| Day 1: | Home City / Albuquerque / Santa Fe |
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Upon your arrival at the Albuquerque airport, meet your tour director and board your private motorcoach for the scenic drive to Santa Fe. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the renowned Museum of International Folk Art to observe the famous Girard Collection of miniature figurines. Tonight, relax prior to your private Get Acquainted Dinner. (D) Marriott Courtyard Hotel
Note: Flights should arrive no later than 11:00am into Albququerque. |
| Day 2: | Santa Fe |
| Begin today with a tour of this historic artist’s colony & capital city. See the State Capitol Building, Cristo Rey Church, and Old Santa Fe Trail. Stop at famous Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase. Next, visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, showcasing her many works inspired by New Mexico’s stark beauty. The afternoon is free to shop on the Plaza or visit the Palace of the Governors. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a musical show at La Casa Sena. (B,D) |
| Day 3: | Day Trip to Taos |
| Travel north along the Rio Grande River Valley with a breathtaking panorama of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the way to Taos. Here you'll see a colorful blend of Indian & Spanish Cultures. Tour the Taos Indian Pueblo, an authentic 600-year-old Indian Village. After free time for shopping and lunch on your own in the historic Plaza, return to Santa Fe for a free evening. (B) |
| Day 4: | Santa Fe / Carlsbad |
| Travel south thru the desert to the 1870's crossroads town of Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Then continue to Carlsbad. Arrive at your hotel for a steak dinner prior to your first of two trips to awe-inspiring Carlsbad Caverns. Tonight, view the incredible sunset "bat flight" (weather permitting). Witness 1000’s of bats departing the cave on their hunt for food. (B,D) Steven’s Inn |
| Day 5: | Carlsbad / Ruidoso |
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Today, return to Carlsbad Caverns. Enjoy a tour of the 21 miles of surveyed limestone corridors. Descend in an elevator to see the "Big Room,” the most impressive of the cavern’s chambers. Next, stop in Roswell for a visit to the International UFO Museum. This afternoon, travel west through the Sacramento Mountains to “Billy the Kid” Country and the town of Ruidoso. Visit a Native American jewelry shop before checking into our resort hotel. (B,D) Lodge at Sierra Blanca |
| Day 6: | Ruidoso / Albuquerque |
| Begin today with a visit to White Sands National Monument to see the 60 foot snow white sand dunes. After an included lunch, motor north across the ancient “Valley of Fires” lava flows. Follow the Rio Grande River up to Albuquerque. This evening arrive at the world-famous International Hot Air Balloon Festival grounds to witness the "Balloon Glow" as tethered balloons are brilliantly lit up by their propane gas jets. (B,L) Rio Grande Inn |
| Day 7: | Balloon Fiesta / Acoma |
| Return to the festival grounds this morning to marvel at the spectacle of over 800 colorful balloons in mass ascension (world’s largest) over the skies of Albuquerque. You may wish to actively assist a crew with the launching of their balloon. Next, travel west to Acoma "Sky City" Indian Pueblo for a guided tour of this mesa-top fortress. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tour Old Town, shop, or visit the San Felipe Church. Tonight, reminisce over your travels during your Farewell Dinner. (B,D) |
| Day 8: | Sandia Peak / Home |
| This morning, ride the world's longest aerial tram to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak. Later, arrive at the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Flights should depart Albuquerque after 1:30pm |
| Important Note! | |
| It is crucial to purchase medical insurance when travelling to the United States! Call Anderson Vacations for rates at 1-866-814-7378. |
