DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Las Vegas

Fly to Las Vegas and make your own way to your hotel (as transfers are not included).

Famous for its glitz and glamour, Las Vegas was originally a desert stopover on the train line between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. However it flourished when gambling was legalised in Nevada after the Great Depression, with many theatres and casinos built to cater for the influx of young male workers who came to build the Hoover Dam.

Today it is known for its luxury casino resorts and wide range of world-class entertainment found along “The Strip”.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Las Vegas

Las Vegas is all about entertainment, so be sure to do your homework and check what shows are on offer, and book your tickets online well in advance to avoid disappointment. The variety of shows is astonishing and the standards are simply world class.

Slot machines are everywhere, with all forms of gaming on offer, but don’t miss Fremont Street, also known as “Glitter Gulch” - a pedestrianised thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, which features live entertainment, a zipline and a light show. The Container Park is an open-air shopping centre with many boutiques and restaurants.

For 360 degree views of Las Vegas and the surrounding desert, climb the Stratosphere Observation Deck, which at 1,149 ft is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. You can take a trip back in time with a visit to the Neon Museum boneyard, with its historical collection of iconic signs. The Mob Museum is also fascinating, telling the story of organised crime (particularly the role played by the Mafia) in the history of Las Vegas. The Atomic Testing Museum explores the history of America’s nuclear testing program.

A helicopter trip to the awesome Grand Canyon, the largest in the world, will give you sweeping views over its enormous layered bands of red rock, and is a must on your first trip to Las Vegas. Closer to town, the red cliffs of Red Rock Canyon are only 17 miles from ‘The Strip’. You can also take a day tour to the salt pans and mountains of Death Valley, the lowest and hottest point in North America; explore the Old West and pan for gold at Eldorado Canyon; or take a tour to Hoover Dam and marvel at this engineering wonder.

There is simply so much to see and do in Las Vegas - from Mandalay Bay’s ice lounge; to the free Bellagio fountains, music and lights show (held every 15 to 30 minutes); Cirque Soleil circus acts; and dinner at the Excalibur Casino, complete with medieval knights. You can even take a hot air balloon ride over ‘The Strip’ and Red Rock Mountains, try out indoor sky diving and race in a supercar. Somehow in Las Vegas, all things seem possible!

Day 4: Travel to Bryce Canyon

Today take a scenic motor coach guided tour from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling via Zion National Park.

Known for its towering mountains and red canyons, carved out by the Virgin River, this national park offers both easy and challenging hikes to admire the rugged landscapes. Overnight in Bryce Canyon.

Day 5: Moab

Explore more of Bryce Canyon National Park today and view the largest collection of ‘hoodoos’ (tall spire-shaped rock formations) in the world from viewpoints such as Rainbow Point, Inspiration Point and Natural Bridge. Also enjoy an easy rim walk from Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Afterwards your guided motor coach tour continues to Moab, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Day 6: Arches National Park

Today enjoy a guided motor coach tour of Arches National Park, one of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ national parks which features accessible walks to see the famous red sandstone arches.

The Colorado River and Dead Horse Point State Park are other points of interest on today’s tour.

Day 7: Rocky Mountain Railway to Glenwood Springs

This morning enjoy a half day guided tour of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

In the afternoon board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train for a thrilling 2 day rail journey, travelling from Moab to Denver along one of the most scenic routes in America. Much of the trip is inaccessible by car, so you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, viewed from the comfort of your expansive glass-domed train.

Absorb the stunning mountain vistas, desert cliffs and rock formations, as you cross the Utah-Colorado border and arrive in the resort town of Glenwood Springs, where you will disembark and spend the night.

Note: In SilverLeaf Class you will have comfortable and spacious reclining seats, with spectacular views through oversized glass-dome windows. Enjoy storytelling, premium cuisine served at your seat, a high level of service and a wonderful social atmosphere. If you upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus you will get access to the lounge car, which has a small outdoor viewing area and a mixologist crafting signature cocktails.

Day 8: Rocky Mountain Railway to Denver

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning and enjoy a second day of extraordinary landscapes, as we continue towards Denver.

The train journeys through a series of canyons with steep, rugged rock walls and alongside the Colorado River. After crossing the Continental Divide, we reach the vibrant city of Denver. Check in to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

Day 9: At leisure

Today is at leisure to explore ‘The Mile High City’.

Once the home of Buffalo Bill, Larimer Square is the city’s oldest block, dating back to the days of the Old West and featuring several landmark buildings. The Denver Centre for Performing Arts sits on the southern side of the square.

You can take a tour to the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre live music venue, which is 15 miles outside the city, or explore Denver Botanic Gardens which are one of the largest in the USA. Denver Art Museum is an ultramodern complex known for its collection of indigenous works and Denver Museum of Nature and Science is also impressive. Explore the mansion of famed Titanic survivor, Molly Brown, or visit Coors Field - the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball club.

Day 10: Fly Home

Make you own way to Denver airport in good time for your flight home.

Note: This itinerary can be reversed, as the train travels in both directions.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis. Economy flights from London are included, as well as all meals on the train.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.