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10
DAYS • 16 MEALS
Day
One – We’re Off!
“All Aboard!” our motorcoach...but just for the
time being. Get ready for a thrilling tour filled with trains
and a unique look into our nation’s history of western
expansion. (Dinner)
Day
Two – Arrive Colorado
Following breakfast, we continue west and arrive in Burlington,
located in Colorado’s Outback, the heart of the Eastern
Plains. We enjoy an Old West-style horse-drawn wagon ride followed
by a ride on the Kit Carson County Carousel. The carousel has
been fully restored to its original splendor and is known to
be the “jewel” of all carousels. It was carved by
the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1905 and is now a National
Historic Landmark. We visit “Old Town” Burlington,
where you’ll find a depot built in 1889, with its original
rail cars, as well as numerous other historic buildings including
a bank, barber shop and blacksmith shop. All provide a unique
perspective of what it must have been like to have lived at
that time.
(Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Three – Colorado Springs
This morning we head for Colorado Springs. Here we visit the
stunning Garden of the Gods. It is a 1300+ acre park where flora
and fauna reflect the rich diversity of the terrain, and red
sandstone formations tell a unique geological story. The Garden
lies at the base of Pikes Peak, which is our next adventure.
“Ride to the Clouds!” and board the Pikes Peak Cog
Railway, the highest cog railroad in the U.S. stretching nine
miles long. (Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Four – Royal Gorge Scenic Railway
Welcome to Canon City, home of the Royal Gorge. Today we enjoy
another journey by train aboard the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway.
The 12-mile route follows the most famous portion of the old
Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. We ride through the
“Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on an unforgettable
journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously
to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge. This evening
we gather for dinner together.
(Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Five – Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Today we’ll ride the original Rio Grande Line over the
Rockies aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This
is America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad,
covering over 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between
Antonito and Cumbres Pass. We enjoy lunch at the halfway stop,
Osier, as we imagine the gold and silver miners and loggers
who traveled the same route long ago. (Lunch)
Day
Six – Durango & Silverton Train
It’s “full steam ahead” again today as we
board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Voted
one of the “Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the
World” by the Society of American Travel Writers, this
route winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons
in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National
Forest. The locomotives used today remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated
and are maintained in their original condition. This evening
we gather again for dinner and reflect on our day’s adventure.
(Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Seven – The Rockies
This morning we go through the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
Witness some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery before
arriving in the Denver area for our next two nights. (Dinner)
Day
Eight – Denver
Following breakfast we have a city tour of Denver, capital of
Colorado, including the State Capitol Building and Civic Center.
The afternoon is yours to explore Denver on your own or shop.
(Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Nine – Denver to Lincoln, Nebraska
After breakfast set off for the new Great Platte River Road
Memorial. This evening we join together one last time for dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)
Day
Ten – Homeward Bound
We travel home today with new knowledge and fond memories of
our western railroads adventure. (Breakfast)
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