See the mass ascension of balloons and stand in awe during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event in the world and one of New Mexico’s most dazzling spectacles. On this Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tour, experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Ascension of hundreds of hot-air balloons, where the sky transforms into a rainbow of colors. In the evening, see the dramatic Balloon Glow, when all the balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and After-Glow Fireworks Show. There's also time for sightseeing with visits to the International Balloon Museum, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport, and spectacle of ballooning. You’ll also visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a fascinating museum and crafts market collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos.
Enjoy a guided trolley tour in Santa Fe, including the Loretto Chapel's "Miracle Stairway." Globus has also included a drive along the Turquoise Trail, a scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe with breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains as well as old mining towns. In Santa Fe, Globus has arranged a special farewell dinner featuring Southwestern cuisine.
If you want to see the spectacular Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, this tour is the vacation for you!
Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque
Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Albuquerque
Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn OPENING CEREMONIES and the unforgettable MASS ASCENSION—where hundreds of hot air balloons take off and turn the sky into a virtual rainbow of colors, all led by a balloon flying the American flag to the music of The Star Spangled Banner. What began as a gathering of 13 balloons 44 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world, drawing entries from more than 28 different countries. While on the balloon grounds, visit the INTERNATIONAL BALLOON MUSEUM, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport, and spectacle of ballooning. The museum features one of the finest collections of ballooning equipment and memorabilia in the world. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, along with shopping and dining.
NOTE: Due to an early departure this morning, a boxed breakfast will be provided.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Albuquerque
This morning, visit Old Town and the INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER, a fascinating museum and crafts market collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages). Here you will learn about the history, background, and life of what now comprise the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. Time to explore Old Town on your own this afternoon. This evening, catch the popular BALLOON GLOW, where all balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and the AFTER-GLOW FIREWORKS SHOW.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Albuquerque. Excursion to Santa Fe
Today, travel along the Globus Local Favorite TURQUOISE TRAIL to Santa Fe. This scenic drive passes through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, past wide-open spaces and dramatic scenery. There’s time to stop in Madrid, a former mining town, before arriving in Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the United States. Experience this city up close as you embark on a guided TROLLEY TOUR, including the San Miguel Mission, the Palace of the Governors, the State Capitol, and LORETTO CHAPEL’S “Miracle Stairway.” Before returning to Albuquerque, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Globus Local Favorite La Casa Sena, one of the oldest-surviving houses in Santa Fe. Share fond memories of your trip while feasting on authentic Southwestern cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Albuquerque
The tour ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided.
Meal: Breakfast
