Experience the magic of New Mexico on this unforgettable journey, beginning with the spectacular display of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the desert sky. Explore the rich history and charm of Santa Fe, from the iconic San Miguel Mission to the miraculous spiral staircase at the Loretto Chapel, and savor the flavors of the region with a hands-on cooking demonstration and a lively stroll through the local farmers market. With vibrant culture, stunning vistas, and memorable culinary experiences, this adventure captures the true spirit of the American Southwest.
- See hundreds of balloons take flight at the Mass Ascension
- Stand in awe when you see the balloons aglow at the Balloon Fiesta Glow
- Dine at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Cooking Demonstration at the Santa Fe School of Cooking
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ALBUQUERQUE!
Arrive in Albuquerque, host city of the dazzling 2027 International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s premier balloon event. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and Tour Director in Albuquerque at a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2: BALLOON FIESTA MASS ASCENSION
Begin your day with excitement as the Dawn Patrol Show and spectacular Mass Ascension fill the morning sky with hundreds of vibrant hot-air balloons. Take in the breathtaking views from your exclusive launch field seats or stroll among the balloons for an up-close experience. Afterward, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a special lunch in the Pottery Room, then explore the museum to discover the rich traditions, artistry, and craftsmanship of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo communities. B, L
DAY 3: BALLOON GLOW
Spend the morning as you wish—take an optional hot-air balloon ride (at your own expense) or enjoy some time to relax. Later, board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for a scenic ride over the Cibola National Forest to Sandia Peak, where expansive desert and mountain views await. Visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum to explore the history of ballooning. As night falls, experience the magic of the glowing balloons before watching the sky come alive during the AfterGlow Fireworks Show. B, L
DAY 4: SANTA FE
Travel to Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital city, featuring a unique blend of Spanish and Native cultures. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch at the Santa Fe School of Cooking where you will sample the unique flavors of New Mexico. Afterward, discover the many charms of Santa Fe with our local guide, including visits to the San Miguel Mission and the Loretto Chapel to see the miraculous staircase. B, L
DAY 5: SANTA FE FARMERS
Visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market, one of the oldest and most successful growers’ markets in the country. Continue to the New Mexico State Capitol building, where you’ll discover the state’s history and admire its beautiful works of art. This afternoon, take some time to wander through the streets of Santa Fe on your own, soaking up the city’s distinctive art, culture, and charming atmosphere. B, D
DAY 6: RETURN HOME
Fly home from Albuquerque with amazing photos to share and exciting stories to tell of your adventure out West. B
ACCOMMODATIONS
Nights 1-3: Embassy Suites, Albuquerque, NM
Nights 4-5: Hyatt Place, Santa Fe, NM (or similar)
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
Depart: October 5, 2027
Return: October 10, 2027
Price per person:
- DB $3,529
- TP/QD $2,909
- SG $4,279
Price per person includes roundtrip airfare from STL, MCI. Please call for other gateway cities.
Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:
- Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
- Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
- Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.
Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.
Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:
- A professional Sunrise Tour Director
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local step-on guides, including gratuities
- International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
- Admission to activities and events as indicated
- Airfare from designated airports
- Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
- Luggage handling at hotels when available
Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.
Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.
Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.
TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.
Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.
Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
