Our day begins with your flight to Albuquerque from St. Louis.  Recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, Albuquerque's ethnic tapestry is reflected in its architecture, artwork, cultural centers and cuisine.  Countless customs and traditions are a vibrant part of daily life in the city, making Albuquerque the cultural capital of the Southwest. Upon arrival, we will travel to the old Route 66 district for a lunch stop.  Our afternoon will be touring the Historic Old Town.  Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded in 1706. Today, Old Town is the city's cultural center, with numerous museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants. We will have dinner at a local Southwestern-style restaurant before checking into our deluxe accommodations for the three nights.  

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Each Autumn, pilots, crews and spectators from all over the world come to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® which is the world's largest hot-air ballooning event. For nine days during the first full week of October, hundreds of colorful balloons float above the city each morning as dawn breaks over the Sandia Mountains. It's no wonder this visual feast is said to be the world's most photographed event.  This morning at the festival grounds begins early in order to witness three of the event's biggest highlights! The Dawn Patrol: Watch balloons take flight in a celestial predawn dance during this choreographed display. The Dawn Patrol is more than an airy promenade; it is also a chance for pilots to determine the day’s winds and for early bird guests to send the balloonists off with a cheer. Morning Balloon Glow: Celebrated for their ethereal whimsy, this event is among the most widely anticipated of the Balloon Fiesta.  At sunrise, the burners of tethered balloons are ignited illuminating the Southwest morning landscape.  Fiesta Mass Ascension: Witness hundreds of prismatic balloons lift off and fill the horizon in this unforgettable, two-wave mass ascension. This is an excellent photo op so be sure to experience the drama and serenity of ballooning in this popular morning event lasting up to two hours.  Dinner this evening will be included.

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After breakfast we depart our hotel to experience the sights and culture of Albuquerque!  First, we enjoy rising above the desert landscape on the Sandia Peak Tramway where we will ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks that reaches the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains where an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits.  It’s an elevation of the body, mind, and soul in a mere 15 minutes. Next, we visit the amazing Indian Pueblo Cultural Center owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The center has been a trusted source of authentic Native American art for more than 40 years. Enjoy the interactive permanent and rotating exhibits and meet artists selling their handcrafted works. Browse books, original works of pottery, turquoise jewelry, textiles, and art at Shumakolowa Native Arts.  This evening we return to the Balloon Festival grounds for time along the Fiesta Main Street:  this one-third mile stretch at Balloon Fiesta Park where you will find a plethora of great food vendors, unique merchandise, and hands-on exhibits.  Later, we will enjoy the new Drone Lights Show and AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show.  The night sky illuminates in color from the most spectacular fireworks show in the state!

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After breakfast we check-out of our hotel and travel to the Petroglyph National Monument. The monument contains more than 20,000 images pecked in stone.  Some of the images are recognizable while others are more mysterious.  The images carved onto these black rocks provide an opportunity for people today to share the cultures of those who long ago inhabited and traveled through the Rio Grande Valley.  Afterwards, we will enjoy some free-time for lunch prior to our flights home.