Up, up and away the balloons go into the New Mexico sky each October. Few spectacles on earth rival the Mass Ascension, as hundreds of multi-colored balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park to drift in the crisp early-morning high-desert air.
DAY ONE – Friday, October 9, 2015
Early afternoon, your Destination Southwest tour director and your coach will meet you at Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces. They will then transfer you to your
Albuquerque hotel for check-in. Enjoy a gourmet box lunch on the drive to
Albuquerque.
Upon arrival in Albuquerque, you will head to
Balloon Fiesta Park for the spectacle of the evening 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 dinner await.
After the glow, the AfterGlow Fireworks Show will dazzle and delight you!
Check into your local hotel accommodations for one night.
Meals included: Box L, D
DAY TWO – Saturday, October 10, 2015
Leave the hotel bright and early for the Mass
Ascension at the Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta® . Few spectacles on earth rival the Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta, as upwards of 600 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park to drift in the crisp high-desert air of New Mexico.
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 they took off from.
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 Balloon
Fiesta Park and chatting with the pilots and crews as they prepare the balloons for flight. You will also have access to the Chaser’s Club , so you can enjoy this experience while sitting in a private outdoor patio located next to the launch field.
Hot breakfast and other snacks will be provided. 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.
Depart Balloon Fiesta Park and return to your hotel. Guests will need to schedule/utilize the hotel’s shuttle to the Albuquerque International Sunport for their flights home. Meals included: B

PRICE PER PERSON $497.00 Single
$444.00 Double
$431.00 Triple
Price is based on 20-24 paid guests and is net, non-commissionable.
Includes one single comp for escort
PRICE PER PERSON $459.00 Single
$404.00 Double
$392.00
Includes one single comp for escort
Triple
Price is based on 25-29 paid guests and is net, non-commissionable.
PRICE PER PERSON $430.00 Single
$373.00 Double
$362.00
Includes one single comp for escort
Triple
Price is based on 30-35 paid guests and is net, non-commissionable.
PRICE INCLUDES: Transportation; professional tour guide, one night hotel accommodations; one breakfast; one lunch; one dinner; admission to two ABQ
International Balloon Fiesta events; admission to the Group Tours hospitality tent for morning event; admission to the Chaser’s Club for morning event which includes breakfast; admission to the Gondola Club for evening event which includes a buffet dinner; welcome gift; bottled water and snacks on coach; all applicable taxes.
NOTE: A $5.00 per person per day gratuity for the guide and a $4.00 per person gratuity for the driver is considered standard, but not included.