Day 1: Friday, July 10
Today, we travel to Abilene, Kansas, where we overnight at Holiday Inn Express Abilene.
Day 2: Saturday, July 11
We continue to the vibrant “Mile High City,” Denver, Colorado! We are welcomed with a reception followed by a get-acquainted dinner with fellow travelers. Our hotel for the evening is the Embassy Suites Denver Airport. (B, D)
Day 3: Sunday, July 12
This morning, we step aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railway that winds through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As the vintage steam locomotive chugs along the tracks, we will be immersed in stunning alpine scenery, with towering pines, rugged cliffs and rushing waters of Clear Creek below. The journey takes us over the impressive Devil’s Gate High Bridge, offering dramatic views from high above the canyon. Along the way, the conductor shares stories of Colorado’s rich mining history. Tonight, we stay among the vineyards of Palisade, Colorado, where the Wine Country Inn offers a charming and serene escape in the heart of Colorado’s wine country. This boutique inn, surrounded by rolling vineyards and a stunning mesa, will be our home for the next two nights. (B, D)
Day 4: Monday, July 13
Traversing Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument is a breathtaking journey through towering red rock formations, sheer cliffs and expansive canyon vistas. As we wind along the 23-mile scenic road, every twist and turn reveals dramatic overlooks, from the Independence Monument to the sweeping views of Fruita Canyon. With multiple pullouts and viewpoints, it’s a drive meant to be savored, offering some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in western Colorado. Dinner tonight is a picturesque riverside dinner at a park along the Colorado River. This catered outdoor dining experience is the perfect way to end a day of adventure in Colorado’s canyon country. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Tuesday, July 14
On our journey today, we will step aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the most scenic and historic train rides in America. This legendary steam-powered trip takes us deep into the rugged San Juan Mountains, following the winding path of the Animas River with awe-inspiring views of untouched wilderness, cascading waterfalls and dramatic peaks rising over 14,000 feet. The train’s open-air gondolas provide a perfect vantage point to take in the crisp mountain air and stunning scenery. Built in 1882 to haul silver and gold from the mines of Silverton, this railway still operates much as it did over a century ago, offering a step back in time with its authentic coal-fired engines and vintage railcars. We arrive in the town of Durango, with its Old West ambiance and historic buildings, where we will stay the next two nights at the Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado, which is like stepping back into the grandeur of the Old West. Evenings at the Strater are truly special—live ragtime piano music drifts from the Diamond Belle Saloon, where costumed bartenders and an old-time atmosphere make for a lively night. Dinner is on your own tonight. (B)
Day 6: Wednesday, July 15
Our destination today will be Mesa Verde National Park, a window into the ancient world of the Ancestral Puebloans, who built remarkable cliff dwellings over 700 years ago. Nestled in the high desert of southwestern Colorado, the park is home to over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Spruce Tree House—intricately constructed villages tucked into sandstone alcoves beneath towering canyon walls. Tonight’s experience is the Bar D Chuckwagon Dinner and Show. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal served in true Western style, followed by an evening of live country music and cowboy entertainment. (B, D)
Day 7: Thursday, July 16
Another rail journey awaits us today on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, offering a spectacular rail journey, winding through the remote and rugged San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. As we travel aboard a vintage steam-powered locomotive, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of pristine wilderness, crystal-clear lakes and towering peaks. Along the way, the train pauses at scenic photo stops. For lunch, we are treated to a meal served on the mountain, where we will be surrounded by its majestic beauty. This authentic train ride gives us a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience how our ancestors would have traveled the west. Tonight, we stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamosa. (B, L)
Day 8: Friday, July 17
Today, we begin with a visit to Colorado Springs, where we will stop at the United States Air Force Academy (depending on availability), where we will see the campus set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains as well as the Cadet Chapel with its striking modern architecture. Next, we will take in the natural beauty of the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark that showcases towering red rock formations with sweeping views of the plains and Pikes Peak. The final two-night stay is the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, which is a beautifully restored Victorian-style hotel offering both historic elegance and modern comforts. This hotel, originally built in 1873, has long been a favorite for travelers seeking a taste of classic mountain hospitality. (B, D)
Day 9: Saturday, July 18
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers an unforgettable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most iconic and majestic mountains. As the world’s highest cog railway, this historic train ride takes you from the base of the mountain, ascending nearly 14,000 feet to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the vast plains below. A $30 voucher is included for dinner. (B, D)
Day 10: Sunday, July 19
We depart for home, taking with us cherished memories of an extraordinary Colorado adventure. Tonight, we lodge at Hampton Inn Junction City, Kansas. Dinner is included. (B, D)
Day 11: Monday, July 20
We continue our journey home. (B)
INCLUDES:
10 nights accommodations/luggage handling
19 Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 7 Dinners
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Colorado National Monument Tour with Dinner
Durango & Silverton Scenic Railroad
Mesa Verde National Park Tour
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Garden of the Gods Park Tour
Million Dollar Highway Tour
Bar D Ranch Dinner Show
Air Force Academy Visit (depending on availability)
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Deluxe motorcoach transportation/driver’s gratuity
Fully escorted by Jane’s Journeys
PRICE PER PERSON:
Double: $4,740
Triple: $4,540
Single: $5,755
$500 deposit with reservation.
Final payment due April 17, 2026.
Trip Protection is recommended and available for purchase: $216 per person double; $207 per person triple; $262 per person single. Trip Protection payment due with deposit. Trip Protection price subject to change.