October 8 – 12, 2009 5 days $689.00
What a sight as the awe inspiring colors of the graceful balloons lift
into the crisp, clear, calm skies over Albuquerque. Again this year we
have included THREE balloon events. In case the weather doesn’t
cooperate, we have THREE chances to see the balloons. There is more
to this tour than just the fiesta. The Southwest has so much history and
culture. When comparing prices, keep in mind that the fiesta is very
weather oriented and we include 3 opportunities to see the balloons!
Highlights include:
• Albuquerque City Tour & Old Town
• Indian Pueblo
• Night Glow at Balloon Fiesta
• Santa Fe City Tour & Old Town
• Loretto Chapel
• 2 Mass Ascensions at Balloon Fiesta
• Sandia Peak Tram
• Optional Balloon Ride on own
Day 1: A long day is in store for us as we begin an adventure that will lift
our spirits and our sights as we make our way to the Albuquerque Balloon
Fiesta. We’ll enjoy our drive through Western Kansas, Oklahoma, and into
New Mexico arriving in Albuquerque which will be home for 3 nights.
Day 2: This morning our local guide will direct us to one of the oldest
continuously inhabited sites in this country, an Indian Pueblo. These peace
loving people created an urban life in harmony with the environment and with
each other. They offer visitors a glimpse of the proud heritage which they have
kept alive for more than a thousand years. This afternoon we will enjoy the
sights of Albuquerque during our city tour. Tonight will be our first of the
three events at the balloon site. It’s the glowedo!! Only special shapes will be
on display this evening. The inflated balloons are given gas every now and then
for a glowing spectacular effect. One lights up here - one lights up there –
then
they’re all lit!!! What a sight with these special shapes!! We will then head
back to the motel to tuck ourselves in early since we will need to be UP, UP,
& AWAY EARLY to see the balloons launch in the morning.
Day 3: It’s an early cool morning as we will head to the fiesta for our first
morning ascension. What a sight as we watch hundreds of colorful hot air
balloons rise into the crisp morning air!! The excitement of this fiesta is
enchanted by the red-burning flames pumping hot air and the “whoosh” of the
jets as we watch tier after tier of these huge balloons rise slowly and
gracefully
into the sky. After some time at the site we are out again with our local guide
making our way across the Historic Turquoise Trail. Then it’s on to explore the
unique town of Santa Fe. It’s an artist’s dream spot and also serves as the
State
Capital. We’ll spend some time in the Old Town Square; visit Loretta Chapel
to hear the incredible story about the staircase. Late afternoon we will arrive
back in Albuquerque. The evening will be free to enjoy on your own.
Day 4: This morning we will go out to the balloon site for the third and
final event of our tour. (This is the morning for an optional balloon ride for
those who want. We will help you make arrangements to do this on your own).
And again it’s a mass array of color and shapes, of “whooshes” of the jets as
the balloons rise slowly and gracefully. If you wish, you might be able to help
some of the balloonists get their balloons inflated and up. After the balloons
are up, we’ll make our way up to the Sandia Peak Tramway for our short trip
from the heart of Albuquerque to the heights of the world’s longest aerial
tramway. What a view from the top as we look down into the valley below
and the town of Albuquerque. By mid-afternoon we will be bidding the big
city farewell and drive into Tucumcari for the night.
Day 5:As we leave New Mexico we will enjoy sharing the memories of the things
we experienced in the Southwest in both the culture and the history of the area
and
the memories of the HOT AIR BALLOONS that sent our sights soaring!!!