2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe (AFE)

8 Day Tour from Albuquerque to Santa Fe

2027 Tour Details

Experience the beauty and wonder of New Mexico during one of the world's most spectacular events. Each October, the clear Southwestern skies come alive as hundreds of colorful hot air balloons rise above Albuquerque, creating an unforgettable display of color and light.

Witness the excitement of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, including the breathtaking Mass Ascension, the enchanting Balloon Glow, and dazzling evening fireworks. Beyond the festival, discover the rich culture, art, and history that make New Mexico so captivating.
Stroll through the galleries and adobe-lined streets of Santa Fe, a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and distinctive Southwestern charm. Visit Loretto Chapel and its famed Miraculous Staircase and uncover the fascinating stories that have inspired visitors for generations. Visit landmarks including San Miguel Mission, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum plus Bandelier National Monument during your extended stay in Santa Fe.

From soaring balloons to rich cultural traditions, this unforgettable journey showcases the beauty, history, and spirit of New Mexico. With expert guidance, carefully selected experiences, and special access to one of the Southwest's most celebrated events, you'll discover the landscapes, traditions, and artistic heritage that make New Mexico unique.

Special features included in this tour:
• Experience the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with premium access to the Chasers’ Club
• Witness the spectacular Mass Ascension, Balloon Glow, and AfterGlow Fireworks Show, signature events of the Balloon Fiesta
• Enjoy a private presentation by a [LF] local balloonist and visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
• Explore the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and discover the stories behind the Atomic Age
• Travel the scenic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
• Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and learn about the history, heritage, and traditions of New Mexico's Pueblo communities
• Guided sightseeing to explore Santa Fe including visits to San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the United States, the historic Loretto Chapel and Bandelier National Monument
• Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner featuring a [LF] mariachi band
• Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, home to the largest collection of works by one of America's most celebrated artists

Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner


Notes:

The Balloon Fiesta schedule of activities varies year-to-year and can be impacted by weather. Your Tour Director will confirm the exact schedule of Balloon Fiesta activities on tour.

Hot air balloon rides must be arranged by the guest at their own risk and are not protected by Globus family of brands travel insurance. Balloon rides must be scheduled on Day 2 of the tour. Refunds are not provided for missed sightseeing scheduled in conflict with a guest’s extra-curricular balloon ride. The Balloon Fiesta schedule of events is subject to change and will be confirmed on tour.

Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is also included on the Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (Tour NCS).

Albuquerque Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule departure flights accordingly.

The tour ends with an airport drop at the Albuquerque International Sunport (airport). Please schedule flights after 11:30 a.m.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. Enjoy a special presentation from a Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite local balloonist who shares fascinating stories about the sport of ballooning.


LOCAL FAVORITE
Get into the spirit of the Balloon Fiesta with a presentation from a local balloonist. Learn the history and culture of the fiesta, and what special things to look for during the next day’s Mass Ascension.

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Day 2 ALBUQUERQUE

Sunrise & Sunset Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. Discover more balloon history and behind-the-scenes stories at the International Balloon Museum and enjoy leisure time this afternoon. This evening, catch the popular Balloon Glow, where all balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and the amazing After-Glow Fireworks show.

NOTE:
Schedule of activities vary from year-to-year and can be impacted by weather. Your Tour Director will be able to confirm the exact schedule of activities on tour.


TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Look skyward, where balloon enthusiasts gather each year in Albuquerque as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off and turn the sky into a cavalcade of colors. What began with just 13 hot-air balloons more than 50 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world. Explore the balloon grounds, enjoy breakfast at the Chasers Club, and visit the International Balloon Museum, dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, and spectacle of ballooning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 ALBUQUERQUE

Ancient Arts & Modern Sciences This morning, learn about New Mexico’s legendary covert military projects, including the Manhattan Project, with a guided tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The museum provides an objective, accessible window into the past, present, and future of nuclear science from the origins of atomic theory to modern-day advances in nuclear medicine. Celebrate the local cuisine with Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite lunch at a traditional New Mexican restaurant. Then, visit the fascinating museum and crafts market of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Enjoy free time tonight to explore Albuquerque on your own.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Be treated to an authentic New Mexico experience with a traditional southwestern lunch served in a popular Albuquerque restaurant. New Mexican dishes, from enchiladas and chile rellenos to salsa and sopapillas, are served in a festive atmosphere in true local style.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the inspiring crafts and museum exhibits collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages) with a visit to Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Learn about the history and heritage of the pueblos of New Mexico. As part of the Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.

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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 4 ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE

Southwestern Jewels Journey along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to Santa Fe, where mountain vistas, historic landmarks, and centuries of culture await. Arrive in Santa Fe and explore the oldest seat of government in the United States on a guided tour featuring the San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, State Capitol, and Loretto Chapel, where the famed “Miraculous Staircase” continues to captivate visitors with its mysterious origins. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore Santa Fe.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway spans roughly 15,000 square miles between Albuquerque and Santa Fe in the heart of central New Mexico. Along the way, drive through historic mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, where traces of the past remain woven into a landscape long known for its prized turquoise deposits.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO BANDELIER

Santa Fe Tastes and Sounds This morning, visit the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Return to Santa Fe Plaza for lunch at a celebrated local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the plaza. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner with live Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite entertainment.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Enjoy a wonderful dinner to celebrate your Southwestern adventure along with the joyous sounds of traditional Mariachi music. Hear the voices of traditional singers and musicians who perform this beautifully rich music in the tradition of celebrating the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the Mexican people.


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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 6 SANTA FE

Bones & Blossoms Wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and spend the next two days in Santa Fe exploring on your own. Your stay includes admission to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.Consider a visit to the New Mexico History Museum or the Palace of the Governors, chat with the locals in the historic Santa Fe Plaza, or taste world-class Southwestern food at one of the many excellent local restaurants and bars.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe to immerse yourself in the exquisitely unique paintings and artwork of this extraordinary woman. Learn of her life in the desert and her unique ability to capture the intimate beauty of flowers, bleached cattle bones, landscapes, and sky in her independent style.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 SANTA FE

Southwest Style Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Santa Fe with the free time to browse the beautiful crafts and jewelry along the sidewalk shops or savor authentic New Mexican cuisine.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 SANTA FE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you choose to fly from the Albuquerque International Sunport, please note it is a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flight accordingly.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

KEN HARTFORD

Escorting tours for more than 15 years

The West has been my home since I was born, and its incredible diversity has kept me engaged since my earliest memories. It is a world of iconic places and undiscovered gems waiting to be explored. Experience the bustle of its cities and the serenity of its open spaces, hear the stories of its people, and embrace the wonder of its beauty. No matter who you are or where you come from, there is something about the West that will never leave you.

Tour Director - KEN HARTFORD

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Santa Fe

Santa Fe

SACRED GROUNDS

SACRED GROUNDS

Step into the world of the ancient Anasazi Puebloans and their cliff dwellings with a guided tour of Bandelier National Monument and Museum.

Price Range: $

TRADITIONS AND TREASURES

TRADITIONS AND TREASURES

Go deeper into the rich traditions of the Southwest to experience your choice of exceptional museums with the New Mexico Culture Pass. The entrance pass includes access to the International Folk Art Museum, Contemporary Native Arts Museum, New Mexico Museum of History, and the National Museum of the American Indian.

Price Range: $



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.