Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Colorful hot air balloons fill the blue New Mexican sky every autumn as they float above Albuquerque. This is one of the premier photographic opportunities celebrated by photographers from around the world. See morning ascents, evening balloon glows, visit the new balloon museum and hear expert lectures. This trip is a great opportunity for children.
Day 1
Independent arrivals at Nativo Lodge, 6000 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM. Check in time is 3 pm. In the evening meet Royal Road Tours Study Leader for a welcome reception at the hotel with lecture on the "The Invention of the Balloon."
Day 2
Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast depart for the Fiesta grounds for a hot air balloon ride. This is the first day of the Balloon Fiesta and we will attend the opening ceremonies and first Mass Ascension, where hundreds of balloons go up at once and fill the sky. At sunrise, take a 45-minute ride and learn about the mechanics of ballooning.
At the conclusion of balloon rides, enjoy champagne with your group on the field before returning to the Rainbow Ryder's Tent.
Mid-morning depart balloon grounds a tour of the new Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. After the museum tour, return to the hotel. Enjoy lunch on your own. Mid afternoon take a guided walking tour (45 minutes) of Albuquerque's Old Town, followed by time to explore the neighborhood's historic attractions, museums and shops. Then back to the hotel for a late afternoon lecture at the hotel.
In the late afternoon depart from the hotel to attend the Fiesta's America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race, where competing balloonists from all over world head east across the U.S. In 2002, the winners of the competition flew 1,738 miles in a little over 43 hours and landed in Georgetown, Delaware. Dinner will be on our own at the Fiesta grounds. Dinner on your own at the Fiesta grounds. Return to the hotel between 9 and 10 pm.
Day 3
Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast depart for the Fiesta for the second Mass Ascension.
Mid morning leave the Fiesta grounds for an excursion to Acoma (1 hour away), one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the U.S. It is known as the "Sky City" for its location on top of a 367-foot high sandstone rock. Lunch in Acoma.
Mid afternoon arrive back at hotel in Albuquerque.
Late afternoon depart hotel for evening dinner, lecture and Balloon Glow. Enjoy your farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant and a wrap up discussion with Royal Road Tours Study Leader.
After dinner, attend the Fiesta's Balloon Glow, where the balloons are inflated while tethered to the ground, their gas flames turning them into giant lanterns. Following the Balloon Glow, there will be a fireworks show.
Day 4
Early breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart for the Fiesta for the New Mexico Challenge Hot Air Balloon Race.
Return to the hotel by 10:30 am to check out and for individual departures. Please do not schedule airline flights that leave before 12 noon. Please handle any incidental charges at the hotel at the time of checking out.
Itineraries are samples and may change according to availability of the speaker and locations. All itineraries may be customized and modified to suit circumstances.