NEW MEXICO AND THE 2013 ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA
October 6 – 13, 2013 (7 nights/8 days)
Oct. 6 – Excitement is in the air as we begin our journey to New Mexico to see the Mass Ascension, as upwards of
five hundred balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque to drift in the crisp early-morning highdesert air. Today, we will be traveling through Georgia & Alabama to overnight in Memphis , TN. (D) Oct. 7 - Our
adventure continues as we travel across the great states of Arkansas & Oklahoma to overnight in Texas. We will
have a mystery stop along the way.(B,D) Oct. 8 – We will arrive in the early afternoon to Albuquerque – the Duke
City. After getting settled, dinner is included at a local favorite diner. (B,D) Oct. 9 – We will leave the hotel bright
and early for the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.
Ballooning enthusiasts from around the world converge on the Duke City each year to delight in the amazing range
of balloons in every color, size and shape imaginable. The thermal currents above Albuquerque make for some of
the finest ballooning conditions in the world. The famous “Albuquerque Box” effect enables pilots to ascend from
the field, move with the air currents at different altitudes and in different directions and even backtrack along their
original course to land in the spot where they took off. This is easily one of the most photographed spectacles
anywhere and it is also a great place to people watch, enjoy delicious foods and shop for souvenirs at a wide range
of vendor booths. Enjoy exploring the extensive grounds of Fiesta Park and chatting with the pilots and crews as
they prepare the balloons for flight. October mornings in the high desert of New Mexico can be chilly so be sure to
dress in layers for warmth and bring sunscreen for when the sun comes up. Our day continues with a driving tour
of Route 66 landmarks, from the historic Nob Hill business district to downtown and then on to Old Town. You will
see some of the tourist courts still in operation today and your guide will also point out the cafes, gas stations,
motels and stores that are part of the history and local color of this region. First stop in Old Town is the Turquoise
Museum, perhaps the largest private collection in the world. A novel attraction, this small museum focuses on the
beauty, mythology and physical properties of turquoise, a semiprecious but widely adored gemstone that many
people understandably associate with the color of New Mexico’s skies. See one-of-a-kind showpieces and
examples from more than sixty mines on four continents and enjoy an informative and entertaining presentation
that will show you the difference between the Real McCoy and plastic. Next, take a brief walking tour of the
historic Plaza area of Old Town, the original center of Albuquerque, which was founded in the early part of the 18 th
century and includes San Felipe de Neri Church and many historic buildings that form an architectural record of
this city’s unique past. There will be time to explore hidden courtyards and stroll under covered portals and shop
on your own at the many fine specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza. Lunch today will be a local favorite in
Old Town. After lunch, you will enjoy a visit to 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. There is a museum, gallery, gift shop and restaurant. The museum documents the origins, spoken
traditions, arts and crafts and cultural development of the Pueblo Indians. There are Indian dances held in the
afternoon during Balloon Fiesta. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L) Oct. 10 – We will be traveling north
today along the scenic and historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe and
encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico. You will drive into history through the
mining towns of Golden, Madrid and Cerrillos, whose mines once yielded gold, silver, lead, zinc and turquoise.
During its heyday in the 1880’s, Cerrillos boasted twenty-one saloons and four hotels. A renewed spirit has
brought art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants to these towns. This afternoon, arrive in Santa Fe
and take an optional guided walking tour, visiting such points of interest as the historic Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral,
the Loretto Chapel, with its famous “miraculous” staircase, and the San Miguel Mission. Founded in 1610, Santa
Fe was the last stop on the Camino Real, the fabled Royal Road that stretched from Mexico City to the
northernmost reaches of the Spanish Empire. Today it is the heart and soul of the Southwest, and “Santa Fe Style”
is synonymous with all the best the region has to offer. Its historic Plaza, winding streets, covered arcades, hidden
gardens and courtyards, and Pueblo-style architecture reflect the blending of Indian, Hispanic and Anglo cultures.
This evening, we will return to Balloon Fiesta Park for the spectacle of the Special Shape Glowdeo. During the
Glow, balloons inflate at dusk, remain tethered and light their burners in a synchronized fashion. The “glow” effect
is created by the same burner system used in flight; however, pilots use various means to bypass the “pre-heat”
coils on the burner. These coils help the burner work efficiently, but the flame is a dull blue and does not emit a
lot of light. The first Balloon glow was held to celebrate the 75 th anniversary of New Mexico’s statehood. Guests
will enjoy the exclusive Gondola Club, where comfortable seating, luxurious bathrooms and a buffet-style farewell
dinner await. The AfterGlow Fireworks Show will dazzle and delight you! (B,D) Oct. 11 – Adios to Albuquerque!
We will begin our adventure across the country stopping in Amarillo, TX for lunch and check out Route 66. We will
overnight in Oklahoma City, OK. (B,D) Oct. 12 As we continue our journey East, a visit will be made @ Fort Smith
Visitor’s Center to visit Ms. Laura. Our home for tonight will be in Tupelo, Mississippi. (B,D) Oct 13 – Our exciting
journey comes to an end today as we arrive back home with stories to tell about the Balloon Festival & our
adventures in New Mexico and traveling across this beautiful country of ours. (B)
Cost per person:
Single
$1,995
Double
$1.550
Cost includes: Roundtrip Luxury Motorcoach Transportation (In-Motion Satellite with Direct TV & Wi-Fi) – 7 Nights
Accommodations - Professional Tour Guide Services – Mystery Stop – Admission to Two Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta Events – Admission to the Balloon Fiesta Group Tours Hospitality Tent for Morning Event Admission to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – Tour and Presentation at the Turquoise Museum – Santa Fe
Walking Tour of Historic Area – Admission to Loreto Chapel and San Miguel Mission – Welcome Gift – 7 Breakfasts
– 1 Lunch –6 Dinners – Step On Guide Gratuity - Luggage Handling & Taxes