Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Carlsbad Caverns

October 11-15, 2012

The world’s largest hot air balloon festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs each October when more than 600 balloons can be seen in the sky at a time. “This magical hot air balloon festival is considered to be the most photographed event in the world, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators.”   Some of our planned activities may change dates, depending on the weather, but we will do our best to get in all of the planned activities.

Thursday, October 11: Today we depart the endless blue skies, rich rolling hills, red earth and world champion cowboys for the Land of Enchantment.  Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico is where we will be spending the next three nights. 

Friday, October 12:  This morning starts bright and early back at the Balloon Fiesta Park as we experience the Special Shape Rodeo and Key Grab Competition.  After the balloon activities we will meet our step-on-guide who will give us a tour of Albuquerque which will include the University of New Mexico and Historic Route 66.The town of Albuquerque was built in the traditional Spanish village pattern: a central plaza surrounded by government buildings, homes, and a church. This central plaza area has been preserved and is open to the public as a museum, cultural area, and center of commerce. It is referred to as "Old Town Albuquerque" or simply "Old Town”.  Lunch today we will go up, up, up 10,000 feet via the Sandia Peak Tram.  While dining at the exclusive High Finance Restaurant on top of Sandia Peak, we will have a breath-taking view of Albuquerque below.  Later on this afternoon will be spent exploring Old Town.  Be sure to grab a bite to eat (on own) before leaving Old Town as we will be heading back out to the Balloon Fiesta Park for Glowdeo.  B, L

Saturday, October 13:  Another early morning back at the Balloon Fiesta Park for the Mass Ascension.  Afterwards our next tour will be visiting Santa Fe, the “City of Holy Faith”.  Santa Fe is nestled in the foothills at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains.  Known as the “City Different”, Santa Fe supports both historic culture and modern technology and is the oldest state capital in the country.  We will take a short walking tour with a visit to Loretto Chapel (Miraculous Staircase) and San Miguel Mission which is the oldest church building structure in the US.  Be sure to browse the plethora of shops around the Plaza and Guadalupe Street area.  B

Sunday, October 14:  After another hot breakfast at our hotel we will say goodbye to the balloons and head south. More than 300 known caves lie beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico and west Texas.  We will be touring one of those caves--Carlsbad Caverns which is among the largest and most magnificent underground formation in the world.  Overnight will be spent in Carlsbad, NM.   B

Monday, October 15:  It is now time to say goodbye to the “Land of Enchantment”.  Today is our last day together.  Now is the time that we will sit back and relax and talk about our favorite balloons, city tours, gondola ride to the top of Sandia Peak, Carlsbad Caverns  and the great southwest cuisine as we travel back home with memories of  Balloon Fiesta 2012.  B

$720 double occ.   $999 single      5 Days/4 Nights

Optional Travel Insurance $64/$75

Reservations and additional information call 913-667-5215 or toll free 888-689-1488