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- Day 1 ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. Enjoy a special presentation from a [LF] local balloonist who shares fascinating stories about the sport of ballooning. LOCAL FAVORITEGet into the spirit of the Balloon Fiesta with a presentation from a local balloonist. Learn the history and culture of the fiesta, and what special things to look for during the next day's Mass Ascension.
- Day 2 ALBUQUERQUE Sunrise & Sunset Get ready for the world-famous Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning's pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. Discover more balloon history and behind-the-scenes stories at the International Balloon Museum and enjoy leisure time this afternoon. This evening, catch the popular Balloon Glow, where all balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and the amazing After-Glow Fireworks show. (B)NOTE: Schedule of activities vary from year-to-year and can be impacted by weather. Your Tour Director will be able to confirm the exact schedule of activities on tour.TOUR HIGHLIGHT Look skyward, where balloon enthusiasts gather each year in as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off and turn the sky into a cavalcade of colors. What began with just 13 hot-air balloons more than 50 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world. Explore the balloon grounds, enjoy breakfast at the Chasers Club, and visit the International Balloon Museum, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, and spectacle of ballooning.
- Day 3 ALBUQUERQUE Ancient Arts & Modern Sciences This morning, learn about New Mexico's legendary covert military projects, including the Manhattan Project, with a guided tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The museum provides an objective, accessible window into the past, present, and future of nuclear science from the origins of atomic theory to modern-day advances in nuclear medicine. Celebrate the local cuisine with [LF] lunch at a traditional New Mexican restaurant. Then, visit the fascinating museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Tonight is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEBe treated to an authentic New Mexico experience with a traditional southwestern lunch served in a popular restaurant. New Mexican dishes, from enchiladas and chile rellenos to salsa and sopapillas, are served in a festive atmosphere in true local style. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore the inspiring crafts and museum exhibits collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages) with a visit to Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Learn about the history and heritage of the pueblos of New Mexico. As part of the Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
- Day 4 ALBUQUERQUE-SANTA FE Southwestern Jewels Journey along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to Santa Fe, where mountain vistas, historic landmarks, and centuries of culture await. Arrive in Santa Fe and explore the oldest seat of government in the United States on a guided tour featuring the San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, State Capitol, and Loretto Chapel, where the famed "Miraculous Staircase" continues to captivate visitors with its mysterious origins. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore Santa Fe. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTThe Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway spans roughly 15,000 square miles between Albuquerque and Santa Fe in the heart of central New Mexico. Along the way, drive through historic mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, where traces of the past remain woven into a landscape long known for its prized turquoise deposits.
- Day 5 SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO BANDELIER Santa Fe Tastes and Sounds This morning, visit the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Return to Santa Fe Plaza for lunch at a celebrated local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the plaza. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner with live [LF] entertainment. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Enjoy a wonderful dinner to celebrate your Southwestern adventure along with the joyous sounds of traditional Mariachi music. Hear the voices of traditional singers and musicians who perform this beautifully rich music in the tradition of celebrating the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the Mexican people.
- Day 6 SANTA FE Bones & Blossoms Today, wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and spend the next two days in exploring on your own. Your stay includes admission to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.Consider a visit to the New Mexico History Museum or the Palace of the Governors, chat with the locals in the historic Plaza, or taste world-class Southwestern food at one of the many excellent local restaurants and bars. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in to immerse yourself in the exquisitely unique paintings and artwork of this extraordinary woman. Learn of her life in the desert and her unique ability to capture the intimate beauty of flowers, bleached cattle bones, landscapes, and sky in her independent style.
- Day 7 SANTA FE Southwest Style Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more in with the free time to browse the beautiful crafts and jewelry along the sidewalk shops or savorauthentic New Mexican cuisine.
- Day 8 SANTA FE Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you choose to fly from the Albuquerque International Sunport , please note it is a 1.5-hour drive from depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flight accordingly. (B)
Name: Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
Brand: Globus
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Albuquerque
End City: Santa Fe
Notes: The Balloon Fiesta schedule of activities varies year-to-year and can be impacted by weather. Your Tour Director will confirm the exact schedule of Balloon Fiesta activities on tour.Hot air balloon rides must be arranged by the guest at their own risk and are not protected by Globus family of brands travel insurance. Balloon rides must be scheduled on Day 2 of the tour. Refunds are not provided for missed sightseeing scheduled in conflict with a guest's extra-curricular balloon ride. The Balloon Fiesta schedule of events is subject to change and will be confirmed on tour. Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is also included as a special departure on the Historic Trains of the Old West (Tour NCS).Albuquerque Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule departure flights accordingly.
Meals: Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
