New Mexico and the Balloon Fiesta – 2022
Image Courtesy Danae Hurst CC BY 2.0_Flickr
Experience one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Visit over 100 colorful balloons from around the world at Dawn Patrol, followed by the Mass Ascension. Later, return to the festival for the gorgeous gas glow illuminating the evening sky with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons.
In Los Alamos, learn the culture of Native Americans and the scientific discovery of the Manhattan Project. Immerse yourself in pueblo architecture and creative arts during your three night stay in Santa Fe. Take the “High Road to Taos” through ancient villages, tour Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Explore wonderful Santa Fe’s history, unique architecture and its many art galleries, museums and shops.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Albuquerque Balloon Festival: see the mass ascension or “Special Shapes” ascension + the evening “Balloon Glow”
- Santa Fe, Taos, & Albuquerque touring
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Los Alamos Bradbury Science Museum
- Scenic drive: “High Road to Taos”
- Chimayo’s El Santuario
- Shop in Taos Plaza + Taos Pueblo tour
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PRICING DETAILS (Cost Per Person)* PRICING Double $3,259 Single $3,999 Deposit $350 per person Travel Insurance Call for quote Vacation Pace Moderately Active Pace SAVE $100 Book by May 1st *Air departure from Indianapolis included; airfare pricing estimated and subject to change. Call for pricing from other departure cities.
Payment schedule: 2nd deposit of $500 due 136 days prior to departure; final payment 76 days prior to departure.
Cancellation policy: if travel insurance is not purchased, cancellation charges are: 135 days and earlier: full refund. 120 – 76 days prior to final payment $350 plus the cost of any non-refundable air tickets; 75 and less days prior to departure: no refund.Note: we will purchase air once you make your 2nd deposit; this is a huge festival that drives up air pricing and availability. Sign up early – this tour always sells out early.
Note: This tour involves high altitudes. Please check with your doctor, if you have any health conditions affected by high altitude.
- Round trip commercial airfare from Indianapolis
- Airport transfers
- Home Pick-up & Return Indy Metro Area
- Transportation by Motorcoach
- 5 nights accommodations
- 7 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Admissions to attractions highlighted in itinerary
- Professional Tour Manager, Pat Conway (Sept. 30)
- Operated by an Interlude Travel Partner
- Guaranteed Departure
Day 1 – Fly to Albuquerque
Arrive in Albuquerque (altitude 5,000’), founded in 1706, where you will meet your Tour Manager. Later check into your hotel for a two night stay. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. Marriott, Albuquerque, NM (D)Day 2 – Dawn Patrol / Mass Ascension / Old Town / Balloon Glow
Today experience one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Early this morning view over 100 colorful balloons from around the world at Dawn Patrol, followed by the Mass Ascension. The balloons make the sky become a palette of multicolored orbs dancing in the cool morning light. Later stop in historic Old Town to stroll the historic adobe buildings that house over 150 shops, galleries and restaurants. Also see the icon of Old Town, the San Felipe de Neri Church. This evening return to the Balloon Fiesta to witness the Balloon Glow, when just before dusk burners from hundreds of balloons light up the evening sky. Marriott, Albuquerque, NM (B)
Day 3 – Cultural Center / Los Alamos
This morning visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center depicting the history and culture of New Mexico’s 19 Native American pueblos. Then head north from Albuquerque to visit the Los Alamos Bradbury Science Museum to learn about the Manhattan Project and the creation of the world’s first atomic bomb. Later arrive in Santa Fe for a three night stay. Santa Fe is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed (altitude 7,000′). Inn of the Governors or Doubletree, Santa Fe (B)
Day 4 – Taos
This morning travel north via the “High Road to Taos” passing through ancient villages founded in the 1700’s. Stop in the Spanish village of Chimayo to visit El Santuario, revered by pilgrims for the healing power of dirt found inside the chapel. Arrive in Taos, the historic home of the Pueblo Indians (altitude 7,000’). Enjoy a brief Taos city tour and learn about this fascinating city rich in culture and scenery. Atop a plateau between the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has lured artist and writers since the 19th century. Enjoy lunch on your own and shopping in the Taos Plaza. Later enjoy a tour of Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America before returning to Santa Fe. Inn of the Governors or Doubletree, Santa Fe (B)Day 5 – Santa Fe
Today discover Santa Fe, the upscale resort and artists community with Spanish-Pueblo roots. Enjoy a wonderful Santa Fe city tour including details about the history, culture, and unique architecture of this interesting city. See the Plaza, Loretto Chapel, and the Palace of the Governor’s, a Santa Fe landmark built in 1610. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your own pace in this historic city to explore the many art galleries, museums, restaurants and shops. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant in the Santa Fe area. Inn of the Governors or Doubletree, Santa Fe (B,D)Day 6 – Albuquerque / Fly Home
Travel to Albuquerque for your flight home with wonderful memories.Notes: This tour involves high altitudes. Please check with your doctor, if you have any health conditions affected by high altitude.
Alternate hotels may be used.
Courtesy Ron Behrmann_Albuquerque CVB
Image Courtesy New Mexico Tourism Dept
Image Courtesy New Mexico Tourism Dept
Image Couresy dm_New Mexico Tourism
