Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
Witness the excitement of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, including the breathtaking Mass Ascension, the enchanting Balloon Glow, and dazzling evening fireworks. Beyond the festival, discover the rich culture, art, and history that make New Mexico so captivating. Stroll through the galleries and adobe-lined streets read more of Santa Fe, a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and distinctive Southwestern charm. Visit Loretto Chapel and its famed Miraculous Staircase and uncover the fascinating stories that have inspired visitors for generations. Visit landmarks including San Miguel Mission, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum plus Bandelier National Monument during your extended stay in Santa Fe.
From soaring balloons to rich cultural traditions, this unforgettable journey showcases the beauty, history, and spirit of New Mexico. With expert guidance, carefully selected experiences, and special access to one of the Southwest's most celebrated events, you'll discover the landscapes, traditions, and artistic heritage that make New Mexico unique.
Itinerary
Welcome to Albuquerque!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. Enjoy a special presentation from a local balloonist who shares fascinating stories about the sport of ballooning.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Get 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.
Sunrise & Sunset
Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque 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.
Please 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 Albuquerque 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.
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 lunch at a traditional New Mexican restaurant. Then, visit the fascinating museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Enjoy free time tonight to explore Albuquerque on your own.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Be treated to an authentic New Mexico experience with a traditional southwestern lunch served in a popular Albuquerque 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.
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The 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.
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 entertainment.
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.
Bones & Blossoms
Wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and spend the next two days in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe Plaza, or taste world-class Southwestern food at one of the many excellent local restaurants and bars.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe 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.
Southwest Style
Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - Explore more in Santa Fe with the free time to browse the beautiful crafts and jewelry along the sidewalk shops or savor authentic New Mexican cuisine.
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 Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flight accordingly.
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with premium access to the Chasers' Club
- Witness the spectacular Mass Ascension, Balloon Glow, and AfterGlow Fireworks Show, signature events of the Balloon Fiesta
- Enjoy a private presentation by a [LF] local balloonist and visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
- Explore the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and discover the stories behind the Atomic Age
- Travel the scenic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
- Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and learn about the history, heritage, and traditions of New Mexico's Pueblo communities
- Guided sightseeing to explore Santa Fe including visits to San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the United States, the historic Loretto Chapel and Bandelier National Monument
- Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner featuring a [LF] mariachi band
- Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, home to the largest collection of works by one of America's most celebrated artists
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Albuquerque: DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque (First-Class):
Hospitality is number one at the DoubleTree in Albuquerque, where you're welcomed by the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and a superb location. Complimentary shuttle service is available to shopping, dining and entertainment within a three-mile radius. Offering stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, this Albuquerque hotel provides a unique, relaxing setting in the heart of the city. - Santa Fe: Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza (First-Class):
Housed in a landmark 300 year old hacienda, the Hilton captures the magic of the Southwest and its rich cultural heritage in a luxury boutique hotel experience featuring modern amenities in the heart of Santa Fe's historic downtown.
- Airport transfers at your arrival destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- 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 on the Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (Tour NCS).
- Albuquerque Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule departure flights accordingly.
- The tour ends with an airport drop at the Albuquerque International Sunport (airport). Please schedule flights after 11:30 a.m.
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Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
