Four Corners, Southwest USA

•   Small groups, no more than 24 Culturious guests

Day 1: Arrive Durango
We’ll pick you up at the Durango Airport for a drive back in time to the handsome Strater Hotel, resplendent in Victorian-era hospitality. Stretch your legs and your love of history on a walk along streets paved with memories of railcars teeming with precious metals and lined with old-time saloons, stone churches and turn-of-the-last-century homes. Culturious takes you to places that are off-the-beaten path and not available on your own, like dinner at a private home in the mountains. Tonight, dine on organic, healthy food from the farm, paired with Colorado’s finest wines. Crisp air, an incredible setting and a hearty welcome make this a night to savor and a barbecue dinner that will long be remembered.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: The railroad and ghost towns
All aboard! Ride the rails from Durango through the scenic San Juan Mountains to Silverton aboard a vintage steam-powered locomotive to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys. Anywhere. The world over. The narrow gauge tracks have been in continuous use for 127 years – the historic locomotives are still coal-fired, steam-operated and in vintage condition. Old West towns grew up and prospered thanks to the natural riches of the surrounding mountains. Have lunch in Silverton, a study in “gold rush” prosperity and railroad lore. While the shine may have come off the silver that was mined here, the head-turning natural beauty of this place continues to dazzle. Hop aboard a four-wheel-drive vehicle as we climb higher up into the mountains; ghost towns, like Animas Forks, share their legacies – and views – along the way. Drive back to Durango on the “Million Dollar Highway” before dinner.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Anasazi Heritage
Spend the morning exploring Durango as you wish or join us for a visit to the Railroad Museum, enlivened by fascinating insights from one of the curators who, in addition to loving trains, really knows a lot about their history in the glory days of the American West. After lunch, we’ll drive to your lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, one of the first national parks set aside to preserve the work of the people. Learn about life here when a member of the Navajo Nation shares a contemporary perspective on Native American culture.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Valley
There are some 4,000 known archaeological sites in Mesa Verde, dating from 600 to 1300 AD, vestiges of ancient civilizations that challenged the wilderness – and thrived. Seasonal nomads, these early cultures lived off the land, sharing a communal lifestyle and ceremonial traditions that sustained them through all kinds of weather and hardships. Get an overview of their cultural tenacity at the Mesa Verde Museum, before joining our local guide on a rock-art hunt along dirt paths. Petroglyphs remain etched on sandstone canvasses to paint a telling portrait of its residents. A picnic lunch of Native American foods and a 1/4 mile downhill hike to the Cliff Palace – the largest and most elaborate cliff dwelling in the park is four stories high, with early steep-roofed porches, towers and kivas (ceremonial rooms) – are just part of your Culturious experience.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5: Sandstone landscape by jeep and by plane
Be sure to pack your camera for today’s visit to the exact spot where the corners of four U.S. states meet; interstate travel has never been so easy! Impressive, monumental moments continue as we drive to Monument Valley, defying the imagination with standing rock sculptures that break all the rules. Navajo guides know the lay of the land unlike anyone else; explore by 4 x 4 with an expert, who not only cooks up an amazing repertoire of fascinating discoveries, but also invites you to a cookout in the heart of the valley. The height of Culturious discovery continues on a chartered flightseeing flight from Monument Valley over Canyonlands National Park (an included value of $450). Spirits soaring, fly on to Moab, where ranch hands take over to show you a more luxurious side of daily life at a desert resort where you will stay for three nights.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Take a walk on the wild side...
Wake up in time to get up in the saddle this morning for a trail ride that encourages the cowboy in you. The Colorado River, sandstone buttes and flat-topped mesas provide a beautiful backdrop for this outdoor adventure. A change of pace and setting follows during our visit to the funky honky-tonk town of Moab, frequented by an eclectic mix of outdoor enthusiasts and artists. Take part in a favorite town tradition when we have lunch at Moab Diner, where the locals go! A short drive away, Canyonlands National Park entices with rugged scenery of bizarre pinnacles, sheer-sided alleys and otherworldly topography. Colors take on unearthly hues of pink and orange that glow and change depending on the light of the day, adding new dimensions to today’s discoveries. If you are not already a photographer, you will turn into one today. Dinner is on your own tonight; take a shuttle back to Moab or remain at our beautiful lodge.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7: Glowing Arches
Hundreds of unusual red sandstone sculptures dominate the landscape in nearby Arches National Park. Carved by wind and rain and chiseled with Mother Nature’s whimsical touch, these wondrous formations create a geologic playground for the Culturious. Take a three-mile hike up sloping, slick rock to Delicate Arch, balancing precariously on the edge of a canyon. Cool off back at the ranch, take a dip in the pool, or put your feet up in the spa, aaahhh... Dinner tonight is a festive affair, western style, a most fitting Culturious finale before we hit the trail for home in the morning.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8: Journey Home
Tour ends: Moab. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Sorrel River Ranch to Grand Junction Airport (it is approximately a 90 minute ride). Allow a minimum of two hours for check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/18/2012 - 5/26/2012	$3,890
6/8/2012 - 6/16/2012	$3,890
6/22/2012 - 6/30/2012	$3,890
7/13/2012 - 7/21/2012	$3,890
8/3/2012 - 8/11/2012	$3,890
8/17/2012 - 8/25/2012	$3,890
9/7/2012 - 9/15/2012	$3,890
9/21/2012 - 9/29/2012	$3,890
9/28/2012 - 10/6/2012	$3,890
10/12/2012 - 10/20/2012	$3,890
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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