Tauck Colorado: Denver, Boulder & The Rockies

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Filmed vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan share their personal insights and insider stories on the national parks and more

An early morning hot air balloon ride

A tour and tasting at Celestial Seasonings headquarters in Boulder

• Two nights in the ski resort village of Vail with a culinary class
•  A tour and a tasting at Blue Moon Brewery in Denver
•  A jeep tour to the summit of Pike’s Peak
•  A drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
•  Multiple nights at premier hotels in Denver, Vail & Boulder
• Airport / train transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 14 meals; service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage

Day 1: Welcome to Denver

Welcome to the ultimate in extraordinary Colorado vacations! A transfer is included from Denver International Airport or Denver Union Station to The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, ideally located in the heart of the Mile High City. Opened in 1892, this triangular-shaped landmark hotel is steeped in the legacy of Colorado’s gold rush days when the only way to get to Denver was by horse, wagon or train. Settle in for a two-night stay and join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 2: Denver city sights & brewery tasting

Explore Denver on a driving tour this morning that includes a guided visit to the Victorian-styled Molly Brown House. This 3-story landmark was once the home of American philanthropist, socialite and activist Margaret Brown, known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” for surviving the sinking of the ill-fated Titanic. Drive to Larimer Square for free time and lunch as you wish, followed by a Blue Moon brewery tour and tasting. Spend the remainder of the day and evening as you wish.

Day 3: Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods & Colorado Springs

En route from Denver to Colorado Springs, enjoy a morning jeep tour to the summit of famous Pikes Peak. After lunch, visit the Garden of the Gods, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. Picture a giant 1,300-acre rock garden, composed of towering red sandstone formations sculpted by rain and wind over millions of years, against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak, and you’ll have an idea of the wonders you’ll discover here. Late afternoon, continue on to Colorado Springs where tonight you’ll dine at The Famous Steakhouse restaurant.

Day 4: Legends of Leadville & On to Vail

Drive into the mountains, traversing beautiful Wilkerson Pass to the two-mile-high city of Leadville. Isolated ghost towns like Leadville are tucked into the mountains all over Colorado, whispering tales of fortunes won and lost during the heyday of the gold rush days. The discovery of gold in 1859, and later silver and lead, turned Leadville into one of the wealthiest cities in the nation for a time, attracting the rich, the hopeful and the infamous to its streets, show houses, saloons and theatres by the thousands. As one of America’s last remaining authentic mining towns, Leadville has a wealth of historical attractions, including the federally chartered National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, the Healy House & Dexter Cabin State Museum, and the Tabor Opera House. Enjoy free time to explore the town’s 7-block National Historic Landmark District before continuing through breathtaking alpine passes to the chic resort town of Vail for a two-night stay.

Day 5: A taste of Vail & Resort Pleasures

The largest single-mountain ski resort in the US, Vail boasts 5,500 acres of wide-open and forested terrain. Whet your appetite for a taste of the local culinary scene during a luncheon demonstration. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Popular all year round, in summer Vail tempts with music and dance festivals, mountain biking, hiking, river rafting, horseback riding and myriad culinary diversions.

Day 6: Rocky Mountain National Park

En route to Boulder, drive into Rocky Mountain National Park along the Trail Ridge Road, a designated national scenic byway and the highest continuous paved highway in America, on a head-turning journey through a beautiful alpine wonderland. Look for sightings of the majestic elk that forage in grassy meadows before a picnic lunch. Arrive late afternoon in Boulder, nestled along the foothills of the Flatirons of the Rocky Mountains, and spend the evening as you wish.

Day 7: Ballooning in Boulder & Tea Time

Rise early for a hot air balloon ride* and a champagne toast as you soar with views of the Rockies during the dawning of a new day, followed by breakfast back at your hotel. After some free time, enjoy an afternoon tour and a tasting at Celestial Seasonings, the nation’s leading producer of herbal teas. Spend the rest of the afternoon as you please in Boulder, and join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

Day 8: Journey Home

Fly home anytime. Transfers are included from the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder to Denver International Airport or Denver’s Union Station. Allow two hours for flight check-in.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Elegant guest rooms and private residences at this Four Seasons resort delight with gas-burning fireplaces, furnished balconies and European-style luxury with mountain touches. Truly a four-seasons wonderland with spectacular views and vistas that take your breath away, your accommodations embody the chic luxury lifestyle that’s synonymous with this upscale ski village resort. Think a 5-star spa with 13 treatment rooms, 2 couples’ suites and a relaxation garden; a 75-foot-sunken swimming pool open year round; 2,185 feet of workout space in its fitness center; a choice of dining in 3 restaurants and bars.

In-room indulgences include thick terry bathrobes and slippers, down pillows and duvets, and Côté Bastide bath products, Wi-Fi, LCD/LED screen television, iHome alarm clock with docking station, a refrigerated private bar filled upon request and an Espresso machine by Nespresso. Vail is linked by pedestrian-friendly heated streets that are perfect for strolling and bike riding.

St. Julien Hotel & Spa

Located in the heart of Boulder’s historic downtown, St. Julien Hotel & Spa, opened in 2005, is steps from the historic Pearl Mall, miles of hiking and biking and within walking distance of more than 200 shops and restaurants. The hotel features contemporary-styled guest rooms and suites, each with complimentary Internet access and luxurious oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs and glass showers; a 10,000-square-foot spa with 12 treatment rooms; an indoor heated infinity pool with an outside terrace; an exercise center with the latest cardio and aerobic equipment; and the delectable on-site Jill’s Restaurant and T-Zero Lounge. Stunning mountain views and complimentary bicycles make this a picture-perfect address for your stay in beautiful Boulder.

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection

The historic high point of the Mile High City, the legendary Brown Palace Hotel & Spa first opened its doors in downtown Denver on a triangular lot in 1892 and has remained a continuous icon of Western hospitality ever since. Guests are welcomed in its soaring 8-story atrium, decorated with iron grillwork panels and ornately domed with stained glass. Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort and style, with spacious bathrooms that feature Carrera marble countertops, sophisticated silver fixtures and rain showerheads. In room amenities include a 42-inch HD TV, iPod docking station and coffee maker.

Housekeeping is provided to guests twice daily to enhance their stay at this luxury hotel. The hotel’s original artesian well, drilled some 720 feet underground, still supplies water to the hotel. There are six restaurants and bars on site, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center, boutique spa and salon, each dedicated to exemplary guest satisfaction. With a long-standing history as the grand dame of Denver, it is only fitting that celebrities past and present have enjoyed staying here; check out the hotel’s Ghost Tours to see those who never want to leave!

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.