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| Balloon Fiesta/New Mexico's Land of Enchantment |
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| Departing: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 |
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| 7 Days |
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|  TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway; morning “Mass Ascension” and evening “Balloon Glow” at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; historic Santa Fe, including the Palace of the Governors, San Miguel Mission, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, and free time for browsing; the old Spanish “High Road; Taos and Taos Pueblo; plus the narrow-gauge, steam-powered Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. |
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|  | | | Daily Itinerary: | | | Day 1 | Upon arrival in Albuquerque, we'll visit the fascinating Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which tells the story of New Mexico's Pueblo Indian culture through exhibits and live demonstrations. Late this afternoon we'll check in for a two-night stay at the centrally-located Drury Inn & Suites or Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. Following our trip orientation “get-together,” we'll enjoy a Southwestern "welcome" dinner. (D) | | | Day 2 | We'll get up early for this morning's "Mass Ascension" at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (weather permitting*)... here we'll experience the spectacle of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons, including special shapes, moving silently through clear blue New Mexico skies, plus arts, crafts, and a wide variety of food booths along the Midway . Next, our guided tour of the city will include such sights as San Felipe de Neri Church, Rio Grande Park, the University of New Mexico, the Ernie Pyle Home, and residential areas. We'll also stop to explore Old Town Plaza, where the city began in 1706. Then, returning to the Fiesta, we'll attend this evening's "Balloon Glow" event. Here hundreds of illuminated balloons "light up" against the New Mexico night skyline. (B) | | | Day 3 | First is a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the mountain's 10,378-foot summit, affording thrilling panoramic views. Please note that should the previous day’s “Mass Ascension” have been cancelled due to inclement weather, today we’ll make a second attempt to view this major daily event of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which would (likely) then replace the Sandia Peak trip. Next we set our sights on Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the United States. Famous for its mix of Spanish and Indian cultures, Santa Fe is filled with buildings of distinctive design, adobe houses, and interesting shops. Our afternoon guided walking and coach tour of this historic city features such sights as the Mission of San Miguel, the historic Plaza, New Mexico's circular State Capitol, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. We'll spend the next two nights at the friendly Inn of Santa Fe, and dine this evening at the popular Blue Corn Café. (B, D)
| | | Day 4 | Today we’ll have time to discover the great museums of Santa Fe that are operated by the State of New Mexico…the Palace of the Governors, the Museum of International Folk Art, plus the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Then, plenty of leisure time this afternoon allows ample opportunity for browsing in the extensive array of downtown shops and galleries near our hotel. After a full day of exploration, we will enjoy dinner in Santa Fe. (B, D) | | | Day 5 | Resuming our northward journey on the route of Spanish colonists, we follow the "High Road" to Taos through the ancient villages of Chimayo, Cordova, Truchas, and Las Trampas...here are beautiful old Spanish chapels and the shops of master craftsmen, including woodcarvers and weavers. The influence of both Spanish and Native American cultures are also felt in Taos, where art galleries, shops and studios surround the town plaza. This afternoon we'll visit the Millicent Rogers Museum and age-old Taos Pueblo, one of the most picturesque of Southwestern pueblos, which is home to over 1,000 Taos Indians. We'll be guests for two nights at the Best Western Kachina Lodge, and dine this evening amid the eclectic decor of Ogelvie's Plaza Restaurant. (B, D) | | | Day 6 | We head north this morning to board the comfortable coaches of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, for an extraordinary full-day trip between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. Our trip on this old narrow-gauge, steam-powered train features breathtaking views of spectacular mountain scenery, including the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges, the Phantom Curve and Toltec Gorge. Lunch is served at Osier Station mid-day. We'll enjoy a "farewell" dinner upon our return to Taos. (B, L, D) | | | Day 7 | After breakfast, we’ll return to the Albuquerque airport filled with memories of an outstanding vacation. Our homeward-bound flight departs this afternoon. (B) | |
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| | | | | Meals included: 6 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners. Also included are deluxe motorcoach transportation, full-time professional guide, and baggage handling. We include the gratuities to the tour director, motorcoach driver and step-on guides.
Suggested flight arrival in Albuquerque: between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; suggested flight departure from Albuquerque: after 3:00 pm
*If the "Mass Ascension" is cancelled due to inclement conditions a second attempt will be made the morning of Day 3 (weather permitting) which will affect the timing of that days activities. | |
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PRICE PER PERSON: Land Only From $1549.00 per person, double occupancy |
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