Compare Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe by Globus vs Kicks on Route 66 by Tours of Distinction
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,679 | $ 3,450 |
| Price Per Day | $ 460 | $ 383 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
9 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners |
| Description | 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. |
Travel the “Mother Road” a term coined by author John Steinbeck because Route 66 was the road people took west across America to escape the dust bowl and the Great Depression. On this tour, you will be treated like the “King and Queen” of the road as you gawk at odd roadside attractions, stay in vintage hotels, and eat hardy American road food. Get ready to saddle up in Texas and tour Cadillac Ranch. A highlight is the fabled town of Santa Fe, known for its’ Spanish and Native American culture. Afterward tour Albuquerque’s Old Town, stop in at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Gallup, and a walk through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in Arizona. History, the beauty of the Wild West, and nostalgia makes this road-trip mythic! |
Day 1: 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 will educate you on the sport of ballooning and what you’ll experience.
LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Enjoy a presentation from a special guest that 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.
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Day 2: 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. (Breakfast,Lunch)
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.
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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. Then, visit the fascinating museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Tonight is at leisure. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Explore the inspiring crafts and museum exhibits 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.
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Day 4: 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. (Breakfast)
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.
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Day 5: SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO BANDELIER
Santa Fe Tastes and Sounds 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. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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.
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Day 6: SANTA FE
Bones & Blossoms on Canvas 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. (Breakfast)
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. Hear how she lived in the desert here and captured the intimate beauty of flowers, bleached cattle bones, landscapes, and sky in her independent style.
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Day 7: SANTA FE
Southwest Style Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe. (Breakfast)
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.
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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 Airport, please note that it is a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flights accordingly. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 - Arrive Amarillo, TX
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Amarillo, TX. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodations for the next two evenings. This evening is free to hang out on Route 66 in the Historic District, where you can enjoy dinner and Saturday Cruise Night.
Day 2 - Amarillo
Get ready to saddle up, as we go horseback riding at the Cowgirls and Cowboys of the West Ranch, and for those that aren’t ready to saddle up, bring your camera and learn to take beautiful scenic pictures, while touring the ranch. Lunch, on own, is at the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery, which opened back in 1960 and became a well known stopping point along Route 66. This afternoon enjoy time to explore Amarillo ~ maybe check out the artifacts and art at the Panhandle - Plains Historical Museum, there are other museums and the Botanical Gardens. Tonight we check out the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, situated in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. A guide will take us into the Canyon before dinner and the show. (B, D)
Day 3 - Amarillo - Santa Rosa, NM
On our way out of Amarillo a quick stop is made at the famous Cadillac Ranch exhibit, paying homage to the ‘Golden Age’ of automobiles. Continuing our journey West, we stop in the ghost town of Glenrio, which straddles the New Mexico and Texas borders, before arriving in Tucumcari, NM. Visit the Route 66 Museum, Tee Pee Curious, and have lunch at Del’s Restaurant, serving travelers along Route 66 since 1956. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Blue Swallow Hotel, where travelers have been staying since 1939! Later, we check into our hotel. Evening on own. (B)
Day 4 - Santa Rosa - Santa Fe
This morning we head to Fort Sumner, a military fort charged with the internment of nearby Navajo and Mescalero Apache populations from 1863 to 1868. After it’s closing, the fort was privately purchased and its best known visitor was Billy the Kid. We visit the Billy the Kid Museum and Burial before making our way over to the Bosque Redondo Memorial. This memorial depicts the tragic history of Fort Sumner and the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation. After, we depart for Santa Fe, but not before stopping to have lunch in Santa Rosa, on own. Later, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Inn on the Alameda. The evening is free. (B)
Day 5 - Santa Fe
This morning we visit De Vargas Street House and the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest house and church in the U.S. The remaining part of the day will be visiting many of the Pueblos that make up this area. The day will consist of the Tesuque Pueblo, which has been occupied since 1200AD, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. We will also get a chance to visit the Nambe Pueblo, the Santa Clara Pueblo, the Puye Cliffs Welcome Center and the San Ildefonso Pueblo. All known for their pottery and jewelry. Upon our return to Santa Fe, the remainder of the day and evening are on your own. (B)
Day 6 - Santa Fe to Albuquerque
This morning is yours to explore. There is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi or the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied government building in the U.S. Visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, walk along the Barrio De Analaco Historic District, here you will see the San Miguel Mission. This afternoon we continue West along our historic route, stopping in Albuquerque, NM. After checking into our 4-star accommodations, we depart for dinner where you will feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to a beautiful southwestern roadhouse found along old Route 66. From dinner, we will meet our guide and take a walking ghost tour of Old Town. (B, D)
Day 7 - Albuquerque to Gallup
This morning we will tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, before having free time in the historic Nob Hill area of town. This afternoon we will take a trail at Petroglyph National Monument, and walk where early native and Spanish settlers walked, and look at the images left behind, telling their story. This afternoon we continue West into Gallup, NM, where we will check into our hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 8 - Gallup to Flagstaff, AZ
Today we cross the boarder from New Mexico into Arizona, where our first stop along our historic route is the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert National Forest. This unpaved one mile hike will wind us through the rim woodland, where there are spectacular views of the Painted Desert. This afternoon we continue our drive into Winslow, AZ, where we will stop for lunch at the famous Turquois Room & Martini Lounge. Route 66 was the primary artery through Winslow, in its railroad days and bypassed by I-40 in the late 1970s. As our journey continues, we make a picture stop in the ghost town of Two Guns, AZ, sight of a bitter fight between the Apache and Navajo Indians, before stopping at Walnut Canyon National Monument. We will be able to walk the Rim Trail (0.7 mile roundtrip), where there are two overlooks that provide scenic views of the canyon and cliff dwellings below. After a busy day, we will check into our accommodations for the next two nights in Flagstaff, AZ. The remainder of the evening is free. (B, L)
Day 9 - Flagstaff
A local guide will take us on a tour of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona National Park, and Jerome, AZ. Today is not the day to forget your camera! Oak Creek Canyon is famous for its beautiful scenery, and we will have the opportunity to see it up close. From here it’s a short drive to Sedona National Park, where our pink Jeeps will be waiting to take us on a rugged off road adventure, with a local guide. We will be riding the rough terrain of the red rocks, stopping at lookout vistas, and where Hollywood movies were made. After, there will be a picnic lunch waiting for us. This afternoon we drive into Jerome, AZ. Another ghost town trying to build itself back up again. Stop in and shop at the world’s largest kaleidoscope store, set up in Jerome’s original brothel. Dinner is included tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Depart Flagstaff
This morning we say good-bye to our historic past and travel into Phoenix for our flight home. To be able to see parts of our country before it disappears is such an exhilarating experience. (B)
