New Mexico’s White Sands, Caverns & Close Encounters

Day 1 – Welcome to New Mexico! (Tuesday, April 14)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving in El Paso, Texas late 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 continue north to Las Cruces, New Mexico, nestled in the fertile Mesilla Valley between the majestic Organ Mountains and the meandering Rio Grande. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay here at a hotel that offers a nightly “Kickback” reception. Become better acquainted with your fellow travelers during an included dinner at the legendary La Posta de Mesilla, serving up traditional New Mexican cuisine. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Las Cruces (Wednesday, April 15)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit New Mexico State University and experience two unique sites. The Chile Pepper Institute is the world's only international, non-profit organization dedicated to the research of capsicum, or chile peppers. Established in 1992, the Chile Pepper Institute builds on the research of chile peppers since the famous horticulturist Fabian Garcia (the father of the New Mexico chile pepper industry) began standardizing chile pepper varieties in 1888. The Zuhl Museum is part art gallery, part natural history museum and home to the Zuhl Collection containing over 1,800 beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. Later, we’ll join a local guide for a short walking tour of Historic Old Mesilla, rich in history and timeless charm. 175 years ago, Mesilla was a vital crossroads for travelers journeying between San Antonio and San Diego. The village remains remarkably preserved, providing an authentic glimpse into what life was like in an 1800s border town which became part of the U.S. in 1854 with the consummation of the Gadsden Purchase. Billy the Kid once stood trial for murder in a Mesilla courtroom, and the Mesilla Plaza was once a stop for the Butterfield Stagecoach. The central landmark in the plaza is the iconic Basilica of San Albino, the charming church that reflects a French architectural design. After time at leisure for lunch on your own in Old Mesilla, we’ll visit a local winery and taste southern New Mexico’s distinctive local blends, featuring flavors only found in the Mesilla Valley, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in North America. This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner at Double Eagle, the crown jewel of Historic Old Mesilla. This elegant and historic restaurant that was established in 1849 is filled with turn-of-the-century art, antiques, crystal chandeliers and two ghosts! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – White Sands, Space & Pistachios (Thursday, April 16)

This morning we’ll travel east into southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park, established as a national park in 2019. We’ll travel along the scenic Dunes Drive, which takes us into the heart of the world’s largest gypsum dune field, where great wave-like dunes of gypsum crystals have engulfed 275 square miles of desert! Enjoy an included boxed lunch picnic and a leisurely stroll along the fully accessible and elevated Interdune Boardwalk, providing the easiest way to get out into the middle of this fragile and unique ecosystem. This afternoon we’ll continue east past Holloman AFB to Alamogordo where we’ll visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History. This Smithsonian Affiliate celebrates the history, science and technology of space exploration, focusing on New Mexico’s crucial role in America’s space program. Explore a variety of exhibits including one focused on early rocketry pioneer Robert Goddard, V-2 rocket testing at the nearby White Sands Missile Range, a mock-up of the Skylab capsule which took the first chimpanzee into space, a Sputnik model, and a moon rock. Later, we’ll visit New Mexico's first and largest pistachio grove for a behind-the-scenes tour of a working pistachio farm to see how pistachios are grown, harvested and packaged, along with time to explore and taste in the farm store. This evening we’ll enjoy an overnight stay at the AAA Four Diamond Inn of the Mountain Gods, a premier mountain resort. Nestled amongst the picturesque Sacramento Mountains at 7,200 feet above sea level, this stunning resort overlooks the tranquil waters of Lake Mescalero. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options and a Las Vegas-style casino with slots, table games and a dedicated Sportsbook. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Roswell (Friday, April 17)

After a late check out, we’ll travel east this morning to Roswell, the quirky, alien-themed city known around the world as the location of a UFO “incident,” in 1947. The report of an object that crashed here is believed by many to be an extra-terrestrial spacecraft and its alien occupants. Since the late 1970s the incident has been the subject of intense controversy and several conspiracy theories as to the true nature of the object that crashed. We’ll visit the International UFO Museum which focuses on the “The Roswell UFO Incident” and what led many to believe the ensuing government cover-up. The cover-up was of such magnitude and so shrouded in mystery that more than 75 years later, there are still more questions than answers. The museum features a variety of displays, including graphic representations of the crash debris, models of aliens, and mock-ups of alleged events, such as the famous alien autopsy scene. After an included lunch at a locals’ favorite and a sweet treat from one of Roswell’s most iconic sites, we’ll begin a two-night stay in Roswell with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Saturday, April 18)

This morning we’ll travel south to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, perhaps the most famous and spectacular cave systems in the world! Located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage Site beneath the Chihuahuan Desert was formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone, creating huge, deep passages, up to 250 feet high! We’ll have several hours at leisure to explore the Visitor Center, enjoy lunch on your own at the cafeteria and embark on a self-guided tour of the “Big Room.” You may choose to descend the steep, 1 ¼ mile paved trail through the cavern's Natural Entrance and exit via an elevator. Or, simply ride the elevator 750 feet down to the “Big Room” and exit via the elevator as well. Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the “Big Room,” the largest single cave chamber (by volume) in North America via the paved Big Room Trail (1 ¼ miles or ½ mile if you take the shortcut). This massive, eight-acre chamber has a 255-foot ceiling that is filled with spectacularly beautiful and delicate formations as well as huge columns, stalactites and stalagmites. We’ll return to the hotel late this afternoon with the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Albuquerque (Sunday, April 19)

This morning we’ll travel north to Albuquerque and enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on own in historic Old Town Albuquerque. Since it was founded in 1706 by Spanish Settlers, the Old Town area has remained the center for Southwest culture, architecture, shopping, art and cuisine. A visit to the beautiful San Felipe de Neri Church provides a deep connection to the city’s Spanish colonial roots as well as a peaceful, historic counterpoint to the bustling shops, galleries and eateries in the Old Town Plaza. Later, we’ll visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the world-class museum collectively owned by the 19 Puebloan Indian Tribes of New Mexico. Enjoy time at leisure to browse the center which tells the story of the Pueblo peoples’ legacy, resilience, and history – from ancient origins to the present day – through their own voices, words, artistry, artifacts and traditional Native American dance. After enjoying a “Kickback” reception at our Albuquerque hotel, we’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Albuquerque, Journey Home (Monday, April 20)

This morning we’ll step aboard the United States’ longest aerial tram – the Sandia Peak Tramway – for a 2.7-mile journey from the desert floor to the summit of Sandia Crest (elevation 10,378). Enjoy time at leisure at the summit to explore and (weather permitting) take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley below! After an included lunch at a beloved New Mexican institution known for its quirky environment and “ordinary food done extraordinary well,” we’ll visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. This Smithsonian Affiliate provides a comprehensive and thought provoking look at the story of the Atomic Age with exhibits focused on the Manhattan Project, the Cold War, pioneers of the atom, and the diverse non-military uses of nuclear technology. Late this afternoon we’ll arrive at the Albuquerque International Sunport for our scheduled nonstop return 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 Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast, Lunch)

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.