October 1 - 7, 2026 · Motorcoach tour

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque NMSold Out - Waitlist Open

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to New Mexico during the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! Watch the sky come alive with color during the Dawn Patrol, Mass Ascension, and the magical Balloon Glow & AfterGlow Fireworks. Explore historic Old Town Albuquerque, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for sweeping mountain views, and discover Native American traditions at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Moderate activity pace

from $4,500 / per person, double occupancy

Join the waitlist Download the brochure

About

Trip overview

Travel the scenic Turquoise Trail to visit the artistic ghost town of Madrid, the sacred Santuario de Chimayo, and the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Santa Fe, we’ll walk the historic plaza, visit iconic landmarks, and enjoy time to browse galleries and markets. With warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sights, this tour captures the heart and soul of the Southwest.

All cancellations must be in writing. The date of postmark will

determine the amount of refund due. Airline tickets once written

are usually nonrefundable.

 Up to June 16, 2026: $100 per person administrative fee

plus any lost land and air deposits will be assessed

 June 17 to August 8, 2026: $400 per person plus any lost

land and air deposits will be assessed

 After August 8, 2026: No Refund

Dates: October 1 - 7, 2026
Length: 7 days · 6 nights
Meals included: 3 meals
Pace: Moderate activity
Deposit: $500 per person
Departs from: Across Wisconsin

Moderate activity A fuller day with regular walking and longer sightseeing. You should be comfortable walking over a mile a day at a steady pace to keep up with the group, and able to manage airports, stairs and occasional uneven ground independently. Best if you stay fairly active. Not sure if it suits you? Call us, or read what each pace means.

Your trip

Day by day

Open any day to read it in full. Meal chips show what’s included that day. Timings are a guide — your final documents confirm the details.

Pre-night in Chicago

Coach to Chicago airport hotel

Thursday October 1, 2026

We depart Green Bay by coach bus to Chicago where we overnight near the airport for our morning flight.

Day 1

Flying into Albuquerque

Friday October 2, 2026Dinner

Our journey begins as we board our flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival we meet our Tour Director and transfer to our hotel. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2.

Mass Ascension and Old Town

Saturday October 3, 2026Breakfast

Albuquerque Today we experience why Albuquerque is the Balloon Capital of the World at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We start early at Fiesta Field with the Dawn Patrol and breakfast at the Chasers Club, followed by the Mass Ascension in a rainbow of colors. Later, we tour Albuquerque, the "The Jewel of the American Southwest,” stopping at historic Old Town to explore the Albuquerque Museum, hidden courtyards, covered portals, specialty stores, and galleries around the charming tree-lined Plaza. We return to the hotel with the evening free.

Day 3 (B/L/D)

Sandia Peak and Balloon Glow

Sunday October 4, 2026

This morning, we ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for spectacular views as we ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks. Reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains, an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits us. Next, we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the Pueblo tribes’ way of life and cultural traditions. We relax at the hotel before heading to Balloon Fiesta Park for dinner at the Chasers Club with direct access onto Fiesta Field for a Balloon Glow and AfterGlow Fireworks Show. The Balloon Glow starts when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. It is perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Glow is followed by New Mexico's most spectacular fireworks display.

Day 4 (B/L)

Turquoise Trail to Taos

Monday October 5, 2026

Today we check out of our hotel and enjoy a drive along the Turquoise Trail, named after the exquisite mineral that was once mined here. We visit the real-life ghost town of Madrid, where the only sign of life now is the artists who come to paint this picturesque place, and who display their wares to the interested buyer. Next, we visit Chimayo, home to the Santuario de Chimayo and where the descendants of Spanish weavers and woodcarvers still ply their craft. We then head to the world class resort town of Taos. We explore Taos Plaza with free time to wander the streets, and enjoy the local cuisine, unique atmosphere, and the offerings of many artists who have come here to capture the allure of this delightful place. Next, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site named Taos Pueblo, an 800-year-old village whose adobe structures have changed little since the first Spanish explorers saw them in 1540's. As we drive to Santa Fe, we stop for a scenic view of the Rio Grande. We check into our hotel with the evening free for dinner on our own.

Day 5 (B/D)

A full day in Santa Fe

Tuesday October 6, 2026

Today we enjoy a full day exploring the first state capitol in the United States, "The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis," better known as Santa Fe. Founded in 1609, the city offers many historic and scenic delights. We enjoy a walking tour to the many famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza with a view of the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel, a miniature model of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and the oldest church in New Mexico and more. After lunch on our own, we enjoy free time to explore shops, galleries, and the Indian Market. This evening, we enjoy a special farewell dinner as we finish exploring this enchanting land.

Day 6

Home from Albuquerque

Wednesday October 7, 2026Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to the Albuquerque airport for or journey home, carrying with us wonderful memories of the American Southwest.

What’s included

Everything that’s covered

FLIGHTS: ✓All Air Transportation
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: ✓Deluxe Motor Coach Transfer to ORD
TRANSPORTATION ON TOUR: ✓Deluxe Motor Coach
MEALS: ✓Listed in Itinerary
ACCOMMODATIONS: ✓Superior and moderate first-class hotels
ADMISSION: ✓all activities indicated in the itinerary except those listed as optional
LUGGAGE HANDLING: ✓one piece per person at hotels where available

Not included

What you’ll arrange yourself

MEALS: —not indicated on itinerary
BEVERAGES: —except with breakfast
END OF TOUR GRATUITIES: —for coach driver & tour manager
OPTIONAL INSURANCE: —or health, baggage and cancellation.

What it’s like to travel with us

Thanks for all the memories we made on the trip. You were very hospitable and the trip was very organized.

D & J★★★★★

4.9

76 reviews

WeTravel guest reviews, across every departure we run

Before you travel

How this tour works

Three things people ask us before they book. Anything else, call (262) 290-1303.

Getting on board

Where the coach picks you up

Designated pickup points across Wisconsin. You will never be asked to make your own way to Chicago.

De Pere
Appleton
Oshkosh
Fond du Lac
Lomira
Allenton
Milwaukee

Exact times come with your final documents, three to four weeks before departure.

Who you'll travel with

You won't be among strangers for long

Expect thirty to fifty travellers, more than half of whom have toured with us before, and one of our own directors with the group the whole way.

Solo travellers join every departure. Want to know who is already booked on this one? Call and ask — we are asked it every week.

Room options

Where you'll sleep

Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Triple Occupancy

Traveling alone? Tell us when you book and we will gladly try to match you with a same-gender roommate, so you avoid the single supplement.

Ask a question

Anything you want to know

How much walking is there really? Can you accommodate a dietary need? Is there a roommate available? Ask us anything about Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta — a real person reads every message and replies within one business day.

from $4,500 / per person

Or call us directly: (262) 290-1303 · Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT

A real person reads every message and replies within one business day.

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