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New Mexico's Hot Air
Balloon Festival - Oct , 2010
- $ 620 / Air |
Day 1:
Arrive Albuquerque, NM
Welcome to the Land of Enchantment! You will be met by your RPM
Tour Director who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel.
This evening you head to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains for a
ride on the Sandia Peak Tram, the world’s longest free-span cable
tramway. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner hosted by your Brennan Tour Director
at High Finance Restaurant, where every seat has a view. Dinner is
scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m. (D)
Day 2: Acoma Pueblo
This morning visit the oldest continuously inhabited village in the
United States, Acoma Pueblo. Located west of Albuquerque, Acoma is
commonly called “Sky City” because of its location high atop a mesa.
Your Acoma Guide will take you on a walking tour of the village.
This afternoon return to Albuquerque for lunch and a visit to the
historic Plaza area of Old Town. The remainder of the day is at
leisure. There are many restaurants in the area and your Tour
Director can offer suggestions for dining. (B, L)
 Day 3: Balloon Fiesta, Turquoise Museum
Up bright and early this morning for the Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta. This is the largest hot air balloon event in the
world, as each October, pilots and their crews gather in Albuquerque
for nine days of flying, friends and fun. This afternoon, enjoy a
driving tour of the Duke City, including Route 66 landmarks. Next is
a stop at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a Duke City landmark
dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Pueblo Indian
culture, history, and art. The Center is committed to educating all
generations of visitors and is your gateway to the lifeways and
culture of the indigenous inhabitants of New Mexico. Enjoy a special
treat and watch colorful Native American ceremonial dances today.
After lunch on your own the final stop today is the Turquoise
Museum, the largest private collection of turquoise in the world. At
the museum you will learn about the many types of turquoise and see
one-of-a-kind turquoise specimens from over fifty mines, four
continents, and six countries, including the 16-pound nugget from
the Bisbee mine in Arizona.. (B, D)
Day 4: Chimayo and Santa Fe
Today, travel north to the historic village of Chimayo that dates
from the 17th century. Visit many of the area landmarks and have
lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, known for its traditional northern
New Mexico cuisine. Continue on to Santa Fe, founded in 1610 and the
cultural heart and soul of the Southwest. A walking tour shows you
the historic Santa Fe Plaza area, including the St. Francis
Cathedral and Loreto Chapel with its famous spiral staircase. Depart
Santa Fe in time to return to Albuquerque for tonight’s Balloon
Fiesta event, the Balloon Glow and Fireworks. Balloons are tethered
to the ground all across the field, and pilots are available to
answer questions and share their enthusiasm. A fireworks show closes
out a busy and wonderful day in the Land of Enchantment. (B, L)
Day 5: Transfer to Airport / Home
Bid farewell to New Mexico, as you cherish your memories of a
spectacular travel experience. Transfer to the airport at your
leisure (last shuttle is at 3:00 p.m.). (B)
Lifelong memories will be yours, as
hundreds of brightly colored balloons soar into the
desert sky. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
is the largest event of its kind in the world, and
you’re up bright and early to join the fun. This fully
escorted RPM Vacations tour also highlights New
Mexico’s heritage – you’ll visit the historic Acoma
Pueblo, the oldest continuously occupied town in North
America, and Old Town Albuquerque. You’ll also enjoy a
day in Bandelier National Monument, renowned for its
impressive Anasazi cliff dwellings. You may choose to
climb the ladders into the caverns and kivas.
- 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2
dinners, including a Welcome Dinner as indicated.
- Limousine airport transfers between home to
airport
- 4 nights accommodation in premium accommodations
- Services of a Professional Tour Director
- Private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
- Gratuity for baggage handling and hotel personnel;
all local taxes
- Participate in two Albuquerque
International Balloon Festival events
- Explore the Historic Ridge of Chimayo
- Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Acoma "Sky City" Pueblo
- Visit the Turquoise Museum
- Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram
- Tour the Santa Fe Plaza
Call or
e-mail us for more
information, or to speak to a guide about this trip.
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