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| Daily Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 | Saturday, 9/10/2011 - We fly to Denver and meet our Tour Director. We travel south to Colorado Springs and tour the US Air Force Academy. Then check into our hotel for a two-night stay. Tonight’s dinner is a special treat – a welcome dinner at the famous Guiseppe’s Train Depot Restaurant. Marriott — Colorado Springs, CO (D)
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| Day 2 | Sunday, 9/11/2011 - Today is devoted to sightseeing around Colorado Springs. First, we ride on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway that climbs to the top of Pikes Peak. Looking at this famous peak, rising 12,110 feet above sea level, we can understand the meaning of "Rocky Mountain High!" This afternoon, we visit Garden of the Gods. An abundance of plant and animal life can be found throughout its 1,340 acres, as well as the magnificent red sandstone rock formations, for which the Garden is best known. Return to our hotel, then enjoy a special evening of western hospitality and entertainment at the famous Flying W Ranch outdoor cookout. Marriott — Colorado Springs, CO (B,L,D)
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| Day 3 | Monday, 9/12/2011 - This morning visit the Royal Gorge, where the world's highest suspension bridge towers 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. Depart and travel to the small mountain town of La Veta and join the group for an included lunch. Then experience the new Rio Grande Scenic Railroad as we board historic Dome Rail Cars for a breathtaking ride through the Sangre De Cristo Mountains over La Veta Pass. We arrive in Alamosa, meet the motorcoach and transfer to our hotel for overnight. Dinner included at a local restaurant. Comfort Inn — Alamosa, CO (B,L,D)
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| Day 4 | Tuesday, 9/13/2011 - This morning, "all aboard" the 1880 Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, considered the finest remaining example of a once vast network of narrow gauge lines linking together the Rocky Mountain Mining Camps. Leave Antonito, Colorado and travel to Osier where we disembark and enjoy lunch, then re-board our motorcoach and travel to the old west mining town of Durango, Colorado for a two night stay. Holiday Inn — Durango, CO (DCB,L)
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| Day 5 | Wednesday, 9/14/2011 - After breakfast, travel to nearby Mesa Verde National Park for a day of exploration. Here we can visit cliff dwellings where the mysterious Anasazi once lived. The Anasazi lived in the Four Corners area almost a thousand years ago, then suddenly disappeared - leaving their incredibly well-preserved dwellings to intrigue and challenge modern man. A local expert will guide us through the most famous ruin sites with a stop at the Spruce Tree House Restaurant for lunch on own. After a fascinating tour of the park, return to Durango with the rest of the day free to explore this fun western town on our own. Holiday Inn — Durango, CO (B)
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| Day 6 | Thursday, 9/15/2011 - This morning, ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the last such railroads operating in the United States. The rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal lakes take us back to the early days of the West. Upon arrival in Silverton, enjoy some free time to explore the many shops and have lunch on our own. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive north to Grand Junction. This evening see the fantastic monoliths of Colorado National Monument, then check into our hotel and enjoy dinner. Grand Vista — Grand Junction, CO (B,D)
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| Day 7 | Friday, 9/16/2011 - Take a ride through the Heart of the Rockies enjoying vistas of rugged canyons, pristine wilderness, and deep gorges. Cross the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass as we travel east descending once again into the "Mile High City" of Denver. Explore this eastern gateway to the Rockies, beginning at the Colorado State Capitol Building and historic Larimer Square, where many buildings from Denver's colorful past are preserved. This afternoon, check into our downtown hotel and freshen up but don't wander too far because tonight we will rejoin our fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. Sheraton — Denver, CO (B,D)
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| Day 8 | Saturday, 9/17/2011 - Say farewell to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. A morning transfer to the airport has been arranged for our journey home. (B)
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