Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
8 Days Starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico and ending in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Visiting: Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AFE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Mexico with the "Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe" tour. Begin your adventure in Albuquerque, where you'll be captivated by the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, featuring the Mass Balloon Ascension and Balloon Glow. Delve into history at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Travel the scenic Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe, exploring landmarks like San Miguel Mission and Loretto Chapel. Discover the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and immerse yourself in art at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Conclude your trip with a festive farewell dinner accompanied by live Mariachi entertainment. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals throughout your journey, making this a truly enchanting experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Albuquerque,New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. You’ll also enjoy a special presentation from a [LF] local Balloonist who shares fascinating stories on the sport of ballooning.LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Enjoy a presentation from a special guest who has been a balloon pilot since the 70’s. Hear the history of the fiesta, his experience, and what special things to look for during the next day’s Mass Ascension.
Day 2: Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
ALBUQUERQUE Up, Up & Away! Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. Then, visit a [LF] traditional New Mexican restaurant for a festive lunch and margaritas. 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,L)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.LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Be treated to an authentic New Mexico experience with a traditional southwestern lunch and margaritas served in a popular Albuquerque restaurant. New Mexican dishes, from enchiladas and chili rellenos to salsa and sopapillas are served in a festive atmosphere in true local style.TOUR HIGHLIGHT INSPIRING SIGHTS Look skyward as hundreds of hot air balloons lift 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, enjoy breakfast at the Chasers Club followed by a visit to the International Balloon Museum, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, and spectacle of ballooning.
Day 3: Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Then, visit the fascinating museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Tonight is at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Explore the inspiring crafts and museum exhibits collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages). Learn about the history, background, and life of what now comprise the 19 pueblos of New Mexico.
Day 4: Albuquerque,Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE Southwestern Jewels Today, travel along the [LF] Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway 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 city sightseeing tour, including the San Miguel Mission, the Palace of the Governors, the State Capitol, and Loretto Chapel’s “Miracle Stairway.” Next, take a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings, and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. (B)LOCAL FAVORITELEGENDARY LIVES The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway covers 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos along this historic trail named for the aqua-hued turquoise first mined by the early Pueblo people.
Day 5: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SANTA FE Spend your day your way in Santa FeThis morning, explore Santa Fe with your choice of included excursions. Return to Santa Fe Plaza for lunch at a celebrated local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the plaza. This evening, join your tour director for a festive farewell dinner with live [LF] entertainment. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS 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.TAKE YOUR PICK Explore your way today with your choice of excursions: SACRED GROUNDS Join a guided tour of Bandelier National Monument and Museum. Learn about the ancient Anasazi Puebloans and their cliff dwellings and explore more of history of the rugged canyon country in the museum at Bandelier National Monument. OR: TRADITIONS & TREASURES Experience your choice of exceptional museums with the New Mexico Culture Pass. The entrance pass includes access to the International Folk Art Museum, Contemporary Native Arts Museum, New Mexico Museum of History, and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Day 6: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast
SANTA FE Bones & Blossoms Spend the next two days in Santa Fe exploring on your own. Your stay includes admission to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. You may choose to visit the New Mexico History Museum or the Palace of the Governors, talk 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & CULTURE Visit the Georgia O’Keefe 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.
Day 7: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast
SANTA FE Southwest Style Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Santa Fe with the free time to browse the beautiful crafts and jewelry along the sidewalk shops or indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine. Your Tour Director has the best tips for a great day in Santa Fe! Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for more local ideas and directions.
Day 8: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you choose to fly from the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, please note it is a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flights accordingly.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque in Albuquerque and Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza in Santa Fe.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.
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Welcome Drink
Meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink on the first day.
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Local Balloonist Presentation
Enjoy a special presentation from a local Balloonist about the sport of ballooning.
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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Experience the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, including the Mass Balloon Ascension, Balloon Glow, and After-Glow Fireworks show.
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Traditional New Mexican Lunch
Enjoy a traditional New Mexican lunch with margaritas at a popular Albuquerque restaurant.
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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Guided tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Visit the museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
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Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway
Travel along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to Santa Fe.
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Santa Fe City Sightseeing Tour
City sightseeing tour in Santa Fe, including San Miguel Mission, the Palace of the Governors, the State Capitol, and Loretto Chapel’s 'Miracle Stairway'.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour starting and ending locations are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Airport Transfers
Transfers to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Notes
The Globus Family of Brands insurance does not allow us to arrange hot air balloon rides for our guests. Hot air balloon rides should be scheduled on Day 2 of the tour and any missed sightseeing will not be refunded. Balloon Fiesta schedule of events are subject to change and will be confirmed on tour. Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing. The Albuquerque Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule departure flights accordingly. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is also included as a special departure on the Historic Trains of the Old West (Tour NCS).
Accommodation
Stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque in Albuquerque and the Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza in Santa Fe, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travel along the scenic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, with no flights or airport transfers included in the package.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
The tour includes the Mass Balloon Ascension, Balloon Glow, and the After-Glow Fireworks show at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
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What cultural sites will we visit in Albuquerque?
In Albuquerque, you will visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
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What is the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway?
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway is a scenic drive that passes through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and includes historic mining towns like Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos.
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What can I expect during the farewell dinner in Santa Fe?
The farewell dinner in Santa Fe includes live Mariachi entertainment, celebrating the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the Mexican people with traditional music.
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What museums are included in the Santa Fe portion of the tour?
In Santa Fe, the tour includes admission to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art. You also have the option to visit other museums with the New Mexico Culture Pass.
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Are there any special presentations or talks included in the tour?
Yes, on the first day, there is a special presentation from a local balloonist who shares stories about the sport of ballooning and the history of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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