NEW in 2025!
The International Balloon Fiesta & More!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
October 4-13, 2025
Tour Number R3105
10 Days - 9 Nights – 13 Meals
Let’s embark on a memorable adventure to the mesmerizing Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico! Witness the sky come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors with hundreds of hot air balloons gracefully ascending against the breathtaking Southwestern backdrop creating a truly surreal spectacle. Your itinerary will be the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an adventure promising to be a feast for the senses and a memory to cherish for a lifetime!
Day 1: We'll depart bright and early for our journey to the southwest and the exciting Balloon Fiesta. Our first overnight will be in West Memphis.
Day 2: Breakfast is included before we head to Texas. Our drive takes us near Dallas where we will enjoy a stay at the Drury Inn with the Kick-Back reception! B
Day 3: Depart this morning after our included breakfast. Our drive takes us through Texas and into New Mexico. We overnight in the delightful little town of Tucumcari with an included dinner together and time to get prepared for our visit to the Balloon Fiesta! B, D
Day 4: Later this morning, we will arrive in Albuquerque and enjoy lunch on our own at Sawmill Market. The Market houses 27 individual local merchants including a brewpub, a cocktail and wine bar and mercantile. Then, we’ll meet our local guide for an introductory tour of the multi-faceted city of Albuquerque. Enjoy free time in Old Town Albuquerque where the impressive San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church stands guard over Old Town’s narrow streets and century-old houses. Check into the Embassy Suites located two miles from downtown and eleven miles from the hot-air balloon festival. Enjoy the complimentary evening snacks or dine on your own in the onsite restaurant. B
Day 5: A very early breakfast is included this morning. We will depart early for Balloon Fiesta Park. Upon arrival golf carts are available to transport (if needed) to the group entry. Enjoy the use of the Group VIP Tent where there is limited seating and refreshments available. The Dawn Patrol begins where you can watch balloons take flight in a celestial predawn dance during the choreographed display. The Dawn Patrol is more than an airy promenade; it is also a chance for pilots to determine the day’s winds at the layers above the ground and for early bird guests to send our balloonists off with a cheer. Next the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension begins. Preceding the mid-week Mass Ascension, select pilots of participating countries will carry their country’s flag during this multinational flight. This exciting event recognizes the international ballooning community that participates in Balloon Fiesta to help make it the largest of its kind in the world. Feel free to walk among the balloons and meet the pilots and their crews. Don’t forget to visit the food and souvenir vendors, craft and NASA sponsored tents, and watch some incredible chain saw carvers! We’ll then depart to visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, gateway to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present in the museum and exhibition galleries. Lunch is on your own at the Center or across the street at the native Avanyu Plaza. After lunch we will meet our guide for an afternoon exploring the history and culture of the area. We include a stop at Petroglyph National Monument, a monument that contains more than 20,000 images pecked in stone. We’ll return to the hotel this afternoon to rest and refresh before we join our fellow balloon enthusiasts for an included dinner this evening. B, D
Day 6: Breakfast is included this morning before departing for Sandia Peak Tramway where you will ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks. An 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits you. It’s an elevation of body, mind, and soul in a mere 15 minutes! Lunch is included at The County Line Bar-B-Q, servin’ up legendary award-winning, slow-smoked barbeque since 1975. The spectacular views and the roadhouse décor are as unique as the food that is served. This afternoon we will visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, the world’s premier balloon museum dedicated to the spectacle of ballooning. Then it’s on to the Balloon Fiesta Park where we will see a skydiving exhibition by Team Fastrax, the largest professional parachute demonstration team in the world. Our dinner is on your own here tonight. Don’t forget to take one last walk down Main Street where you will find 100 hand-selected merchandise and food concessions. You will also find performers wandering along Main Street, such as flamenco dancers, Native American dancers, mariachis and other entertainers to make for non-stop fun. This evening, the Special Shapes Glowdeo begins. Celebrated for their ethereal whimsy, these events are among the most widely anticipated of the Balloon Fiesta. At twilight the burners of tethered balloons are ignited, illuminating the night with colorfully glowing envelopes that guests can wander amongst before enjoying the Fireworks. Then the Skydiving exhibition continues before The Drone show begins later this evening…don’t take your eyes off the skies at a Balloon Fiesta event!! Following each glow event, the night blooms with the most spectacular fireworks show in the state. The Show begins as soon as the Launch Field is clear of balloons. Return to the hotel after the show. B, L
Day 7: Today we will enjoy a mid-morning departure after breakfast as we begin our journey toward home. We will overnight in Amarillo where dinner is included this evening. B, D
Day 8: We depart after breakfast for Oklahoma City and visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Superb Western Art, artifacts, bronzes, a real sod homestead, and a cowboy chuckwagon are featured. This is truly a fine museum, one of its kind. We will overnight in Oklahoma City this evening. B
Day 9: After breakfast, we depart as our drive will take us to our overnight destination near St. Louis. B
Day 10: Today’s drive takes us eastward home. We’ll arrive late in the afternoon with many fond memories and stories to tell about our visit to the southwest and the International Balloon Fiesta and so much more! B
Tour Package Includes:
Roundtrip Transportation via Croswell Deluxe Motorcoach
Nine (9) Nights’ Accommodations
Nine (9) Breakfasts, One (1) Lunch, Three (3) Dinners
All Sightseeing and Admission as described above
All Taxes and Gratuities Included, Meals and Lodging
Luggage Handling
Tour Cost Per Person:
$2999.00 Double Occupancy
$2899.00 Triple Occupancy
$4299.00 Single Occupancy
$500 Deposit due at Booking
Final Payment due 90 Days Prior to Departure