Sightseeing Tour Programs
AORN, in conjunction with Convention Designs, has selected tours and events for your time before and after Congress. Make sure you check out the additional options for evening entertainment and networking detailed under the Daily Education Schedule.
- Tours require advance registration at Convention Designs website. You may also contact Convention Designs directly at 303-650-8858.
- Many tour options require a minimum number of participants. Register early to assure your tour option will be available.
- Arrangements for tours on March 19 and March 20 must be completed before 5pm Wednesday, March 17.
- Payment via check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express).
- Tour cancellations received at the Convention Designs offices by Wednesday, February 10, will receive a refund. Cancellations received after February 10, will not receive a refund.
Friday, March 12 through Saturday, March 20
Schedule some time during a busy Congress week to leave your tension and worries behind by enjoying a signature express service, a day of pampering, or a custom package at Denver’s elegant Spa at The Brown Palace. Located in the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver, this spa offers complete customer satisfaction and relaxation! Guests can enjoy a multitude of services and also enjoy special package rates on everything from massages to facials and body wraps to manicures. Please call the spa directly at 303-312-8940 and let them know you are with AORN!
- Package I: Choice of 25 minute To the Point Massage or 25 minute Express Facial as well as an Express Manicure and Express Pedicure
$125.00 (per person and inclusive of gratuity)* - Package II: A Swedish Massage, an Express Manicure and a Classic Pedicure
$185.00 (per person and inclusive of gratuity)* - Package III: A Swedish Massage, an Essentials Facial, and a choice of an Express Manicure or Express Pedicure
$225.00 (per person and inclusive of gratuity)*
*Please Note: You and your guests will also enjoy a 20% discount on separate services scheduled throughout the conference. Just mention you are attending the AORN Congress to receive a special voucher. All packages are based on availability.
Friday, March 12, 2010
8:30– 11:30am
Welcome to the Mile High City
Get a great overview of the MileHigh City, including Colorado’s spectacular Capitol building featuring an official altitude marker where you can stand exactly one “Mile” High! Additional stops include the Brown Palace Hotel and Historical Lower Downtown.
8:30am–6:30pm
5280 and Above Canceled
Spend the day in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where you’ll wind your way through the snow-covered peaks to Copper Mountain. Relax, shop, ice skate, snowshoe, or tackle the mountain on skis or a snowboard.
9am–6pm
Rocky Mountain High
A visit to Estes Park will include the enchanting Stanley Hotel which served as inspiration for “The Shining”, time to peruse Main Street’s quaint shops, a spectacular tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, and a scenic drive back along the Peak-to-Peak Highway.
1pm–5pm
Celestial Day in Boulder
Take in the beautiful surroundings of Boulder while enjoying afternoon tea at The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, featuring a hand-carved, hand-painted ceiling as well as ornate, ceramic panels. Next, you’ll tour Celestial Seasonings, the largest fully-integrated, herbal tea manufacturer in the United States, concluding in the fabulous gift shop!
6pm–10pm
An Evening in Boulder
With the grand rock formations known as the “Flatirons” as its backdrop, the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is a huge draw for this beautiful town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Stroll along the brick-covered walkways while enjoying the eclectic shops, cafes, tantalizing dessert and coffee shops, and the outlandish street performers!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
8am–12pm
Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge
Take a panoramic ride into the foothills surrounding Golden, Colorado where you’ll visit two of Colorado’s most popular attractions. Red Rocks Amphitheater is an acoustical marvel, where 9,000 seats are set in the red sandstone rocks overlooking the city, while Dinosaur Ridge is an area known for the discovery of some of the world’s most famous fossils.
9am–5pm
Gambling and Gold Canceled
In the gorgeous foothills of the Colorado Rockies, this excursion will include two fabulous stops ~ Central City and Blackhawk. Visit the Central City Opera House, bet your luck at the casinos, and take in the rich heritage and the spirit of adventure that brought forth those ambitious miners and merchants of the 1800s.
9:30am–5:30pm
Mountain Magic in Vail
Vail is home to the largest ski resort in North America. Today you’ll explore the heart of this town ~ Vail Village and Lionshead Village which host a variety of restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. You’ll also visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and the Colorado Ski Museum.
1–5pm
Discover Gold at Phoenix Mine Canceled
Colorado has a rich mining history, so a visit to the Phoenix Gold Mine is not to be missed! This is a working mine in the Colorado mountains where miners are consistently fi nding new gold veins.
6–10pm
Backstage at Red Rocks Canceled
Famous for its star-studded concert roster, natural acoustics, and incomparable ambience, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the perfect venue for a special evening including an exclusive backstage tour. Buffet dinner and two cocktails included.
Friday, March 19, 2010
8am–12pm
Colorado’s Castle
With a commanding view of the Rocky Mountains, Cherokee Ranch and Castle overlooks 14,000 acres of open space in Sedalia. You’ll tour this castle, constructed of native stone and hand hewn by thirty local stone masons. A guide will provide an in-depth look at the showcase of 15th and 16th century art, antique furniture, and interesting objects.
8:30am–6:30pm
5280 and Above
Spend the day in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where you’ll wind your way through the snow-covered peaks to Copper Mountain. Relax, shop, ice skate, snowshoe, or tackle the mountain on skis or a snowboard.
9:30am–5:30pm
Wings and Things in the Springs
Today you are bound for one of Colorado’s most charming cities... Colorado Springs! Start at the fantastic United States Air Force Academy, with its gorgeous Chapel and a chance to see the cadet wing marching to lunch! Next you’ll visit Old Colorado City, established in 1859, for some shopping and lunch. Then Colorado’s natural wonder, the Garden of the Gods, will provide a scenic spot for pictures, before ending this amazing day at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
1pm–5pm
High Tea at the Brown Palace Canceled
This tour will take you to the Brown Palace Hotel, a remarkable example of Victorian architecture with a 117-year history during which it has played host to presidents, princesses, kings, and queens. The hotel’s resident historian will treat you to a “behind the scenes” look at the property before you sit down for traditional Afternoon Tea set amid the historic grandeur of the atrium lobby.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
8:30am–11:30am
Welcome to the Mile High City Canceled
Get a great overview of the Mile High City, including Colorado’s spectacular Capitol building featuring an official altitude marker where you can stand exactly one “Mile” High! Additional stops include the Brown Palace Hotel and Historical Lower Downtown.
9am–5pm
Gambling and Gold Canceled
In the gorgeous foothills of the Colorado Rockies, this excursion will include two fabulous stops ~ Central City and Blackhawk. Visit the Central City Opera House, bet your luck at the casinos, and take in the rich heritage and the spirit of adventure that brought forth those ambitious miners and merchants of the 1800s.
9:30am–4:30pm
Gorgeous Golden Country Canceled
Start by enjoying a picture-perfect moment at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where Mother Nature has sculpted an acoustical marvel. Next, wind your way to the top of Lookout Mountain – home to the legendary Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum. Then, explore the quaint town of Golden and enjoy lunch before heading to the fi nal destination, MillerCoors, home to the largest brewery west of the Mississippi!
1pm–5pm
Exploring the Heart of Boulder Canceled
The heart of Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, a huge draw as an unparalleled pedestrian mall. You can browse the unique selection of shops, art galleries, gift shops, and jewelry stores, as well as watch talented street performers just waiting to be discovered.
Additional Details
- All tours include one complimentary bottle of water or one snack.
- Each full day tour (6 hours or more) as well as evening tours have time to dine on your own, unless noted otherwise.
- Plan for the affects of Denver’s high altitude, especially for the mountain excursions ~ stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and bring an extra layer such as a fleece or rain jacket. If inclement weather is an issue, Convention Designs will do their best to provide an alternative option.