Vintage Trains of the Great Southwest

The Great Southwest

Mixing a number of scenic train rides with visits to popular cities including Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Las Vegas and more, the Vintage Trains of the Great Southwest showcases both the culture and natural beauty of the Southwest in a nostalgic setting that is sure to please both train enthusiasts and the average traveler alike. Read on to learn more about the day-to-day activities featured throughout this unique vacation experience.

Day 1 - You'll begin your journey along the Vintage Trains of the Great Southwest the moment you arrive in Albuequerque with a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. That night, you'll gather with the rest of your travel group at Garduno's for a Southwestern style dinner for a chance to get to know the rest of the people you'll be sharing this unique experience with. From dinner, you'll check-in to the ClubHouse Inn & Suites and prepare for the adventure that's about to begin.

Day 2 - You'll start the day with a breakfast at the hotel before taking off on a guided tour of Albuquerque. You'll visit the Sandia Peak via tramway throughout the tour, eventually making your way to Santa Fe after lunch. In Santa Fe, you'll check-in to the Comfort Inn and then enjoy dinner at the Blue Corn Cafe.

Day 3 - On day three, you'll again start the morning with breakfast at the hotel. From there, you'll ride a vintage rail car along northern New Mexico for a nostalgic look into the natural beauty of the southwest. After lunch, it will be off to the Palace of the Governors and the Mission of San Migual for even more cultural sightseeing in the area. As for the evening, you'll have the freedom to as you will. Either explore the shopping options and enjoy a night out on the town with your new found friends or simply rest. It's compeltely up to you!

Day 4 - Breakfast at the hotel will begin your day before traveling to Taos, New Mexico. While there, you'll stop at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - a 650 foot arch bridge that is the second largest of its kind in America. Finally, you'll make your way towards Durango, Colorado and check-in to The Quality Inn for the next two nights of your journey.

Day 5 - Day five offers a special experience as you enjoy breakfast and then catch the famed Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Along the ride, you'll pass San Juan and Silverton before eventually returning to Durango for a night of dining and rest.

Day 6 - Day six will showcase an up-close view of the Durango area's beauty with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park. At the park, you'll find cliff dwellings, ruins and more for an intriguing look into the area's past cultures. The day will also see you stopping at the 4 Corners, where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. Finally, you'll arive in Flagstaff for the first of a two-night stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites.

Day 7 - Undoubtedly one of the more popular days of the Vintage Trains of the Great Southwest, day seven will take you to the Grand Canyon National Park for sightseeing along the South Rim. That nigt, you'll return to Flagstaff for dinner and a show at Black Bart's Steak House.

Day 8 - Day eight will keep you moving westward as you first visit Sedona to admire the red rocks of the area, and then take the Verde Canyon Railway ride through the area complete with lunch. Lastly, you'll pack your things and head off to Las Vegas and check-in at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.

Day 9 - You'll definitely want to try your hand with lady luck while in Sin City, so day nine will feature a morning tour of Las Vegas complete with a stop at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens with the rest of the afternoon left to you for shopping, gambling or just exploring the sights in-depth. Come evening, you'll reconvene with your group for a farewell dinner and entertainment gala followed by a City Lights tour of The Strip.

Day 10 - On the last day, you'll be provided breakfast and transfer to the McCarran Int'l Airport, complete with memories that are sure to stay with you long after you've arrived home.