Railroading the Rockies
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Overview
Highlights
- Garden of the Gods: Observe the breathtaking views of 300-foot-high sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak. Enjoy a trail walk and the newly renovated nature center and museum.
- Georgetown Loop: Depart from Denver on a spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad that brings you deep into scenic Clear Creek Valley.
- Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway: Ride this train for an unforgettable journey through the mountains to historic Durango.
- Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad: Visit the village of Chama, New Mexico, and ride this historic train, which served the silver mines of the San Juans.
- Royal Gorge Route Railway: Follow the winding, tumbling Arkansas River and view the granite cliffs of Colorado’s Royal Gorge.
- Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Ride to the summit of Pikes Peak, a National Historic Landmark rising over 14,000 feet, where you’ll marvel at sweeping vistas of the Great Plains, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Collegiate Range.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Expertise of a Smithsonian Journeys Expert and tour management throughout the tour.
- All accommodations (based on double occupancy).
- Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary.
- All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary.
- Pre-tour information, including a reading list.
- Service charges and gratuities.
- All on-tour transportation unless otherwise noted.
- On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance
Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Individual arrivals in to Denver International Airport during the afternoon. Check in at the Westin Denver-International Airport. Gather for a welcome reception, opening remarks and dinner.
Westin Denver International Airport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tivoli Lodge Vail
This morning visit the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden for a tour and introduction to rail history of the region. After lunch enjoy the first of many scenic railway rides, the Georget...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Beaumont Hotel
After breakfast we’ll drive through a region of Colorado rich in railroading history – including brief stops in Minturn and atop the summit of Tennessee Pass, the highest point on any mainl...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: The Springs Resort and Spa-Ecoluxe Hotel
Shuttle to Silverton. After exploring and enjoying lunch at the restaurant of your choice in Silverton, board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hampton Inn-Salida
This morning we’ll drive to Chama, New Mexico, arriving in time to photograph the narrow gauge engine terminal and rolling stock in this hub of train operations. This train trip will in...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Garden of the Gods Club and Resort
Step aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad this morning and experience stunning riverside landscapes, and 1,000-foot canyon cliffs. We’ll enjoy breakfast while on aboard...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Z.G. Simmons, inventor of the Beautyrest mattress, founded the Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway in 1889. It’s one of only three cog railways in North America and ascends higher than any other in the world. In 1938, it began operating ...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Smithsonian Journeys.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Smithsonian Journeys marks its 45th anniversary in 2015! We, along with our travelers, continue to be inspired by the Smithsonian’s mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” This dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to develop authentic and exceptional cultural experiences.
Since 1970, our collection of diverse tours and cruises has grown to more than 150 destinations on all seven continents. From a stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama during a small-ship cruise to touring the sublime collections of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence when the museum is closed to the public from witnessing an infinite array of celestial phenomena during a hands-on telescope viewing at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Arizona to exclusive meetings with top mystery writers in England. Smithsonian Journeys is the enduring leader in cultural and enrichment travel.
It is through our knowledgeable and charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts, our dedicated tour staff, and carefully selected travel partners, who combine their expertise, unflagging care, and detailed planning skills, that we are able to create such exceptional travel experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to the years ahead and thank you for being part of our journey!
The Smithsonian Journeys Difference
Inspiring generations through learning and discovery, the Smithsonian museums have exhilarated visitors with unique and authentic experiences for more than 160 years. This same sense of awe and wonder can be yours, anywhere you travel in the world with Smithsonian Journeys. So let Smithsonian be your compass and help get you started on your exploration.
Preserving our National Treasures: Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to preserve national treasures and shape the future through science, research, and exhibitions.
Bringing Your Destination to Life: When you travel with Smithsonian, you will explore the world with experts who are masters at bringing your destination to life. These inspiring scholars are compelling storytellers and charming travel companions, who will enrich your travel experience in a unique and personal way.
Behind-the-Scenes Access: From people to places, our Smithsonian connections provide you with behind-the-scenes access to iconic sites, knowledgeable guides, local experts, and exclusive events all over the world, adding even more meaning and authenticity to your travel experience.
Travel with New Friends: On any given trip, you will be sure to forge lasting friendships with like-minded travelers who share your passion for exploration. Our small groups deliver an intimate journey and you’ll never feel herded or rushed.
We Know Where to Take You: From unique lodgings in far-flung regions and charming hotels in well-traveled places to the ideal cruise ship or train experience, you’ll always travel in comfort and style, and enjoy authentic cuisine that reflects the local culture.
We've Got Everything Covered: When you travel with Smithsonian, there is no need for exhaustive planning or worrying about travel logistics. Our first-rate staff meticulously manages every aspect of each trip to ensure the highest quality and provide you with comfortable, stress-free travel.
Discover Real Value: Once you add up the extras we include as a matter of course—experts, meals, transfers, excursions, little luxuries, and even airfare inclusive pricing on many tours—you’ll know you’re getting more than you pay for. That’s what we call real value!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airfare and air and departure taxes.
- Passport fees, visas, and visa photos as required.
- Transfers to and from your home to the program site and transfers to and from the airports, unless specifically noted
- Personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, meals other than specified.
- Room service and valet/laundry service.
Per person cancellation fees are based on date of notice to Smithsonian Journeys:
Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full refund.
Cancellations after 7 days of booking: $800 retained (entire deposit).
Final payment due: 95 days prior to departure.
Cancellation made less than 95 days prior to departure: no refund.
Cancellation by the Smithsonian: full refund.
No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunch and 6 Dinners
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