Holidays to USA - Colorado Historic Trains Fly-Drive - A82

Day 1- UK to Denver
Your USA holiday starts with a flight from the UK to the "mile high city" Arrival into Denver where you take the complimentary airport shuttle the short distance to the downtown.
Overnights (2):- Doubletree Inn - Denver

Day 2- Denver
Full day in Denver for optional visits: Morning to see the attractions of the “Mile High City” of Denver, Colorado. Some highlights might include the State Capitol building (with the Mile High Marker), City Parks, Denver Art Museum, Colorado History Museum, or Historic Downtown 16th Street Pedestrian Mall and LoDo (Lower Downtown).

Day 3- Denver to Colorado Springs - (83 miles)
Pickup your hire car and take a morning drive to Colorado Springs for touring and afternoon take the historic Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak from nearby Manitou Springs. Since 1891, Pikes Peak Cog Railway has taken millions of people o­n an unforgettable trip to 14,110 feet! Past cascading streams and forests of aspen and pine, the world's highest cog railroad reveals lovely panoramas that inspired "America the Beautiful."
Overnight: Hyatt Park Place - Colorado Springs

Day 4- Denver to Alamosa - (204 miles)
Morning drive to Canon City and take the Mid-day Royal Gorge Lunch Train under the world’s highest suspension bridge. Considered o­ne of the most spectacular scenic railroads in the world, the railroad takes passengers through the Royal Gorge o­n a 24-mile round-trip journey. Then continue o­n to Alamosa in the centre of the state and the San Luis Valley.
Overnights (3): - Holiday Inn Express - Alamosa.

Day 5- Cumbes and Toltec Railway - (56 miles)
Drive to nearby Antonito for the full day Cumbres and Toltec Railway from Colorado into northern New Mexico (bus down/train back or train down/bus back). Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America. Second night in Alamosa.

Day 6- Rio Grande Scenic Railway
Full day programme o­n the Rio Grande Railway over LeVeta Pass and return in the afternoon. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad provides daily o­ne-way and round-trip service to Alamosa, with a two-hour stopover for lunch and shopping before returning to La Veta. It’s a great way to experience the history and beauty of this majestic region. Some free time to drive over to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and a third night in Alamosa.

Day 7- Alamosa to Durango - (152 miles)
Drive over the San Juan Mountains to Pagosa Springs and Durango with time in the afternoon to visit the Train Museum in this community.
Overnight: Holiday Inn - Durango

Day 8- Durango- Silverton Narrow Guage Railway - Mes Verde National Park - (52 miles)
Morning coach seating o­n the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, the most popular of the historic trains in the American West. All aboard the train to Silverton! Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.This historic train has been in continuous operation for 125 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Then late afternoon drive to overnight in Mesa Verde National Park.
Overnight: Far View Lodge - Mesa Verde National Park

Day 9- Mesa Verde - Gunnison - (230 miles)
Touring in the park with it's impressive Indian cliff dwellings and then head north to Telluride, to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Overnight: Quality Inn - Gunnison

Day 10- Gunnison to Leadville ( Colorado Southern train) - Vail - (158 miles)
Over the Monarch Pass and up to Leadville for the Colorado Southern afternoon train. Originating in "the highest incorporated city in North America," the LC&S takes passengers along the old Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado & Southern lines to the Continental Divide. But, as the old adage states, "It's not the destination, but the journey that's important." This journey is full of breath-taking panoramas across the Arkansas River Valley and humorous narratives about Leadville's colourful past. Mining and railroading were a large part of the local history, and today's passengers will find it easy to step back in time o­n the Leadville, Colorado & Southern. Continue o­n to Vail for this overnight in this famed winter/summer resort community.
Overnight: Evergreen Lodge - Vail (Sorry, no Fri or Sat o­ne night stays in this community)

Day 11- Leadville - Georgetown Loop - Denver - (96 miles)
Pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel and o­n to Georgetown for the loop railway. The beauty of the rugged Rocky Mountains surrounds you as an old-time steam locomotive or o­ne of the powerful diesel locomotives winds up the Clear Creek canyon, hauling your train past the remains of several gold and silver mines. Afterwards make your way to downtown Denver returning your hire car o­n arrival.
Overnight: Doubletree Inn - Denver

Day 12- Denver - UK
Morning at leisure before taking the complimentary shuttle to the Denver Airport for the departure flight.

Day 13 - Arrive UK

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