Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft Southwest Chief

Departing Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief

Meet the Tour Manager and travel group at Chicago's Union Station, then join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its overnight route toward Albuquerque, through western Illinois and Missouri.

Arrival in Albuquerque

Continue aboard the Southwest Chief through Colorado into New Mexico, arriving in Albuquerque in the afternoon and checking into the downtown hotel. An early night is recommended ahead of the Balloon Fiesta.

Meals: Dinner

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

An early start for the Balloon Fiesta, including the Dawn Patrol and up to 600 balloons launching. A tour of Albuquerque including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, then the Night Glow and fireworks in the evening.

Uncovering colonial history in Santa Fe

Travel by motorcoach to Santa Fe for a historical walking tour taking in the Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission.

Meals: Breakfast

Santuario de Chimayo, the 'Lourdes of America'

Travel north through historic Spanish towns to a guided tour of the Santuario de Chimayo, with a weaving demonstration and lunch, before continuing into Colorado to Durango for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 before returning to Durango by coach.

Meals: Breakfast

Exploring Mesa Verde National Park

Travel by motorcoach into Mesa Verde National Park, checking into Far View Lodge, the only accommodation inside the park, before a guided tour of the cliff dwellings and surface ruins, starting at the Far View Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Through Arches National Park to Grand Junction

Cross into Utah for free time in Moab, then tour the red-rock wonderland of Arches National Park before following the Colorado River to Grand Junction.

Meals: Breakfast

Traveling home

Your vacation concludes this morning, at leisure to pack ahead of your onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast