Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe

Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe

38 Views
8 Days From

$3724

$3279

Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe

8 Days

Visiting: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument, North America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

AFE-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

From:
$3724
$3279 Barrhead discount: -$446 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 02-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Whoever said “Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows” never visited the enchanting state of New Mexico or attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Artists, writers, and poets have long been inspired by the hues of hot pinks, deep purples, and flaming oranges that dance daily across the mystical southwestern sky. But for one week in October, chasing rainbows becomes even easier as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may be the largest balloon event in the world, yet its Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other beloved rituals aren’t the only highlights on this vibrant New Mexico vacation. Visits to artsy Santa Fe, and the pilgrimage Miracle Stairway are equally uplifting. Want more tamales? More turquoise? More peppers? More pottery? Who doesn’t?! Extend your New Mexico vacation with two extra days in sunbaked Santa Fe and linger a little longer in the cafés, galleries, missions, and museums this is adobe haven is known for.

Places You'll See

Doubletree By Hilton Albuquerque

Hilton Of Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Doubletree By Hilton Albuquerque

Hilton Of Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Albuquerque,New Mexico

Location: 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 will educate you on the sport of ballooning and what you’ll experience.

Day 2: Albuquerque

Location: Albuquerque

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Albuquerque

Location: Albuquerque

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Albuquerque,Santa Fe

Location: Albuquerque, Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 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?

Day 5: Santa Fe. Excursion To Bandelier

Location: Bandelier National Monument

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans and their 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.

Day 6: Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the next two days in Santa Fe exploring on your own. Your time here includes admission to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. You may also want 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 restaurants and bars.

Day 7: Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe.

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 that it is a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flights accordingly.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Notes

Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing. Schedule of Fiesta events are subject to change and will be confirmed on tour. The Albuquerque Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule departure flights accordingly.

The Globus Family of Brands insurance does not allow us to arrange hot air balloon rides for our guests. There is an opportunity while on tour for guests to make their own arrangements at the balloon field. Guests will need to make their own way to/from the grounds via ride-share or taxi as riders are generally required to be there prior to the Opening Ceremonies. You can recommend that they use the information provided by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s website to make arrangements prior to their tour: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/balloon-rides. Hot air balloon rides should be scheduled on Day 2 of the tour and any missed sightseeing will not be refunded. Tour Operations must be advised in advance by August 1st at the latest as alternate entry passes may be required.

Accommodation

Albuquerque:Embassy Suites Albuquerque
Santa Fe:Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Santa Fe:La Posada de Santa Fe

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

1 Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Friday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
$3489 $3298

Barrhead discount: -$191

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Friday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$3724 $3279

Barrhead discount: -$446

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Friday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$3724 $3279

Barrhead discount: -$446

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with Barrhead?

protected icon

Fully Protected

All our holidays are fully financially protected.


Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

search icon

Range

Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.


We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.


Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

award icon

Expert Knowledge

We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.


Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.

atal icon

Trusted Agent

Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.


Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.


We look after you every step of the way.


Similar Tours