Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Papago Park in Phoenix
Scottsdale Arizona desert landscape,USA
Cathedral Rock, Sedona Arizona
Aerial view Late afternoon in the Grand Canyon
Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in Durango
Mesa Verde National Park
Durango, Colorado
Taos Pueblo New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
$4232
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Colorful Trails of the Southwest, culminating in the vibrant Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This tour takes you through iconic landscapes and cultural landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the ancient Taos Pueblo. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sedona's Red Rock Country and the geological wonders of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Enjoy unique cultural encounters, such as a cookout with the Navajo Nation and a guided exploration of Taos Pueblo. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, staying in carefully selected accommodations that reflect the charm of each location. With seamless transport and expert guidance, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and leisure, all while reveling in the spectacular display of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Phoenix and Scottsdale
Location: Phoenix, Scottsdale
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: See the Red Rocks of Sedona Connect with Locals
Location: Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park
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, Glen Canyon
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Don’t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour 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 stop at Cameron Trading Post. Finally, we'll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Diné tribe local Baya, her husband Paul and storyteller Eli Secody.
Day 4: Take a Scenic Drive to Moab Make Travel Matter
Location: Monument Valley, Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Afterwards, settle into the surrounds of buttes and mesas for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience outdoor lunch prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories about their people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy views of the desert southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.
Day 5: Admire the Landscape of Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
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 Stays With Stories
Location: Mesa Verde National Park, 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 Stories is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.
Day 7: Dive into Durango Make Travel Matter
Location: 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 the Taos Pueblo
Location: Santa Fe, Taos
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, a picturesque route in Northern New Mexico that stretches approximately 56 miles from Santa Fe to Taos. 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. 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 Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you'll have a full free day to explore Santa Fe at your leisure. Perhaps visit the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on your terms or explore one of the many chocolate shops and art galleries just steps away from your hotel. Lunch on your own, indulging in the culinary offerings of one of Santa Fe’s acclaimed restaurants, and later, savor a dinner back at your hotel.
Day 10: Revel at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Location: Albuquerque
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You're in for a wonderful time at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta. It is one of the largest and most renowned hot air balloon festivals in the world featuring mass ascensions, special shape balloons, balloon competitions and entertainment. You'll have access to the Chaser's Club, a private outdoor patio to witness the spectacular display of color and creativity in the sky.
Day 11: Depart Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gaze upwards as hundreds of colorful 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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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to ensure a smooth and informative journey.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted for quality and comfort.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered during the tour.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Enjoy must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras throughout the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers are included, ensuring seamless travel between destinations.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available for personal exploration and activities.
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Alternative Accommodation
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not specified in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. All transport and transfers are included, providing seamless travel between destinations.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, National Park Lodges Grand Canyon, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Hyatt Place Moab, Strater Hotel in Durango, Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, and Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, each offering unique comfort and local charm. ...more ...less
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive into Culture
- Grand Canyon National Park: The great outdoors is your classroom today when you meet geologist Canyon Tim for an enlightening talk about the Grand Canyon at the South Rim . Having over 30 years of geological experience, Tim’s fascinating talk reveals how this natural marvel was formed millions of years ago and how the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau are still visible today.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury, fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. All transport and transfers are included, providing seamless travel between destinations.
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What type of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will experience a variety of accommodations including the Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, National Park Lodges Grand Canyon, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Hyatt Place Moab, Strater Hotel in Durango, Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, and Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, each offering unique comfort and local charm. ...more ...less
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Are there any special experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special experiences such as a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation in Monument Valley, exploring Taos Pueblo with local specialists, and enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation. Additionally, you will revel at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration and activities, allowing you to explore destinations like Moab's Main Street and Santa Fe at your leisure.
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What is the highlight of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta experience?
During the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, you will have access to the Chaser's Club, a private outdoor patio to witness the spectacular display of color and creativity in the sky, featuring mass ascensions, special shape balloons, balloon competitions, and entertainment.
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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
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 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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Terms and Conditions
Colorful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
11 Days Starting in Phoenix, United States and ending in Albuquerque, United States
Visiting: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCTBN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
