New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local airport* (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport)
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by Mercedes Sprinter Vans (or similar)
• Services of and gratuities for the Southwest Adventures Tours Tour Director/Driver and Local Guide 
• 6-night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Ride Along Host to and from the airport

Highlights

• Old Town Plaza
• Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Rio Grande
• Sandi Peak Tramway
• Turquoise Trail
• Sky City Cultural Center
• Spaceport America
• Indian Pueblo Culture Center
• Acoma Pueblo
• Taos Pueblo

Itinerary

Sunday, September 7th - Depart for Albuquerque

You will arrive in New Mexico to experience the “Land of Enchantment”. Upon arrival, meet your local tour director, then transfer to your hotel for check in. After some time to relax and freshen up, join the group for a fun welcome dinner at a local favorite with traditional New Mexican cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a stroll to Old Town Plaza and learn about the wonderful history including the San Felipe de Neri Church which was founded in 1706. The evening is free to explore the many shops and art galleries of Old Town.  (Dinner) Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown (or similar)
 

Monday, September 8th - Albuquerque

This morning, enjoy something that Albuquerque is world famous for, a Hot Air Balloon Ride! Fulfill your bucket list with a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Experience the scenic Rio Grande and enchanting southwest vistas like never before during a one-hour balloon flight. End with a celebratory toast, some morning treats and a flight certificate. Then depart Albuquerque and travel south to the small town with a unique name, Truth or Consequences, and join the group for an included lunch. After lunch, meet your local step on guide and depart for touring of Spaceport America. Spaceport America is the first purpose built commercial spaceport in the world. The FAA-licensed launch complex, situated on 18,000 acres adjacent to the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico, has a rocket friendly environment of 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace, low population density, a 12,000-foot runway, vertical launch complexes, and about 340 days of sunshine and low humidity. Some of the most respected companies in the commercial space industry are customers at Spaceport America: Virgin Galactic, Boeing, UP Aerospace, EXOS Aerospace, HyperSciences, and SpinLaunch. After a tour of this unique facility, return to Albuquerque with a little free time to relax. Then join the group for an experience high above the valley as you ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway for spectacular views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and fine dining at over 10,000 feet. An evening to remember! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, September 9th - Sandia Peak

This morning, experience a fascinating introduction to the way of life enjoyed by America's first "apartment dwellers," the Pueblo tribes of the Southwest. At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you'll see their artifacts and crafts and learn about the cultural and religious customs that have helped preserve this society for over l,000 years. Next travel to Acoma Pueblo* for an included lunch and touring. The Pueblo offers a window in time where Native people carry on the customary traditions of their ancestors through Native American pottery making and tribal celebrations. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sky City Cultural Center followed by a visit to Haak’u Museum to view the exhibits, stunning Pueblo pottery and Southwest Indian art created by renowned Native American artists. Return to Albuquerque with the evening free to relax, explore and have dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

*Acoma Pueblo is subject to closure on short notice due to tribal ceremonies or events. If closed a similar experience will be substituted if a closure occurs.

Wednesday, September 10th - Turquoise Trail - Santa Fe

Today you're off to Santa Fe. The Turquoise Trail, named for the exquisite mineral that was once mined here, leads you to your first stop of the day, the real-life ghost town of Madrid. Madrid looks exactly like a ghost town should, with its rows of empty, ramshackle houses that once were the homes of three thousand miners and their families. The only sign of life now is the artists who come to paint this picturesque place, and who display their wares to the interested buyer. After time to explore this relic of the past, continue on to the first state capitol in the United States, "The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis," better known as Santa Fe. Founded in l609, the city offers many historic and scenic delights. Your tour will be a combination of driving and walking to the many famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza with a view of the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel, a miniature model of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and the oldest church in New Mexico and more. After an included lunch, there will be free time to explore the many wonderful shops and art galleries on your own. Take a chance to stroll through the Indian Market, where native arts and crafts are available directly from the artists who created them. Check into your hotel with the evening free for dinner on own. (Breakfast, Lunch) Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Sante Fe (or similar)
 

Thursday, September 11th - Taos - Santa Fe

Depart for another day of exploration as you take the High Road to Taos. Visit Chimayo, where the descendants of Spanish weavers and woodcarvers still ply their crafts. After a stop to observe the artisans, travel the picturesque high road to the world class resort town of Taos. Founded in 1617 by the Spanish, Taos has kept its Spanish and Indian influences. You will visit Taos Pueblo, a village that has been inhabited for more than 800 years, and whose adobe structures have changed little since the first Spanish explorers saw them in the 1540's. Then arrive at Taos Plaza with free time to wander the streets, enjoying the atmosphere and browsing at the offerings of many artists who have come here to capture the allure of this delightful place. As you return to Santa Fe, stop for a scenic view of the Rio Grande, a legendary river that cuts a distinct path through the history of the Southwest. Return to Santa Fe with the evening free to on own. (Breakfast)

Friday, September 12th - Santa Fe

Today you will have free time in Santa Fe to explore the many wonderful art galleries, shops and restaurants on your own.  Your guide will be available to assist with suggestions on activities. This evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, September 13th - Journey Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Albuquerque Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA.  (Breakfast)

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and/or compensation.

Activity Level 3:

This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents:

A valid government issued REAL ID or Passport is required for airport security.

As travel requirements are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure.,

Payment:

Deposit of $250 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by May 24, 2025. 

Cancellation Penalties:

Deposit date to day of departure    $25 per person, plus.....
After May 24, 2025                          100% non-refundable

Flight:

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance:

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate:

Temperatures for New Mexico in September average in the high 80s during the day with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended.

Baggage:

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance:

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing those needing assistance.

GRP5325

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