Join Our State as we experience the enchanted world of vibrant balloon-filled skies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, followed by three fun-filled days in Santa Fe.
October 6-11, 2023
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare — Raleigh/Durham or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Five nights’ hotel accommodations
- Eight meals: five breakfasts, three dinners
- Our State host
- Professional tour director
- Motor coach transportation
- All sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
- Hotel transfers
- Baggage handling
Itinerary Highlights:
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Old Town Albuquerque
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos
- Santa Fe School of Cooking
- Santa Fe city tour
- Taos Pueblo
- Three nights in Santa Fe
- Taos
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque
Today you will fly into the Albuquerque airport where you will meet your Tour Director. Later you will check into your hotel and enjoy a wine and beer reception this evening followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow Our State travelers and trip host.
Meals: D
Overnight: Albuquerque
Day 2: Dawn Patrol – Old Town – Balloon Glow
Today experience one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Early this morning, view over 100 colorful balloons from around the world at Dawn Patrol, followed by the Mass Ascension when the sky becomes a pallet of multicolored orbs dancing in the cool morning light. Later, we’ll stop in historic Old Town to stroll the historic adobe buildings that house over 150 shops, galleries, and restaurants. We’ll also see the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church. End the day at Balloon Glow, where just before dusk, all of the balloons fire their burners at the same time to light up the evening sky in a most spectacular fashion.
Meals: B
Overnight: Albuquerque
Day 3: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – Los Alamos – Santa Fe
This morning we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center depicting the history and culture of New Mexico’s 19 Native American pueblos. Then head north to visit the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos and learn about the Manhattan Project and the creation of the world’s first atomic bomb. We will then travel on to Santa Fe for a three night stay. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 4: Taos
Depart this morning and travel north via the “High Road to Taos” passing through ancient villages founded in the 1700s. Stop in the Spanish village of Chimayo to visit El Santuario, revered by pilgrims for the healing power of dirt, found inside the chapel. Arrive in Taos, the historic home of the Pueblo Indians. We will enjoy a brief tour of Taos and learn about this fascinating city this is rich in culture and scenery. Atop a plateau between the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has lured artists and writers since the 19th century. Enjoy lunch on your own and shopping in many galleries and shops of the Taos Plaza. Later we will enjoy a tour of the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, before returning back to Santa Fe for the evening.
Meals: B
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 5: Santa Fe – Loretto Chapel
Today, discover Santa Fe, the upscale resort and artist community with Spanish-Pueblo roots. Enjoy a wonderful Santa Fe city tour including details about the history, culture, and unique architecture of this interesting city. See the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors, a Santa Fe landmark built in 1610 and enjoy a visit inside the historic Loretto Chapel. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the Santa Fe area.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 6: Albuquerque
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Meals: B
Tour Rates:
$3,199 per person with a booking discount (based on double occupancy)
$3,299 per person regular rate (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement $825
Please ask about our no risk deposit.
For reservations or more information:
Premiere World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com
Additional Information:
What to expect on an Our State trip:
Traveling with a group of Our State readers is an enriching, enjoyable, and safe way to experience new cultures, people, and places. In addition to the informative narration from the tour director and local guides, an Our State host will be available to assist in making your trip successful.
We usually fly to our destination, then travel by a comfortable motor coach with anywhere from 35 to 50 people who appreciate learning about new regions. Your entire trip will be guided, planned, and arranged for your upmost enjoyment. Many activities are things you can only do because you are traveling with Our State. There is some free time built in for you to explore on your own.
You can also choose not to attend an activity if you prefer something different. Please let your tour director know if you are not coming on a scheduled day.
Many meals are included. Where you have meals on your own, suggestions will be provided.
Most of the motor coaches have restrooms but every effort will be made to make regular rest stops.
One of the best parts of traveling with Our State is that you will meet new people, many of whom you will already have much in common with since most travelers read the magazine. Many guests often develop friendships that go on long after the tour is finished. Our State trips are generally filled with dynamic and friendly people.
Physical requirements:
Our tours are physically active but not meant to be strenuous.
Please be aware you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and terrains. There will also be extended time on the motor coach when we travel from place to place. If there are any mobility issues you will need to have an able-bodied traveling companion to accompany and assist you.
Most days are moderately paced with approximately two to three total miles of walking, possibly including some hills and stairs.
We regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
If you have additional questions, please call Our State’s Travel Director Amy Wood Pasquini at 336-286-0600, or email apasquini@ourstate.com.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions – Update:
Effective January 1, 2023, Our State highly encourages, but no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters for travelers on our domestic tours. This policy goes into effect for international travelers on April 30, 2023. We will keep all participants updated of any changes to these requirements.
