built in 1893 during the mining boom, the Grande Dame of Glenwood Springs has hosted historical figures including Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Molly Brown and now, you.

Day 4: Admire Aspen

Location: Aspen, Snowmass Mountain

Accommodation: Hotel Colorado

Accommodation Name: Colorado

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen, known for its high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. Join your Travel Director for a walk through town. Then, Dive Into Culture as you are taken by 4WD jeeps from Aspen up Snowmass Mountain for an exciting wilderness excursion. As you climb Snowmass, you will venture off road, through Aspen groves, past small waterfalls and through open meadows overlooking amazing views of the surrounding valleys. Your Local Experts will explain the history and geology of the area, including how ice age mammal bones, including Saber-toothed Tigers and Woolly Mammoths were found in the reservoir below. Arrive at the historic Burlingmane Cabin, and try your hand at horseshoes, corn hole, or relax and admire the breath-taking views of the mountain ranges while the staff tends to all your needs. Enjoy a delicious lunch hot off the grill with wine and beer, a campfire, live music, and s'mores. Back in Glenwood Springs, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps, visit the renowned Glenwood Hot Springs, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool.

Day 5: Savor the Flavors of Colorado Connect with Locals

Location: Palisade, Colorado National Monument

Accommodation: Wine Country Inn

Accommodation Name: Wine Country Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Head for Palisade, known as the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado,' perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at Clark Family Orchards (seasonal) and Connect with Locals as you meet with Clark family members and learn about the history of this farming family. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of the orchards before sampling fresh in-season produce. You’ll have the chance to bring home some unique salsas, jams and preserves, pickled veggies, grilling sauces and salad dressings. After, we head on to Colorado National Monument, preserving one of the grandest landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. This evening, stay in the heart of wine country and enjoy a Be My Guest experience dinner at the Maison La Belle Vie Winery. You will be hosted by the owner for an exclusive evening, starting with a tour of the winery and tasting the flavors of their lovingly blended estate-grown reds. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner paired with wines adjacent the 4.5 acre vineyard and al fresco under the Colorado Sky!

Day 6: Journey Through The Rustic Rockies Stays With Stories

Location: Ouray, Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango

Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango

Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head up the Western Slopes along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and stop in the must-see town of Ouray, nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the Rockies, and often referred to as the "Switzerland of America.” From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," a designated All-American Byway and one of the state’s most scenic drives with some of Colorado’s most spectacular views as it spirals over Coal Bank Summit, Molas Pass, and Red Mountain Pass. Arrive in the mining town of Silverton, once a bawdy mining town, to board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Durango. Take a trip back in time as you journey along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. This evening, enjoy your stay at The Strater Hotel, one of the West’s first iconic hotels and the centerpiece of Durango, your Stays with Story.

Day 7: Unmask Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango

Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango

Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls, at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Several hundred of these dwellings, in addition to thousands of known archaeological sites, are preserved in this protected area and you’ll have an opportunity to see several during your visit to the park. Later, indulge in free time in Durango with options of activities, including a fun rafting experience on the Animas River. This evening, explore Downtown Durango's bustling restaurant scene with plenty of options destined to suit any taste palette.

Day 8: Discover The Great Sand Dunes

Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Springs

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) and 725 feet (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. First up, set the scene for the adventure ahead with a start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film and various exhibits. Your Travel Director will then take you to the best place for picture taking from the bottom of High Dune, a towering sand dune about 699 feet (198 meters) from base to top. Then learn about this unique geographical phenomenon before heading for Colorado Springs.

Day 9: Traverse To Majestic Pikes Peak

Location: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit Colorado's spectacular Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark boasting dramatic vistas and towering, jagged red-rock formations. You will be joined by a Local Specialist for a guided tour through the gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy the magical town of Manitou Springs before boarding the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an unforgettable trip to the 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) summit of Pikes Peak. Ride past cascading streams and forests of aspen and pine, enjoy the striking panoramas and learn of Pikes Peak connection with the patriotic song "America the Beautiful.'' Your trip through the Colorado Rockies comes to an end with a local dinner where you’ll have the chance to raise a glass and celebrate the adventures we’ve had in Colorado.

Day 10: Goodbye, Colorado

Location: Garden of the Gods, Denver

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey concludes today as we bid a fond farewell to new friends and depart Colorado Springs. Enjoy a transfer to Denver, with a complimentary drop-off at Denver International Airport, ensuring a smooth and convenient end to your adventure. Safe travels!

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

  • All transport and transfers shown

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

  • Optional Experiences and free time

show more

What's Not Included

  • Lunches and some evening meals

    Lunches and some evening meals are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights to and from the tour start and end points

    Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Mode of Transport

Travel through Colorado's stunning landscapes with scenic drives along the Million Dollar Highway and Peak to Peak Highway. Enjoy iconic train rides on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, offering breathtaking views and a touch of history.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of elegance and comfort with stays at the Hyatt Regency Denver, Embassy Suites, and the historic Strater Hotel. Enjoy the charm of the Wine Country Inn and the Hilton Garden Inn, offering a mix of modern amenities and authentic Western hospitality.

Dive into Culture

  • Aspen: Wind along country roads passing elk habitat and views of the Elk Mountain Range as you journey out of Aspen and up Snowmass Mountain. As you climb, you'll venture off road, past small waterfalls and through open meadows, and aspen groves. When you reach Coney Glade Overlook you'll be able to take in the amazing views as your local experts will explain the history and geology of the area.

Iconic Experience

  • Rocky Mountain National Park: The Rocky Mountains may seem larger than life, but your journey to Rocky Mountain National Park will see you come face to face with this extraordinary mountain landscape which snakes along western North America.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park: Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to its advanced billing. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above treeline, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their motorcoach.
  • Vail: Welcome to one of Colorado's great playgrounds. While the winter attracts the ski crowds, the summer draws in guests to the European-style Vail Village. Surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks, the pedestrian village offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Feel the friendly local vibe that makes Vail cosmopolitan and unpretentious.
  • Aspen: A typical mountain lunch will be served, complete with bonfire, s'mores, and live western entertainment. Before lunch you can try your hand at horseshoeing, cornholing, and using a lasso.
  • Aspen: This morning, head up Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Aspen, renowned the world over as a resort for the rich and famous, with high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk through the delightful center of town.
  • : Head for Palisade, known as the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado,' perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at the Clark Family Orchards and 'Connect with Locals' as you meet with family members and learn about the history of this 7-generation farming family and their 7-generation orchards. You'll also get an opportunity to sample fresh in-season produce, salsas, jams and preserves, pickled veggies, grilling sauces and salad dressings. In addition to ten varieties of the famous Palisade Peaches, a wide variety of other fruit and vegetables are also grown on property (production varies depending on seasons).
  • : One of the hidden gems in the Western USA, Colorado National Monument is a stunning section of land sitting atop the Colorado Plateau. The views offer dramatic panoramic photo opportunities of Monument Canyon (Independence Monument and Monument Canyon View Overlooks), the monument's most prominent attraction and runs the entire width of the park. You'll drive along Rim Rock Drive enjoying spectacular views all around you.
  • Durango: After some free time in Silverton to get lunch, browse the town and stop at the Visitor Center, take a trip back in time aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as you journey along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a wilderness which would be inaccessible by car.
  • Silverton: From Ouray, ride along the famous "Million Dollar Highway," one of the most beautiful roads in America, designated as an All-American Byway of Colorado's most spectacular views as it spirals over Coal Bank Summit, Molas Pass, and Red Mountain Pass. Arrive in the mining town of Silverton, once a bawdy mining town.
  • Mesa Verde National Park: There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve: Today's highlight is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a sandbox of epic proportions - 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high (229 meters), making it the largest sand dune in North America. Start at the excellent Visitor Center with a short film, various exhibits and Park Rangers to answer your questions about this unique geographical phenomenon. The back of the Visitor Center gives you a unique view of the full breadth of the dunes, framed by the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Your Travel Director will then take you to the best place for picture taking from the bottom of High Dune, a towering sand dune about 699 feet (198 m) from base to top.
  • Colorado Springs: Experience yet another natural wonder of Colorado at the spectacular Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark, boasting dramatic vistas and towering, jagged red-rock formations. At the excellent Visitors Center, you will experience the new Geo-Trekker Theater for a fascinating presentation on how those majestic geological formations got here. Tour includes a Step On Guide.
  • Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Board the most iconic experience in Colorado Springs: the newly renovated historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railway. After 126 years of operation, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway has undergone a $100 million renovation and will take you past cascading streams, waterfalls, through aspen and pine forest as it winds its way up to the summit for some of the world's most spectacular views from this 14,115-foot peak (4,302 meters). There will be time to enjoy the extraordinary views and visit the new Summit House.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an urban farm in Boulder, a Be My Guest dinner at a local winery in Palisade, and a ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Additionally, there is a jeep tour to the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass Mountain in Aspen. ...more ...less

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour features stays at notable accommodations such as the Hyatt Regency Denver, Embassy Suites, Hotel Colorado, Wine Country Inn, and the historic Strater Hotel in Durango. These hotels offer a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners. However, lunches and some evening meals are not included in the tour package.

  • What activities are available during free time in Durango?

    During free time in Durango, you have the option to engage in activities such as a fun rafting experience on the Animas River. Additionally, you can explore Downtown Durango's bustling restaurant scene.

  • What is the significance of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway included in the tour?

    The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the world's highest cog railroad, offering an unforgettable trip to the 4,302 meters summit of Pikes Peak. The location is historically significant as it inspired the patriotic song 'America the Beautiful.'

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected. ...more ...less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

May 17, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$3950 $3694 (USD)

Operator discount: -$256 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Welcome to Colorado

10 Days Starting and ending in Denver, USA

Visiting: Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Snowmass Mountain, Palisade, Colorado National Monument, Ouray, Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DCOLZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3950 $3694 (USD) Operator discount: -$256

NB: Prices correct on 29-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Similar Tours