Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Friday, 4 Oct 2019: Arrive Albuquerque; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive Albuquerque no later than 4:00pm. The tour begins at 6:00pm at the hotel where we will meet as a group for our welcome meeting followed by dinner to get better acquainted and discuss the upcoming trip. It's off to bed early tonight as we have a very early wake up call. Overnight Albuquerque - 4 nights
Saturday, 5 Oct 2019: Balloon Mass Ascension; Old Town Albuquerque (B)
Our day begins early as we arrive for the early morning mass ascension and optional hot air balloon ride. We'll remain at the park giving you time to talk with many of the balloon owners, see the exhibits, pick up a bite to eat and just enjoy the spectacle. This afternoon we stop in Old Town Albuquerque where you may want to visit the Turquoise Museum or simply wander around the 300-year-old adobes in the Old Town Plaza.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride: WTT will organize a group balloon ride for those interested; cost of balloon ride not included in tour price. Should weather prevent the hot air balloon ride today, we will re-schedule it on Sunday if possible. The approximate cost will be: $475. We will update the cost when the 2019 rates become available.
Sunday, 6 Oct 2019: Mass Ascension; Tramway; Pueblo Indian Cultural Center; Fireworks (B,L)
This morning we again rise early to see the brilliant blue skies of New Mexico fill with a cacophony of color as we witness the mass ascension from a different perspective. We head into the mountains to watch from afar as the balloons lift off. Afterward, we ride the world's longest passenger tramway up the Sandia Mountains to take in the fabulous views from the top. This afternoon we visit the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center to become better acquainted with Native American culture and have lunch here. We return to the balloon park this evening for dinner and a stellar fireworks display.
Monday, 7 Oct 2019: Day Trip to Santa Fe, Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This morning we depart for Santa Fe, capital of New Mexico and a real feast for the senses. The historic plaza is the heart of the city. Santa Fe is a living artists' colony, and contains some of the most beautiful sculpture and works of art anywhere. Museum Hill is a collection of four of the most interesting museums: Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. We return to Albuquerque this evening for our Farewell Dinner.
Tuesday, 8 Oct 2019: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader will help organize travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.