Cosmos Tours

COLORADOS NATIONAL PARKS and TRAINS (81302012)

A 9-Day Cosmos Tours tour starting from $1,569

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Starting Price: $1,569 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 9 Days
Countries Visited: United States
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  • 10% Discount for Travelers under 18 yrs old
  • Pay $25 Less For Your 2nd & Subsequent Vacations
  • Vacations start as low as $115 a day
  • Lower prices during the low season (October–March)
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Tour Code: 8130-2012
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Colorado's National Parks & Trains

Vacation Overview
Colorado is a beautiful state, and you’ll experience its spectacular scenery—as well as its historic trains—on this tour through Colorado. Start your vacation in Denver, Colorado’s capital, and visit the Colorado Railroad Museum; then head south to Colorado Springs. Visit Gardens of the Gods, famous for its red-rock formations, before taking the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s first diesel-electric cog locomotive and highest cog railroad. As you climb to the 14,110-foot summit, enjoy spectacular scenery. Then board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and travel on a diesel train for 12 miles following the most spectacular section of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. You may even see eagles and big horn sheep on this breathtaking journey, so have your camera ready! Afterward, be mesmerized by the amazing views on the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the world —hanging 1,053 feet above Colorado’s wild Arkansas River. Next, cross the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times as your journey on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, America’s most authentic steam railroad, built more than 120 years ago. Travel through the gorgeous San Juan Mountains and later arrive in Durango, a Wild West town founded during the Gold Rush. Enjoy a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest on the narrow-gauge Durango-Silverton train, a coal-fired, steam-powered train. This historic Colorado train has been in continuous service for more than 125 years! From Durango, visit Mesa Verde National Park and marvel at the ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years—from 600 AD to 1300 AD. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Then head to Moab, Utah, and visit Arches National Park with its red sandstone formations. Travel back to Colorado and visit the Vail area and Estes Park—gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Admire the fantastic alpine scenery as you travel along Trail Ridge Road; at an elevation of 12,000 feet, it is the highest continuous highway in the United States. Finally, return to Denver for the end of your spectacular Colorado National Parks & Trains vacation! If you want to see Colorado’s majestic mountains, exciting cities, resort towns, and historic trains, this is the tour for you!

Vacation Type
y

 

Guides
Services of a professional Tour Director.

Hotels


DENVER
Comfort Inn Downtown Denver (ST),

COLORADO SPRINGS
Comfort Inn South Colorado Springs (ST),

ALAMOSA
Inn of the Rio Grande Hotel (MF),

DURANGO
Durango Downtown Inn (MF),

MOAB
Big Horn Lodge (ST)

VAIL/BEAVER CREEK AREA
Comfort Inn Beaver Creek (ST)

Meals
4 continental breakfasts (CB), 1 lunch (L)

Transportation
Four scenic train journeys; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.

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

Day 2:
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 highest cog railroad. Travel along Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon, then over Four Mile Switch for your first glimpse of Pikes Peak. At about the 5-mile point, the grade gets steep as you climb above the timberline and reach the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. (CB)

Day 3:
Colorado Springs–Cañon City–Royal Gorge Route Railway–Alamosa. This morning, 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. Afterward, visit 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. Overnight in Alamosa, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo range to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west. (CB)

Day 4:
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. It 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 eras and at times run by gunslingers. (L)

Day 5:
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, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks that miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took more than a century ago. The locomotives used to pull today’s train are 1923-1925 vintage. This historic train has been in continuous operation for more than 125 years. The train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through the Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snowcapped peaks. Free time in Silverton, once a major mining town that owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner, “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”

Day 6:
Durango–Mesa Verde–Moab. Visit the ruins of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Spruce Tree House, which dates from 1200 AD 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:
Moab–Arches National Park–Glenwood Canyon–Vail/Beaver Creek Area. 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 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/Beaver Creek area.

Day 8:
Vail/Beaver Creek Area–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 Denver, one of America’s fastest-growing cities. A bustling area centered around a mile-long 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. (CB)

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

Day 9:
Denver. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Denver International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Mile High City” further with a variety of exciting optional activities. (CB)

 

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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights
Colorado Railroad Museum, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge Railroad, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Train. Note:Maximum elevation on tour: 14,110 ft.

Scenic Highlights
Garden of the Gods, Durango, Silverton, Mesa Verde National Park, Arches National Park, Glenwood Canyon, Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park.

 

Cosmos Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book early, secure the best departures and protect yourself from any price modifications. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

Price Details US
Prices based on double-room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $490.Triple Room Reduction per person: $100.Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.

SAVE $125 Per Person On Cosmos 2012 Air-Inclusive Europe Tours

Save $125 per person on Cosmos 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacations

 

Discover the best of Europe - for less!


For 50 years Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most fascinating places—places like the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland, sunny Spain, the ancient splendor of Greece and Egypt, festive France, the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America’s breathtaking national parks, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii, and America’s historical East Coast. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit exciting cities at a remarkable price. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated and we pass the savings on to you. It's the very best way to travel more…for less!

 

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2012 Cosmos Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive $125 off the air price per person. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between February 28 and May 22, 2012 for travel between April 2 and October 25, 2012. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Your air quote will include all air taxes, surcharges and fees applicable for your itinerary at the time of booking. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Cosmos Year Round Deals

Cosmos Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

      

 

With Cosmos, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.



Discount for Repeat Travelers

      

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Cosmos vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 



Second Tour Discount

      

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Cosmos vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.





Triple Room Reduction

      

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.



Big Savings for Small Groups

      

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Cosmos tour vacations. 

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

      

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 


 

 
 
 
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.