Today, arrive in Albuquerque, NM.  Check into your local hotel for a three night stay and time to freshen up.   Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant before heading to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world.

This evening you have reserved seats for the Balloon Glow and the After Glow Fireworks Show.  The Balloon Glow happens when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time.  It is probably the most spectacular single moment in all of the Balloon Fiesta.  That is followed by the After Glow Fireworks.  New Mexico’s most spectacular fireworks displays – now among Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events.  This evening you enjoy a nice dinner on a private outdoor patio located next to the launch field.  Your upgraded ticket grants you access to seating in a comfortable outdoor patio next to the launch field where you can indulge in hot food items, dessert, and refreshments.  Located at the northeast corner of the Launch Field, a session in this private patio provides a prime vista of the launch site. (D)

It’s an early morning today.  You will begin before dawn at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  The Dawn Patrol Show is a choreographed inflation & launch set to music.  Following the morning glow is the Mass Ascension, when more than 500 balloons from all over the world, rise together in a harmonious lift off.

Tickets are limited for these events, but you will have comfortable seating on a private outdoor patio on the north end of Balloon Fiesta Park at The Chasers Club or the Balloon Discovery Center.  The Chasers Club includes traditional New Mexican food catered by Little Anita’s along with cookies and beverages.  Coffee is provided and is served along with hot cocoa in the mornings.  The Balloon Discovery Center is adjacent to the Chasers Club but does not include food.  Instead you will get a $25 Gift Card for each person that you can use at Food Trucks.  Both offer great views of the event.  Make sure you give us your estimated numbers and deposits by the first of March.

After the morning show you will travel the scenic Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the United States.  Famous for its unique mix of Spanish and Indian cultures, the rows of streets of Santa Fe are lined with buildings of distinctive design, adobe houses and interesting shops.  Your visit to this historic city also features the Palace of the Governors, oldest continuously used public building in the United States and Historic Square.  Returning to Albuquerque for the evening, dinner is included tonight at an authentic Mexican restaurant. (B,D)

This morning visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.  The Center is owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico and is dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the Pueblo Indian Culture, History and Art. The center features daily dances, art markets, exhibitions, live entertainment, museums. native food and more!

This afternoon, enjoy a Albuquerque city tour including Old Town, San Felipe de Neri Church.  Then enjoy a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, as it transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain at a distance of 2.7 miles.  See some of nature’s more dramatic beauty unfold before you!  Dinner is included this evening at another nice restaurant. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Special Notes: Sequence of Fiesta Events can change.  Private seating can only be guaranteed with early deposits.