Historic Trains of the Old West & Albuquerque

All aboard! Calling all trainspotters and railway enthusiasts! You’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; and through the rugged splendor of the Rockies aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll also pick up steam with visits to Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings, Chimayo’s famous pilgrimage site, and Glenwood Spring’s historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum. Chasing rainbows is easy as hundreds of hot-air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere of New Mexico into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Add this special event to witness the incredible Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other colorful rituals of the world’s largest balloon event.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $2,500 flight credit per person
• 10 night Historic Trains Of The Old West & Alburquerque Balloon Fiesta guided tour with Globus, Denver return

Includes:

• Superior accommodation
• 13 meals – 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach
• Free Wi-Fi (where available)
• Select highlights & activities
• Hotel taxes, porterage, tips & service charges

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 01-11 October 2025

Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Itinerary:

Day 1: ARRIVE IN DENVER, COLORADO

Welcome to Colorado!   At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or coffee after dinner. Ask your Tour Director for the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer.

Day 2: DENVER-ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD-COLORADO SPRINGS

All Aboard the Royal Gorge!   Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of The Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. (B,D)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   EPIC RIDE When President Teddy Roosevelt rode the rails through the Royal Gorge in 1905, he described the experience as "the trip that bankrupts the English language." You'll be speechless too on this train ride through the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge as it cuts a deep path through the Rockies along the Arkansas River.

Day 3: COLORADO SPRINGS-ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

The Land of Enchantment Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment," to visit Albuquerque - home of the annual Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy free time this evening before an early morning adventure tomorrow! (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SPECIAL EVENT What began as a gathering of enthusiasts with just 13 hot-air balloons more than 50 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world - the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This tradition has grown to an annual event drawing people from around the world to witness hundreds of brightly hued hot-air balloons ascend at once over the landscape of New Mexico. Truly enchanting!

Day 4: ALBUQUERQUE

Up, Up & Away!   Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning's pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. See Old Town Albuquerque before returning to the hotel for free time before marvelling at the popular Balloon Glow and Fireworks show. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   EPIC EXPERIENCES Attend the uplifting opening ceremonies and mass balloon ascension where hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off and turn the sky into a virtual rainbow of designs. Leading the ascension is a balloon adorned with the American flag, rising off the ground to the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.

Day 5: ALBUQUERQUE-SANTA FE

The American Southwest   Travel, via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, to the charming city of Santa Fe. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the rich history and culture of Santa Fe - home to an abundance of art galleries amid its diverse visual arts scene of ancient traditional art to modern contemporary works that celebrate the desert beauty of this ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Day 6: SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO

Enchanted Jewels Begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different communities. Then visit nearby Chimayo, founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch in a century-old adobe home at Rancho de Chimayo, serving outstanding New Mexican cuisine. Visit Santuario De Chimayo and learn of the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. (B,L) LOCAL FAVOURITE HISTORY & HERITAGE Experience the spiritual traditions of the American Southwest in Chimayo. This historic area attracts locals and guests alike who visit its church sanctuary, which holds sacred soil known for its healing powers. Experience this legendary, authentic New Mexican tradition!

Day 7: SANTA FE-BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT-TAOS-DURANGO, COLORADO

Ancient Cultures   Depart Santa Fe and explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city's local breweries. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT  CULTURAL GEM Explore the age-old dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. Envision a way of life long since passed to gaze at mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and several thousand ancestral Pueblo dwellings sharing 33,000 acres of designated wilderness. Bandelier's human history is traced to over 11,000 years ago when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the land. By 1150 AD, ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. This incredible site is as inspiring as the Pueblo blessing: "Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth."

Day 8: DURANGO. EXCURSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Stone Houses   Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT  ANCIENT DWELLINGS See Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings. Also, visit the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot ancient plateau (now Mesa Verde National Park). Stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).

Day 9: DURANGO-NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD-SILVERTON-GLENWOOD SPRINGS

All Aboard in Durango! Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic Hotel Colorado. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Board the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad steam train as it hugs steep canyon walls to wind its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon. Arrive in Silverton, once a major mining town where an early miner proclaimed: "We have no gold, but silver by the ton!" LOCAL FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a stay at the historic Hotel Colorado in beautiful Glenwood Springs. This elegant Rocky Mountain retreat has been a welcomed respite for travellers for more than 125 years is near the town's famous hot springs. Special guests President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt and the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown have enjoyed its gracious accommodations in the heart of the Colorado Rockies; it's storied history also includes time as a Naval Hospital in the 1940's and playground for notorious characters such as the Chicago gangsters during the Roaring 20's.

Day 10: GLENWOOD SPRINGS-GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD-DENVER

Making Tracks in the Old West   Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your holiday. (B,D)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   EPIC RIDE Climb aboard the historic Georgetown Railroad and be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Rockies. Envision the old railroad days as you roll through stunning views of aspen trees, pines, and firs with views of Clear Creek Canyon.

Day 11: DENVER

Safe travels until we meet again!   Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Denver? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 04-10-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.