Backroads of Colorado

Day 1 Home to Colorado Springs
Gathering at the airport we fly non stop to Colorado Springs. Arriving
in “the Springs” our luxury motorcoach takes us directly to the Air Force Academy for a tour of the grounds and beautiful Air Force Chapel. Later check in, freshen up before leaving for our evenings adventure. The Flying W Ranch will treat us to a winning combination
of beautiful, natural surroundings; an authentic old western town and mouth watering chuck wagon vitals. Then the Flying W Wranglers
top the evening with their outstanding and entertaining western stage show, an experience unsurpassed in Colorado.
We return to the comfort of our hotel reflecting on our first day “in style” in Colorado.
Hotel: Hampton Inn South, Colo. Springs
Included Meals: Dinner


Day 2 Colorado Springs
After our included breakfast at the hotel, we board the coach for another exciting day in Colorado Springs. Drive thru the awesome Garden of the Gods with our local expert step on guide, learning the history of these magnificent red rocks. Find out how this natural wonder came to be. You will enjoy your included lunch (and some shopping) at the charming Garden of the Gods Trading Post.
Early afternoon finds us boarding the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak for an exciting and adventurous trip to the top. The view is absolutely amazing! Arriving back, browse the shops in historic Manitou Springs before returning to our hotel. Our included evening meal will be at the famous Guiseppe’s Old Depot Restaurant. The depot still stands gracious as a grand lady, slightly past her prime at 113 years old. Returning to our hotel we feel the satisfaction of a full day enjoying Colorado.
Hotel: Hampton Inn South
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3 Colorado Springs to Gunnison
Journey along the Front Range to Canon City while the excitement builds as we board The Royal Gorge Route Railway and our Vista Dome car for a spectacular rail journey along the Arkansas River thru this wonder of nature. Stop at the unique White Water Bar & Grill for included noon lunch. Continuing west, make note of the rafters navigating their way on the white waters of the Arkansas River. Rocky Mountain vistas surround us. Arrive in Salida and enjoy the historic downtown district at your leisure. Continue up Monarch Pass with spectacular views of Monarch Mountain. Stop at the wonderful
gift shop, Monarch Crest. More picture perfect scenery greets us as we descend into the lush high mountain valley and the ranch country of Gunnison Colorado. Soon we pull into our home for the night, the Holiday Inn Express. This beautiful hotel on the edge of town offers an unspoiled view of the mountains that surround us. It’s on to the Gold Miners Steakhouse for a great western meal before enjoying the crisp evening in the Rocky Mountains.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, Gunnison
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4 Gunnison to Durango
Breakfast is served at the hotel as we head off for a scenic day. What a drive! We travel along the Blue Mesa Reservoir, viewing the unbelievable
Black Canyon of the Gunnison from the rim, conquering the Red Mountain Pass and Molas Divide thru the mountain village of Ouray. Waiting for us is the historic mining town of Silverton. This is a very authentic western town. It’s so authentic it still has dirt and gravel streets, tons of Western & Indian shops and parlors serving fudge and ice cream. You’ll have a chance to stroll this mining town and check out the shops before heading for Durango.
Tonight we view a theatre production at the National Historic Landmark; the Strater Hotel. Enjoy an included dinner and spend the night in the charm of an authentic Victorian hotel without sacrificing any of the modern conveniences. Our goal is to give you a generous
portion of old world hospitality plus an authentic taste of the old west located all under one roof.
Hotel: Historic Strater Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 5 Durango to Gateway
After our delicious warm breakfast in style at the Strater, we depart for our destination; Gateway Canyons. Another amazing day of Colorado Countryside awaits us. The journey to Cortez is awesome. After our coffee stop a whole new landscape unfolds. Driving thru desolate Dissapointment Valley, past abandoned old uranium mines, which ceased operating in 1980, into the unbelievable red rock canyonlands to the very western edge of Colorado. Out of nowhere we come upon spectacular “Gateway Canyons.” It is an awesome sight to behold. We spend time in the world class Auto Museum chronicling the century old story of the impact of the American automobile. This entire complex was the brainchild of the producer of the Discovery Channel, who not only built it but owns it. You just must see it to believe it and that you will. We enjoy our included evening meal together dining in luxury at this incredible resort. We have planned for time to just relax and enjoy this once in a lifetime setting.
Hotel: Gateway Canyons Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 6 Gateway to Palisade
Enjoy a light breakfast and relaxing morning before we leave our grandiose surroundings behind and travel on to Grand Junction. Time will be spent browsing the quaint historic downtown with it’s charming shops and view the nations largest sidewalk sculptures. After lunch on our own we have a truly unique Colorado experience; the Colorado National Monument. This 22 mile drive explores the sandstone rims and canyons bordering the Colorado River. Witness soaring cliffs, sharp spires, wildlife and many photo opportunities from scenic overlooks. This rugged monument relates a spectacular lesson in geology. Our lodging for the evening is the lovely Wine Country Inn. We’ll enjoy a relaxing wine tasting evening and dine at the Inn surrounded by the peacefulness of the vineyards in Palisade.
Hotel: Wine Country Inn, Palisade
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 7 Palisade to Glenwood Springs
Breakfast is served at our charming hotel before we depart on our intriguing journey thru the vineyards, orchards and fruit stands of this garden valley. Stopping at famous Alida’s Orchard where we are treated to a guided tour and have the opportunity to buy her delicious
Western Colorado products. Palisade is the peach and wine capitol of Colorado. A tour of Grand River Vineyards completes this delicious experience. Glenwood Springs lies ahead as we motor again along the rushing Colorado River. You’ll have an opportunity to ride the enclosed tram to the top of the mountain, getting a panoramic
view of the soaring peaks and verdant valleys surrounding this old mountain town. Our Hampton Inn is right next door.
Our taste buds will be well satisfied as we bite into great Barbecue at Rib City in historic downtown Glenwood Springs.
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Glenwood Springs
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 8 Glenwood Springs to Winter Park
We’re starting our last full day of Backroads Bonanza with breakfast at our hotel. This morning we travel thru many unspoiled miles of Colorado Countryside. Going thru the White River National Forest we experience rushing rivers cutting thru gorgeous canyons, snow covered mountain tops and lush high mountain meadows. We will have a unique stop at Topanas General Store where they promise to have the coffee pot on. Whatever you are looking for, they just might have so don’t be surprised if they pull it out of the back room. They’ll also have ice cream and sweet rolls to tide us over. A drive down the old dirt streets of Yampa will be an unforgettable experience. You’ll delight at the sights and lunch opportunities in Steamboat Springs, a long ways from the rush of the interstate. Marvel at the unending beauty unfolding before you as we cross Rabbit Ears Pass. An endless variety of wild flowers are blooming on the mountain slopes around us. We’ll have photo shoots beside cold, clear waters of mountain lakes. Keep your eyes open. You may see Pronghorn Sheep in the Kremmling area. It’s hard to describe our last stop of the journey at Devils Thumb Resort Ranch. You will love everything about this remote luxury ranch and the awesome scenes out every window. We’ll enjoy our last evening together with a true western Barbecue cookout dinner. Savor the moment. Sit out on the patio and soak in the view of the Colorado mountainside. Beautiful horses are peacefully grazing in the pasture. Let the cool breeze blow thru your hair and breathe in another breath of fresh mountain air. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Hotel: Devils Thumb Resort Ranch, Winter Park. CO
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 9 Winter Park to Denver to Home
After breakfast beneath the 14,000 foot snow laced peaks of the Rocky Mountains, we’ll pause over our last cup of coffee. Gaze once more on the massive 4 story, 8 sided fire place and the rugged but exquisite surrounding of this incredible lodge before we leave the Back Roads of Colorado. As we head to Denver , crossing Berthoud Pass, we have one more stunning view of this special place of beauty God has created. We dream about our past 9 days in Colorado. Reality hits us as we board the plane for our flight back to Minnesota and Home Sweet Home. We have truly experienced the Back roads of Colorado – in style!
Included meal: Breakfast

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $2,449
Single: $2,999
Triple: $2,329
Quad: $200

Passport Needed

No

Price Includes

Price

Single: $2,999 Double: $2,449 Triple: $2,329 Quad: $2,199

Insurance

Single: $200 Double: $164 (per person)

Price includes: Round Trip Airfare from MSP including all taxes and surcharges appox. $40 pp included, 18 Meals, Activities as stated

Deposit due: $100 deposit at time of reservation,
Full payment due 45 days prior to departure.

Travel Bucks: $35 Travel Bucks earned with this tour

NESSCESSARY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A valid driver's license of government issued photo ID.



Motorcoach Departure Date:
07/12/2010

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Tour Highlights

Beautiful, unique, historic, relaxing,
luxurious & comfortable lodging
18 included meals
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Air Force Academy & Garden of the Gods
The Royal Gorge by Vista Dome
The endless, awesome scenic beauty of the
Rocky Mountains and lush valleys
Historic mining town of Silverton
Historic Strater Hotel in Durango
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nat. Park
Colorado National Monument
Off the beaten path experiences
Vineyard and orchard country of Palisade
Gateway Canyon Resort
Devils Thumb Resort Ranch
Western cookouts and chuckwagons
One of the world’s most unique general stores
Dedicated to presenting the greatness of God through the beauty of His Creation.