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COLORADO & ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE 10 Days / June 27 Sing along with cowboys, float down a river, climb mountains aboard railways and jeeps! Day 1. This delightful Colorado vacation begins as we cross Missouri and arrive in central Kansas. This evening we enjoy a group dinner at one of Ike’s favorite restaurants. (Abilene is the hometown of Dwight D. Eisenhower.) Lodging: Comfort Inn, Salina, KS Day 2. Today, and every day of this tour, starts with breakfast at the hotel. The majestic Rocky Mountains appear on the horizon this afternoon as we approach Colorado Springs. Tonight we participate in a fun evening at the Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show. Lodging: Pikes Peak Drury Inn, Colorado Springs, CO (2 nights) Day 3. This morning we attend optional Catholic & Protestant servicesat theAir Force Academy. Then it’s Pike’s Peak or bust – the cry of the early gold seekers is ours today! For over a century The Pike’s Peak Cog Railway has been transporting visitors on a spectacular mountain climb. The summit is at 14,110 feet above sea level; what a view, “America the Beautiful”! Tonight’s dinner is served in a former stage coach stop. Day 4. We attempt to name the many formations in the giant red rocks at the Garden of the Gods. At the Royal Gorge you may cross the world’s highest suspension bridge more than 1,055 feet above the canyon floor or sit at the canyon’s edge and wave to the others who walk across! The towering Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies forms a backdrop as we travel to our overnight accommodations. Lodging: Comfort Inn, Alamosa, CO Day 5. Today we travel on to Mancos and visit the amazing Mesa Verde National Park to see the ancient cliff dwellings and hear stories of this ancient culture. Late this afternoon we descend into Durango, a charming old west town perfect for an evening of shopping or taking a stroll. Lodging: Hampton Inn, Durango, CO (2 nights) Day 6. Today we experience the real Colorado by discovering the fun and beauty of rivers and mountain peaks. Enjoy a half-day Animas River raft trip with professional oarsman including a riverside catered lunch. Then conclude the day with a spectacular scenic Big Mountain Jeep Trail Tour! An old mining town, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the view from Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet are highlights of this adventure. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with their stories and information. The unique 4 X 4 tour vehicles are custom designed and more stable than traditional “jeeps”. They have more legroom, comfortable seats and even cargo nets for stashing personal items like cameras and film (bring plenty). Day 7. Today, we travel on to the western town of Dillon, Colorado. You will have time to explore downtown and have dinner. We then attend a nature program at Lake Dillon Amphitheater. Lodging: Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge, Dillon, CO Day 8. Happy Independence Day! Today’s highlight is the spectacular Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Towering peaks, flowering meadows, Alpine lakes, sculptured mountain valleys, rugged gorges and plunging streams are breathtaking from the picture windows of our motorcoach as we ride along the mountain highway. We then spend some time in the famous resort town of Estes Park. Here you have free time to explore the shops, enjoy a snack or choose a park bench and gaze at the mountain scenery. Tonight, we celebrate with Boulder at their fabulous 4th of July Celebration. This is held at the stadium at the University of Colorado and includes entertainment and an outstanding fireworks display. Lodging: Quality Inn & Suites, Boulder, CO Day 9. We depart this morning for a relaxing day of travel. Mountains fade in the distance as we travel eastward to enter the “Sunflower State” and spend the night. Lodging: Holiday Inn Express, Junction City, KS Day 10. We travel on home today with wonderful memories of our Colorado & Rocky Mountain adventure! Included meals: 9 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 3 Dinners
Tour cost: $ 899. per Child/Teen $1389. per person 4/room $1469. per person 3/room $1799. per person 2/room $2279. Single |