Colorado Rockies Escape

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: En Route

Our Colorado Excursion tour members will meet the Tour Director in Chicago’s Union Station. At 2:30 p.m. we’ll board the Southwest Chief prior to its 3:00 p.m. departure. Relax in your reclining coach seat with leg rest. Private Roomette sleeping accommodations or Bedrooms are available for an additional cost.

Meal(s): D

Day 2: La Junta / Colorado Springs

Enjoy a hot breakfast in the dining car this morning. We’ll roll into La Junta, Colorado, at 8:15 and board a deluxe motorcoach for the scenic 105-mile trip to Colorado Springs. This popular vacation spot at the foot of Pikes Peak is known for its refreshing air, sunshine, and picturesque setting.
Late this morning we’ll arrive at the spectacular Garden of the Gods, a 1300-acre park where the Great Plains meet the Rockies. Flora and fauna reflect the rich diversity of this Western crossroads.

A buffet lunch at the Garden of the Gods is included.

This afternoon we’ll transfer to our hotel, the historic Antlers Hilton, located in the heart of this city of 360,000. You’re free to begin to explore this charming metropolis.

Meal(s): B & L

Day 3: Pikes Peak / Denver

A highlight of our tour is this morning’s encounter with 14,110-feet high Pikes Peak. The view from the top inspired Kathryn Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful”. On clear days you can see Denver, 75 miles to the north, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado and New Mexico, which are 100 miles away! We’ll travel to the top of the mountain on the world-famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The distinct altitude and temperature changes from base to peak may cause discomfort for persons with heart or respiratory problems. Those not wishing to participate will visit Miramont Castle. Built into a mountainside in 1895, it “stair steps” up the mountain. Nine types of architecture are incorporated into the design of this 48-room mansion, including Gothic, Romanesque and Tudor. Victorian gardens, a conservatory greenhouse, a 16-sided room, and a tearoom are featured.

This afternoon we’ll depart for Denver. A visit to the U.S. Air Force Academy is scheduled en route. We’ll stop at the visitors center where we’ll view a 14-minute film. On the grounds are aircraft displays including a B-52 bomber. Scenic overlooks, an architecturally distinctive chapel, and Falcon Stadium also are featured on our tour of the Academy.

We’ll have dinner (included) at a Denver restaurant. We’ll then continue on to the Denver Union Station to prepare to depart on the eastbound California Zephyr. Departure is scheduled for 7:25 p.m. Enjoy the Sightseer Lounge and other amenities you experienced on your westbound journey. How about a card game or two with some of your new-found friends; or reminisce with fellow tour members about all you saw and experienced!

Meal(s): D

Day 4: En Route to Chicago

The California Zephyr will roll across Iowa and Illinois and arrive in Chicago at mid afternoon. Some tour members will change to trains bound for Midwest, Eastern, and Southern home cities. Others will spend the night in Chicago and fly home tomorrow.

Meal(s): B & L