New Mexico Land of Enchantment
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: Hawthorn Suites
2. Albuquerque
After breakfast we’re off for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension. A wonderful tradition founded in 1972 with only thirteen balloons, 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 a 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 and visit Petroglyphs. Carved images on shiny black rocks provide glimpses into a 12,000 year long story of human life along Albuquerque’s West Mesa. Later visit Coronado State Monument, which includes the partially reconstructed ruins of the ancient Pueblo of Kuaua, a tiwa word for “evergreen.” Dinner is served at a local favorite restaurant.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Dinner
3. Albuquerque
This morning take an aerial tram climbing 10,000 feet above colorful deep canyons. Later a local guide joins us for an exciting afternoon of sightseeing 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 the 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 historic downtown Santa Fe and the renowned Plaza, one of America’s oldest “shopping centers.”
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hampton Inn
5. Santa Fe
Today attend the Santa Fe School of Cooking, where you’ll learn the art of preparing the Southwestern cuisine with a chance to create your own masterpiece. Lunch is included at the school. Later explore the city of Santa Fe by foot and motorcoach with a step on guide. Later browse some of the countries 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 the Governors. Tonight you are guests at a farewell dinner with fine food and entertainment.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Santa Fe to Home
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
This option fills very quickly and must be paid in full with reservation.
Call us for pricing and availability.
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Passport Needed
Price Includes
Price:
Single: $1699
Double: $1429
Triple: $1359
Insurance:
Single: $129
Double: $93
10/12/2006
Tour Highlights
Some of the highlights:10 Meals Included
Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension
Balloon Glow Event & Fireworks
Santa Fe School of Cooking Class Luncheon
Petroglyph and Bandelier National Monuments
Coronado State Park
Aerial Tram Ride to Sandia Peak
$25 in R&J Travel Bucks
