Itinerary

Day 1:
Mon. DENVER. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Tue. DENVER –PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY–COLORADO SPRINGS. Begin the day with a visit to the COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM. This “must-see” site for rail fans features more than 70 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars. Then, travel south to the town of Colorado Springs, located on the plains at the foot of Pikes Peak. The natural beauty of Colorado Springs is legendary. The view from the top of nearby Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to compose “America the Beautiful” more than 100 years ago. Visit the GARDEN OF THE GODS, a city park that is a garden of towering red rock formations. Next is a fabulous train ride on the PIKE’S PEAK COG RAILWAY, the world’s first diesel-electric cog locomotive and highest cog railroad. Travel along Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon, then over Four Mile Switch where you’ll get your first glimpse of Pikes Peak. At about the 5-mile point, the grade gets steep as you climb above timberline and reach the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak.

Day 3:
Wed. COLORADO SPRINGS–CAÑON CITY–ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILWAY–ALAMOSA. This morning, journey to Cañon City and the Royal Gorge to experience the ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE & PARK. Spanning a quarter mile across is the world’s highest suspension bridge at 1,053 feet high. The panoramic vistas of the gorge are as mesmerizing as the Grand Canyon. See spectacular views of the Arkansas River and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the Aerial Tram ride. Then, all aboard the ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD. Travel on a diesel locomotive for 12 miles following the most spectacular section of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad through the gorge on tracks laid more than 120 years ago. Riders often spot wildlife such as eagles and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. The views are breathtaking, so bring your camera. Overnight in Alamosa, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo range to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west.

Day 4:
Thu. ALAMOSA–CUMBRES & TOLTEC RAILROAD–DURANGO. Today you travel on the CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD, America’s most authentic steam railroad built more than 120 years ago. Jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the 64-mile line connects Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, via 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and is an archetypal remnant of the Denver & Rio Grande narrow-gauge railroad system that once stretched hundreds of miles throughout the Rocky Mountains. Travel through the beautiful San Juan Mountains on tracks that tamed the West. You’ll cross the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times. The train stops in Osier, Colorado, for lunch. Disembark the train at Cumbres Pass and continue by motorcoach to Chama. Later, arrive in Durango, a town born in the gold rush and silver mining era and at times run by gunslingers. (L)

Day 5:
Fri. DURANGO. Excursion on the DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD. Board the narrow-gauge Durango-Silverton train this morning for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steampowered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took more than a century ago. The locomotives used to pull today’s train are 1923–25 vintage. This historic train has been in continuous operation for more than 123 years. The train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snowcapped peaks. Free time in Silverton, once a major mining town, which owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner, “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”

Day 6:
Sat. DURANGO–MESA VERDE–MOAB. Visit the ruins of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK. See Spruce Tree House, which dates from 1200 A.D. and is tucked under a sandstone cliff face. Spend time at the park’s museum, depicting the story of these people who mysteriously disappeared almost 700 years ago. Continue on to Moab, a small town on the Colorado River surrounded by red sandstone formations.

Day 7:
Sun. MOAB–GLENWOOD CANYON–VAIL . This morning, visit ARCHES NATIONAL PARK where you will see the world-famous “Delicate Arch.” Continue your journey through the massive 1,800-foot walls of Glenwood Canyon and then continue to the Vail Valley area, one of America’s most popular mountain resorts. Stroll through the pedestrian village and experience the unique shopping opportunities, or let one of the world-class chefs prepare a meal to delight your tastebuds. Overnight in the Vail area.

Day 8:
Mon. VAIL–ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK–DENVER. See Colorado’s largest natural lake, Grand Lake. Cross the Continental Divide and behold vistas of lush meadows, alpine glaciers, and thundering waterfalls. Take scenic Trail Ridge Road over magnificent mountain terrain, which attracted the likes of Kit Carson and his group of trappers to ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. A break at 12,000 feet provides fantastic alpine scenery. Next is a short stop in Estes Park before returning to Denver. Nestled in a high mountain valley at just above 7,500 feet elevation, Estes Park features hundreds of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants for you to enjoy. Free time this evening to enjoy one of America’s fastest growing cities. A bustling area centered around a milelong pedestrian promenade is lined with outdoor cafés and flower baskets. Dinner at one of the 300 restaurants and a horse-drawn carriage ride could be the perfect ending to the day.

Note: The drive through Rocky Mountain National Park is subject to favorable road and weather conditions.

Day 9:
Tue. DENVER. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Denver International Airport.

Dates & Prices

In Boston.
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
LOS ANGELES. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! This afternoon, head to the mountainringed desert resort of Scottsdale.

Day 3:
SCOTTSDALE. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional guided 4-wheel-drive tour into the Arizona desert to discover the cacti and other plants and animals that make up the desert’s delicate ecosystem. Early this evening join our optional outing to relive the days of the Wild West.

Day 4:
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS. Travel to Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. Up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River.

Day 5:
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS. Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows more than 40 feet in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Day 6:
LAS VEGAS. The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos, shopping plazas, and amusement parks. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions to fill your day. Consider a river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.

Day 7:
LAS VEGAS–FRESNO. A day of striking natural contrast as the journey continues northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.”

Day 8:
FRESNO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA. Cross high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s a beautiful drive from the park to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era.

Day 9:
SONORA –SACRAMENTO–SAN FRANCISCO. Head toward Sacramento, capital of California, with time to explore Old Sacramento. “Old Town,” as the locals call it, features a Wild West ambiance. During your free time, see the country’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings, a Wells Fargo museum, and a historic Railroad Museum. From Old Town, continue west to reach San Francisco by early afternoon. Cross the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbor. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. In the evening, how about dinner at a popular Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant followed by a cocktail at the world-famous Fairmont Hotel? You’ll end the night with an illumination tour of San Francisco.

Day 10:
SAN FRANCISCO. A full program of optional excursions is available, including a cruise on San Francisco Bay with a visit to Alcatraz and a helicopter ride over the city. Your Tour Director will suggest more sightseeing attractions as well as other favorite places to shop and dine.

Day 11:
SAN FRANCISCO. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport.

Dates & Prices

In Los Angeles and San Francisco.
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
DENVER. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
DENVER–CHEYENNE–BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA–KEYSTONE. Depart downtown Denver this morning and leave Colorado traveling north to Cheyenne. Next, see the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and continue on to Custer. Late this afternoon, travel to see the renowned CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, a monument statue carved out of a mountain that pays respect to the great hero of the Native Americans, Chief Crazy Horse.

Day 3:
KEYSTONE–MOUNT RUSHMORE–DEADWOD–LEAD. Deep in the Black Hills, once Indian hunting country, behold the magnificent granite faces of MOUNT RUSHMORE, a giant monument to four American presidents— Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Afterward, visit TATANKA , “The Story of the Bison,” and experience the richness of the Lakota people, a Plains Indian buffalo culture. Next it’s on to Deadwood, a lawless frontier town during the 1876 Gold Rush, where Jack McCall murdered Wild Bill Hickok during a poker game. Your overnight stay is in the old mining town of Lead, set at the head of Gold Gulch Run.

Day 4:
LEAD–CODY. On through the rich high country to Buffalo, where open-range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers in the 1890s. Drive by Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, the scene of many fierce battles between the U.S. Cavalry and the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Crow Indians. Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s frontier town of Cody.

Day 5:
CODY–YELOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Proceed through Shoshone National Forest to splendid YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Artist Point on the south rim with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the stupendous Lower Falls. Next, see the geyser basins with bubbling mud paint pots and, finally, the consistent “blow” of Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. O vernight in Yellowstone National Park.

Note: Departures April 17–May 16 and Sept. 25–Oct. 2 will stay at the Brandin’ Iron Inn in West Yellowstone.

Day 6:
YELOWSTONE–GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK –JACKSON. Head south into the magnificent summer and winter playground of GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, one of America’s last preserves of wild solitude. Its sawtoothed, 13,770-foot-high ridges are crested with snow most of the year. See beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a stroll along the shore, before ending the day in all-western Jackson. This evening, why not complete your western experience by joining the barbecue cookout and Wild West show?

Day 7:
JACKSON. With its wooden sidewalks and swing-door saloons, Jackson is like a living film set. Time today for an optional excursion—a raft trip down the Snake River. You might catch a glimpse of a moose or a bald eagle!

Day 8:
JACKSON–SALT LAKE CITY. Today, we leave Jackson and drive to Salt Lake City for an overnight stay. Magnificently set on the edge of salt desert and surrounded by mountains and forests, this is the center of the Mormon religion where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” On the included sightseeing TOUR , you will see the best of the vibrant capital of Utah, including Temple Square with its impressive 6-spire temple, the adjacent tabernacle, and the Beehive House.

Day 9:
SALT LAKE CITY–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK. Through sagebrush landscape to BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK with its 20 miles of breathtaking sandstone cliffs and ever-changing colors. View some of Earth’s most brilliant shades of rock, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called “hoodoos,” and other fantastic forms.

Day 10:
BRYCE CANYON–ZION NATIONAL PARK–PAGE. Travel to ZION NATIONAL PARK with its striking landscape carved out by rushing streams over a period of millions of years. Steep canyons, vertical stone towers, and verdant vegetation form the contrasting scenery of Zion, once a refuge for Mormon pioneers. Head east into Arizona to Page, nestled on the shores of Lake Powell.

Day 11:
PAGE–PAINTED DESERT–GRAND CANYON. Begin your morning with an optional scenic flight over Monument Valley. Fly over Lake Powell and across Navajo Indian lands before reaching the uniquely shaped monuments themselves. Then a scenic drive across the Painted Desert and through Kaibab National Forest. Arrive at the South Rim of GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK with free time to explore the canyon rim. Overnight in Grand Canyon National Park.

Day 12:
GRAND CANYON–LAS VEGAS. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion with incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. Leave the high country of Arizona and head for the modern phenomenon of Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows featuring some of the world’s top entertainers. A stop at McCarran International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 p.m. The trip ends in Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace in the late afternoon.

Dates & Prices

In Salt Lake City
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
LOS ANGELES. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro stands sentinel. Arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon.

Day 3:
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS. First stop is Sedona, athriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams.

Day 4:
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS. Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, enjoy our optional outing to a glittering Vegas show—or, if you prefer, explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”

Day 5:
LAS VEGAS. The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos. Try an optional river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.

Day 6:
LAS VEGAS. Another full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.

Day 7:
LAS VEGAS–FRESNO. A day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.”

Day 8:
FRESNO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA. Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains rising as much as 4,000 feet above the valley floor. We then drive to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era and well known for its collection of Victorian homes.

Day 9:
SONORA–SACRAMENTO–SAN FRANCISCO. This morning we visit Sacramento,California’s historic state capital, home to more than 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There’s time to visit historic Old Town, the nation’s largest collection of gold rush era buildings. We continue west to the Golden Gate City of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 10:
SAN FRANCISCO–WINE COUNTRY EXCURSION. This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint, Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views. Next, Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and WINE TASTING at one of the many wineries are included.

Day 11:
SAN FRANCISCO. A full day at leisure in the “City by the Bay.”

Day 12:
SAN FRANCISCO–MONTEREY. Today, we travel south to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. Your sightseeing tour will include visits to historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. During your free time this afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey is a “must-do.” This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds. Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder, or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters in the calm inner harbor waters.

Day 13:
MONTEREY–CARMEL–SOLVANG–LOMPOC. This morning, we take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Overnight in the town of Lompoc.

Day 14:
LOMPOC–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES. It’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop for photos at the historic mission and a visit to the pier. Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 p.m.

Dates & Prices