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| Daily Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 | Arrive this afternoon by air in Albuquerque or by Amtrak in Lamy, New Mexico, then check in for a five-night stay at the ideally-located Sage Inn in historic downtown Santa Fe. Tonight, join your traveling companions for a delightful “welcome” dinner at the colorful Blue Corn Café. (D) |
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| Day 2 | Today’s sightseeing itinerary offers a comprehensive guided walking and motorcoach tour of Santa Fe, one of America’s most picturesque Southwestern communities, filled with the influences of Spanish and Indian cultures. Featured inclusions are the Palace of the Governors and Mission of San Miguel, the renowned Plaza, New Mexico’s circular State Capitol and the superb Museum of International Folk Art. This afternoon you’ll have free time to browse the incredible variety of shops, then dine at a downtown restaurant of your choice (on your own). (CB) |
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| Day 3 | Outstanding sightseeing continues this morning with a visit to fascinating Bandelier National Monument to explore the ancient ruins of an Ancestral Puebloan community, located in a beautiful natural setting. Next is our afternoon guided tour of Los Alamos, the storied “Atomic City” that was the site of the top secret Manhattan Project during World War II. Included here are visits to the Bradbury Science Museum and award-winning County Historical Museum. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner in Santa Fe. (CB, D)
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| Day 4 | Featured today is a guided tour of bustling Albuquerque, including such sights as San Felipe de Neri Church, historic Old Town Albuquerque, Rio Grande Park, the University of New Mexico, the Ernie Pyle Home and handsome residential neighborhoods. This afternoon, we’ll visit fascinating Petroglyph National Monument, home to more than 17,000 ancient Indian rock carvings, right outside the city. En route back to Santa Fe, we’ll conclude the day with a delicious buffet dinner, and, if you wish, time for gaming at the Santa Ana Reservation’s Las Vegas-style casino. (CB, D) |
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| Day 5 | Following the famed Spanish “High Road” to Taos through the historic villages of Chimayo, Cordova, Truchas and Las Trampas, we’ll see beautiful old Spanish chapels and the shops of master woodcarvers, weavers and other artisans, all surrounded by the beautiful New Mexico countryside. Arriving in charming Taos, we’ll explore the shops surrounding Taos Plaza, historic San Francisco de Asis Church, and storied Taos Pueblo, a complex of ancient adobe structures that are home to over 1,000 Taos Indians even today. Dinner will be served in Espanola en route back to Santa Fe. (CB, D) |
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| Day 6 | Use your free morning for last-minute shopping, exploring the new Railyard Park and Plaza across from our hotel or picking up a few items for the trip home at the Santa Fe Farmers Market. This afternoon, transfer to nearby Lamy to board Amtrak’s return “Southwest Chief,” or to the Albuquerque airport to connect with homeward-bound flights. (CB)
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