Transfer to your local departure airport for the flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival, your first activity will be a visit to the fascinating Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Later this afternoon, you check into the hotel for a two-night stay, enjoy an orientation get together and then partake of a Southwestern Style welcome dinner.

You arise early this morning to see the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta. Weather permitting, you will experience the spectacle of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons, some in very special shapes, moving silently through the clear blue New Mexico skies. In addition, there will be a Midway featuring arts, crafts and a wide variety of food selections. Later you are part of a city tour of Albuquerque which will include a stop at Old Town Plaza where the city began in 1706. This evening, return to the Balloon Fiesta for the Balloon Glow, an event where hundreds of illuminated balloons light up the New Mexico night skyline.

This day begins with a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the mountain’s summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. (Please note that if the previous day’s balloon activities had to be cancelled because of weather, a second attempt will be made to view the Mass Ascension which could replace the Sandia Peak ride.) We visit Santa Fe today for an afternoon guided walking tour as well as a riding tour of this historic city that features the Mission San Miguel, the State Capitol and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. You can check into your hotel for the next two nights here in Santa Fe and then enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Today we discover the great museums of Santa Fe, all operated by the state of New Mexico. Included will be the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art and the Palace of Governors. You will have the afternoon to explore the shops and galleries of Santa Fe on your own. Tonight we have included a fun-filled surprise Santa Fe Dinner Quest.

We journey northward this morning, following the High Road to Taos, experiencing the influence of both Spanish and Native American cultures as we pass through the ancient villages of Chimayo, Cordova, Truchas and Las Trampas. This afternoon we visit the Millicent Rogers Museum and an age-old Taos Pueblo, home to more than 1,000 Taos Indians. Your two-night stay in Taos will include a dinner this evening.

Are you ready for a train ride? After an included breakfast, climb aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. Lunch is included in Osier Station. You return to Taos for a farewell dinner at the hotel and an exhibition of traditional Native American dances.

Breakfast starts the final day of this trip to the Land of Enchantment. You will have transfers from Taos to the Albuquerque airport for your flight home this afternoon.