PRE-TOUR PACKAGE — 2 DAYS/1 NIGHTS

DAY 1

Denver

Arrive at your Denver hotel, conveniently located near sights, restaurants and shops. This evening, visit Larimer Square, a trendy block of Victorian buildings, home to some of Denver’s best restaurants.

DAY 2 / Day 1

Denver

Begin the day by taking in views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Nearby is theCenter, where one can take an elevator ride to the 520-foot-high observation deck in the Space Needle, explore Museums, visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the most comprehensive collection of Chihuly’s artwork ever assembled.

This evening, why not take a sunset dinner cruise along Puget Sound orr cruise to Tillicum Village for a Native American cultural experience to enjoy a traditional salmon dinner.

MAIN TOUR PACKAGE

DAY 1

Denver

This evening, after checking into our Denver hotel, mingle with other group members at a meet and greet reception hosted by our guide, a beer aficionado and destination specialist. We’ll be given an introduction to this 8-day exploration of breathtaking National Parks, regional culture, history, and—of course—fresh, local craft beer!

DAY 2

Denver—Aspen (159mi/254km)

This morning we’ll take a tour through Denver.  Catch stunning views of the Rocky Mountains in between stops at historic and cultural locations, emerging neighborhoods, and hidden gems of the Mile-High city.

In the brewery district of River North (known as RiNo) we’ll tour some of the 45 breweries located in this capital city, each producing beer with very distinct aroma, body and finish.

Our drive to Aspen this afternoon will be a memorable one. We’ll  travel along highways that are lined with jagged cliffs, winding roads over high-alpine passes and switchback turns  with views that will keep your camera  snapping.

We’ll take a casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen to acquaint us with Aspen’s ins and outs and the energy that makes it a world-class resort town.

DAY 3

Aspen

This morning, choose your included activity.  Enjoy a leisurely morning hike through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Known as “the most photographed peaks in North America”, Be sure to bring your camera as this area is also home to moose and black bear. Or – raft the Upper Roaring Fork.  This section of river features beautiful scenery, and wildlife and can be enjoyed by beginners as well as experienced rafters.

The afternoon is free to explore Aspen’s landmarks and boutiques, or engage in more outdoor adventure. We’ll meet up for  tastings at Aspen Brewing Company. From their Seasonally inspired brews to their Barrel-Aged Temerity Series, there’s sure to be a brew to inspire a “damn that’s good!”  from everyone.

DAY 4

Aspen—Telluride (200mi/320km)

Today we travel through McClure Pass, one of Colorado’s most scenic and historic byways. A trip on the West Elk Loop passes through national forestlands, wilderness preserves, state and national parks, quaint small towns and some of Colorado’s most majestic scenery.

Upon arrival in Telluride we’ll explore the town on foot. Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, the core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District.  We’ll finish our tour at Telluride Brewing Company where we’ll quench our thirst with the smooth-tasting flavors of beer from one of the highest microbreweries in the world.

The evening is free to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic Victorian mining town or take the  gondola ride to explore Telluride Mountain Village  and magnificent views.

DAY 5

Telluride—Silverton—Durango (121mi/195km)

We’ll travel along the Million Dollar Highway today between Ouray, a charming town surrounded by steep mountains, and Silverton, an old silver mining town. Much of Silverton is considered a National Historic Landmark and is the depot town of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 3 ft. narrow gauge heritage railroad has been hauling freight and passengers in continuous operation since 1882. We will ride this historic railroad along the Animas River, through wilderness inaccessible by any road, for a steam-powered arrival into Durango. The evening is free to explore Durango’s local culture and cuisine.

DAY 6

Durango—Mesa Verde—Durango (112mi/180km)

Today we’re off to Mesa Verde National Park, the largest archeological preserve in the US. Here we’ll get a look at cave dwellings inhabited  by groups of nomadic American Indians as early as 7500 BC. Upon our return to Durango we’ll visit one of the oldest craft breweries in the state. Water born high in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado makes these hand-crafted brews taste so good.

DAY 7

Durango—Salida—Colorado Springs (300mi/480km)

Depart for Colorado Springs, stopping en route in Salida, a quaint, western style town with a creative arts scene and a selection of breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Before arriving in Colorado Springs we’ll visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Hanging high above Colorado’s wild Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is America’s highest suspension bridge and a legendary feat of engineering renowned the world over. An included final night pairings dinner will feature Colorado Springs’ internationally diverse cuisine and big tastes from small, local beer companies.

DAY 8

Colorado Springs—Cripple Creek—Denver (159mi/254km)

We begin the day by visiting the historic mining town of Cripple Creek., Old brick buildings along the main streets will take us right back to the Old West. We’ll even have the opportunity to descend 1,000 feet below ground to learn about the workings of the 1890s hard rock gold miner. Beginning with a ride on a skip to the lower working levels of the mine we’ll witness the operation and ride aboard the last air-powered Tram-Air Locomotive.

There’ll be some time to enjoy lunch and one more mountain brewed beer before heading back to Denver.

Passengers may be dropped off in downtown Denver or transferred to the airport.