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contact your AAA Travel Advisor or call 1.877.371.5757
Colorado call 1.866.212.8639 / Carolinas call 1.877.912.8747

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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Oct 11, 2023

5 Nights

October 11, 2023

From: $3,599*
per person

AAA Travel invites you to experience a spectacular event with special amenities at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

Overlooking the majestic Sandia Mountains, Sandia Resort & Casino welcomes guests to a unique Southwestern setting across from Balloon Fiesta Field. Our AAA Four Diamond Resort offers a luxurious spa, casino and golf; you can even stroll the grounds and visit their 107 acre Buffalo Preserve, built to promote the resurgence of the American Bison.

This exciting adventure will include the Mass Ascension, walk onto the field where the balloons are inflating to get a closer look as they inflate one by one and depart the ground in a coordinated launch. See the beautiful evening Glowdeo™, where all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. Enjoy exclusive access to the Chasers Club with direct entry to the field with amazing views and delicious meals. Experience a fascinating introduction to the Pueblo tribes of the Southwest at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and visit the Acoma Pueblo Sky City. You will travel on the Turquoise Trail to the amazing city of Santa Fe with time to explore and visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. We hope you will join us on this unforgettable adventure!

Itinerary is subject to change due to weather events beyond our control. *Rates are per person, land only, based on Single and double occupancy. A non-refundable Deposit of $300 per person (double) $600 (single) is due at time of booking. Rates, itinerary, hotels, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. AAA Member Benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA Travel only. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated and have no cash value. This tour includes moderate physical activity, walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Cancellation and change fees apply. Other restrictions may apply. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the printing of this document.

DAILY ITINERARY:

Upon arrival at the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, please find a taxi on your own and make your way to the hotel for check-in. Please plan to arrive prior to 4:00pm.

Overlooking the majestic Sandia Mountains, your hotel, the Sandia Resort & Casino welcomes guests to a unique Southwestern setting across from Balloon Fiesta Field. This AAA Four Diamond Resort offers a luxurious spa, casino and golf; you can even stroll the grounds and visit their 107 acre Buffalo Preserve, built to promote the resurgence of the American Bison.

This evening we’ll dine at the resort with your travelling companions and the Local Guide to hear all the exciting details of what is to come. (D)

Sandia Resort & Casino, Albuquerque NM – 4 nights

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning and board your deluxe coach for the Turquoise Museum. The museum and its collection of turquoise have been used as a source of information and pictures for over 40 years. Uncover the mystery of turquoise, delve into its’ rich history, learn about the different mines, specimens, and stories of colorful characters.  
 
Then enjoy a city tour of Albuquerque exploring the old and new and differentiated cultures. The tour ends in Old Town with plenty of free time to explore the more than 150 galleries, shops, restaurants and museums.  Have lunch there at your own pace.  
 
Tonight, we’ll enjoy an exclusive entrance to the Chasers Club with direct access to seating, food, beverages and Fiesta Field. Tonight’s event is the Special Shape Glowdeo and it is one of the most popular. The Special Shapes inflate and glow for two hours after sunset followed by a spectacular fireworks show!  (B, D)
Today we’ll visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico, this non-profit center is dedicated to the history and preservation of Pueblo Indian Culture. Ceremonial Dances and lunch are scheduled today during the group’s visit. 
 
 After we travel to *Acoma Pueblo Sky City. The Pueblo, believed to have been established in the 12th Century, was chosen in part because of its defensive position high on the mesa. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sky City Cultural Center followed by a visit to Haak’u Museum to view the exhibits, stunning Pueblo pottery and Southwest Indian art created by renowned Native American artists. (B, L)
 
*Acoma Pueblo is subject to closure on short notice due to tribal ceremonies or events, a similar experience will be substituted if a closure occurs.
Early this morning depart for Fiesta Field. Once again take advantage of the amenities of the Chaser’s Club for coffee and breakfast. At dawn when the winds are calmest – walk onto the field where the balloons are inflating to get a closer look. One by one they are inflated and depart the ground in a coordinated launch.  Make sure you have your camera handy as hundreds of balloons fill the sky!  (weather permitting)
 
This afternoon, choose to be dropped off in Old Town for some free time and lunch on your own (find your own way back to the hotel this afternoon) or you can choose to enjoy the resort activities at the hotel.
 
Later tonight, we’ll indulge ourselves with an incredible local dinner.
 (B, D)
Today, we’ll follow the Turquoise Trail, named for the exquisite mineral that was once mined here, leading you to your next stop of the day, the real-life ghost town of Madrid. Madrid looks exactly like a ghost town should, with its rows of empty, ramshackle houses that once were the homes of three thousand miners and their families. The only sign of life now is the artists who come to paint this picturesque place, and who display their wares to the interested buyer.
 
 After time to explore this relic of the past, continue to the oldest state capitol in the United States, “The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis,” better known as Santa Fe. Founded in 1609, the city offers many historic and scenic delights. There will be free time to explore the many wonderful shops, art galleries, and restaurants with a lunch on own.
 
Later in the day, you will tour the many famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza with a view of the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel, a miniature model of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and the oldest church in New Mexico and more. We will end the Santa Fe Tour at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum for a self-guided tour. 
 
Later this evening, enjoy an amazing farewell dinner at a local restaurant. What a wonderful end to our trip here in the great southwest. (B, D)
 
Eldorado Hotel & Spa *or similar, Santa Fe, NM 

After breakfast you’ll have a group transfer to the airport in Albuquerque**. (B)

**Return flights should be scheduled after 1pm

AAA EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 5-night accommodations
  • Special Shape Balloon Fiesta Glowdeo™
  • Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension
  • AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
  • Exclusive Chaser’s Club access
  • Acoma Pueblo Sky City

  • Georgia O’Keefe Museum

  • Turquoise Trail
  • Santa Fe 
  • Customary gratuities for the tour director, driver and local guides
  • 10 Meals: 5 breakfasts 1 lunch and 4 dinners
  • Services of a local professional tour guide
  • Services of a AAA Tour Manager

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Please contact your local AAA Travel Advisor or call 1.877.371.5757
Colorado call 1.866.212.8639 / Carolinas call 1.877.912.8747

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