A journey to the heart of Colorado
Wildlife & Wilderness 11 days classique

A journey to the heart of Colorado

From the peaks of the Rockies to the red formations of the Garden of the Gods, authentic Colorado reveals its natural and mining treasures.

From€950per person
11 years of local expertise4.8/5 (0 reviews)

Duration

11 days

From

€950/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Style

Self-drive tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, Family, Solo, With friends, senior

The spirit of travel

Much less frequented than its neighboring States, Colorado has nothing to envy them. This State offers a multitude of natural landscapes, typical towns and villages and fascinating stories. Its mining heritage also offers many unique activities.

Colorado is also a true paradise for hikers, nature lovers, families wanting to breathe in the great outdoors and geology enthusiasts.

By car or by motorcycle, come discover an Authentic Colorado tailored to you with Vacances America !

The stages of your journey

D1–3
DenverHilton Denver City Center 4*
D4
Estes ParkFall River 3*
D5–6
FraserZephyr Mountain Lodge 3*
D7
SilverthorneHampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne 2*
D8–9
Colorado SpringsMagnuson Grand Pikes Peak 2*
D10–11
DenverHilton Denver City Center 4*

Highlights

Rocky Mountain Park
Garden of the Gods
Authentic Mining Villages
Natural hot springs
Modern Denver
Indian Autumn Landscapes

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival and vehicle pickup

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at Denver airport.

Hilton Denver City Center 4*
Jour 2
D2

Visit to Denver, its Market and Downtown

When visiting the capital of Colorado, you will discover that Denver is a modern and dynamic city embracing its mountainous environment. Its shopping street and its capitol are worth seeing.

This city is also known for its traditional restaurants and its local breweries.

Hilton Denver City Center 4*
Jour 3
D3

Discovery of the Denver Area

Today you will have the option to continue your visit of this superb city by visiting its museums, notably the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

You will also be able to discover the charming town of Golden and its Wild West atmosphere through the history of the gold rush. A change of scenery is guaranteed!

Hilton Denver City Center 4*
Jour 4
D4

Heading to the Rocky Mountains

DenverEstes Park

1h30105 km

If you are passionate about nature and hiking, take advantage of this day to visit the Flatirons, these are mountains nearby, a paradise for hikers!

At the end of the day you will visit the charming village of Estes Park, notably the famous hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining.

Leaving Denver, you will discover the charming college town of Boulder. Its local market and downtown is very pleasant to stroll around and find local souvenirs.

Fall River 3*
Jour 5
D5

Discovery of Rockies Mountains National Park

Estes ParkFraser

2h120 km

By discovering the famous Rocky Mountain National Park, you will explore hundreds of lakes, mountains and forests of an unsuspected wonder.

True masterpieces of nature, the natural landscapes of Colorado are to be discovered in all 4 seasons. But it is particularly during Indian summer that the orange/red colors of the forests will transform the landscape and dazzle you.

Its wildlife is also impressive so don't be surprised to see bears, deer and marmots frolicking in the forests and valleys.

Zephyr Mountain Lodge 3*
Jour 6
D6

Discovery of the southern part of the park

You will continue your visit to the magnificent Rocky Mountains National Park in the morning.

In the afternoon, you will head west to visit Hot Sulphur Springs. This place is known by locals for its natural hot springs. A well-deserved moment of relaxation!

Zephyr Mountain Lodge 3*
Jour 7
D7

A day marked by the history of Colorado

FraserSilverthorne

1h3095 km

By heading south, you will explore many mining villages like the charming village of Georgetown.

A true step back in time, this is where you can learn more about the rich heritage of Colorado. Between its gold mines and its steam train, you are guaranteed to be transported!

Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne 2*
Jour 8
D8

Discovery of Ghost Villages on the Road to Colorado Springs

SilverthorneColorado Springs

2h250 km

If your gold panning adventure wasn't successful, the trip will continue by discovering the surroundings of Colorado Springs.

Between its ghost towns, its dirt roads through the forests, its immense mountain peaks accessible by train or via scenic routes. The southern region of Denver is not to be missed under any circumstances.

Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak 2*
Jour 9
D9

Day of relaxation at the Garden of the Gods, a pure geological marvel!

This day you will discover the downtown of Colorado Springs and the magical natural park called "Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center" known for its natural peaks. You will be able to discover it on foot, by bike or even by car.

You will also discover the immense mountain Pikes Peak as well as the splendid underground caves Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park.

Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak 2*
Jour 10
D10

Return to Denver for your last night

Colorado SpringsDenver

1h30120 km

Also discover the Buffalo Overlook, which is a nature reserve where you can observe wild bison.

After one last stroll around the Garden of the Gods, get back on the road heading towards Denver. Relax on the road by stopping in the charming village of Evergreen, known for its lovely lake.

Hilton Denver City Center 4*
Jour 11
D11

End of stay

Drop-off of your rental car at Denver airport, and end of your wonderful vacation with Vacances America.

Price per person

2 pers.€950/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • Travel insurance (optional)
  • Flights (optional)
  • Activities (optional)
  • Everything that has not been mentioned in this price includes
  • Possibility of doing this circuit by motorcycle (option)
  • Opportunity to extend your stay in Durango and Mesa Verde Park

Included

  • 10 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar ones
  • Rental of an intermediate SUV with all insurance and local taxes
  • 100% Personalized Travel Itinerary
  • Local assistance on site
  • Concierge service on site

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the United States for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.

Passport

To enter the United States, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned end date of stay.
The passport must be an electronic (biometric) passport, recognizable by the electronic chip symbolized by a logo on the cover, to benefit from the visa exemption program.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa – Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland whose country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals also benefit from visa exemption to enter the United States.

This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorized length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry to the territory and cannot be extended under the visa exemption program.

Authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • proof of accommodation in the country.

ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

Before arriving in the United States, anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Canadian nationals are generally exempt from this requirement.

ESTA is an electronic prior authorization required by the U.S. authorities. It allows verification of the traveler's eligibility before departure:

  • passport information

  • personal information and contact details

  • answers to questions regarding security and criminal background

The application must be made online on the official U.S. government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), ideally at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allows multiple entries. Fees apply when submitting the application. The authorization confirmation must be presented to the airline and immigration services.

Travel with children

Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ESTA authorization if their nationality requires it.

In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and whether the country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers not eligible for VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before departure. Affected travelers should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits your needs:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Rémy, Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness
11years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — American West

Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness, based in Miami

In the United States, every road can become part of the journey. What I love is helping travelers find the right balance between the major sites and those detours that make the experience truly unique.

Rémy

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5