Wild, Wild West Family Adventure (Family Tour) - 8 Days
8 Days
Durango
Grand Junction
*****
Tauck Bridges (family tours)
Turn back time to the days of the wild west, very much alive in the places you will visit on this fun-filled western adventure. Explore one of the most historic cowboy towns in Colorado, the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde and spiritual Monument Valley. Meet cowboys at a chuckwagon dinner, learn about Navajo culture and discover naturally sculpted treasures in Arches National Park. Along the way, you'll experience a living history lesson, past and present, that showcases stories about the people and places you'll discover together.
Stroll the streets of Durango, a Nationally Registered Historic District, cowboy spirit in hand, during a two-night stay that includes a mountain hike, a dip in hot springs popular for centuries, a chuckwagon dinner with gold panning, wagon and train rides and more. Saddle up for a trail ride at a local ranch, then continue to your lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, where a private tour of an ancient Cliff Palace, a Navajo presentation and a 4x4 Jeep tour of Monument Valley promise two days of non-stop cultural discoveries. Luxury safari-style tents in Moab take camping to new heights for every generation to enjoy during a star-filled three-night stay in the great outdoors. Add exploring sandstone formations in Arches National Park, Colorado river rafting, and dinosaur discoveries at Moab Giants and make the history of the wild west come alive with family memories of your own.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Durango
A transfer is included from the Durango-La Plata County Airport to the Doubletree Hotel Durango, located on the beautiful Animas River within walking distance of downtown Durango. Settle into your river-view room and join us tonight for a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow family travellers.
Day 2: Discover Durango, hot springs and chuckwagon fare
Start your morning with a nature and history walk led by a local guide who'll unveil the quintessential western landscapes Durango is known for. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and located next to the Animas River, this historic town entices with endless trails, a free-flowing river and outdoor activities that make the most of the great outdoors ¬ including whitewater rafting, hiking, bicycling and more – even opportunities to soak in naturally heated hot springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. Spend the afternoon at the Durango Hot Springs, relaxing in its 26 mineral pools, private Japanese-style soaking tubs and swimming pools as you wish, before returning to town for time at leisure. Tonight, get a taste of cowboy life at a chuckwagon dinner, complete with old West musical entertainment. Strike it rich before dinner when you try your hand panning for gold, see a blacksmith at work, choose a small train ride, visit old time shops, from chocolate to leather, and enjoy a playground built for outdoor fun.
Day 3: Horseback riding & Mesa Verde National Park
Saddle up for a trail ride this morning with a local cowboy before exploring Durango as you wish. This afternoon, we are headed for the only lodge inside Mesa Verde National Park for an overnight stay. The park protects the history of 27 Native American groups and is filled with over a thousand kinds of animals and plants – even some that live nowhere else on Earth. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Dark Sky Park, which means the stars at night are out of this world. The lodge you will be staying at was authentically designed to reflect the local culture and natural setting and overlooks endless layered sandstone, canyons and the park's signature mesas. Take in the views after dinner this evening during a private night of family fun with board and lawn games, s'mores and more.
Day 4: Ancient cliff dwellings & a historic trading post lodge
Discover what it was like to live in cave-like apartments carved high up in the cliffs and on the flat-topped mesas of Mesa Verde National Park like Ancestral Pueblo families did for over 700 years. Your expert local guide will share the history, architecture and spiritual stories of this amazing place today when you see the homes for yourself. Join a park ranger for a visit to the 150-room Cliff Palace, the largest and most famous cliff dwelling in the park; built between 1190 and 1280, it was once home to over 100 people. After lunch, continue on to your historic trading post lodge inside Monument Valley. Learn about Navajo culture tonight during a fascinating presentation and cultural performance.
Day 5: Monument Valley & Moab
Embark on an exciting 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide who shares personal insights about the giant sandstoneformations you'll see; learn about the legends and spiritual significance of the sights and the cultural traditions that live on in the tribal parktoday.One of the most photographed places on Earth, the towering formations of Monument Valley, sculpted over 300 million years, soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes and desert environment, it truly is one of the world's natural wonders. Get ready to sleep in the great outdoors for the next three nights when you arrive in Moab late this afternoon. Your accommodations are in safari-inspired luxury tents in a secluded desert setting with views across Canyonlands National Park, seamlessly immersing you in the wonders of nature that surround you.
Day 6: Arches National Park & Moab Giants
Explore Arches National Park, driving past unique naturally sculpted formations and making stops that bring you close to the sandstone rock stars you'll find here. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, making it a red-rock wonderland like no other. View iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch, the most famous and most photographed arch in the park; Double Arch, towering 122 feet above the ground; Balanced Rock, estimated to weigh 3,577 tons or the weight of 27 blue whales, and more. This afternoon, continue on to Moab Giants for time to experience all the activities at this dinosaur-inspired museum. Its state-of-the-art exhibits feature replicas of life-sized dinosaurs that roamed in the area as well as their tracks, which are found in abundance around Moab; the museum's virtual reality technology takes you back in time, assuring a memorable experience for every age and generation.
Day 7: Colorado River Rafting or the Moab Museum
Moab's iconic national parks are just the beginning of the natural treasures found in this area. Surrounding the town are rivers, forests, and desert landscapes just waiting to be explored, with the Colorado River inviting with rafting adventures for all abilities. Embark on a float trip through mild whitewater rapids this morning, paddling downstream for a delicious barbecue lunch at the historic Red Cliffs Lodge. Conditions on the river are at the pleasure of Mother Nature, so the water levels will vary with the flow and the weather. As an alternative excursion to our rafting adventure, you may enjoy a visit to the Moab Museum which showcases the rich stories of Moab and the greater Canyonlands areas, followed by lunch on your own at a place of your choosing. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell reception and dinner.
Day 8: Journey home
A group transfer is available to take you from ULUM Moab to Grand Junction Regional Airport for your journey home, an approximate two-hour drive. Flights should not be scheduled prior to 12 noon. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check in at the airport. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage for driver and tour director plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights.
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.