Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta

October 4-8, 2024
5 days/4 nights 

Up, up, and away! Picture a connect-the-dots rainbow of mammoth balloons filling the sky creating a desert kaleidoscope of color for your eyes to feast. Join us to see these amazing displays, plus explore the culturally rich cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Daily Intinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque today and check into a local hotel.  Enjoy a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant known for the finest in traditional New Mexican cooking and true Southwestern warmth and hospitality.  (Dinner)
• Day 2: This morning it is up, up, and away bright and early to Balloon Fiesta Park and the Mass Ascension.  The next stop will be at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to watch the Native American Dancers and have lunch. You will then have a guided tour of the historic Old Town. (Breakfast/Dinner)
• Take a ‘flight’ on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the top of Sandia Crest. Marvel at the thousands of square miles of breathtaking scenery and panoramic views in all directions. After an independent lunch and some free time, we will head for the evening’s Balloon Glow and a buffet dinner at the Gondola Club. The Balloon Glow happens when all the balloons fire their burners at the same time creating a spectacular moment. Fireworks top off this amazing day. (Breakfast/Dinner)
• Today you travel the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway past former ghost towns to historic Santa Fe, the state capital. Pick up a local guide and head for Bandelier National Monument. This unique tour takes you back to the ancient past of Northern New Mexico to visit the cliff dwellings of our “Ancient Ones” and learn the history of the Anasazi. Then continues to Los Alamos to discover the Bradbury Science Museum which documents the “Manhattan Project” that created the first Atomic Bomb. A gourmet box lunch is included. Once in Santa Fe, you can take a guided walking tour of the historic district. The streets are lined with buildings of distinctive design, adobe houses, interesting shops, and beautiful churches. We’ll visit the world-renowned Loretto Chapel famous for its miraculous floating staircase and the oldest chapel in the country, San Miguel.
•  Day 5: After a leisurely morning you’ll be taken to the airport for your return flight home with amazing memories of your Balloon Fiesta Adventure. Adios Amigos! (Breakfast)

  **Optional hot air balloon rides can be arranged for Tuesday morning.  We will assist you in making these reservations.  Details to follow and we will get you to the airport after your thrilling ride.

Highlights & Tour Inclusions:

• Airport Transfer to Atlanta Airport
• Airfare to/from Albuquerque, NM
• Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation in New Mexico
• 4 Nights’ Accommodations in Albuquerque
• 9 Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 3 Dinners
• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension & Breakfast on site
• Balloon Glow & Fireworks Show with Gondola Club Dinner
• Tour & Free Time in Old Town Albuquerque
• Sandia Peak Aerial Tram
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Dance Demonstration
• Walking tour of historic Santa Fe with Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Chapel
• Bandelier National Monument
• Local Tour Guides
• Water & Snacks on the Motor Coach
• All taxes, luggage service, and Included Meal Gratuities

Not Included:

• Driver, Tour Director, and local guide gratuities
• Hot Air Balloon Ride On Tuesday morning, Oct. 8
• Optional Travel Protection (prices below)