Seven-Day Colorado Itinerary: Best Cities to Explore, Where to Stay and What to Do

Home to an international airport, Denver is a convenient location for both arrivals and departures. Grab your rental vehicle (pro tip: get one with four wheel drive) and make your way to Lower Downtown (AKA "LoDo") and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the restaurants, shops, galleries and clubs in this revitalized neighborhood. Grab a drink at Poka Lola Social Club which blends art-deco elegance with American soda fountain culture.

Drive approximately one and a half hours from Denver to Breckenridge, Colorado to hit the slopes. Spend the afternoon skiing the five mountain peaks that make up Breckenridge or enroll in a ski school for beginner skiers. To make the most of your time, stay in one of the ski in/out resorts which allows you to have direct slope-side access right from your door. If you are visiting in the summer, explore one of the many mountain trails on a guided ATV tour, hike to scenic waterfalls, go mountain biking, fly fishing or whitewater rafting. The activities are endless!

Eat a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes again, tubing, ice skating or trying a new summer activity. ATV tours, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing or whitewater rafting are all great options. Following an afternoon nap, take time to explore the local shops on Main Street, restaurants and businesses located in the quaint Colorado mountain town affectionally called "Breck". Spend your evening sitting by the fire and grab dinner at Sevens, located at the base of Peak 7 with sprawling mountain views.

Drive approximately two hours south to Canon City, Colorado to board the Royal Gorge Railroad for lunch ride and dine (Royal Gorge Railroad). Take in the soaring views of the Royal Gorge while enjoying a locally sourced lunch, cocktails, microbrews and wine by the glass. Wander outside to the observation car to take in the rushing Arkansas River, scenic vistas, geological formations and historic sites. Finish the day by driving approximately an hour to Colorado Springs and checking into Broadmoor.

Wake up at the world's longest-running Forbes five star and AAA Five-Diamond resort. Make sure to indulge in their iconic brunch or visit during the Christmas season when magic comes alive throughout the resort. Board the COG Railway and visit the top of Pike's Peak, play a round of golf or visit the spa for ultimate pampering. Make a dinner reservation at The Golden Bee for live music entertainment reminiscent of a 19th Century English Pub.

Spend the morning exploring the geological formations at Garden of the Gods or hiking to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. For animal lovers, visit the nearby Cheyenne Mountain Zoo where you can ride the sky-ride to take in unparalleled views of the zoo. Grab lunch at one of the Broadmoor's 20 restaurants, cafes or lounges and make your way back to Denver. End your day by checking in to the Westin Denver International Airport.

End your seven-day Colorado itinerary by boarding your flight with direct terminal access from the Westin Denver International Airport.