Featuring two Events at the Balloon Fiesta Field including VIP Chasers Club admission, Hands on Cooking Class at the internationally acclaimed Culinary School of Cooking in Santa Fe, visits to the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America - Acoma Pueblo/Sky City, the Turquoise Castle, (Home of the Turquoise Museum), Sandia Peak Gondola Ride, and more!
Oct 5 – 9, 2025
Itinerary
52nd International Balloon Fiesta + Santa Fe
October 5| Albuquerque | Evening Glow-Deo
Meet your Universal Travel representative at the airport. Time allowing, check into your hotel or head directly to the Balloon Fiesta Field. You will have access to the Chasers Club, which includes a hospitality tent, buffet dinner, guaranteed seating, and a breathtaking view. Hundreds of balloons take off at tonight’s Glow-Deo and you have the best seats in the house, followed by fireworks at 8:00 pm.
Overnight: Albuquerque (D)
October 6 | Santa Fe | Hands Cooking Class |
After breakfast at the hotel you are off to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in America. Your first stop is at the Santa Fe School of Cooking where you will grab an apron and help prepare your lunch with award-winning chefs who specialize in southwestern foods. After you eat your own prepared lunch at the school, enjoy a walking tour of the city. Visit the Loretto Chapel and the Olde Santa Fe Trail. You’ll have plenty of time for shopping in Old Town before returning to Albuquerque. Tonight’s dinner is at El Pinto, voted Albuquerque’s best restaurant. Enjoy fabulous New Mexican food along with a delicious Margarita!
Overnight: Albuquerque (B,L,D)
October 7 | Sandia Peak | Acoma – Sky City
Your day begins with a 40 minute drive to Sandia Peak Tramway. Enjoy a breathtaking view of deep canyons and gorgeous terrain in your enclosed gondola. During a 15 minute flight you will see nature’s dramatic beauty unfold before you. From the observation deck atop the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak, you will be amazed at the magnificent panoramic view of the “Land of Enchantment”. When you come down from the sky visit Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. Learn such folklore as how the area was named and lifestyles of the Mesa’s inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at the Huwak’a Sky City Casino and then travel to Sky City for a guided tour conducted by a native Acoma guide. After the tour visit the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum. See some of the most stunning Pueblo pottery and Indian art created by renowned Native American artists. Dinner is on your own tonight in Albuquerque. With over 50 shops and restaurants within a half mile of your hotel, there is plenty to chose from.
Overnight: Albuquerque (B,L)
October 8 | Mass Ascension | Albuquerque
Early this morning you are back at the Balloon Fiesta field. You will again have access to the Chasers Club which includes a buffet breakfast, guaranteed seating and a breathtaking view. First up is the Dawn Patrol Show followed by the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow. At 7:00 am you will see why Albuquerque is called the Balloon Capital of the World as hundreds of balloons take off on the 52nd Anniversary of the flight of the Nation’s Mass Ascension! This colorful event draws about one million visitors each year. Afterwards, board your motor coach and depart for a panoramic city tour of Albuquerque followed by a visit to the brand new Turquoise Museum. Albuquerque’s Turquoise Museum boasts turquoise drawn from more than one hundred different mines and is considered a worldwide authority on the mineral. Turquoise became a valuable commodity when the Santa Fe Trail brought traders and settlers west. At noon return to the hotel for some time to relax. Later this afternoon visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and see traditional Native American dancers. Listen and learn from the Pueblo people as they tell their story. From there a fifteen minute drive will take you to Casa Rondena Winery for a tour and of course, a wine tasting! Tonight’s farewell dinner is held at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Albuquerque (B, D)
October 9 | Departure for home
After breakfast at the hotel depart for the airport and your journey home, taking with you so many great memories! (B)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip to ABQ and back home
- Full size luxury motor coach
- 4 nights in Albuquerque in a 4* Hotel
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Admission and inclusions as per itinerary
- Chasers Club including reserved seating and hospitality desk for all balloon events
- Tour director and 3 days step-on guide
- Luggage handling for one bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees)
- All resort, service, and government fees
- All gratuities for drivers and guides
Payments
$500.00 deposit due at reservation
Final payment due: Jun 24, 2025 (No penalties until June 30, 2025)
Cancellation
50% non-refundable July 1, 2025
100% non-refundable August 1, 2025
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.