Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

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11 Days From

$4796

$4416

Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

11 Days Starting and ending in Denver, Colorado

Visiting: Denver, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Durango, Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park, Glenwood Springs

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

NCS-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4796 $4416 Operator discount: -$380

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American Southwest with the "Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta" tour. Experience the breathtaking Rocky Mountain sunsets in Denver and the scenic Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Explore the stunning Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs and witness the vibrant Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Travel the picturesque Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe, where you'll visit the Museum of International Folk Art and explore the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. Discover the rich history of Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy scenic rides on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and Georgetown Loop Railroad. With comfortable accommodations and guided tours, this rail adventure promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling experiences.

Highlights

  • Rocky Mountain sunset views in Denver

  • Scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

  • Exploring Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs

  • Witnessing the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

  • Traveling the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to Santa Fe

  • Visiting the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe

  • Exploring ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument

  • Touring Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Places You'll See

Hilton Denver City Center

Embassy Suites By Hilton Colorado Springs

Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown

La Posada De Santa Fe

Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Durango

Hotel Colorado

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado

Location: Denver

ARRIVE IN DENVER, COLORADO Welcome to Colorado! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or coffee after dinner. Ask your Tour Director for the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer.


Day 2: Denver,Royal Gorge Route Railroad,Colorado Springs

Location: Colorado Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DENVER–ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD–COLORADO SPRINGS All Aboard the Royal Gorge! Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of The Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE When President Teddy Roosevelt rode the rails through the Royal Gorge in 1905, he described the experience as “the trip that bankrupts the English language.” You’ll be speechless too on this train ride through the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge as it cuts a deep path through the Rockies along the Arkansas River.


Day 3: Colorado Springs,Albuquerque,New Mexico

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast

COLORADO SPRINGS–ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO The Land of Enchantment Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to visit Albuquerque – home of the annual Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy free time this evening before an early morning adventure tomorrow! (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECIAL EVENT What began as a gathering of enthusiasts with just 13 hot-air balloons more than 50 years ago has grown into the largest ballooning event in the world – the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This tradition has grown to an annual event drawing people from around the world to witness hundreds of brightly hued hot-air balloons ascend at once over the landscape of New Mexico. Truly enchanting!


Day 4: Albuquerque

Location: Albuquerque

Meals Included: Breakfast

ALBUQUERQUE Up, Up & Away! Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. See Old Town Albuquerque before returning to the hotel for free time before marveling at the popular Balloon Glow and Fireworks show. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC EXPERIENCES Attend the uplifting opening ceremonies and mass balloon ascension where hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off and turn the sky into a virtual rainbow of designs. Leading the ascension is a balloon adorned with the American flag, rising off the ground to the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.


Day 5: Albuquerque,Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast

ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE The American Southwest Travel, via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, to the charming city of Santa Fe. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the rich history and culture of Santa Fe - home to an abundance of art galleries amid its diverse visual arts scene of ancient traditional art to modern contemporary works that celebrate the desert beauty of this ruggedly beautiful landscape.


Day 6: Santa Fe. Excursion To Chimayo

Location: Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO CHIMAYO Enchanted Jewels Begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different communities. Then visit nearby Chimayo, founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch in a century-old adobe home at Rancho de Chimayo, serving outstanding New Mexican cuisine. Visit [LF] Santuario De Chimayo and learn of the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE Experience the spiritual traditions of the American Southwest in Chimayo. This historic area attracts locals and guests alike who visit its church sanctuary, which holds sacred soil known for its healing powers. Experience this legendary, authentic New Mexican tradition!


Day 7: Santa Fe,Bandelier National Monument,Taos,Durango,Colorado

Location: Durango, Colorado

Meals Included: Breakfast

SANTA FE–BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT–TAOS–DURANGO, COLORADO Ancient Cultures Depart Santa Fe and explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the age-old dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. Envision a way of life long since passed to gaze at mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and several thousand ancestral Pueblo dwellings sharing 33,000 acres of designated wilderness. Bandelier's human history is traced to over 11,000 years ago when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the land. By 1150 AD, ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. This incredible site is as inspiring as the Pueblo blessing: “Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth.”


Day 8: Durango. Excursion To Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Mesa Verde National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

DURANGO. EXCURSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK Stone HousesToday, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT DWELLINGS See Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings. Also, visit the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot ancient plateau (now Mesa Verde National Park). Stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).


Day 9: Durango,Narrow-Gauge Railroad,Silverton,Glenwood Springs

Location: Glenwood Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

DURANGO–NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD–SILVERTON–GLENWOOD SPRINGS All Aboard in Durango! Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic [LF] Hotel Colorado. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Board the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad steam train as it hugs steep canyon walls to wind its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon. Arrive in Silverton, once a major mining town where an early miner proclaimed: “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”


LOCAL FAVORITE
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a stay at the historic Hotel Colorado in beautiful Glenwood Springs. This elegant Rocky Mountain retreat has been a welcomed respite for travelers for more than 125 years is near the town’s famous hot springs. Special guests President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown have enjoyed its gracious accommodations in the heart of the Colorado Rockies; it’s storied history also includes time as a Naval Hospital in the 1940’s and playground for notorious characters such as the Chicago gangsters during the Roaring 20’s.


Day 10: Glenwood Springs,Georgetown Loop Railroad,Denver

Location: Denver

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

GLENWOOD SPRINGS–GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD–DENVER Making Tracks in the Old West Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Climb aboard the historic Georgetown Railroad and be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Rockies. Envision the old railroad days as you roll through stunning views of aspen trees, pines, and firs with views of Clear Creek Canyon


Day 11: Denver

Location: Denver

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Denver? Additional nights are available for purchase.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in various hotels including The Westin Denver Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown, La Posada de Santa Fe, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Hotel Colorado.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, and 2 Dinners are included.

  • Transportation

    Transportation for all scenic drives and train rides including the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad.

  • Tour Director

    Services of a professional Tour Director throughout the trip.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours and excursions to various locations including Garden of The Gods, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Museum of International Folk Art, Bandelier National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park.

  • Special Events

    Attendance at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta including the Mass Balloon Ascension, Balloon Glow, and Fireworks show.

What's Not Included

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides

    Hot air balloon rides are not arranged by the tour operator and should be scheduled independently on Day 2 of the tour.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the Tour Director, drivers, and local guides are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner

Notes

Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departure: October 1 & 8 departures (Mother Nature permitting).

The Globus Family of Brands insurance does not allow us to arrange hot air balloon rides for our guests. Hot air balloon rides should be scheduled on Day 2 of the tour and any missed sightseeing will not be refunded. Balloon Fiesta schedule of events are subject to change and will be confirmed on tour.

Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing.

UNESCO Sites

Mesa Verde National Park

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at Hilton Denver City Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown, La Posada de Santa Fe, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy scenic drives and train rides including the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad, with transportation provided throughout the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the highlight of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta during the tour?

    The highlight of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta during the tour includes attending the pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies, witnessing the Mass Balloon Ascension where hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off, and enjoying the Balloon Glow and Fireworks show.

  • Are hot air balloon rides included in the tour package?

    No, hot air balloon rides are not included in the tour package and should be scheduled independently on Day 2 of the tour.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes accommodation in various hotels such as The Westin Denver Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown, La Posada de Santa Fe, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Hotel Colorado.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners.

  • What are some of the guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Guided tours and excursions include visits to Garden of The Gods, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Museum of International Folk Art, Bandelier National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park.

  • What is the significance of Mesa Verde National Park in the tour?

    Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tour includes a visit to see the ancient cliff dwellings, such as Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, and a museum that tells the story of the people who once lived there.

  • What transportation is included in the tour?

    Transportation for all scenic drives and train rides is included, featuring the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$4796 $4416

Operator discount: -$380

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Operator discount: -$380

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Operator discount: -$443

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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