Stay two night’s in "Old West" Durango and one night in Cortez. Come and experience the two most sought-after attractions in Southwest Colorado with a round trip train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and a half-day tour at Mesa Verde National Park.
Description:
This popular three-night vacation package combines your lodging with the two most sought-after attractions in Southwest Colorado - The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Mesa Verde National Park.
Your first two nights you'll stay in Durango, Colorado, at your choice of the Strater Hotel, Holiday Inn, or Days End. The Strater Hotel offers a continental breakfast each morning. Applebee’s Restaurant is on site at the Holiday Inn. All hotels are conveniently located to downtown Durango and the local trolley.
Your first morning in Durango you'll ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two million acre San Juan National Forest. You will relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear on this 1882 adventure from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. The coal-fired, steam-operated locomotives are maintained in their original 1923-1925 vintage condition. In Durango, take time to enjoy the Railroad Museum, located in the rail yard roundhouse featuring full-size locomotives, maps, photos, artwork, memorabilia, and authentic collectibles. While in Silverton, visit the Freight Yard Museum at the depot and learn about the history of the Rio Grande Railway as a freight line, enjoy lunch, and stroll this historic town's many quaint shops.
You will return to Durango early evening. You’ll have time to browse the downtown shops, have a fabulous dinner at one of Durango’s many fine eating establishments, and take in the Diamond Circle Melodrama and Vaudeville.
On Day 2 of your trip, you will take a scenic 1 hr. and 15 min. drive on Highway 160 East to Mesa Verde National Park. (Park entrance fee is not included in package price. Gold passes are accepted). Mesa Verde National Park is home to the ancient ruins of the Pueblo Indians (formerly known as Anasazi), a thriving culture and creative people who lived in magnificent cliff dwellings of hand-hewn stone - over six centuries ago! The readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine rated this internationally known treasure "the #1 historic monument destination of the world!"
You will make the most of your visit to Mesa Verde National Park with a three-hour, fascinating guided bus tour. The morning tour departs 8:00AM; the afternoon tour departs 1:00 PM. Professional park guides will bring the history to life while you explore the haunting cliff dwellings of the Anasazi.
Take the vacation or a lifetime with Gateway Reservations.
