7-Nights Denver to Salt Lake City by Rocky Mountaineer - Westbound - Land Journey from $7,990

Tauck World Discovery: Denver to Salt Lake City by Rocky Mountaineer - Westbound

Day 1 Denver, Colorado, USA
Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City

Tour begins: 6:00 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. A transfer is included from Denver International Airport to The Four Seasons Hotel ideally located in the heart of downtown Denver. Close to landmark sites, including historic Larimer Square, your elegant hotel inspires with a décor reflective of the area's natural beauty. Guest rooms are decorated in warm earth tones and feature accents of wood and stone, along with marble bathrooms and downtown or mountain views. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner where you will meet your fellow travelers and learn more about your upcoming Rocky Mountain adventure.

Guided sightseeing in Colorado's Mile High City includes an expert overview of its more notable sites, dating back to the Old West era. See the 19th century buildings that line Larimer Square, the city's oldest block; pass by the Denver Mint, the State Capitol and more, before taking a drive along the foothills to discover the legends and lifestyle that have made Denver one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Return to your hotel for time at leisure to enjoy as you like.

It's all aboard the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for a head-turning rail journey from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Head into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, first climbing the steep grade and contour of the Big Ten Curve. The terrain you will see today is varied with river views, deep rugged canyons, ranch life and engineering marvels. As the train approaches the Continental Divide, the train will go under the mountainous terrain through the legendary 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel. A National Engineering Landmark built by the Moffat Railroad, it was the longest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere when it was completed in 1927. The train will transit numerous tunnels along the route before it arrives in Glenwood Springs, a quintessential mountain town with historic hot springs. Lunch onboard is a special treat and is brought right to your seat as you sit back and enjoy the views from the panoramic windows of your coach, recalling a bygone era of opulent train travel with its pampering Silver Leaf Plus service. Disembark for an overnight stay at a historic hotel in Glenwood Springs, located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The site of the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, the thermal waters of this town have been enticing visitors since 1888.

Depart early this morning from the historic depot in Glenwood Springs aboard Rocky Mountaineer, following the route of the Colorado River across the Grand Valley of Western Colorado and into Utah. See the landscape change as it opens up into the vast desert vistas that are famous the world over. The train winds its way through crimson-colored sandstone to reveal a visible geologic timeline that is older than the dinosaurs as it weaves through Ruby Canyon and on to Moab. Moab is home to two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, renowned for their unrivaled geologic wonders. Disembark the train in Moab, en route to your hotel enjoy a sightseeing drive through Canyonlands National Park highlighted with views of the "Island in the Sky" mesa resting on sheer sandstone cliffs standing 1,000 feet high above the surrounding terrain. Arrive at your hotel for dinner at your leisure.

Begin your day with a choice of activities including ajet boat excursion on the Colorado River or a 4x4 Hummer tour that excites with off-road discoveries in bumpy outdoor terrain. Next, explore Arches National Park. Pause along the way for short walks and up-close views of sandstone sculptures posed in time, from red-hued arches to giant balancing Rocks. There are some 2,000 natural stone arches in the park, along with soaring pinnacles, and massive fins! This evening is at leisure.

View Canyonland National Park by air this morning as you embark on an eye-opening flightseeing excursion that takes in its grand geologic diversity. The largest national park in Utah with 527 square miles of rugged landscapes, Canyonlands staggers the imagination. The sights you will see here, flat-topped mesas, towering rock pinnacles, arches, buttes and crevassed canyons, were formed by water, meticulously carved by the Colorado River and its equally talented tributaries. Afterward, drive to Salt Lake City, stopping for lunch en route. Stay the next two nights at the Grand America Hotel in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Your opulent European-style hotel welcomes with impeccable service, lovely grounds and spacious guestrooms. Take in the views of the Wasatch Mountains and the capital city's urban skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your guestroom, while enjoying a host of in-room comforts, including a well-appointed spa-style bathroom. Experience the evening as you wish; there are many restaurants and landmark sights close to your hotel.

Home to five national parks, a great salt lake, and the "greatest snow on Earth," Utah is paradise for nature lovers. Discover its urban allure on a guided sightseeing tour of its capital Salt Lake City, learning about its unique cultural history, its Mormon settlers and landmark sites, before seeing its namesake lake, the largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere. World-class ski resorts, like the ones that call nearby Park City home, are well-sited to take advantage of powder-perfect winter snowfalls. Visit Park City, best known for being the main location of the Sundance Film Festival as well as the home of the United States Ski Team. Return to Salt Lake City late this afternoon and join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

Tour ends: Salt Lake City. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Grand America Hotel to Salt Lake City International Airport. Allow two hours for flight check in at the airport.