Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Day 1

Join fellow travelers as we make our way to the arid southwest and host to the most photographed event in the world. The annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a phenomenal sight to behold. Hundreds of hot air balloons ascending into the heavens is a magical and colorful experience. Our first overnight will be in Des Moines, IA at the Drury Inn.

Day 2

Our travels today recount early pioneer footsteps as we learn of the hardships and struggles of early pioneers at the Great Platte River Road Arch Monument near Kearney, NE. Spanning I-80 the Archway pays tribute to the enduring spirit of our predecessors. During their trek across America, they encountered Native American tribes; trappers and traders making their way to annual rendezvous; stagecoach drivers and their passengers; pony express riders; and the telegraph. We overnight in Ogallala, NE.

Day 3

As we journey through the beautiful Colorado Rockies we'll pause at one of Mother Nature's most exquisite handiworks. Imagine dramatic views, 300 foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This is what you will witness with our drive-through of the Garden of the Gods with plenty of shopping and dining experiences awaiting your discovery. We'll remain here in Colorado Springs for our overnight at the Drury Inn & Suites.

Day 4

Entering the mountainous west, we'll explore the wonders of the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Enjoy a 14-minute movie highlighting the academy experience in the 250-seat theater and displays on cadet history and everyday life in the academy with specially designed exhibits to explain the four "pillars of excellence." We then continue to the town of Taos, New Mexico. This American treasure is filled with 1,100 years of history, culture, ancient society, art, magic and the true spirit of the southwest. Walk around town, it's very easy going. Tonight we will rest our heads in the mountain town of Santa Fe at the Hilton with plentyof shopping and dining experiences awaiting your discovery.

Day 5

Awake in the artist community of Santa Fe. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the foothills of the Rockies, Santa Fe is immersed in stunning natural beauty, with an average of 325 days of sunshine and clear blue skies. Our local guide will take us on a journey to see it's most awesome sights including a nearby Indian Pueblo. Santa Fe's world-famous art galleries and museums are filled with traditional and contemporary art, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe and the shops are filled with one-of-a-kind works by local artisans. Later today finds us in the home of the balloon fiesta - Albuquerque, for the next three nights at the Drury Inn.

Day 6

**Optional balloon rides for those who have booked in advance. To book, click the Useful Links tab and select Optional balloon rides.

As dawn approaches we head to the festival grounds to watch the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of ascending balloons heading skyward. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings the beautiful and magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air. Return to the hotel for a quick breakfast before returning to the coach with our local guide to see more of Albuquerque. One of the oldest cities in the U.S., it boasts a unique multicultural heritage and history where Native American, Hispanic, Anglo and other cultural influences are a part of everyday life. Lunch and shopping is on your own in the delightful Old Town section, filled with authentic restaurants, cafes and shops. Return to the hotel and the festival grounds later this evening if you choose.

Day 7

Once again we rise early to see the mass ascension of balloons in the Albuquerque sky.After our visit and breakfast, we journey to the top of nearby Sandia Peak on board the world's longest aerial tramway. See some of nature's more dramatic beauty unfold from your vantage point on the observation deck atop the 10,378 foot peak which affords an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. We return to our hotel then experience the evening Balloon Glow back at the festival grounds. Walk among the tethered balloons of every color, shape and size as the propane burners inflate the balloons against a dark sky.

Day 8

Our exciting visit to Albuquerque has ended as we make our way eastward bound towards home. Overnight in Oklahoma City, OK this evening at the Hyatt Place Bricktown.

Day 9

We're getting closer to home with our final overnight just east of St. Louis in Collinsville, IL at the Drury Inn & Suites.

Day 10

Fond memories of a great experience in the beautiful southwest envelope us as we say goodbye to new friends and return home later this evening.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner