Durango captures the quintessential spirit of the Wild West and marries it with a compelling blend of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and stunning natural beauty. 

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

Welcome to Durango

Embark on your Durango adventure by immersing yourself in the town’s atmosphere. Stroll through the heart of Durango to appreciate its historic architecture that echoes the spirit of the Wild West. Vibrant storefronts invite you to explore their diverse offerings, ranging from artisan crafts to local culinary treats.

Local Insights at the Welcome Center

Make a quick stop at the Durango Welcome Center. Friendly local experts can provide insider tips, and you can pick up brochures for attractions that catch your interest.

Culinary Explorations

Conclude your day with a hearty meal at one of Durango’s many locally-owned restaurants. The town offers a culinary journey, showcasing everything from traditional Western fare to contemporary fusion cuisine.

Day 2: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

All Aboard the Historic Train

Awake early to experience a highlight of Durango — the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This coal-fired, steam-operated train has been in operation since the 1880s and provides an authentic journey back in time. 

As you traverse through breathtaking canyons and remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest, you’ll be treated to stunning, unspoiled views.

Exploring Silverton

The train’s destination, Silverton, is a former silver mining camp that still holds onto its rugged charm. Now a National Historic Landmark, you can explore this quaint town at your leisure. Revel in its rich mining history, explore local shops, or savor a meal before your train journey back to Durango.

Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park

Dive into Ancient History

Your third day is dedicated to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park. The park is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, some dating back to 600 A.D.

Guided Tours to Ancient Sites

Join a guided tour to visit some of the most remarkable cliff dwellings such as the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Each of these sites provide a unique glimpse into the life of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Also, don’t miss out on visiting the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. The museum offers fascinating exhibits about the Ancestral Pueblo people and also provides stunning views of Mesa Verde and the surrounding valley.

In the next few days of your itinerary, you’ll balance your time between thrilling outdoor adventures and leisurely relaxation, all while experiencing the best that Durango has to offer. 

Day 4: The Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Durango

Durango Discovery Museum

One of the best things you can do with kids in Durango is to begin your day of family fun at the Durango Discovery Museum. This interactive science center offers a unique, hands-on learning experience. Children can delve into exhibits about energy, physics, and local history, stimulating their curiosity and fostering a love for science.

Powerhouse Science Center

Visit the Powerhouse Science Center. This dynamic space features an array of engaging exhibits and activities. Whether children are building and launching rockets or uncovering ancient dinosaur fossils, they’ll find endless opportunities for discovery and entertainment.

Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

After an exciting morning, slow the pace with a visit to the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Here, children can feed fish, learn about local wildlife through the museum’s exhibits, and unwind in the tranquil outdoor picnic area.

Day 5: Adventure in the San Juan Mountains

Explore the Trails

Embrace the invigorating mountain air and hit the trails of the majestic San Juan Mountains. Choose between guided tours or independent exploration. The trails cater to various activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and bird watching.

Picnic Amidst Nature

Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy against the backdrop of the spectacular mountain scenery. This is an ideal way to relax and rejuvenate before embarking on more adventures.

Day 6: Animas River and Hot Springs

Water Adventures on the Animas River

Start your day with some aquatic fun on the Animas River. Rent a raft, kayak, or tube, or join a guided white-water rafting trip for an adrenaline rush. The river’s sparkling waters promise a refreshing and exciting morning.

Unwind at Local Hot Springs

After a day of thrill and excitement, unwind in the healing waters of local hot springs. Options include the Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs or the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Allow the mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate you as you soak amidst picturesque settings.

Day 7: Leisurely Farewell

Exploring Downtown Durango

Spend your final day in Durango at a leisurely pace. Take this opportunity to explore any downtown shops or galleries you may have missed earlier in the week.

Animas River Trail

Take a relaxing walk along the Animas River Trail, breathing in the fresh air and reflecting on your week-long adventure.

Farewell Dinner

Finish off with a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Toast to a week well spent, savor local flavors, and share your favorite memories from the trip.

Final Remarks 

Durango, with its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse attractions, promises a vacation full of cherished memories. This itinerary provides a snapshot of the experiences that await in Durango. But remember, there’s always more to discover. Pack your bags and gear up for a week of exploration and relaxation in this Colorado gem. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Durango never fails to captivate its visitors.

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Travelling by train is one of the most exciting adventures you experience as a child. Choo-choo, creaking rails, swaying to the left and right, enjoying the constantly changing view through the window, running around the compartment (and why not in the whole train)…

It is even better when the train is designed especially for kids! Here are some of our favourite children’s railways in Europe. And what is best about the children’s railways is that they are not only for kids!

On to the railway top 5:

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

This narrow-gauge train is pulled by two legendary steam engines – the Norfolk Hero and the Norfolk Heroine. This adventure on rails is a favourite fun time for the families visiting the North Norfolk coast.

Fares: Adult return GBP 9, child return GBP 7.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Budapest

The Children’s Railway in Budapest was built after the WWII and initially it was called the Pioneer Railway. The train is driven by children under the supervision of an experienced adult engine-driver. The kids are also in charge of the ticket sale, the timetable and the traffic management. In other words, a real children’s kingdom. There are 7 railway stations along the route.

Fare: Adult return EUR 4.50, half the price for a child.

More detailed information is available here.

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Miniature Railway in Brockwell Park, UK

Miniature is the best word to describe this railway located at the British Brockwell Park. The track-gauge is only 18.5 cm wide. The train runs from Herne Hill (London) to the Brockwell Lido outdoor pool, and the other way round. Both kids and adults are welcome to take a ride. The railway is open from March until October.

Fare: GBP 1 for all.

More detailed information is available here.

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Little Yellow Train, France (maybe the country where tennis was born)

Well, this is not a train designed especially for kids but it is yellow and has panoramic coaches during the summer, and we are absolutely sure that every child will fall in love with it! In fact, the Little Yellow Train runs a regular route of the French railways, which starts from Villefranche de Conflent, located 50 km away from Perpignan. The most picturesque part of the route is in the beginning when the little yellow train is rolling and winding through woods, precipices, streams and two viaducts. At the final railway station in Latour-de-Carol you may take a more new-fashioned train to Toulouse or Barcelona. The route is 63 km long.

Fare: Return ticket EUR 41, or you may buy a return ticket to a previous station at the price of EUR 6.60.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is one of the last functioning children’s two railways in the country. It is situated at the foot of the Mladezhki Halm Hill. The train is comprised of an engine and three carriages. The one-kilometre route passes through a bridge, which is built over a walkway, a level crossing with barriers and a tunnel. Right after the tunnel comes one of the funniest experiences for the passengers – going up the trestle, which is in the form of the number six. Next comes the Snow White station, and then the final Panorama station. At the Panorama station there is a brief break and the passengers have the chance to enjoy the incredible nature of the hill.

Fare: BGN 1 for all.

Useful information: The children’s railway in Plovdiv is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The first run is at 10:30 a.m., the last one –at 4:30 a.m.

More information is available here.

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#1 Go stargazing. With no city light bleed, this dark Northern California sky showcases millions of stars—a rarity in most cities. Outfitters provide guided stargazing hikes and tours with high-powered telescopes for planet tours.

Stargazing in Tuolumne. Photo Credit: Kyle McLaurin

#2 Walk in California’s largest underground cavern. Enjoy a 45-minute Family Walking Tour or a 3-hour Wild Cavern Adventure Trip including the historic 100′ spiral staircase.

#3 Go gold panning. Although the Fandango Halls and gun fights are but an eerie presence found in the ghost towns the miners abandoned, the boom of the 1849 Gold Rush left nuggets and frontier adventures behind. In Tuolumne County, several mines are still open that allow visitors to pan for gold, and there are several gold panning adventure companies that teach prospecting courses for adventurous miners who seek a true Gold Country experience.

#4 Travel back to the 1850’s at Columbia State Historic Park. Today the town still has the atmosphere, shops and activities of the olden times. Gold was discovered in Columbia in 1850. By 1870, the “Gem of the Southern Mines” produced more than $1 billion (in today’s figures).

Columbia State Historic Park. Photo credit: Michael Sharps

#5 Go cider tasting. Wine tasting is cool but cider tasting is even better. Indigeny Reserve is located in the hills of historic Sonora. Hard ciders and spirits produced in small batches are produced from the organic apple orchards here. Enjoy the shaded picnic areas for a lazy afternoon.

#6 Go whitewater rafting. Trips range from 1/2 to 3-day on the Merced, Tuolumne, Kings, Stanislaus and American Rivers and offer everything from float boats to Class 5 runs.

#7 Ride a steam train at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Hundreds of movies and TV shows have been shot here. Join 45-minute a ride from the backyards of Jamestown to the rugged hillsides of California’s Mother Lode country.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Photo Credit: Tuolumne County, CA

#8 Discover your wild self at Stanislaus National Forest. Here you can fish in over 800 miles of rivers and streams, stay in a campground, or hike into the backcountry in search of pristine solitude. You can swim near a sandy beach or wade into cold clear streams.

#9 Make your own candy canes. Get your fingers sticky and join a candy cane making lesson at Nelson’s Candy Kitchen. 

Candy cane making. Photo Credit: 2018 Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau

#10 Head on a road trip (giant sequoias included). Venture along Highway 120 for the “front door” entrance to Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area. The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of three groves to walk among these giants that can live to more than 3000 years old! You will have to hike just about 1.5 miles to reach the Tuolumne Grove but it will be well worth the work to enjoy these massively beautiful trees with a lot less crowds than the Mariposa Grove at the south end of the park.

#11 Escape the crowds of Yosemite Valley. Far from the crowds of Yosemite Valley, you can experience the abundance of waterfalls up-close and personal in the Hetch Hetchy section of the national park, easily accessible from Rush Creek Lodge’s location on Highway 120.

Escape the crowds, Yosemite. Photo Credit: Kim Carroll

#12 Get in shape to see the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite. You can hike the 16-mile round trip to the top of the dome, but it is only recommended if you are in a shape for an extremely rigorous hike, and you need a permit. You will gain nearly 5000 feet during the climb, most hikers take 10-12 hours to complete the trip. Do you accept the challenge?

Read more: 9 unusual things to do in Southern California

Feature image: Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau 

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Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of Bulgaria’s best cities for culture, events and stunning views (just climb any of its hills). What makes it even more interesting are all the amazing, hidden, unusual and fun things that ensure any trip to Plovdiv is a unique experience. Here are a few ideas (+ map at the end of the post):

#1 Ride the children’s train up the hill (not only for kids)

The Children’s Railway in Plovdiv is one of the last children’s trains left in Bulgaria, and it was completely renovated in 2007. The 50-seat train will take you up Mladezhki Hill, passing through a grade crossing, a tunnel and a canopy of the trees. The final station offers a panoramic view of Plovdiv and after a short break, the train returns to its base. Tickets cost less than a dollar and the best part is that everyone is welcome, no matter their age.

For schedule and ticket information click here.

#детскажелезница 🚂 #младежкихълм #пловдив 🇧🇬

A post shared by 🍀 Dilyan Marinov 🍀 (@delio_monkey) on Jun 26, 2017 at 1:03am PDT

#2 Walk on original Roman-era stones

Stone slabs discovered during archaeological digs have been preserved in situ at one of the underpasses near the main pedestrian zone of Plovdiv. Thanks to these relics, you can experience the glorious Roman past of the city by walking on the original Roman-era pavement.

#3 Pose for a ‘portrait’

One of the main photo stops in the old town of Plovdiv is the statue of the Bulgarian painter Tsanko Lavrenov, which allows anyone to be framed instantly. It’s worth noting that Tsanko Lavrenov was among the first people to fight for the conservation of the old town of Plovdiv.

Pose for a painting with Tsanko Lavrenov | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#4 Hear the latest gossip from Milyo

The city buffoon Milyo used to be a famous inhabitant of Plovdiv, and one who was always at the heart of any juicy city gossip. He was not completely sane, but he was always neat, clean and harmless. Urban legends suggest that he was a playboy, but it’s hard to weed out the truth among the myths. After his death, a bronze statue was created and installed on the main pedestrian street of Plovdiv.

The statue of Milyo in Plovdiv | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#5 Watch the show of the singing fountains

The singing fountains have long been one of the most iconic symbols of Plovdiv. After a recent renovation, their show is even more impressive – the water jets dance to the rhythm of classical music and all-time Bulgarian hits, all while colorful lights pulse to the rhythm. The singing fountains operate only on summer nights. Ask at the local tourist information office for exact times.

The singing fountains in Plovdiv, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#6 Hunt for street art in the art district of Kapana

Literally translated, Kapana means ‘The Trap’ because of the peculiar angles at which the streets crisscross. Once inside, you may find it hard to find your way out. Kapana used to be a shabby, crumbling, car-dominated area which was entirely reconstructed and repurposed a few years go. Today, it is where you will find the best street bar culture, craft beers, art workshops and several big arts and crafts festivals taking place annually.

Street art in Kapana, Plovdiv | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#7 Feel tiny at the foot of the monument of Alyosha

Alyosha, or the Monument of the Soviet Army, is one of the tens of Soviet-era bombastic monuments in the country. It was erected in 1957 at the top of one of Plovdiv’s hills, called Bunardzhik. As you walk up the network of paths leading to the monument, you can get an idea of its dimensions, enjoy a beautiful view over the city and try to imagine what it would be like if the statue was turned into a giant Coca-Cola bottle (which nearly happened). Talk about a slap in the face for communism!

The monument of Alyosha | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Read more: How to practice aylyak and be happy in Bulgaria

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