26016 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Day 1

Topeka

Up, up and away – your adventure to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival begins this morning! Step aboard our luxury Burlington Trailways motorcoach, where you are greeted by your friendly driver and tour host who will be your companions on this great adventure. Sink into your wide, cushioned seat, stretch our legs, and watch the scenery roll past as you get to know your fellow Trailways Travelers. The chatter of new friendships forming blends with the soft hum of the highway as we head west today.

Day 2

Dalhart

After breakfast, we continue our westward trek across the vast Kansas plains. The scenery stretches endlessly – golden fields under a boundless blue sky – and every so often, a windmill spins lazily in the breeze. We pass through a sliver of Oklahoma before arriving in the ranching community of Dalhart, Texas, known as the “XIT City,” once the hub of the world’s largest cattle ranch.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today – perhaps try some smoky Texas barbecue or a hearty plate of chicken-fried steak at a local favorite. As the sun dips low, the warm glow across the prairie sets the perfect backdrop for a restful night.

Day 3

This morning, we enter the Land of Enchantment – where desert hues shift with the light and the sky seems impossibly wide. Our first stop is Tucumcari, one of Route 66’s best-preserved treasures. Here, you’ll find vintage neon signs, colorful murals, and mom-and-pop shops that feel like stepping into a mid-century postcard.

Continuing west along the Mother Road, we pass rugged mesas and the occasional roadrunner darting across the landscape. By afternoon, we roll into Albuquerque, a city where cultures meet and the desert air carries the scent of pinon wood smoke and green chile. After meeting our Southwest Adventure Tours director, we’ll check into our hotel, then gather for a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the bold flavors of the Southwest.

Day 4

Balloon Fiesta / Old Town

Before dawn, we make our way to Balloon Fiesta Park. The cool morning air is electric with anticipation, the soft hiss of burners punctuating the stillness. At the Chaser’s Club, enjoy a hot breakfast while the Dawn Patrol takes to the sky – balloons glowing like lanterns against the inky night. Then, as the first light spills over the Sandia Mountains, hundreds of balloons inflate and rise in the Mass Ascension, a rainbow of colors drifting gracefully into the morning sky.

Later, enjoy a city drive before visiting the Albuquerque Museum, where art, history, and culture paint a vivid portrait of the region. Then, wander Historic Old Town – its adobe buildings warmed by the sun, hand carved wooden doors opening to hidden courtyards. Shop for turquoise jewelry, pottery, and woven textiles, or simply linger under the shady cottonwoods in the central plaza. Tonight, dinner is on your own to discover more of Albuquerque’s culinary scene.

Day 5

Sandia Peak / Afterglow

This morning, the Sandia Peak Tramway carries us high above the valley floor, gliding silently over deep canyons and pine-covered slopes. At the summit 10,378 feet above sea level – the view is nothing short of spectacular, stretching across 11,000 square miles of desert, mountains, and sky.
Next, we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where centuries of Pueblo history come alive through art, artifacts, and stories. The earthy scent of clay mingles with the vibrant colors of traditional beadwork and woven rugs, each telling its own story.

After some time relaxing at the hotel, we return to Balloon Fiesta Park for dinner at the Chasers’ Club, then witness the magic of the Balloon Glow. As darkness falls, dozens of tethered balloons fire their burners in unison, bathing the park in a warm, flickering light. The night ends with the AfterGlow Fireworks Show, lighting up the desert sky in a grand finale.

Day 6

Today, we travel to Santa Fe, where adobe walls glow in shades of gold and rose, and the air is rich with history. Founded in 1609, Santa Fe is a blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo influences. A guided walking tour reveals the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, the mysterious spiral staircase of the Loretto Chapel, and the oldest church in New Mexico.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore. Browse art galleries filled with vibrant Southwestern works, shop the Indian Market for handcrafted jewelry and pottery, or linger over a green chile cheeseburger at a sunny café. Tonight, we gather for a special farewell dinner, raising a toast to the beauty and culture of the Southwest.

Day 7

The High Road to Taos

We take the High Road to Taos this morning, winding through mountain passes and timeless Spanish villages. In Chimayo, visit the historic Santuario de Chimayo and meet local artisans whose weaving and woodworking traditions span generations.

In Taos, step into the 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo, a living UNESCIO World Heritage Site where adobe structures stand much as they did centuries ago. Then, explore Taos Plaza, a vibrant hub of shops, music, and artistry.

By afternoon, we bid farewell to our Southwest Adventure Tours director and journey back into Kansas, arriving in Dodge City for the night. The evening is yours to wander this storied Old West town – perhaps along the wooden sidewalks once trod by lawmen and outlaws alike.

Day 8

Kansas City

After breakfast, we travel east across Kansas, the horizon stretching endlessly before us.

Tonight, we gather one last time for a farewell dinner featuring Kansas City’s legendary barbecue – smoky, tangy, and delicious. It’s the perfect way to end a trip filled with unforgettable sights and flavors.

Day 9

Homeward Bound

Our final morning together takes us across Missouri, back toward home. As we travel, the laughter and conversations flow, filled with stories of balloon-filled skies, mountain vistas, and the magic of New Mexico. Friendships forged on the road will linger long after the journey ends.