Discover Colorado: Off the Beaten Path
9 Nights From €1399 (Per Person)
United States
3
Fly Drive Holidays
Colorado
Denver to Denver (10 Days)
•Denver •Leadville •Aspen Snowmass •Crested Butte •Black Canyon of the Gunnison
•Telluride •Mesa Verde National Park •Durango •Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
It’s country so beautiful that it inspired John Denver’s song “Rocky Mountain High,” and the famous line “O beautiful for spacious skies” in America the Beautiful. What’s more, it inspired the exhausted settlers who pushed on from the plains on their rugged trek to “Pike’s Peak or Bust.” All across Colorado, silver, snow-capped mountains burst forth from dense forests, reaching skyward as far as the eye can see. On the ground, looking up at these awesome mountains, you can only wonder what thunderous forces created the stone monoliths. Welcome to Big Mountain Country! This is mountain scenery as good as it gets.
You’ll depart this dramatic region of America knowing you have seen the best.
•Denver •Leadville •Aspen Snowmass •Crested Butte •Black Canyon of the Gunnison
•Telluride •Mesa Verde National Park •Durango •Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Day 1:
Arrival into Denver International Airport. Denver is a vibrant, young city with 300 days of sunshine, brilliant blue sky and breathtak- ing mountain scenery. Founded in 1858 as a gold mining camp, Denver is located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level – exact- ly one mile high.
Relax and get acclimated, stroll around on foot and enjoy dinner.
Day 2:
Full day to explore Denver and over- night. Suggested activities: Visit the Colorado State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown Museum.
There is also great shopping, wining and din- ing in the colorful Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, along 16th Street Mall with its free trolley service and in the elegant Cherry Creek Shopping District.
Day 3:
Travel to the historic town of Lead- ville and overnight.
The historic city of Leadville is located in the geographic center of Colorado on U.S. Hwy. 24, part of the “Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway”. A former silver mining town that lies near the headwaters of the Ar- kansas Rive in the heart of the Rocky Moun- tains, the city includes the Leadville Historic District, which preserves many historic struc- tures and sites from Leadville’s dynamic min- ing era.
Suggested activities: Visit the National Min- ing Hall of Fame Museum, Tabor Opera House, Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin and enjoy shopping on Main Street.
Day 4:
Travel to Aspen Snowmass for overnight. Snowmass - Action, Adventure & Discovery right outside your door Whitewater rafting, fly fishing, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, all in a setting that defies imagination. Your adventure begins the moment you step out of your door. This is what sets Snowmass apart. And the fact that you can completely immerse yourself in this setting all 15 minutes down the road from the iconic town of Aspen, makes Snowmass one of the most unique destinations in the world. Action and adventure can mean different things to different people and different cultures. For some, the perfect day is an amazing hot air balloon tour followed by a hike through the wild flowers, culminating with a night of cocktails and fine dining. For others, satisfaction is achieved after a day of braving class IV and V rapids and then defying gravity on a downhill mountain bike. From mild to wild, that’s the beauty of Snowmass.
On you your way to Snowmass visit the historic ghost town of Ashcroft for a light hike and scenic views. Afterward, head to the Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in North America. Enjoy hiking, wildlife, picnicking and photography opportunities. Continue to Snowmass. Take a Sunset Jeep Tour through our beautiful mountains. This exciting tour in- cludes a BBQ dinner and cowboy sing-a-long around a campfire while watching the sunset in the evening.
Day 5:
Full day touring in Snowmass and overnight. Explore Snowmass’ many km of trails of wildflower hikes and biking or dip your toes in the river for some whitewater rafting fun. Don’t miss the Snowmass Rodeo; a locals’ favorite happening every Wednesday. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and watch professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in events such as barrel racing, calf roping, mutton bustin’ and more. Thursday nights, head for the hills and enjoy a free summer concert on mountain, where you can get your groove on, picnic and relax. If you are traveling with kids there are plenty of activities for them to do on their own.
Day 6:
Travel to Crested Butte, touring and overnight. From Carbondale, follow Colorado Highway 133 over McClure Pass and Kebler Pass to Crested Butte. With some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, you’ll want to have your camera handy. Explore Crested Butte. Stroll down Elk Avenue, visit the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and stop by the Montanya Distillers to sample some rum.
Day 7:
Travel to Telluride and overnight On your way to Telluride visit the Black Can- yon of the Gunnison National Park.
As Colorado’s own Grand Canyon, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison leaves visi- tors speechless with its beauty and dramat- ic landscapes. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Continue to Telluride.
Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Telluride and its vibrant art community. Visit the historic Sheridan Opera House and the Telluride Historical Museum. Take a beautiful hike along Bear Creek Falls Trail or opt for a 13-minute ride on a free gondola connecting the town of Telluride and Mountain Village.
Day 8:
Travel to Mesa Verde National Park Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeolog- ical preserve in the United States. Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectac- ular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home over 700 years, from AD 600 to 1300.
Travel to Durango for overnight.
Durango, A Dozen Vacations in One Destination Durango is a picturesque mountain town, nestled at the southwestern foot of the Rocky Mountains. Located in the “Four Corners” region where Colorado meets Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, Durango is the perfect gateway to experience the history of the American West. Durango is also home of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Rail- road, making it a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Durango offers a “doz- en vacations in one destination”. From old west experiences, ancients ruins, and arts & culture to adventure sports, agritourism and special events, Durango has something to offer to all travelers.
Day 9:
Full day in Durango and overnight Travel back in time via the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silver- ton (time varies: one way on train with return via coach: 5.5. Round trip on train: 9 hours). Relive the sites and sounds of yesteryear with a spectacular journey on board a historic, coal-fired, steam-powered train that has been transporting passengers since 1882. Upon return visit the Railroad Museum and take a walking tour of Downtown Durango. Enjoy din- ner in one of our many local restaurants. After dinner stop by the Diamond Belle Saloon, known as one of the original ragtime piano bars in the west.
Day 10:
Return car rental and travel to Denver International Airport for departing flights
Extended stay and departure options:
•Continue east to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and back to Denver for departing flights
•Continue south from Durango to explore Aztec National Monument, Taos, Santa Fe and back to Albuquerque for departing flights
•Continue west from Durango to explore Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Cap- itol Reef National Park and back to Salt Lake City for departing flights (in which case visit Mesa Verde after Durango)
•Continue southwest from Durango to explore Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Grand Can- yon National Park and back to Phoenix for departing flights
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