Highlights of Colorado

After included VIP airport lounge access, take your day flight from the UK to Denver. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, the contemporary Curtis in central Denver. Relax in your suite, all bright, fresh furnishings and intricate mural-adorned walls, alongside a sprawling marble bathroom, before taking advantage of the cosy dining room for classic American fare and unwinding with post-dinner drinks at the bar. For an upgraded option please enquire about the luxury The Brown Palace Hotel. 

You’ve got a full day to explore The Mile High City of Denver and its myriad delights today. Be sure to head to the famous open-air Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, either to watch a film or learn about the history of the iconic rock structure, then there's the endless bike trails that snake through pretty verdant parks, made simple with the city's innovative bike sharing system. Enjoy the walkable city centre and the free bus on 16th Street Mall to reach historic places such as Denver Union Station, the renovated 1914 Beaux-Arts train station. If time permits, catch a baseball game at Coors Field in LoDo (Lower Downtown), then return to your hotel for dinner or sample one of the myriad eateries in the city, offering anything from steakhouses to classic Colorado-themed dishes like buffalo tamales in house-made green chile or elk sliders, as well as taking advantage of its thriving craft beer scene on the Denver Beer Trail.

Pick up your hire car this morning to start your epic Colorado road trip to the Rocky Mountains, traversing up winding mountain-edged trails, alpine tundra and impenetrable forests, sheltered by the iconic snow-capped monoliths that are the Rockies. Pass the behemoth Twin Sisters Peaks and marvel at shimmering lakes until you reach Estes Park, the host to your hotel for the evening, the spectacular Ridgeline, boasting panoramic vistas of pristine lakes, winding trails and forested peaks dotted with roaming elk and even bears. Inside, it’s all contemporary luxury alongside touches of alpine tradition. Perhaps take a dip in the indoor pool, play some games or roast marshmallows over the fire, then, the cosy onsite restaurant Latitude 105 provides classic American delights such as poutine with smoked elk and bison burgers.

Stay: Trailborn Rocky Mountains, Estes Park (Superior)

Head on the epic Trail Ridge Road today, America's highest, that winds past craggy mountaintops and dense forests. Be sure to stop at the epic shimmering Grand Lake – perhaps head on a boat tour, go stand up paddle boarding or just stop for lunch on the charming main street. Reaching Glenwood Springs, take advantage of the eponymous pool, the world’s largest natural mineral pool, as well as the spectacularly idyllic Iron Mountain Hot Springs with 16 soaking pools. Perhaps while the day away by going kayaking or even white water rafting through the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, where you can experience anything from gentle rapids to grade 5 falls. After a day of adventure, relax in your hotel's onsite spa before a drink in the opulent polo lounge, or relax by the fire in Baron’s restaurant, enjoying the likes of lobster hushpuppies, lamb sliders and pork green chilli soup. 

Stay: Hotel Colorado (Superior)

Drive from your hotel this morning towards endless canyon landscapes and arid desert to reach Grand Junction, home to the largest flattop mountain in the world, Grand Mesa. Be sure to explore the Colorado National Monument with its stunning red sandstone pillars and deep canyons, home to bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. Grand Junction is also home to Colorado’s wine country; ride bikes alongside beautiful wineries, stop for tastings along the way and end the day at one of the delicious farm-to-table restaurants. Embrace the stunning scenery, southwestern architecture charming rooms of your hotel, with open fireplaces, private decks and outdoor showers, indulging in the spectacular spa before you choose one of five restaurants tonight, from the al fresco delights of Entrada, best enjoyed over a canyon sunset as you indulge in yellowfin tuna poke and grilled bison, to the famous bourbon & peach glazed ribs in the relaxed Paradox Grill.

Stay: Gateway Canyons (Deluxe)

Today will see you head to the Mesa Verde National Park, named a World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional archaeological relevance. Huge, well-preserved cliffs perch among deep ridged canyons and pristine rock carvings, much of which is a protected wilderness site. Perhaps take a guided tour to learn about the history of the Ancestral Puebloan people, visit their ancient dwellings and admire the ancient prehistoric rock carvings. Arrive at your hotel, the Far View Lodge which, at 8200 feet, offers unrivalled views across four states. Enjoy custom handcrafted furniture and private balconies ideal for stargazing, before enjoying The Far View Terrace Café or The Metate Room Restaurant for contemporary menus inspired by regional heritage foods and flavours against a backdrop of colourful Native American artwork.

The next two days will see you enjoy a full day train and bus excursion to Durango. This spectacular journey will see you steam past rushing streams, ancient rock formations and cascading waterfalls on a heritage trail that's also a national historic landmark, with a coach journey taking you back to Durango. You'll stay at the spectacular and historic Strater hotel with opulent rooms and four poster beds, with chances for kayaking, hiking, bike riding and more, coming back to saloon-style dinners and all-American cuisine.

Stay: Strater Hotel (Superior)

Begin another day of epic scenery with the iconic Million Dollar Highway from Durango, climbing up winding mountain passes in the shadow of snow-capped peaks – be sure to stop at the epic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, an extraordinary concave of ridged valleys, steeply-walled gorges and dramatic drops, dotted with roaming elk and soaring golden eagles. Arrive at your hotel in charming Buena Vista where you'll stay in cosy whitewashed rooms in a boutique, French-inspired lodge.

Stay: Surf Hotel, South Main Residences (Superior)

Begin the final part of your road trip today as you head to Colorado Springs, with highlights including the glacier-carved Pikes Peak; the Garden of the Gods, voted the number one state park in the US; the majestic forests and jagged red peaks of Cheyenne Canyon and the Manitou Springs with its colourful galleries and many mineral spring fountains.

Stay: Cheyenne Mountain Resort (Superior)

After breakfast, return to Denver for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 13.