Great American Rail Tour

Scottsdale • Montezuma Castle • Sedona • Williams • Grand Canyon • Flagstaff • Albuquerque • Taos • Durango • Grand Junction • Denver • Rocky Mountains

The railroad opened the west during the 19th century and even today it is arguably the most exciting way in which to explore this region of the United States. Our tour, beginning in Scottsdale at our relaxing hotel, includes such highlights as the breathtaking Grand Canyon, historic Albuquerque and the delightful town of Durango. Experience the exhilarating train journeys across Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado to Denver with time to explore the fabulous Rocky Mountains - sights and scenes forever associated with the Wild West.DAY 1 LONDON • SCOTTSDALE
We begin with Titan HiTours Home Departure Service to London Heathrow Airport and your scheduled British Airways flight to Phoenix. On arrival our coach will transport you to the Hyatt Place Hotel at nearby Scottsdale where we will be staying for the next two nights.

DAY 2 SCOTTSDALE
A day to relax and enjoy the superb climate and dazzling surroundings of Scottsdale, known as “The Valley of the Sun”. This city offers a variety of galleries with world renowned art, shopping boutiques and plazas to explore. Scottsdale is an ideal gateway for exploring this land of diversity.

DAY 3 MONTEZUMA • SEDONA • WILLIAMS
This morning we board our coach and travel to Montezuma Castle. This amazing five storey cliff dwelling was constructed in 1100 AD when the Sinagua Indians moved from the over populated Flagstaff area into the Verde Valley. We continue north to the artist colony of Sedona set amid rugged countryside. The desert landscape through which we pass is reminiscent of that seen in many cowboy films with its countless varieties of cacti, most notable of all being the Giant Saguaro. Passing through Oak Creek Canyon we see the craggy peaks of red sandstone. Later in the day we continue on to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel at historic Williams.

DAY 4 GRAND CANYON • FLAGSTAFF
This morning we explore the 1908 Williams Depot before we board the Grand Canyon Railway for the thrilling journey to the Grand Canyon. The Railway has a fleet of diesel locomotives and you will travel in beautifully restored coaches originally built in the 1900s. On arrival you have free time to familiarise yourself with what must surely be one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. Level upon level of rocks form intricate shapes and beautiful sculptures and far below, almost a mile in fact, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a silvery streak which is the mighty Colorado River. Later today we travel to Flagstaff, located at the base of Mount St Humphreys and nestled among the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the United States. We stay overnight at the Radisson Woodlands or Courtyard by Marriott.

DAY 5 FLAGSTAFF • ALBUQUERQUE
An early start as we board the Amtrak train for our scenic journey which takes us across Arizona into New Mexico. We travel through Hopi, Navajo and Havasupai Indian Reservations with stunning views of the Red Mountains and National Forests. Here Indians rent squares of land to mineral companies which has resulted in this area becoming known as The Chequered Lands. Our final destination today is Albuquerque, one of the oldest cities in the US, dating back to 1706 when a small farming community settled on the Rio Grande. It enjoys a pleasant climate and prides itself on the warmth of the welcome it gives to visitors. On arrival we take a brief orientation tour before checking into the Best Western Rio Grande, which is conveniently located close to the Historic Old Town district.

DAY 6 ALBUQUERQUE
Today you are free to explore the Historic Old Town district, various museums and plenty of shopping opportunities in this unique city which is rich in culture.

DAY 7 ALBUQUERQUE • TAOS
This morning we board our coach for the highest point in New Mexico - beautiful Santa Fe, the oldest capital of this state. Free time to explore the many shops and galleries; perhaps visit some of the oldest churches in the country or Loretto Chapel with its Miraculous Stairway. We continue across New Mexico to Taos. On arrival you are free to explore this attractive town isolated by mountains. Taos has long been a mecca for artists and writers, drawing such notable persons as D.H. Lawrence. Today there are a large number of art galleries and craft shops, rich in heritage and culture. We overnight at the Don Fernando de Taos Hotel.

DAY 8 TAOS • DURANGO
To Antonito where we board the Cumbres & Toltec Railway for the stunning journey through the Rocky Mountains. The coal burning locomotive winds its way through spectacular scenery, past craggy mountain peaks, through tunnels and along beautiful valleys. On reaching Chama our coach will transfer you to Durango and the Holiday Inn Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights.

DAY 9 DURANGO
Founded in 1879, Durango still retains its “Wild West” atmosphere. A free day to relax and enjoy this charming town. Dozens of great restaurants and Victorian buildings line the downtown National Historic District where many shopping opportunities can be found. Explore Durango Railway Station and perhaps take a guided tour of the workshops and sidings where the narrow gauge locomotives and passenger cars are lovingly restored to their former glory.

DAY 10 DURANGO • GRAND JUNCTION
This morning we transfer to Durango Railway Station to board the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. We follow the route of the original Denver & Rio Grande Railroad through the wilderness of the Juan National Forest. One cannot but be impressed by the ingenuity of the engineers who laid down the track back in 1881 and which passes through the terrain which even today is only accessible on the train or by horseback. On arrival at Silverton our coach transfers you through stunning views of canyons and valleys to Grand Junction and the Grand Vista Hotel.

DAY 11 GRAND JUNCTION • DENVER
This morning we journey east to Georgetown where we take the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This journey takes you by steam locomotive over the reconstructed Devil’s Gate High Bridge. This 300 feet long and almost 100 feet high viaduct forms a spiral where the track actually crosses over itself and was hailed as a marvel of engineering skill when it was built back in 1884. We continue by coach to Denver and the Crowne Plaza.

DAY 12 ROCKY MOUNTAINS • DENVER
This morning we leave Denver to enjoy a fascinating excursion to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains for views of towering peaks, mountain lakes, alpine valleys and glacial moraines. The magnificent Rockies are one of the world’s most majestic mountain ranges stretching from New Mexico to the interior of Canada. After a truly memorable day we return to Denver.

DAY 13 DENVER • LONDON
Today we transfer to Denver Airport for your British Airways flight to London Heathrow - OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

DAY 14 LONDON
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door. GRAND CANYON OPTIONAL FLIGHT AVAILABLE - PLEASE REFER TO PAGE 25The railroad opened the west during the 19th century and even today it is arguably the most exciting way in which to explore this region of the United States. Our tour, beginning in Scottsdale at our relaxing hotel, includes such highlights as the breathtaking Grand Canyon, historic Albuquerque and the delightful town of Durango. Experience the exhilarating train journeys across Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado to Denver with time to explore the fabulous Rocky Mountains - sights and scenes forever associated with the Wild West.