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You will marvel at the contrast between the stunning mountain scenery found in the Colorado Rockies towns of Estes Park and Aspen to the red rock canyons of Moab where you will visit Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. This really is a holiday for the outdoor person, you will be able to take advantage of literally 100’s of convenient viewing points, small well guided walks that require no real preparation or well marked hiking trails with maps available from the excellent visitor centres found at all National Parks.

Please do remember we can work on any number of variations of this itinerary to suite your own individual requirements, the possibilities are endless… Please just drop us a line, tell us what you’d like and we’ll do the rest!

Itinerary Summary Denver 2 nights – Sheraton Downtown Estes Park 1 night – Holiday Inn of the Rockies Aspen 2 nights – Limelight Lodge Moab 2 nights – Best Western Canyonlands Mesa Verde National Park 1 night - Far View Lodge Chinle (Canyon de Chelly) 1 night– Holiday Inn Albuquerque 1 night – Best Western Rio Grande Santa Fe 2 nights – Inn of the Governors Colorado Springs 2 nights – Cheyenne Mountain Resort Total 14 nights

Flights
We are very proud to work with British Airways and have negotiated special inclusive tour rates exclusive for this itinerary giving you a great deal on non-stop flights with one of the finest carriers in the world to Denver International Airport. Should you be interested we can also extend special reduced travel rates in British Airways World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST.

Accommodation
With this itinerary featuring many National Parks and non-city locations we have selected firstly accommodation that is perfectly located so that you don’t miss anything. We have not used any luxury resorts, that is not what this holiday is about, our choice of accommodation, is for the most part, well priced clean and comfortable motel style accommodation that we know and can trust to provide a comfortable night. We can offer upgrades you so desire.

Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Complete North America will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

Financial Protection
By booking this complete package with Complete North America you benefit from reduced rates on flights, accommodation and car rental along with complete financial protection. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and this package is ATOL protected under ATOL No.5368.

Arrival at Denver, Colorado.

Depart London Heathrow – 1545
Arrive Denver – 1825
Journey Time – 9 hours 50 minutes

Arrival into Denver where you will pick up your rental vehicle and travel towards Denver and the Sheraton Downtown Hotel, the perfect place to drop the bags catch your breath. Get a good nights sleep, tomorrow there is much to do and see.
Hotel : Sheraton Downtown

Denver CO

Take a full day to explore the mile high city. Denver is quite compact so lends itself well to exploring on foot. Denver has the tenth largest downtown in the U.S. - a bustling area centered around a mile-long pedestrian promenade that is lined with outdoor cafes and flower baskets. Down every street there are mountain views. The mountain panorama visible from Denver is 120 miles long and includes nearly 200 named peaks. Downtown Denver is home to three new sports stadiums, 300 restaurants, a restored historic district filled with 90 bars and brewpubs, a collection of museums, a variety of galleries and shopping, the second largest performing arts centre in the nation, three college campuses and even a unique downtown amusement park, Six Flags Elitch Gardens. The State of Colorado Capitoal Building is quite beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
Hotel : Sheraton Downtown

Denver – Estes Park, CO. 100 miles

This morning you will follow I-25 North out of Denver and begin your journey to Estes Park firstly visiting, Boulder (home of the University of Colorado) Then begin a spectacular drive taking Route 119 from Boulder to Nederland and then the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway to Estes Park.

You will find the Holiday Inn Estes Park has easy access to walk to/from the shops, restaurants and boutiques of Estes Park Main Street. You may also wish to drive up to the famed Stanley Hotel (Stephen King wrote a part of his novel, The Shining, while staying at this lodge), but note they do charge a parking fee for all non-hotel guests.

The Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful and quite underestimated in our opinion, do allow time this afternoon to drive up into the Park and make some of the well signposted scenic stops.
Hotel : Holiday Inn of the Rockies

Estes Park - Aspen, CO - 245 miles.

This morning you will follow the main street through Estes Park and then turn right where this route ends. This will bring you to the northeast entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Horseshoe Bend Park. Continue on to the Trail Ridge Road and follow this up and over the mountains through the center of the Park. You will find several excellent photo stops along this route such as rainbow curve, and others along the top of the pass. This route is the highest continuous paved roadway in North America at over 12000 feet above sea level. The walk to the top from the visitor centre/shop is nice, but take your time at this elevation.

The route then travels down the west side of the park to Grand Lake and Grandby. At US-40 we suggest to turn right and follow past Hot Sulphur Springs to Kemmerer and then down to Silverton. Silverton is the home of the largest outlet-shopping plaza in the American Rockies. You are now in the Colorado Winter Playground, here you will find Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and then travel over Vail Pass and past the Vail Ski Resort. Just past Vail you will enter a wide valley (hole) before entering one of the most scenic drives along this entire route, the Glenwood Canyon. Sorry, no real good places to stop along this route, just the rest areas. Just as you exit the canyon you will enter the community of Glenwood Springs. Continue along the scenic CO-82 for approx 40 miles before arriving into the lovely town of Aspen.
Hotel : Limelight Lodge

Aspen, CO

Take a full day to relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Whilst it's more well known for the winter ski runs you will find a walk around the town a really pleasant experience it's also surrounded by abundant outdoor activity options. Maybe take a tour of historic landmarks such as the Wheeler Opera House or the Hotel Jerome, or shop at trendy outlets or smaller local stores. A selection of art galleries, a theatre and a concert hall are available for those seeking culture. Restaurants and bars abound, and there is something on offer for everyone's taste. Alternatively, you could head back up to Glenwood Springs (approx 40 miles) & go for a dip in the Hot Springs Pool, visit Doc Holliday's grave, Fairy Caves, Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake, the National Forest or the latest area attraction, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Hotel : Limelight Lodge

Aspen, CO - Moab UT. 240 miles

Today head back up to route I-70 West (via the CO-82) and follow the Colorado River to Grand Junction. Here we suggest you take the business loop through town and follow the signage for the Colorado National Monument. This detour will take you about 2 hours through this beautiful park and you will exit the west and pick up I-70 once again at Fruita. The route will take you on into Utah at this point. You will now begin to notice the stunning change from mountains to red cock scenery.

At exit 212, take the back route (most scenic) again along the Colorado River past the Fisher Towers and the back wall of Arches and into the Moab area. Moab is a bustling little town famous for it’s mountain biking trails; you are likely to see one or two bikes during your stay! Your hotel is located right along the main street. We suggest you take the evening to stroll the main street where there is a very good choice of shops and restaurants. For those keen on outdoor activities this would be the time to book yourself on one of the river rafting or mountain biking trips for tomorrow at one of the many outfitters located along the main street.
Hotel : Best Western Canyonlands

Moab

When planning this itinerary a full day in Moab was an absolute must. This morning we suggest the short drive to Arches National Park, you will obtain a park map at the entry gate showing you all of the stops you can make in the park to view the stunning rock formations. Details on short walks and longer ikes are also provided and the higher elevation affords some quite spectacular views. Allow 4 hours to make most of the major stops and a short walk, longer if you wish to make a longer hike.

After lunch head for the park entrance to Canyonlands National Park. Travel north a very short distance on US-191 to US-313. This is a dead-end road but it will take you to the Canyonlands National Park-Island in the Sky District, quite beautiful. Here you must certainly stop at the Mesa Arch short loop trail….you will not be disappointed, but be careful for any climbing on the arch! The drop is incredible. Once again there are many stops and the map provided at the park entrance marks them all. 3-4 hours for this visit should be allowed.

Return back to the main street in Moab for a well-earned rest, something to eat and drink and an opportunity to look back on a fabulous day of sightseeing. We recommend the Moab Brewing Company for good American Style food, located at the south end of Moab just as you are about to leave the town.
Hotel : Best Western Canyonlands

Moab, UT. – Mesa Verde National Park, CO.

Today we suggest an early start, we want to get you up into Mesa Verde National Park for lunchtime so that you have the afternoon to book onto one of the Ranger guided tours into one of the amazing cliff dwelling villages that make this National Park quite unique. Traveling south on US 191 then US491 is the quickest route and the whole journey to the visitor centre atop Mesa Verde National Park should take you about 2 hours 30 minutes. This is where you buy a ticket for one of the cliff dwelling tours, they run roughly ever hour. The Rangers at the visitor centre can advise you on which one suits you best as some are more strenuous than others but it’s an absolute must!

Like the other National Parks Mesa Verde offers many mapped stops as you drive around the park where you can view remains of the Pueblo Indian cliff dwellings.

Your accommodation for this evening is at the Far View Lodge located across from the Visitor Centre. The accommodation is basic but the setting is ideal and is the only accommodation in the park. Dinner at the restaurant is another must. We suggest you go early, put your name down for a table near next to the window if one is not already available and go have a drink in the bar upstairs until you table comes available. The food and service are the best we have experience in a National Park location.
Hotel : Far View Lodge

Mesa Verde National Park, CO. – Chinle (Canyon de Chelly) 150 miles

Rather than traveling directly to Canyon de Chelly you might like to take a detour to see Monument Valley which might add a couple of hours to your journey. Once you reach Canyon de Chelly stop by the Visitor Centre for information on the Canyon before you drive along the rim where there are many pull out points for viewing. If you have limited time we recommend driving the South Rim.
Hotel : Holiday Inn

Santa Fe, NM.

Full day in/around Santa Fe to visit the many museums (Pass to allow you to enter several can be purchased at your first stop). But we also recommend a drive to Bandelier National Monument, one of the lesser known, but superb park service areas in this region. Like very few places, present day Santa Fe is a living link to its past. Tracing the city's history is as easy as walking the picturesque streets of this 400 year old village. The area's Native American culture goes back thousands of years and is alive in the city's art and traditions just as the Hispanic heritage lives in Santa Fe's customs, foods and people.
Hotel : Inn of the Governors

Santa Fe, NM. – Colorado Springs, CO. – 322 miles.

From Santa Fe you will travel north to Taos, the only multiple level (two story) pueblo that is still being used to this day. You will then pass over the Rio Grande Gorge just to the west of Taos and north into Colorado. Near the community of Alamosa is one of the newest National Parks in the USA - Great Sand Dunes National Park. Proceed north through the San Luis Valley to Salida and follow the Arkansas River to Canon City. Near here you will find the Royal Gorge Bridge, the world's highest suspension bridge and the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway traveling along side the Arkansas River at the bottom of the canyon. Continue north to Colorado Springs for a two night stay.
Hotel : Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Colorado Springs.

Take a full day to enjoy Colorado Springs, not as well known as some of the other destination on this visit but it’s a great town with some excellent places to visit today. Pikes Peak (drive or cog-railway to the top of a 14,000 foot Colorado Mountain), Garden of the Gods Park, towering sandstone rock formations that sit against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and often brilliant blue skies. Visit the US Olympic Training Center, Broadmoor Hotel and Will Rogers Shrine, Seven Falls Park, Manitou and Old Colorado City shopping areas, there is certainly lots to keep you busy for a day.
Hotel : Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Colorado Springs, CO. – Denver International Airport, CO. – 65 miles.

As you travel north to Denver for the afternoon flight, you may wish to stop at the US Air Force Academy, the beautiful chapel (not open to the public on Sundays) is just a short walk from the Visitor's Center. As you near the Denver International Airport watch for the rental car return signs as they will then shuttle you to the departure terminal. Safe travels home.

Depart Denver – 2015
Arrive London Heathrow – 1210*
Journey Time – 9 hours 05 minutes
*= Next day arrival

The Rockies, Canyonlands & New Mexico - Photo Album

We are pleased to be able to display a selection of photographs taken of The Rockies, Canyonlands & New Mexico Flydrive.

Prices (in Pounds Sterling)

The prices shown below are 'per person'

Note 1

During the period from November - May many areas on this itinerary become affected by snowfall and road closures. The Rockies and Canyonlands take on a new kind of beauty at this time of year and we are happy to tailor an itinerary that allows you to experience this beauty but at the same time takes into account winter road and lodging closures. We suggest you call us to dicsuss a holiday during these times on 0845 263 7100 or send us a specific email enquiry.

Cost Includes ....

• British Airways non-stop flights
• UK & US Airport taxes
• 14 nights room only accommodation
• 14 days fully inclusive Compact car rental (Mid-size for Triple and Quad prices)
• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Weather
During the operational dates of this fly drive tour you will pass through a variety of different climates which vary dramatically throughout the year. For this reason we recommend you take layered clothing so than you can be as adaptable to the current conditions as possible.

During the Summer months, June - October, the weather should be favourable in all areas and particularly warm around the Canyon regions of Moab and the New Mexico towns of Santa Fe and Albuquerque

During the Autumn / Winter months, October-May weather is less predictable and snowfall and road closures are common in many areas.

Hotel Availability
Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Complete North America will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

Hotel Upgrades
During this itinerary you will visit some of America's most dramatic scenery and rugged terrain. Accommodation often consists of clean comfortable motor lodges not luxury resorts or deluxe hotels. We have in many cases recommended such motor lodges that we have worked with for many years and have our contacts in America check on a regular basis. That said for those wanting to make this experience extra special, in some locations we are able to offer you upgraded accommodation for an additional cost, please see our recommendations below.

• Denver - The Brown Palace
• Moab - Sorrel River Ranch
• Albuquerque - Embassy Suites Hotel
• Santa Fe - Inn Of The Anasazi
• Colorado Springs - The Broadmoor

Best days to travel, seat assignments, special requests and flight upgrades

• British Airways operate the only non-stop flights daily to Denver so we advise early booking Subject to availability you can select the travel date that best suits you. Should you wish to fly with an alternative carrier we would also be happy to prepare a quote for you.
• Where available we will be delighted to take care of any special meal requests on your flights (vegetarian, child meals etc) – please discuss with us at the time of booking.
• We have exceptional deals on upgrades with British Airways to World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST.
• We have discounted prices for British Airways regional flights to Heathrow, please ask for details and if you are flying from Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland? Read about special deals for connecting flights here.

Car Rental in America

The car rental included in this package is based on the Alamo 'Gold' rate which represents the mose inclusive rate you can buy. For a full breakdown of just exactly what this rate includes, a full explanation of all inclusions and information on cars please visit our car rental section by clicking on the link below.

As part of our agreement with Alamo we are able to offer you GPS Satellite Navigation as an optional extra that must be pre-booked. For more information on this click the link below.

Go to the car rental section » Read more about Sat Nav »

Travel Insurance
Whilst it is not compulsory to take our travel insurance, it's imperative that you do not travel without comprehensive travel insurance. Our adult premium is £49 per person for 2 weeks (Age restrictions do apply), however we do have rates for family policies and annual travel insurance, please call for details. In all cases taking our travel insurance will require acceptance of the medical health declaration and all pre-existing conditions should be declared to the insurance company.

All travellers must hold a full 10 year machine readable British Passport and have no criminal convictions to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. For more details on passport requirements please visit www.usembassy.org.uk

Ready to book?

Call our booking line on 0845 263 7100

(Mon-Fri. 09.00-18.00 or Sat 10.00-17.00)

A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have before processing your booking and the initial non-refundable deposit payment of £150.00 per person. We will endeavour to secure your flights and take care of any special meal requests during this call. The remaining components of your holiday will be put in place and a written 'Confirmation/Invoice' detailing everything we have confirmed on your behalf will be sent by regular mail along with a receipt for the deposit to your nominated contact address. We try to complete this whole process within 7- 10 working days of accepting your order and deposit, however meeting this target is very much dependant on the speed of response from our hotel and tour partners in North America.

Please note - By agreeing to pay a deposit you are instructing us to commence with the booking of your holiday arrangements and as such you enter into an agreement with Complete North America Limited. This agreement is governed by our standard booking conditions a copy of which is available to you at anytime and included with your written holiday confirmation.

Click here to view our Booking Conditions & Promise of Fair Trading