Breathtaking Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque
About the Trip
October 9–14, 2025 | 6 Days
Embark on a journey to the captivating Southwest, a region steeped in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Start in the vibrant city of Albuquerque, where the annual Balloon Fiesta paints the sky with a kaleidoscope of hues as you enjoy special access to unique events including the famous Dawn Patrol, Balloon Glow and AfterGlowTM Fireworks Shows. Explore the timeless charm of Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the U.S. Follow the Turquoise Trail winding through ghost towns and artist havens, then continue your scenic journey along the High Road to Taos, revealing ancient Pueblos and majestic mountain vistas. This curated tour highlights the rich heritage of Spanish and Native American influences, giving you a taste of the Southwest’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
CAA Premier Collection Tours
One-of-a-kind departures that offer immersive and intimate group journeys.
- Every detail matters: From the moment you’re met at the airport to your farewell dinner, you’ll experience best-in-class service wherever you go.
- Our CAA Hosts lead you on incredible adventures to iconic destinations. They will take care of every detail on each journey.
- Travel in style: Stretch out on spacious motorcoach while exploring during the day and rest easy at night in the best hotels each destination has to offer.
- Memorable dining: Delicious local dishes and the season’s most flavourful offerings will have you savouring every bite.
Member-exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Special gift‡
- 100 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Albuquerque
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Albuquerque
- 2-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Santa Fe
- 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Gratuities for tour director, driver and guide
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
Breathtaking Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque
Activity Level: Moderate. From Albuquerque's famous International Balloon Fiesta to Santa Fe's charm, explore the vibrant Southwest through its skies and history.
Day 1
Albuquerque – Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg to Albuquerque. Upon arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception then dinner. (D)
Day 2
Albuquerque – Experience the awe-inspiring Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, starting with an early morning transfer to the Fiesta Field for breakfast at the Chasers Club. Watch the unforgettable Dawn Patrol and the Mass Ascension of balloons. Later, visit Albuquerque, “The Jewel of the American Southwest.” Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3
Albuquerque – This morning, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway to the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains to see one of America’s most stunning urban vistas. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about ancient cultural and religious customs. Enjoy dinner at the Chaser Club followed by two unforgettable events: the Balloon Glow and the AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show, New Mexico’s most spectacular fireworks display. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Santa Fe – Journey along the Turquoise Trail, stopping at the real-life ghost town of Madrid. Continue to Santa Fe, founded in 1609 and the first state capitol in the United States. Tour the historic Santa Fe Plaza, Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Chapel. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B/L)
Day 5
Santa Fe – Visit Chimayo, where the descendants of Spanish artisans still work. Continue to the world-class resort town of Taos, founded in 1617. Explore Taos Pueblo, a village that has been inhabited for more than 800 years. Arrive at Taos Plaza with free time to explore. Return to Santa Fe with a stop for a scenic view of the legendary Rio Grande. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 6
Transfer to the Albuquerque airport for your return flight. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Special gift is one per person, in Canadian funds and has no cash value.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2025. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail.
CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Albuquerque
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg to Albuquerque. Upon arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for three-night stay. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner. (D)
Day 2
Albuquerque
Today you’ll experience the awe-inspiring Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and discover why Albuquerque is renown as the Balloon Capitol of the World. The day begins with an early morning transfer to the Fiesta Field where you’ll enjoy breakfast at the exclusive Chasers Club, with guaranteed seating next to the launch field. It’s the best vantage point to watch the Dawn Patrol, a tradition since 1978 where pilots take off in the dark and fly until it’s light enough to see landing sites. Just at dawn when the winds are calmest, you’ll witness the Mass Ascension of balloons in an unforgettable rainbow of colors. Later this morning, you’ll drive through Albuquerque, "The Jewel of the American Southwest," on your way to historic Old Town with some free time to explore hidden courtyards, stroll under covered portals and shop at the many fine specialty stores and galleries. In the afternoon, visit the Turquoise Museum where you’ll walk through a mock mine tunnel to see the veins and nugget formations just as if you are a miner. You’ll also learn about rare specimens and the process of grinding and shaping the stones. After an exciting day, return to your hotel with the rest of the evening free to relax and have dinner on your own. (B)
Day 3
Albuquerque
This morning, join the group for an experience high above the valley as you ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway to the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains, where an 11,000 square mile panoramic from one of America’s most stunning urban peaks awaits you. It’s an elevation of the body, mind and soul in a mere 15 minutes. Then experience a fascinating introduction to the way of life enjoyed by America's first "apartment dwellers," the Pueblo tribes of the Southwest, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Here you'll see their artifacts and crafts and learn about the cultural and religious customs that have helped preserve this society for over l,000 years. Return to your hotel for a little relaxation time before you drive to Balloon Fiesta Park to enjoy dinner at the Chaser Club. Here you’ll have direct access onto Fiesta Field for the Balloon Glow, the most impressive moment of the entire festival where all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. The evening concludes with New Mexico's most spectacular fireworks display, the AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show, another one of Balloon Fiesta's most popular events. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Santa Fe
Today we’re off to Santa Fe along the Turquoise Trail, named for the exquisite mineral that was once mined here. Your first stop is the real-life ghost town of Madrid, filled with rows of empty, ramshackle houses that once were home to 3,000 miners and their families. The only signs of life now are the artists who come to paint this picturesque place and display their wares. After time to explore this relic of the past, you’ll continue to the first state capitol in the United States, Santa Fe. Founded in 1609, this "Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis" offers a multitude of historic and scenic delights. Your tour will be a combination of driving and walking to the many famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel with its famous spiral staircase and San Miguel Chapel, considered the oldest church in New Mexico. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the many wonderful shops and art galleries, or maybe stroll through the Indian Market where native arts and crafts are available directly from the artists who created them. Check into your hotel with the evening free for dinner on your own. (B/L)
Day 5
Santa Fe
Depart for another day of exciting exploration as you take the High Road to Taos. Visit Chimayo, where the descendants of Spanish weavers and woodcarvers still ply their crafts. After a stop to observe the artisans, travel the picturesque high road to the world-class resort town of Taos. Founded in 1617 by the Spanish, Taos has kept its Spanish and Indian influences. Explore Taos Pueblo, a village that has been inhabited for more than 800 years and whose adobe structures have changed little since the first Spanish explorers saw them in 1540. Then arrive at Taos Plaza with free time to wander the streets, enjoying the atmosphere and browsing at the offerings of many artists who have come here to capture the allure of this delightful place. As you return to Santa Fe you’ll stop for a scenic view of the Rio Grande, a legendary river that cuts a distinct path through the history of the Southwest. After some time to freshen up, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Day 6
Transfer to Albuquerque airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner