Overview
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Your visit to Albuquerque also includes a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, historic Route 66, and Old Town. Tour the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, and hear about the famed Manhattan Project. Travel along the “Turquoise Trail” through the Sandia Mountains to Santa Fe. Take a guided Trolley Tour to see the San Miguel Mission and the “Miracle Stairway” of Loretto Chapel. You’ll join an excursion to visit Santuario de Chimayo to learn about the miraculous healing powers that attract thousands of pilgrims each year. This escorted tour of the American southwest highlights the enchanted landscapes and legends of New Mexico that will lift your heart.
If you want to see the spectacular Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta plus spend time in colorful Santa Fe, this tour is the vacation for you!
Highlights
LF Balloonist presentation; opening ceremonies; Mass Ascension; Balloon Glow & After-Glow fireworks show at the Balloon Fiesta; International Balloon Museum; LF tequila tasting and lunch at a traditional restaurant; Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
SANTA FETravel the LF Turquoise Trail; trolley tour including Loretto Chapel; farewell dinner featuring authentic Southwestern entertainment; visit to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum
CHIMAYOLF Visit Santuario de Chimayo
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE
Day1
Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. You’ll also enjoy a short presentation from a local LF BALLOONIST, who will educate you on the sport of ballooning and what you can expect the next several days.
ALBUQUERQUE
Day2
Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn OPENING CEREMONIES and the unforgettable MASS ASCENSION—where hundreds of hot air balloons take off and turn the sky into a virtual rainbow of colors, all led by a balloon flying the American flag to the music of The Star Spangled Banner. What began as a gathering of 13 balloons more than 47 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world. While on the balloon grounds, visit the INTERNATIONAL BALLOON MUSEUM, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, and spectacle of ballooning. Then, visit a traditional New Mexican restaurant for a LF tequila TASTING followed by lunch. Return to the hotel before catching 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
ALBUQUERQUE
Day3
This morning, visit the INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER, a fascinating museum and crafts market collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages). Here, you will learn about the history, background, and life of what now comprise the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. Next, see historic Route 66 and Old Town. This afternoon, 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. Tonight your Tour Director will have dining suggestions for your evening at leisure.
NOTE: Schedule of activities vary from year to year and can be impacted by weather. Your Tour Director will be able to confirm exact schedule of activities on tour.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE
Day4
Today, travel along the LF TURQUOISE TRAIL to Santa Fe. This scenic drive passes through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, past wide-open spaces and dramatic scenery. Arrive in Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the U.S. Experience this city up close as you embark on a guided TROLLEY TOUR, including the San Miguel Mission, the Palace of the Governors, the State Capitol, and LORETTO CHAPEL’S “Miracle Stairway.” With your afternoon free, why not visit the New Mexico Museum of Art or try one of Santa Fe’s many delicious restaurants?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO
Day5
This morning, visit nearby Chimayo which was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Visit LF SANTUARIO DE CHIMAYO and learn about the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe Plaza for lunch at a celebrated restaurant featuring New American West cuisine. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the plaza or return to your resort. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner with ENTERTAINMENT.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SANTA FE
Day6
After breakfast this morning, transfer to your hotel in downtown Santa Fe, the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. If your room is not available, please check your bags with the bell staff so that you may continue to enjoy your day until your room is ready. During your extra time in Santa Fe, admission to the GEORGIA O’KEEFE MUSEUM is included. Learn more about this world-renown artist who fell in love with New Mexico and made her home here. Her images are instantly recognizable as her own, especially her large-scale depictions of flowers, leaves, and the landscape of northern New Mexico.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SANTA FE
Day7
Another full day to enjoy all that Santa Fe has to offer. You may wish to visit the Museum of International Folk Art to learn about the culture and crafts of other countries, visit the many shops and art galleries found around the historic Plaza, or perhaps take a stroll around the plaza for an independent food tour and sample the best in local food and wine. In the evening, why not check out Santa Fe’s vibrant music scene?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SANTA FE–ALBUQUERQUE.
Day8
Depart Santa Fe for Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. The Albuquerque International Sunport Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe, depending on traffic conditions. Please book your departure flight accordingly.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- The fiesta area is large and guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking.
- Maximum elevation on tour: 7,199 feet.
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown
Moderate First-Class
The Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown features amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, pool, restaurant, and business center.
Location
6510 Americas Parkway, Albuquerque, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Elevator
- Hot Tub
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Desk
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Voicemail
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Hilton Buffalo Thunder
Superior First-Class
Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort features a hotel, casino, spa, and golf course in a dramatic Santa Fe setting, just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. The hotel captures the Spanish-Pueblo style with rich earth tones, timber beams, and regional sculpture and pottery.
Location
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Gift Shop
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Voicemail
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Pay Movies
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
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.
Location
100 Sandoval St, Santa Fe, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Television
- Voicemail
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
