Our journey begins as we board our flight to

Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival we meet our

Tour Director and transfer to our hotel. This evening,

we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. 

Albuquerque

Today we experience why Albuquerque is the Balloon

Capital of the World at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

We start early at Fiesta Field with the Dawn Patrol and

breakfast at the Chasers Club, followed by the Mass

Ascension in a rainbow of colors. Later, we tour

Albuquerque, the "The Jewel of the American

Southwest,” stopping at historic Old Town to explore

the Albuquerque Museum, hidden courtyards, covered

portals, specialty stores, and galleries around the

charming tree-lined Plaza. We return to the hotel with

the evening free. 

This morning, we ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for

spectacular views as we ascend one of America’s most

stunning urban peaks. Reaching the 10,378-foot crest of

the Sandia Mountains, an 11,000 square mile panoramic

view awaits us. Next, we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural

Center to learn about the Pueblo tribes’ way of life and

cultural traditions. We relax at the hotel before heading

to Balloon Fiesta Park for dinner at the Chasers Club

with direct access onto Fiesta Field for a Balloon Glow

and AfterGlow Fireworks Show. The Balloon Glow

starts when all the balloons fire their burners and light

up at the same time. It is perhaps the most spectacular

single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon

Glow is followed by New Mexico's most spectacular

fireworks display. 

Today we check out of our hotel and enjoy a drive along

the Turquoise Trail, named after the exquisite mineral

that was once mined here. We visit the real-life ghost

town of Madrid, where the only sign of life now is the

artists who come to paint this picturesque place, and

who display their wares to the interested buyer. Next, we

visit Chimayo, home to the Santuario de Chimayo and

where the descendants of Spanish weavers and

woodcarvers still ply their craft. We then head to the

world class resort town of Taos. We explore Taos Plaza

with free time to wander the streets, and enjoy the local

cuisine, unique atmosphere, and the offerings of many

artists who have come here to capture the allure of this delightful place. Next, we visit the UNESCO World

Heritage site named Taos Pueblo, an 800-year-old

village whose adobe structures have changed little since

the first Spanish explorers saw them in 1540's. As we

drive to Santa Fe, we stop for a scenic view of the Rio

Grande. We check into our hotel with the evening free

for dinner on our own. 

Today we enjoy a full day exploring the first state

capitol in the United States, "The Royal City of the Holy

Faith of Saint Francis," better known as Santa Fe.

Founded in 1609, the city offers many historic and

scenic delights. We enjoy a walking tour to the many

famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza with

a view of the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto

Chapel, a miniature model of the Sainte-Chapelle in

Paris, and the oldest church in New Mexico and more.

After lunch on our own, we enjoy free time to explore

shops, galleries, and the Indian Market. This evening,

we enjoy a special farewell dinner as we finish

exploring this enchanting land. 

After breakfast, we transfer to the Albuquerque airport

for or journey home, carrying with us wonderful

memories of the American Southwest.