National Parks of America Tour

Your fare excludes:

Day 1: Denver, Colorado - Tour Begins
Adventure awaits as you explore the towering peaks and rolling meadows of Colorado and Utah. This tour (which features four national parks) opens in the “Mile High City” of Denver where you will gather for a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver
Travel through Boulder, a scenic university town known for its iconic landmark…the striking, reddish-brown foothills known as the Flatirons. Stop in Estes Park, a mountain resort town and home of the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park starts on the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved, continuous highway in North America. It’s a drive that should be on everybody’s bucket list. At Rainbow Curve, marvel at the majestic mountains that stand in contrast to deep, rugged canyons. Later, return to Denver for a free evening in this dynamic city.

Day 3: Denver - Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction
The spectacular Rocky Mountains are your travelling companion. Make a scenic drive from Denver to Grand Junction, passing through many of Colorado’s famous ski resorts. This journey also takes you to one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Continue along the monument's historic Rim Rock Drive to see a colourful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Gather for dinner at a favourite local hangout in Grand Junction, a town that attracts outdoorsmen, foodies and all manner of free spirits.

Day 4: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Grand Junction
Today, venture to another amazing national park – Colorado’s own “Grand Canyon”! Marvel at the steep-walled gorge and dramatic views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park whilst travelling along its South Rim. Pause at one of the scenic viewpoints to soak in this stunning wilderness of rock, water, and sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking some of the steepest and oldest rock walls in North America, carved over 2 million years by the Gunnison River. Perhaps you’ll even spot a peregrine falcon. Then, immerse yourself in the stories of the American west during a tour of the Museum of the Mountain West, a preserved and re-created pioneer town that captures life as it was over a century ago. Return to Grand Junction for an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Grand Junction - Silverton - Durango
Head south to Silverton, a former silver mining town and now a National Historic Landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town blends spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture. Then it's “all aboard” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive made its name hauling silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but you will soon realize it is the view that is its most precious asset.

Day 6: Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango
An incredible day awaits in Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), home of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Join a local guide on a drive through the park making several photo stops including views of the famous Spruce Tree House, one of Mesa Verde’s best preserved cliff dwellings and Cliff Palace, the largest in the park. This evening, experience a farm-to-table dinner on a family-owned ranch surrounded by red mountain peaks and lush green pastures.

Day 7: Durango - Colorado Springs
Sit back and relax during a scenic ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the landscape as you make your way from the San Juan National Forest and across Wolf Creek Pass, a section of the Continental Divide that would take pioneers two to three weeks to cross. Continue on through the Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness named for the 1,800 miles of Rio Grande River that cuts through the forest. Your day concludes in Colorado Springs, an artistic and cultural hub.

Day 8: Colorado Springs - Manitou Springs - Colorado Springs
Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pike’s Peak – the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9 mile trip to the top of Pike’s Peak. During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods to take in the view of towering sandstone formations that dot the landscape set in the backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner and celebrate your adventure.

Day 9: Colorado Springs - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs.

P​lease note: Itinerary might change without prior notice.

M​ultiple departures available between May to September 2024.

P​ricing based on travelling 27 September 2024

• from $4,799 twin share per person
• from $6,199 single traveller

Call today and one of our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance.

Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• S​heraton Denver Downtown Hotel
• D​oubletree hotel Grand Junction
• Durango Strater Hotel
• E​mbassy Suites Colorado Springs

Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 3: You’re an on-the-go traveller. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transport (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.

Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.

Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.