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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft Southwest Chief

Southwest Chief to Balloon Fiesta, Mesa Verde, and Durango & Silverton Railroad

Illustration of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft Southwest Chief

Vacations By Rail's 9-day escorted tour departs Chicago aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief, traveling overnight to Albuquerque for the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, where up to 600 balloons launch at sunrise and the Night Glow illuminates the evening sky. The tour then moves by motorcoach through New Mexico and Colorado, visiting Spanish colonial sites in Santa Fe and the remote Santuario de Chimayo with its weaving demonstrations. A full day on the heritage Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes travellers along the Animas River to a former mining town. The journey continues to Mesa Verde National Park, where you stay at Far View Lodge, the only hotel inside the park, and tour ancient cliff dwellings. The final leg crosses into Utah to explore Arches National Park's red-rock formations before concluding in Grand Junction. A tour manager leads the group throughout, and all rail, coach, and guided excursions are included. This trip suits history lovers, photographers, and repeat rail travellers seeking a guided experience across the American Southwest.

What to know before you look closer

  • Mobility Rating 3 indicates moderate-to-high activity; confirm your fitness level with the operator before booking, particularly for Mesa Verde's cliff dwelling trails and walking tours.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; arrange your own transport to Chicago's Union Station.
  • The tour departs Chicago and ends in Grand Junction, Colorado, not a return to the start.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    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.

  2. Day 2overnight: Albuquerque

    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

  3. Day 3overnight: Albuquerque

    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.

  4. Day 4overnight: Santa Fe

    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

  5. Day 5overnight: Durango

    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

  6. Day 6railovernight: 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 before returning to Durango by coach.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Mesa Verde National Park

    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

  8. Day 8overnight: Grand Junction

    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

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

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

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Chicago's Union Station aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief for an overnight journey toward Albuquerque.
  • Day 3Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, witnessing up to 600 balloons launch at the Dawn Patrol, touring the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, and watching the Night Glow and fireworks.
  • Day 6Board the historic steam-hauled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad along the Animas River to the former mining town of Silverton.
  • Day 7Stay at Far View Lodge, the only accommodation inside Mesa Verde National Park, and tour ancient cliff dwellings and surface ruins.
  • Day 8Explore the red-rock formations of Arches National Park and travel along the Colorado River to Grand Junction.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 6 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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes Standard Class rail travel on Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Albuquerque and the heritage Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to Silverton. All other transport by motorcoach is also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Vacations By Rail Tour Manager travels with the group from start to finish, leading guided tours and excursions throughout.
What hotels are included?
Seven nights in 3 and 4-star hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton in Albuquerque (2 nights), La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe (1 night), Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River in Durango (2 nights), Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park (1 night), and DoubleTree by Hilton in Grand Junction (1 night).
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the available information; contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm dates and availability.
What meals are included?
Six breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners are included. Most meals are provided, but some dining is on your own.
How much walking is involved?
This tour has a Mobility Rating of 3, which includes walking tours in Santa Fe, guided tours of cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, and exploration of Arches National Park. Walking ability and fitness are important considerations.

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