Vacations By Rail
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft Southwest Chief
9 daysfrom $3,999
Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr
Hot air balloons ascend with fireworks at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta, tour the city and historic Santa Fe and visit Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Train
Departing Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
Meet the Tour Manager and travel group at Chicago's Union Station, then join Amtrak's California Zephyr on its overnight route toward Grand Junction, Colorado, through western Illinois and Iowa.
- Day 2overnight: Grand Junction
Arriving in Grand Junction, Colorado
The California Zephyr climbs through the Rocky Mountains and the Moffat Tunnel, crossing the continental divide, then follows the Colorado River to Grand Junction. Free evening at the hotel.
- Day 3overnight: Mesa Verde National Park
Through Arches National Park to Mesa Verde
Depart by coach along the Colorado River to Moab, Utah, passing red rock canyons and Fisher Towers, for a tour of Arches National Park. Free time in Moab, then ascend to Mesa Verde for the night, dining together with views over the Four Corners.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Durango
Exploring Mesa Verde National Park
A tour of Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings and surface ruins, starting at the Far View Museum and continuing along the 'ruins' road. Afterward, travel to Durango for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Board the historic steam-hauled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad along the Animas River to the former mining town of Silverton, with free time to explore before returning to Durango by coach.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Santa Fe
Traveling to New Mexico's capital
Travel south into New Mexico through historic Spanish towns, stopping for lunch and a guided tour of the Santuario de Chimayo, before arriving in Santa Fe.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 7overnight: Albuquerque
Historic Santa Fe and on to Albuquerque
A historical walking tour of Santa Fe visits the Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission. Free time before heading to Albuquerque for an early dinner ahead of the Balloon Fiesta.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Albuquerque
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
An early start for the Balloon Fiesta, with breakfast in the exclusive Chaser's Club lounge and the chance to see up to 600 balloons launch. Later, a tour of Albuquerque including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, then return to the Fiesta for the Night Glow and fireworks (Night Glow does not run on Sep 27, 28, 29 or Oct 3 departures).
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 9
Traveling home
Your vacation concludes this morning, at leisure to pack ahead of your onward travel; this day is also kept as a reserve Balloon Day if needed.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
- 1 night in coach aboard the California Zephyr
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights and Airport transfers not included
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