Itinerary

Day 1 - Salt Lake City

Welcome to Salt Lake City, Utah’s political and cultural center, surrounded by the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains. Upon arrival, transfer on your own to our hotel. At 6 pm mix and mingle with your tour director and fellow travelling companions at our Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 - Canyonlands by Day & Night

Your canyonlands adventure begins as we depart Salt Lake City and travel to Moab,Utah. A local guide will join us as we travel through Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park. Canyonlands is the largest national park in the state, and its diversity staggers the imagination. Get ready for thousand-foot views down into river canyons, red rock pinnacles, cliffs and spires that showcase some of the most inspiring landscape on earth. Next, visit Dead Horse Point soaring two thousand feet above the Colorado River.Tonight indulge in a BBQ before boarding a jet boat cruise to see the Canyonlands Sound and Light show.The high red rock canyon walls come alive under the star-filled Utah sky with lights which add color and beauty to the tales of native legends. (B, D)

Day 3 - Arches National Park - Colorado Float Trip

Arches National Park is home to the largest concentration of sandstone arches in the world, some 2,000 in all. The simple action of erosion over tens of thousands of years produce what appear to be purposefully sculpted formations. After a picnic luncheon along the Colorado river, we’ll take a scenic float trip through canyons and into river passages. Enjoy! (B, L)

Day 4 - Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park

The fun continues as we head to Four Corners National Monument where you can stand in the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah all at the same time! Later visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features the Anasazi Indians stone dwellings built into high cliff walls in the 13th Century. Learn the history of “the Ancient Ones,” and view the famous Cliff Palace, one of the largest of the 700-year old dwellings. (B, D)

Day 5 - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Get ready for one of the top ten most exciting train journeys in the world as we board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the old west took over a century ago.The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest. (B)

Day 6 - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

All aboard America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad as we ride the original Rio Grande Line over the Rockies aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. A long time has passed since the railroad hauled precious metals over Cumbres Pass. But its steam locomotives still labor up steep grades carrying passengers over high trestles, through tunnels, and along narrow shelves above yawning gorges. Relive the history of the miners, and loggers that traveled the same route years ago. You may also think about Harrison Ford as this railroad was featured in several movies including Indiana Jones. Lunch is included in historic Ostier. (B, L)

Day 7 - Sensational Sante Fe

Today enjoy a guided walking tour of historic Santa Fe, famous for its unique mix of Spanish & Indian cultures. See the Palace of the Governors & the Mission of San Miguel; the renowned Plaza; the Chapel of Loretta; New Mexico’s Circular State Capitol and more. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time to browse through the downtown shops and galleries. Tonight, join your tour director for a fun farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 8 - Albuquerque

After breakfast, we’ll head for Albuquerque Airport. Take a moment to say goodbye to your newly found friends. Please schedule your flights out after 2:00 pm. (B)

 

(B)= Breakfast (L)= Lunch (D)= Dinner (R)= Reception

Train

Great Train Escapes is Americas newest daylight sightseeing train.

Tour Directors
You are on vacation, so leave everything to our professionals. Our guides take care of you from start to finish of the trip. They will ensure that your luggage, room keys and dining experiences are all well taken care of. Our Tour Directors are our hallmark. They are specialists whose active commentary will enhance your appreciation of the area's history, culture and wildlife. You can always rest easy knowing that your Tour Director will take care of your special needs, so every moment will be one that you cherish! Gold

Leaf Service
What a gorgeous way to sightsee! On board our train, we provide you with spacious, comfortable reclining seats, picture windows and a non-smoking environment. Air conditioning provides optimum comfort and restrooms are convenient. So relax, breathe in the fresh air and bring your camera along to photograph some of the ever changing scenery.

Deluxe Motorcoaches
Our motorcoaches are luxurious with large non-glare windows, which brings the scenery up close to you. Air conditioning provides optimum comfort, and washrooms are convenient. To guarantee your safety, we choose only drivers with years of experience and excellent safety records.

Comfortable high quality Accommodations
Your comfort is our paramount concern, so we have selected the best hotels available. We are in constant search of first class service and reliability. Each accommodation has a special flavor; from classic inns, to comfortable new high-rise hotels. The vast majority of hotels are able to provide twin bedded rooms. During the height of the season, occasionally twin bedded rooms are not available, in which case we would provide a Queen or King bedded accommodation. Roll away beds are available only upon request, but are not guaranteed.

Dining Experiences
Excellent dining throughout. We often feature elaborate buffets at both breakfast and dinner, a la carte dining with a selection of entrees and of course local favorites.

Airfare and Airport Transfers
Our booking agent will assist in securing the best available airfare. Since tour members frequently arrive at different times and sometimes on different days, we do not arrange for transfers from the airport. Please refer to your final tour documents for information on transfers to your hotel.