New Mexico Enchantment

Day 1 – Welcome to Santa Fe! (Wednesday, October 7)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving in Albuquerque, New Mexico this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and head into the heart of historic Old Town. Founded in 1706 by Spanish Settlers, this vibrant district remains the soul of Southwestern culture, offering a picturesque backdrop of Adobe architecture for time at leisure for browsing and lunch on own. Later, we’ll journey north to Santa Fe – New Mexico’s enchanting capital nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. We’ll enjoy a three-night stay at an upscale hotel just steps from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Enjoy the hotel’s nightly “happy hour” followed by an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Santa Fe (Thursday, October 8)

This morning, a local guide joins us for a comprehensive journey through Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the U.S. Founded in 1610, this “City Different” is a stunning tapestry of Spanish, Pueblo, and Mexican heritage. On a walking tour through Santa Fe Plaza we’ll see the Palace of the Governors and the charming tree-lined streets of the downtown district. We’ll step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and visit the Loretto Chapel to marvel at its “miraculous” spiral staircase – a feat of architectural mystery. We’ll see the New Mexico State Capitol and step inside the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the country. The afternoon is yours to explore the Plaza’s vibrant soul, featuring a variety of boutiques and world-class museums like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, home to the largest collection of O’Keeffe’s work in the world! (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Taos, Chimayó (Friday, October 9)

This morning a local guide joins us as we journey along the “Low Road” towards the high-desert mesa of Taos, perched 7,000 feet within the Rocky Mountain foothills. We’ll pause at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to take in dramatic views of the Rio Grande from 650 feet above the river – the fifth-highest bridge in the U.S.! Our destination is the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. On a docent-led tour of this 14th century Native American community, we’ll explore multi-storied adobe dwellings and the striking San Geronimo Chapel. Should the Taos Pueblo be unexpectedly closed due to religious activities or a memorial service, we will instead visit the Millicent Rogers Museum, featuring more than a thousand years of Southwestern arts and cultures within 14 galleries. After time at leisure for browsing and lunch on you own in the charming Taos Plaza, we’ll return via the “High Road” (Camino Alto). This scenic route winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, following the path of Spanish colonists through historic villages from the Spanish Colonial era. We’ll stop in Chimayó and tour El Santuario de Chimayó, a National Historic Landmark known as the “Lourdes of the Southwest” for its famed “holy dirt.” We’ll conclude this spectacular day with an included dinner at Rancho de Chimayó, an award-winning restaurant housed in a century-old adobe home, celebrated for its authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 – Bandelier National Monument, Albuquerque (Saturday, October 10)

This morning, a local guide joins us as we journey along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. This dramatic route winds through a landscape of contrasting vermilion desert cliffs and lush coniferous forests, bridging the gap between 13th century cliff dwellings and the birth of the Atomic Age. After an included boxed lunch, we’ll take a guided walk through Bandelier National Monument to explore the ancient petroglyphs and ancestral Puebloan dwellings dating back 11,000 years. We then continue to Albuquerque for a two-night stay at an all-suites hotel. After an included boxed lunch, we’ll take a guided walk through Bandelier National Monument to explore the ancient petroglyphs and ancestral Puebloan dwellings dating back 11,000 years. We continue to Albuquerque where we’ll enjoy a two night stay at an all-suites hotel. This evening we’ll head to Balloon Fiesta Park, home to the 54th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the vibrant vendors and local flavors, with access to light refreshments and comfortable seating in a hospitality tent. As dusk falls, the Night Magic Glow, igniting the burners of tethered balloons to fill the sky with a kaleidoscope of brilliant color. This spectacular evening concludes with a synchronized Drone Light Show and the AfterGlow Fireworks Show! Please note that all Balloon Fiesta events are subject to local weather conditions. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Sunday, October 11)

Early this morning, we return to Balloon Fiesta Park for the marquee event: the Mass Ascension. This immersive experience allows you to walk directly among more than 500 balloons as they are prepared for flight. Witness the roar of the burners and the vibrant inflation process before the balloons lift off in two breathtaking waves, filling the sky with a spectacular display of sound and color. After time at leisure to relax at the hotel, our journey continues at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which honors the living heritage of New Mexico’s Pueblo people through authentic native arts, crafts, and traditional dance. We’ll continue to the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, dedicated to the art, science, and history of flight. Featuring one of the globe’s finest collections of ballooning memorabilia and equipment, it offers a fascinating look at the sport’s evolution. This evening we’ll gather for an included dinner at a celebrated locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Albuquerque, Journey Home (Monday, October 12)

This morning, a local guide joins us for an immersive journey through Albuquerque’s 18 miles of Route 66, the longest continuous urban stretch in the country. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Route 66 transformed Albuquerque from a desert crossroads into a major metropolitan center, leaving behind a resilient legacy of mid-century motels, neon signs, repurposed landmarks and innovative districts like Nob Hill. We’ll make a stop for lunch on your own. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Albuquerque Airport for our scheduled nonstop flight to Los Angeles. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in L.A., those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective destinations. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.