Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a major tourist event attracting about a million visitors each year. Up to 600 balloons and 1000 pilots come for this festive event. We will rise early to watch the Mass Ascension. Visit the Hospitality tent for rolls and coffee. Walk freely through rows and rows of balloons to observe, converse with pilots, and watch how the balloons inflate and prepare to launch.
After the morning’s activities, we will discover Albuquerque’s tremendous southwestern heritage on a driving city tour with a local guide with an enjoyable walk of the Plaza and then to the historical San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, which was built in 1793. Lunch and exploring on your own will finish the afternoon. We will be returning to the hotel for some rest before departing to the Glowdeo. As the night falls pilots have their balloon set up and pilots perform “candlestick glows,” where they fire off their burners with the flames soaring 20 feet or more into the night sky. To top the night fireworks spread the evening sky.
Your final destination will be Santa Fe, New Mexico where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the famous Santa Fe Plaza and visit the art galleries, an old mission, the famous Lorretta Chapel, various shops and numerous places to dine, as you search for the perfect memento or gift, and perhaps try the savory Navajo tacos.
Tour dates: October 8-11, 2019
$895.00 dbl per person, $1,285.00 sgl per person
Deposit; $250.00
Reservation deadline: 08/23/2019
Eastbound
Pick up locations: Prescott Valley, Forest Villa’s, Camp Verde