Thu, Oct 1: Depart in the morning for Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival, meet up with a local expert for a guided tour of Albuquerque. See the University of New Mexico, Route 66, Country Club, Nob Hill, downtown, and other historic areas. Check into the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town and enjoy a Welcome Dinner with the group. (Meals: Dinner) 

Fri, Oct 2: After breakfast, depart for a day in nearby Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Upon arrival, get acquainted with this former Spanish colony on a narrated orientation tour, passing “museum hill,” Canyon Road, and the historic rail yard. Cap off the tour with a short walking tour into the central plaza stopping to visit the famous Loretto Chapel with the mysterious floating staircase before your afternoon of leisure time. Consider visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Palace of Governors (the oldest municipal building in the United States), or the many art galleries and boutiques. Return to Albuquerque for dinner on your own in Old Town. (B)

Sat, Oct 3: Rise and shine early to head to Balloon Fiesta grounds to view this world-renowned event! You’ll have access to the top tier group ticket at the Gondola Club for a gourmet breakfast buffet, open bar (three bar drinks per person), and a prime location for viewing the launch field. Begin with the Dawn Patrol Show and Morning Glow, a choreographed inflation and launch set to music. This is the opening act for Mass Ascension, a chance to see hundreds of balloons fill the sky. Sit back and enjoy the view in awestruck wonder or feel free to stroll around the 200 acres of the Balloon Fiesta Park. Get involved in a balloon launch, shop for balloon memorabilia, and peruse the artisan tents with handcrafted novelties and art for sale. Golf cart taxis driven by local volunteers are also around to provide transfers to the Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum (open early during morning events). Afterward, take a rest break at the hotel to refresh yourself and have lunch on your own. Reunite with the group to head out to ascend Sandia Peak via the Sandia Peak Tramway, which rises to 10,000 feet and offers a spectacular view of Albuquerque and the landscape below. Take some stunning photos at the top and then descend for dinner with the group at a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel. (B,D) 

Sun, Oct 4: Your morning is free to visit a nearby museum or choose to take flight on an optional hot air balloon ride**! This evening, return to the Balloon Fiesta grounds for the Night Magic Glow™ event! The Team Fastrax™ skydivers will kick off the evening event with their fan-favorite patriotic demonstration flying their 2,000 square foot American Flag as they descend onto the field. From your seat at the Gondola Club, watch the vibrant balloons flicker against the red mountain backdrop and the night sky while you savor a gourmet dinner and enjoy live music. Walk among the towering, luminous giants for amazing photo opportunities, talk to the balloon pilots and their teams and stay for the spectacular views After Glow™  Fireworks show! (B,D)  

Mon, Oct 5: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or grab those last-minute souvenirs in Old Town before transferring to the airport to fly back to Indianapolis. (B)