Colourful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of the American Southwest with the "Colourful Trails of the Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta" tour. This adventure takes you from the sun-drenched streets of Phoenix to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon, the mystical formations of Arches National Park, and the historic dwellings of Mesa Verde. Experience the unique culture of the Navajo Nation, enjoy a cookout lunch in Monument Valley, and explore the ancient Taos Pueblo. The tour culminates at the spectacular Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where you'll witness a breathtaking display of hot air balloons. Travel in comfort aboard luxury coaches, stay in charming accommodations, and enjoy the expertise of a dedicated Travel Director. This tour promises a blend of natural wonders, cultural insights, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
- content:<h3>Must-see Highlights</h3><ul class='icon-list'><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and Taos Pueblo</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Visit Scottsdale, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Santa Fe</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>Scenic Drive through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View Drive, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe</li><li><i class='fa-regular fa-circle-check'></i>View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint</li></ul>
- content:<h3>Make Travel Matter®</h3><p><b>Grand Canyon</b>: At Desert Viewpoint Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site learn about the 11 Grand Canyon tribal communities. Discover Native crafts watching a carpet weaving demonstration, or you may enjoy traditional song and dance performances. Your visit and donation provide a continuous source of funding for the on-going development of the Cultural Heritage Site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members. The experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and Goal 11: Responsible Production and Consumption.</p><p><b>Monument Valley</b>: Travel to Monument Valley for a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation. Take off-road vehicles to the cookout site where you’ll enjoy a delicious steak and chicken dinner with a chance to try traditional Diné (Navajo) tacos and fry-bread. This experience advances UN Global Goal 10: Reduce Inequalities.</p><p><b>Monument Valley</b>: Immerse yourself in the landscape of the Navajo people journeying through the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Get a feel for the land and its people climbing aboard an open-air, all-terrain vehicle to explore the valley with your Navajo guide as you pass its towering sandstone buttes and mesas, many of which have been featured in prominent Western films including John Wayne’s ‘Stagecoach’. Your exclusive Navajo Tribal Park tour with a Navajo guide helps preserve the integrity of the land and culture. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities.</p><p><b>Taos</b>: Explore Taos Pueblo with Local Specialists who call Taos Pueblo home. Gain insight into the history of the pueblo and what it is like to live there today. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.</p>
- content:<h3>Be My Guest</h3><p>Grand Canyon National Park: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation. Meet your hosts Baya and Paul for an under-the-stars, traditional meal of mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee and Navajo tea. Your local dining experience is enhanced by Navajo storytelling by storyteller and award-winning Diné recording artist Eli Secody, whose fun and fascinating stories are steeped in his Dine’ roots. Cap off the evening walking up to a remarkable vista on the very land where Baya can trace her lineage back over 20 generations.</p>
- content:<h3>Trafalgar Difference</h3><p><b>Durango</b>: Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.</p>
Mode of Transport
Accommodation
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive into Culture
- Grand Canyon National Park: The great outdoors is your classroom today when you meet geologist Canyon Tim for an enlightening talk about the Grand Canyon at the South Rim . Having over 30 years of geological experience, Tim’s fascinating talk reveals how this natural marvel was formed millions of years ago and how the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau are still visible today.
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Optional Activities Not Listed
Flights
Iconic Experience
- Grand Canyon National Park: One of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States. Explore the Visitor Center and get familiar with the history of the Grand Canyon, grab a coffee at a local café and take a walk along the Rim Trail. Keep your camera on-hand as you explore some of the 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent canyonlands at one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world with unmatched vistas along its rim.
- Oak Creek Canyon: Drive through Coconino National Forest on one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., offering a picture perfect view of the surrounding red-rock and Ponderosa Pine forest between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Glen Canyon Dam: Enjoy a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon where you will get the chance to visit Horseshoe Bend.
- Monument Valley: Board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist.
- Arches National Park: Nature's creations spring to life at Arches National Park, home to the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Some 2,000 natural sandstone arches can be found within the boundaries of the national park. On your visit, unlock all the science and history of how these 6,000 natural sandstone arches were formed by rain and wind. Take in the sights of Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock while admiring the ever-changing landscapes as you traverse the park.
- Canyonlands National Park: There’s no better spot to witness the power of the Colorado River carving through rocky red landscapes than at Canyonlands National Park. Take in the views from the Green River Overlook, and be inspired by the vast expanse of high desert canyons at Grand Viewpoint.
- Mesa Verde National Park: There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
- Taos: Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World's Heritage Center as well as a National Historic Landmark and one the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. Best known for is iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. About 150 Puebloans live within the pueblo full time. The Taos Tribal Council, which owns the pueblo, does not allow any modern convenience inside the pueblo, such as running water or electricity.
Destinations
- North America
- USA
Tour Types
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Gardens & Nature Tours
- Cultural
- Sightseeing
- Walking
- Special Events
Location: Phoenix, Scottsdale
Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a dinner.
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals: Dinner
Location: Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park
Your first stop today is in the artists' enclave of Sedona – surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. You’ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyon’s many geological marvels. Tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park.<br/>
Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon
Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Desert View's Pueblo-style Watch tower and support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Later, you’ll stop at Cameron Trading Post. Finally, take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Diné tribe local Baya, and her husband Paul.
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Monument Valley, Moab
Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, then savor an outdoor MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience set among the iconic buttes and mesas, prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories of their people and their deep connection to the land. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy desert views of the Southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Location: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango
Arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stay with Stories is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.
Accommodation Name: Strater
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Durango
Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If you’re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Strater
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Santa Fe, Taos
The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, a picturesque route in Northern New Mexico that stretches approximately 56 miles from Santa Fe to Taos. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Santa Fe
Today, you'll have a full free day to explore Santa Fe at your leisure. Perhaps visit the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on your terms or explore one of the many chocolate shops and art galleries just steps away from your hotel. This evening, savor dinner back at your hotel.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Albuquerque
You're in for a wonderful time at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta. It is one of the largest and most renowned hot air balloon festivals in the world featuring mass ascensions, special shape balloons, balloon competitions and entertainment. You'll have access to the Chaser's Club, a private outdoor patio to witness the spectacular display of colour and creativity in the sky.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Albuquerque
Gaze upwards as hundreds of colourful balloons take to the sky. Then, transfer to Albuquerque International airport or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. Airport arrival will be at 11:00 AM, please be aware when booking your flights.<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Not Included
-
Personal Expenses
-Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
-Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Optional Activities Not Listed
-Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Flights
-Flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £5181.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Triple | £3634.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £3995.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin Share | £3995.00 | |
|
02-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £5181.00 | |
|
02-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Triple | £3634.00 | |
|
02-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £3995.00 | |
|
02-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin Share | £3995.00 | |
|
25-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £5558.00 | |
|
25-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Triple | £3943.00 | |
|
25-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £4325.00 | |
|
25-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin Share | £4325.00 | |
|
29-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £5466.00 | |
|
29-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Triple | £3907.00 | |
|
29-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £4275.00 | |
|
29-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin Share | £4275.00 | |
|
01-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £5467.00 | |
|
01-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Triple | £3906.00 | |
|
01-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £4275.00 | |
|
01-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin Share | £4275.00 |
