Colorado, hidden treasure of the American West

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Denver

  

  Capital of Colorado, its urban center and skyscrapers stand before the high peaks of the Rockies. Located at 1,650 meters altitude, the so-called Mile High City is a prosperous, cosmopolitan city, looking to the future, but imbued with its western heritage. Each neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere, enough to satisfy all your desires: trendy bars, upscale restaurants, numerous breweries, museums and theaters, shopping…

• day 2

  Route to Colorado Springs

  

  A beautiful itinerary awaits you towards your first stop, in a small typical town, for an immersion in the era of the gold rush, with the mythical summit of Pikes Peak as a backdrop. Stroll through the town and possible afternoon excursion by steam train, in the heart of spectacular landscapes. Arrival at the end of the day in the Colorado Springs area, where the surrounding nature is magnificent.

• day 3

  Colorado Springs Region

  

  Many activities are available to you in this beautiful region of Colorado. On the agenda: Nature hiking in the heart of a little natural gem of the region, which will dazzle you with its rock formations. Ascent of the legendary Pikes Peak; the view at the summit is breathtaking. Underground adventures discovering caves and caverns, or more sporty adventures. A dive into the historical heritage of the State.

• day 4

  Great Sand Dunes National Park

  

  The park is home to the highest sand dunes in North America. No, you’re not dreaming, you really are in Colorado! The dunes rise to nearly 230 meters in altitude and, after a splendid climb, offer a breathtaking panorama in the heart of the mountains. For the youngest, nature also offers great activities: you can choose between playing in the small streams or building sandcastles. And for the more adventurous and older ones, race down the dunes on sandboards.

• day 5

  Durango

  

  After the red rocks, the picturesque towns, the sand dunes, here are the forests and the hot springs! Your journey today will take you through the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest. With a beautiful panorama, nearby historic sites, the surrounding mountains, and a great Wild West atmosphere, Durango is also the starting point for many activities. As you stroll down its main avenue, you will be transported to the era of cowboys or outlaws.

• day 6

  Mesa Verde National Park

  

  Beyond its nature and landscape, an immense plateau topped with forests and canyons, the park has nearly 4000 archaeological sites about the life of the Anasazis (then Pueblos), the ancestral people who lived here, and offers visitors a unique journey through the country's time and history. Mesa Verde is home to the largest concentration of cliff dwellings, caves, or Indian villages dating from the first centuries of the Christian era.

• day 7

  The Million Dollar Highway

  

  Offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and gorges, as well as former mining camps, the construction of the Million Dollar Highway cost a million dollars per mile. This legendary scenic road winds and clings to the mountain, offering a spectacular view at every turn. Former mining towns with historic Western architecture now offer many activities and are an ideal starting point for exploring the region. For a journey back to the Gold Rush era!

• day 8

  Telluride

  

  Telluride, a little hidden gem and treasure of the Rockies, will charm you. This former silver mining camp has preserved beautiful Victorian architecture and historic buildings. It is also today a very renowned winter sports resort in Colorado and in the country. Enjoy a beautiful day discovering one of the prettiest small towns in Colorado: relax and take advantage of its many restaurants, hiking opportunities, historical discoveries, or other activities.

• day 9

  Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  

  You will discover a little-known national park in the country and the American West, but so surprising and peaceful. In the heart of Colorado, this park reveals, along scenic roads, immense cliffs and breathtaking views. It is one of the country's newest national parks and its name comes from the bottom of its narrow gorge, which receives almost no sunlight.

• day 10

  Aspen

  

  A beautiful itinerary via a small panoramic and historic road in the region awaits you; you will cross beautiful wild, wooded areas dotted with small picturesque towns. Arrival in Aspen for a first discovery of this upscale ski resort in Colorado, known worldwide. But beyond this famous and fashionable appearance, the natural site is breathtaking! There are many activities and hiking opportunities there.

• day 11

  Activities in Aspen

  

  On the agenda for your free day: - Beautiful hikes, such as the very famous and popular one to the Maroon Bells, which are among the most photographed mountains in North America. - Various activities: rafting, biking, fishing, visiting museums, ziplining… Plenty to enjoy a wonderful day in Colorado!

• day 12

  Colorado off the beaten path

  

  This day on the road will be marked by multiple explorations. Colorado still has many surprises in store for you! On your agenda for the day: scenic drive, mountain pass crossing, ghost and historic towns, peaceful lake, nature and breathtaking landscapes! Your route will take you off the beaten path in Colorado, to a small, typical town with authentic character.

• day 13

  Activities in Colorado

  

  Day of discoveries and activities. This corner of Colorado, typical and authentic, is full of activities. On the agenda for your day, based on our recommendations: - Free hikes in the region. - Shopping: the place is a must for getting yourself a typical souvenir in the Wild West style. - Museum visits. - Water activities: the place is ideal for enjoying the thrills of whitewater sports, rafting, tubing or kayaking, not to mention the hot springs. And in the summer season, don't miss attending a rodeo!

• day 14

  Rocky Mountain National Park

  

  Preserved jewel of the Rockies, here nature is breathtaking! Pine forests, snow-capped peaks, high stone spires, lakes with reflections and crystal-clear waters, pristine glaciers, abundant wildlife, and a bit of history: this is what awaits you when you discover this national park! Your journey today will take you on one of the highest and most beautiful scenic roads in the country. The high altitudes and their landscapes are yours to enjoy, at over 3,400 meters in height (3,713 m at the highest point).

• day 15

  Rocky Mountain National Park

  

  The park is full of natural wonders: flowers, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Its wildlife is abundant, with its mouflons, deer, moose, or even the elusive bears, pumas, or coyotes. This is also where the Colorado River has its source. Hiking is the best way to discover the park; some 570 kilometers of trails cross it.

• day 16

  Back to Denver

  

  Return trip to Denver with a final stop in a charming small town. It's a great place to live here, between outdoor activities, nature, and urban life. Ideal for wrapping up this beautiful journey through Colorado!

• day 17

  End of journey

  

  A few last moments on American soil before your international flight.