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8
DAYS • 12 MEALS
Journey
to the heart of the American West! Ride the rails and explore
the country’s most breathtaking National Parks! Come along
on an adventure through the untamed Wild West and the unparalleled
majesty of the Rocky Mountains!
Canyonlands
National Park
Your adventure starts in Salt Lake City, Utah, where big city
ambience meets alpine snow resort, all at the site of the 2002
Winter Olympics. As you motorcoach to Moab, you’ll be
in awe of the massive sandstone walls of Canyonlands National
Park. Take in its colorful landscape of countless canyons, mesas
and buttes along the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Majestic
Arches National Park
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone
arches as well as a variety of unique geological resources and
formations. We’ll board a raft for a float trip down the
Colorado River giving you a different perspective of the world’s
most amazing landforms and monoliths...looking up!
Mesa
Verde National Park
UNESCO has designated Mesa Verde National Park as a World Cultural
Heritage Park. Celebrating 14 centuries of history, the archeological
sites found in Mesa Verde National Park are some of the most
notable and best preserved in the U.S. Leading publications
have named Mesa Verde the #1 historic monument in the world
as well as one of the world’s greatest destinations. You’ll
see where the ancient Pueblo Indians built their spectacular
cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages.
Colorado’s
Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
Voted one of the “Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys
in the World,” the Durango Railway Train was founded by
the Denver & Rio Grande Railways in the late 19th century.
Originally constructed to haul ore from the San Juan Mountains,
passengers soon became awestruck by the mountainous views of
the San Juan National Forest. Relive the experience once again
on board this 100% steam powered railroad as we travel through
spectacular canyons in the remote wilderness.
Cumbres
& Toltec Scenic Railroad – Next Stop 1880!
Built in 1880 as the San Juan Extension of the Denver &
Rio Grande, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad remains one
of the most spectacular examples of steam era mountain railroading
in North America. While one hundred years ago, the steamer hauled
precious metals, today the steam locomotives carry passengers
looking for adventure over high trestles, through dark tunnels
and along narrow shelves. You’ll trace the same historic
steps of the gold prospectors as they traveled the same route,
seeking their fortunes.
Magical
Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the most attractive and historic
towns in the Southwest is the oldest state capital in the U.S.,
founded in 1610. The heart of the city has a charming small-town
feel, with the main shops and old buildings within walking distance
of each other. Santa Fe is famous for its world-class opera,
Indian crafts and eclectic art market. Join us for a walking
tour of the Old Santa Fe Trail to see San Miguel Mission, Loretto
Chapel and Santa Fe Plaza. You’ll have the afternoon free
to explore the city on your own. Why not visit the Georgia O’Keeffe
Museum and see her gorgeous flower paintings, or browse through
the shops for a turquoise jewelry treasure of your own? Tonight,
join us for a farewell dinner and a chance to sample some authentic
New Mexican cuisine.
Adventure
Awaits!
Join us for an amazing adventure aboard historic rails, discover
America’s most treasured national parks, and experience
the desert landscape as never before!
Hotel
Accommodations
Day One – Embassy Suites Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah
Days Two and Three – Ramada Inn, Moab, Utah
Days Four and Five – Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn, Durango,
Colorado
Days Six and Seven – Courtyard by Marriott, Santa Fe, New
Mexico |