Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
11 Days Starting in Phoenix (AZ) and ending in Albuquerque
Visiting: Phoenix, Grand Canyon National Park, Moab, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Santa Fe, Albuquerque
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCTBN19
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes of the Southwest with the "Colourful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta" tour. This adventure takes you from the sun-kissed vistas of Phoenix and Scottsdale to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, and more. Experience the rich tapestry of American culture and history as you visit iconic locations such as Mesa Verde, Cameron Trading Post, and the enchanting cities of Taos and Santa Fe. Revel in the breathtaking beauty of Sedona's Red Rock Country and the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. The tour culminates in the magical Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where the sky comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, and enjoy cherry-picked hotels, expert guidance, and a host of included meals and extras that make this tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Phoenix And Scottsdale
Location: Phoenix
Accommodation: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Sun-kissed Phoenix kickstarts your journey through America’s stunning Southwest. You’ll have the day on your own to recover from your travels, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception later this evening.
Day 2 : See The Red Rocks Of Sedona
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first stop today is in the artists' enclave of Sedona – surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. You’ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyon’s many geological marvels. Tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park.
Day 3: Take In The Sights Of The Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Meals Included: Breakfast
Don’t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we visit Desert View's Pueblo-style Watch tower and support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Later, we’ll all stop at Cameron Trading Post and perhaps sample traditional Native American fry bread. Finally, we'll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. This evening, join an Optional Make Travel Matter Experience at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated Native American Performing Arts Theater. They showcase culturally inspired food alongside an unforgettable show!
Day 4: Take A Scenic Drive To Moab Make Travel Matter
Location: Moab
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Page and drive through Navajo Tribal Lands to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the largest reservation in the United States with over 17 million acres of land between Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Dive Into Culture as you board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist. Pause and settle in surrounded by buttes and mesas in this sacred land for an outdoor chicken and steak barbeque lunch prepared by a Navajo tribe member as they share stories about the Dineh (Navajo) people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then continue to Moab on a scenic drive from Monument Valley where your Travel Director will share intel on some of the sights you’ll see along the way. Sit back and enjoy views of the San Juan River, Mexican Hat, Bluff, and the Abajo "Blue Mountain" and La Sal Mountains. Your final destination tonight is Moab, Utah - the gateway to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River. Kick off your stay with dinner at a locally owned diner.
Day 5: Admire The Landscape Of Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
Day 6 : Discover The History Of Mesa Verde
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stay With Story is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.
Day 7 : Dive Into Durango
Location: Durango
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If you’re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.
Day 8: Unlock The Legacy Of Nambe Pueblo
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, rich in history, art and culture. Enjoy a traditional Nambe Pueblo feast day meal at the Pojoaque Pueblo Seniors Center. Lunch will be prepared by the community members at the Senior Center, which includes traditional stews and deserts. Guests can expect an explanation of traditional feast days in Nambe, as well as a one-of-a-kind dining experience with members from the Pueblo of Nambe. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.
Day 9: Explore The Unique Culture Of Santa Fe Make Travel Matter
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Get ready for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden. See many of the city’s major sights before you have the rest of the day to pursue your own interests before gathering together for a fantastic farewell dinner.
Day 10: Revel At The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Location: Albuquerque
Accommodation: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
You're in for a wild time at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta. Explore Old Town Albuquerque after your arrival before venturing to the Chasers' Club this evening to view the mesmerizing Balloon Glow.
Day 11: Depart Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gaze upwards as hundreds of colourful balloons take to the sky. Then, transfer to Albuquerque International airport or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. Airport arrival will be at 11:00 AM, please be aware when booking your flights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour
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Visas
Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and free time activities
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.