Visit northern New Mexico, the "Land of enchantment," and southwestern Colorado, on an unforgettable immersion into the lives, traditions, and history of the native people of the southwest. Your 3-night stay in Santa Fe includes a sightseeing tour showcasing the historic Town Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, and the Loretto Chapel with its remarkable spiral staircase, and ample free time to explore the city on your own. A private cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking introduces you to the ingredients and dishes unique to the Southwest. On a river float along the Rio Grande, a Native American guide will teach you about the history and culture of the Pueblo Indians who still inhabit the river valley. See a demonstration of the traditional art of pottery making and enjoy a delicious customary feast prepared by local Pueblo families. Get a glimpse into the past when you visit the Taos Pueblo, a community that has been continuously inhabited by descendants of the same tribe for over one thousand years. Journey through scenic mountain landscapes, deserts, and Indian reservations to Durango, Colorado. You'll spend an incredible day in Mesa Verde National Park, gaining some insight into the lives of the Anasazi Indians whose elaborate stone villages are built into the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. Spend your final two nights exploring the multi-cultural, richly historic city of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride aboard the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through southwestern Colorado's San Juan Mountains.

• Visit the five-story pueblo community of Taos Pueblo.

• Enjoy a stay in vibrant Santa Fe.
   

SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1: Santa Fe, New Mexico - Tour Begins
Combine northern New Mexico, “the land of enchantment,” and southwestern Colorado for an unforgettable adventure into America’s old west. Your tour begins in Santa Fe, nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Today dinner is included.

Day 2: Santa Fe
Today a local guide will join you for a sightseeing tour of Santa Fe. See the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase, St. Francis Cathedral, the historic Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail, and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure so you may explore this beautiful town on your own. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to assist in planning your leisure time. Today breakfast is included.

Day 3: Santa Fe - Taos - Mesa Verde, Colorado
Travel to Taos along the Rio Grande River and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visit Taos Pueblo, a five-story pueblo community that has been continuously inhabited by descendants of the same tribe of Native Americans for over one thousand years. Later, travel to Mesa Verde National Park, which is the nation's richest archaeological preserve with over 4,000 sites. There's no better way to explore these ancient sites and spectacular cliff dwellings than to stay in the park, in the midst of their magic. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4: Mesa Verde - Durango
This morning enjoy a chronological tour of Mesa Verde's archaeological sites and dwellings, exploring the culture, architecture, flora and fauna of Mesa Verde National Park. Also pay a visit to Spruce Tree House cliff dwelling, which is the second-largest cliff dwelling in the park. Your journey continues through scenic mountain landscapes, deserts, and Indian reservations to Durango. Today breakfast is included.

Day 5: Durango - Silverton - Durango
It's "All Aboard" the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 steam train was built primarily to haul mine ores through the San Juan Mountains. Today you will relive this scenic journey from Silverton to Durango and be awestruck by the spectacular views. You will stop in the small mining town of Silverton. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town offers spectacular old town charm combined with magnificent Victorian architecture. Enjoy some free time in town to explore its historic buildings and perhaps stop in one of its charming cafes for lunch. This evening enjoy an Old West adventure filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment*. Continental breakfast is included. Today dinner is included.

Day 6: Durango - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Enjoy some free time this morning in Durango before traveling south to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Continental breakfast is included.

Day 7: Albuquerque
Today a local guide will join you for a tour of Albuquerque and historic Old Town. Discover this city’s rich multi-culturalism, natural beauty and profound historic attractions and museums. Albuquerque has long been the intersection of past and future, where paleontological history blends with cutting-edge technology. Your tour concludes with a walking tour of historic Old Town. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Albuquerque - Tour Ends
All too soon your tour comes to an end. Your greatest souvenir will be the dear memories of your trip to New Mexico and Colorado. Today breakfast is included.

Experience Ever More...Add a post night stay in Albuquerque. Prices start at $75 per person, double.

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