This morning we transfer to Washington Dulles airport and our flight to Denver, Colorado.  We’ll transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel where we’ll meet our fellow travelers at a get acquainted dinner hosted by our Mayflower Tours Manager.  (D)

Day 2 * Saturday * August 4
Departing Denver we venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.  With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet on the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, the park is filled with breathtaking scenery and experiences.  Following the Trail Ridge Road we stop at the Alpine Visitor Center to learn more about this fascinating place.  Our host tonight is the Holiday Inn Sumit County in Frisco.  (B)

Day 3 * Sunday * August 5
Today we travel to historic Leadville to board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad.  Learn about the fascinating history of railroads, ghost stories and tales from the wild from our conductor as we travel north along the Arkansas River Valley.  Rising 1,000 feet from the valley floor, we are greeted by spectacular views of Fremont Pass and the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert.  Later, we travel through scenic Monarch Pass and Curecanti National Recreation Area en route to Montrose for our overnight stay.  (B,BL)

Day 4 * Monday * August 6
This morning we visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, then it’s “full steam ahead” 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 San Juan National Forest. The locomotives remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated and maintained in their original condition. We spend two nights in Ignacio. (B,D)

Day 5 * Tuesday * August 7
Today we visit the land of the ancient Pueblo Indians in Mesa Verde National Park.  The fascinating cliff dwellings and culture of these people provide us with a look into a society that existed approximately 1400 years ago.  Building elaborate stone communities, the Pueblos developed their own society that existed for some 700 years before disappearing.  Archeologists called them Anasazi, from a Navajo word sometimes translated as “the ancient ones.”  (B)

Day 6 * Wednesday * August 8
We ride the original Rio Grande Line over the Rockies aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, built in the 1880's.  This is America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad.  Enjoy lunch onboard as we explore 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, the highest point on the railroad.  Spend tonight at the Inn of the Rio Grande in Alamosa.  (B,L)

Day 7 * Thursday * August 9
Today we enjoy another train journey aboard the twelve-mile Royal Gorge Route, following 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 below the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge, towering over 1,000 feet above.  Our host for the next two nights is the Radisson Hotel in Colorado Springs.  (B)

Day 8 * Friday * August 10
Today we’ll see the U.S. Air Force Academy and its famous Cadet Chapel (when available).  We visit the stunning Garden of the Gods, where flora and fauna reflect the rich diversity of the terrain.  The Garden lies at the base of Pikes Peak, our next adventure.  “Ride to the Clouds!” aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog road in the U.S.  Stretching nine miles long, the railway vertically climbs to 7,539 feet!  At our farewell dinner this evening, we’ll share memories of this unforgettable rail journey.  (B,D)

Day 9 * Saturday * August 11
We bid farewell to Colorado with fond memories of our western railroads adventure.  We’ll transfer to the Denver airport for our flight to Washington Dulles where we’ll be transferred to our respective areas.  What a wonderful time we have enjoyed on our Colorado’s Historic Trains tour.  (B)

PRICE PER PERSON INCLUDING AIRFARE

Twin/Double (Two Persons Sharing One Room) $2644.00

Single $3323.00

 
Should you have health concerns due to the high altitude, please consult your physician.

Photo identification (driver’s license) is required for all flights.  Please give your name as it appears on your photo ID when making your reservation.

NOTE:  An early morning flight out of Washington, DC, may be required for this tour.  This would require overnighting in the DC area.  Shenandoah Tours will make these arrangements if needed.  This hotel cost will be in addition to the quoted rate.

TOUR INCLUDES:
* Round trip transportation to/from Washington Dulles Airport
* Round trip flights
* Services of a Tour Manager
* Luggage handling
* Accident insurance
* Overnight accommodations as outlined
* Attractions & admissions as outlined
* Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
 
Rates are subject to change .

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS:  A $350 per person deposit is due when reservation is made.  Balance is due by June 1, 2012.