Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
11 Days
Visiting: Denver, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Chimayo, Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Taos, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Narrow Gauge Railroad Inn, Silverton, Glenwood Springs, Georgetown Loop Railroad, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NCS-2023
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4640
$4015 (USD)
Operator discount: -$512
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114
-13%
Tour Overview
If the closest thing to time travel is train travel, then you’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This off-the-beaten path tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; and through the rugged splendor of the Rockies aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll also pick up steam with visits to Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings, Chimayo’s famous pilgrimage site, and Glenwood Spring’s historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt’s. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum, as well as a trolley tour through charming Santa Fe. All aboard! For one week in October, chasing rainbows is easy as hundreds of hot-air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere of New Mexico into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. Add the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to your U.S. West vacation to witness the incredible Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other colorful rituals of the world’s largest balloon event.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado
Location: Denver
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Denver,Royal Gorge Route Railroad,Colorado Springs
Location: Denver, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Colorado Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of The Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.
Day 3: Colorado Springs,Albuquerque
Location: Colorado Springs, Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to visit Albuquerque – home of the annual Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy free time this evening before an early morning adventure tomorrow!
Day 4: Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. See Old Town Albuquerque before returning to the hotel for free time before witnessing the popular Balloon Glow and Fireworks show.
Day 5: Albuquerque,Santa Fe
Location: Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel, via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, to the charming city of Santa Fe. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Santa Fe. Excursion To Chimayo
Location: Chimayo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. We then visit nearby Chimayo, which was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, located in a century-old adobe home, serving some of the best New Mexican cuisine. Visit [LF] Santuario De Chimayo and learn about the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 7: Santa Fe,Bandelier National Monument,Taos,Durango
Location: Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Taos, Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Santa Fe, stopping to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time to explore. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries.
Day 8: Durango. Excursion To Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout.
Day 9: Durango,Narrow-Gauge Railroad,Silverton,Glenwood Springs
Location: Durango, Narrow Gauge Railroad Inn, Silverton, Glenwood Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic [LF] Hotel Colorado.
Day 10: Glenwood Springs,Georgetown Loop Railroad,Denver
Location: Glenwood Springs, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation.
Day 11: Denver
Location: Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
UNESCO Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Notes
Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departure: October 04 (Mother Nature permitting).
Accommodation
Denver:Hilton Garden Inn Denver DowntownColorado Springs:Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado SpringsAlbuquerque:Embassy Suites AlbuquerqueSanta Fe:La Posada de Santa FeDurango:Doubletree Inn DurangoGlenwood Springs:Hotel Colorado
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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