Day 1: Today we begin an adventure that will lift our spirits as we make our way to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy our drive as we make our way through Western Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Albuquerque is home for 3 nights. (L)

Day 2: This morning we depart Albuquerque and make our way to Santa Fe. It’s an artist’s dream spot and also serves as the State Capital. Here our step-on guide shows us Santa Fe and we visit Loretta Chapel to hear the incredible story about the staircase. Tonight is our first event at the fiesta for Special Shape Glowdeo! Only special shapes are on display this evening. The inflated balloons are given gas now and then for a spectacular glowing effect. (B, D)

Day 3: UP, UP, & AWAY bright and EARLY to see the balloon launch. At the fiesta, we get our first morning Mass Ascension. Watch hundreds of colorful hot air balloons rise into the crisp morning air! The excitement of this fiesta is enhanced by the red-burning flames and the “whoosh” of the jets as we watch tier after tier of these huge balloons rise slowly and gracefully into the sky. You can walk out on the launch field and get a close-up experience. Next we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The center is owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico and dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Pueblo Indian Culture, History and Art. After lunch, stroll the Plaza of Old Town Albuquerque and shop in the stores and galleries for unique gifts. Or simply relax on the patios or walk the winding brick paths of this special old town square. This afternoon we enjoy the sights of Albuquerque during our city tour. This evening we head back to the fiesta to enjoy the Night Magic Glow and the many vendors within the park. (B, L, D)

Day 4: This morning we go to the balloon site for the fourth and final event of our tour. Again, it’s a mass array of colors and shapes, and “whooshes” of the jets as the balloons rise into the sky. After the balloons are up, we check out of our hotel. Explore the diverse and rich exhibitions at the Albuquerque Museum, featuring art and history from the city and the world. Step back in time for lunch at the 66 Diner. Then it’s on to Tucumcari, NM for our last night. (B, L)

Day 5: Leaving New Mexico, enjoy sharing the memories of all we experienced in the Southwest, both the culture and history of the area, and the hot air balloons that sent our hearts soaring! (B)