Experience the enchanting sight of vibrant hot-air balloon-filled skies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, followed by three fun-filled days in Santa Fe and Taos. This region is known for its beautiful adobe structures, wide-open desert landscapes, artistic spirit, and thriving Native American influence, making for a fascinating, stunning, and culturally enriching adventure in northern New Mexico.
October 9-14, 2026
Itinerary Highlights:
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — Dawn Patrol and Balloon Glow
- Old Town Albuquerque
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Los Alamos Science Museum
- Three nights in Santa Fe
- Santa Fe School of Cooking
- Santa Fe city tour
- Loretto Chapel
- Georgia O’Keefe Museum
- Taos
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Five nights’ hotel accommodations
- Eight meals: five breakfasts and three dinners
- All sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
- Motor coach transportation
- Professional tour director
- Our State host
- Hotel transfers
- Baggage handling at hotels
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque
Friday, October 9, 2026
Fly to the Albuquerque airport, where you will meet your tour director. Then check into your hotel and enjoy a wine and beer reception followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow Our State travelers.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Albuquerque
Day 2: Dawn Patrol • Old Town Albuquerque • Balloon Glow
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Today, experience one of the most photographed events in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Early this morning, view more than 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 Albuquerque to stroll the historic adobe buildings that house more than 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: Breakfast
Overnight: Albuquerque
Day 3: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center • Los Alamos • Santa Fe
Sunday, October 11, 2026
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. Join your fellow Our State travelers for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 4: Taos
Monday, October 12, 2026
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 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 the 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 to Santa Fe for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 5: Santa Fe • Loretto Chapel
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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. This afternoon, visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, where you will see many of the internationally known artist’s paintings of flowers and landscapes. Tonight, enjoy a cooking demonstration and farewell dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Santa Fe
Day 6: Albuquerque
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Want to share your memories with other travelers? Post your favorite pictures in the Our State Travel Club Facebook group!
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Discounted rate*: $3,999 per person (based on double occupancy)
Regular rate: $4,099 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $5,349 ($5,249 with booking discount*)
*Make your final payment by check and receive a booking discount of $100 per person.
For Reservations & More Information:
Premiere World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com