Colorado 's Historic Trains
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
INCLUDES FLIGHTS FROM HARTFORD/BRADLEY!
This fabulous tour features six of the most scenic rail excursions in the Old West and three National Parks!
Motorcoach to Bradley Airport for our flights to Denver. Welcome to Denver, the “Mile High City.” Meet your fellow travelers at 5:00 p.m. for a get-acquainted dinner hosted by your Tour Manager. Meal: D
Departing Denver, venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet on the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak, the park is filled with breathtaking scenery and experiences. Following the Trail Ridge Road a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center offers an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating place. Meal: B
Today, travel to historic Leadville to board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. While onboard, learn about the fascinating history of the railroads while traveling north along the Arkansas River Valley. Rising up 1,000 feet from the valley floor you will be greeted by spectacular views of Fremont Pass and the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert. Later, travel through scenic Monarch Pass and Curecanti National Recreation Area and visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park while en route to Montrose. Meals: B, Box Lunch
Today, it’s “full steam ahead” as you board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Voted one of the “Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World” by the Society of American Travel Writers, this route winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest. The locomotives used today remain 100% coal-fired, steamoperated and are maintained in their original condition. Later, check into the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Meals: B, D
Visit the land of the ancient Pueblo Indians in Mesa Verde National Park. The fascinating cliff dwellings and culture of these people provide you with a look into a society that existed approximately 1,400 years ago. Building elaborate stone communities, the Ancestral Puebloan people developed their own society that existed for some 700 years, before disappearing. Meals: B, D
Your day begins as you board the motorcoach and ride to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the original Rio Grande Line. This is America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad. Explore 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, the highest point on the railroad. Meals: B, L
Aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad follow the 12-mile route along the old Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. Ride through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of Royal Gorge. Then, enjoy a drive through the stunning Garden of the Gods. This 1,300 acre park reflects the rich diversity of the terrain and red sandstone formations tell a unique geological story. Meal: B
Begin the day with a ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Scenic wonders await around every curve and this century-old steam locomotive is reminiscent of the gold mining days of the area. Then “Ride to the Clouds” aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the U.S. which stretches nine miles long as it vertically climbs to almost 14,000 feet. This evening assemble for a farewell dinner, sharing memories of this unforgettable scenic rail adventure. Meals: B, D
Following breakfast, say goodbye to Colorado with a group transfer to the Denver International Airport for flights home after 12:00 p.m. Meal: B
Farmington
Depart: TBA
Return: TBA
Park & Ride Lot, 575 Colt Highway (Rte 6) & South Road
Manchester
Depart: TBA
Return: TBA
Manchester, Park & Ride Commuter Lot, Buckland Street & Pleasant Valley Road
Meet at Bradley Airport - Airline Ticket Counter
Depart: TBA
Return: TBA
DOUBLE - PER PERSON
$4099
SINGLE - PER PERSON
$5079
If a passenger cancels from deposit date to June 30, 2024 the cancellation fee is $700 pp; July 1, 2024 to August 4, 2024 the cancellation fee is $2000 pp; no refunds if cancelled after August 4, 2024. All cancellation fees are plus any non-refundable airline fees.
Trip Protection Coverage is strongly recommended. Friendship Tours offers Travel Protection insurance through 2 insurance providers: NTA Travel Protection Plan and Travel Insured International. Trip Protection offers coverage for Cancellation for covered medical reasons, Interruption, Emergency Medical, Travel Delay, & more.
The AON/NTA Travel Protection Plan offers 3 levels of insurance: Basic or Enhanced or Enhanced with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). The Pre-existing medical condition exclusion can be waived by purchasing the Enhanced Plan within14 days of your deposit or initial payment. The Enhanced Plan with the add-on of CFAR must be purchased within 14 days of initial deposit. CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 priors to departure and reimburses up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip cost.
To enroll: https://nta.aontravelprotect.com Tour Operator Location #076068
OR call AON 1-800-388-1470.
Travel Insured International offers the Worldwide Trip Protection plan with the option to add upgrade benefits (available for additional cost) including CFAR when purchased within 21 days of your initial deposit. Other upgrades include , Electronic Equipment, Event Ticket Fee Protection, Travel Inconvenience.
To enroll: https://www.friendshiptours.net/protection-plan Agency #18649
Premiums are non-refundable once paid. Terms & Conditions apply.
Plan details are available at https://www.friendshiptours.net/protection-plan.
Call Friendship Tours 860-243-1630 for assistance in enrolling.