Denver History and Highlights Tour

 

General information

Destination
Denver, United States

Program details

Folks have been drawn to Denver for over a century -- find out why on this downtown adventure exploring the Queen City of the Plain’s rich past, glinting with the promise of gold and other “riches” of the Rocky Mountains. Join our team of local guides a mile high up and take in the fascinating stories, beautiful architecture and modern food-and-drink scene on this orientation tour of Colorado’s capital city.

Highlights:

• Immerse yourself in Denver’s golden age at historic sites including The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Union Station, Larimer Square and more

• Get to know the stories of famous, lesser-known and controversial figures who shaped our views of the wild west, including a showman and a sharpshooter, a brave Arapaho leader, and an “Unsinkable” and indomitable activist

• Spy some of Colorado’s most famous mountain peaks framed by our downtown buildings and get some out-of-town recreation ideas from your guide

• Visit local businesses and discover the best local coffee shops, bars and restaurants



Your experience begins a mile high at the Colorado State Capitol, the perfect place to start off a tour highlighting the best of Denver. You might have a chance to step inside with your guide to take in the awe-inspiring architectural features of this historic building and learn more about the founding of the Queen City of the Plains.



From here, you’ll venture downtown to the historic Brown Palace Hotel. Built in the 1890s, this impressive building harkens back to turn-of-the-century western elite and pioneers looking for new opportunities amidst the Rockies. You’ll get a chance to marvel at the grand atrium, where taking high tea is still in fashion, as you pass through. Outside, your guide will give you the lowdown of Denver’s more salacious connections to illicit gambling, speakeasies, and the seedy underbelly that once defined the city’s image.



Next, you’ll see the more modern side of Denver, entering LoDo (Lower Downtown). Get your architecture fix as you pass through the popular 16th Street Mall, a picturesque tree-lined avenue that’s home to street food, art and local musicians. Your guide will help you avoid the tourist traps and find the local hidden gems of Denver’s downtown food, shopping and nightlife scene.



Continue on towards one of the most historic and photogenic Denver landmarks: Larimer Square. Hear about the founding of the city, and you’ll quickly discover why Denver has attracted people from across the country for more than a century.



Cap off your downtown Denver experience at the hub of historic LoDo, Union Station, which has been restored to its former glory and is still the main train station in town. Enjoy people-watching at its finest, as this is one of the most popular gathering places in Denver. Once your tour has ended, you’ll be in the perfect spot to continue exploring the exciting downtown district.