Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

• Itinerary
• Prices & Information

1. Home to Albuquerque
Fly to Albuquerque today as October is a perfect time to visit this exciting area with blue skies filled with hundreds of colorful balloons! Check into your new hotel with suites for a relaxing three night stay. A welcome dinner is planned at an authentic New Mexican Restaurant this evening.

Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

2. Albuquerque
After breakfast we’re off for the Albuquerque International Ballon Fiesta Opening Ceremonies. A wonderful tradition founded in 1972 with only thirteen ballons, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to over nine hundred participants. The excitement mounts at sunrise as these colorful balloons lift off. R & J Tours has arranged for you to enjoy the hospitality tent on the grounds during the Balloon Fiesta. Later this morning we have free time in charming Old Town Albuquerque, a colorful village with history dating back to 1706. Stroll the shops and choose from one of the many cafes for lunch on your own. This afternoon we meet our expert local guide to travel to Acoma Pueblo, which dates to 1200 AD, one of the oldest continuously inhabited commuinties in North America. See some of the finest examples of Puedblo architecture, including the 350-year-old SAn Esteban del Rey Mission (Availability set by Indian sacred festival days). If unavailable our guide takes us to the Coronado State Monument and Petroglyphs. Dinner is served at a local favorite restaurant.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Dinner

3. Albuquerque
This morning tak an aerial tram climbing 10,000 above colorful deep canyons. Later a local joins us for an exciting afternoon of sigtseeing of Albuquerque! Return to the hotel and freshen up before this evening’s event. We attend the Balloon Glow Event featuring luminous balloons glowing brightly against the darkened sky. Truly a magical sight you will long remember. The enchanting evening will end with a brilliant fireworks display!
Included Meals: Light Breakfast

4. Albuquerque to Santa Fe
Motor north through spectacular red rock canyons to Jemez Springs. You’ll be fascinated by the pueblo and cliff ruins at BAndelier National Monument, Anasazi remnants dating back seven centuries In Los Alamos you’ll see where history was made with the birthplace of Manhattan Project. Visit the Bradbury Science Museum, where exhibits give an interactive experience with the often “classified” work done at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Arrive in Santa Fe where the sun shines over 300 days per year! Your beautiful hotel is nestled into the heart of distoric downtown Santa Fe and the renowned Plaza, on of America’s oldest “shopping centers”.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Old Santa Fe Inn

5. Santa Fe
After breakfast attend the Santa Fee School of Cooking, where you’ll learn the art of preparing the Southwestern cuisine with a chance to create your own Soutwestern masterpiece. Lunch is included at the school. Later explore the city of Sana Fe by foot and motorcoach with a step on guide. Enjoy some free time to browse some of the countriys’ best shops and galleries. Since the early 1600’s, Native American jewelers, artists and craftsmen have displayed their wares in front of the Palace of Governors. Tonight you are special guests at a farewell dinner with fine food and entertainment.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Santa Fe to Home
This morning after breakfast relax and take a last dip in the hotel pool before we depart on the scenic Turquoise Trail enroute to Albuquerque for our flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast