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 Visit
northern New Mexico, the “land of enchantment,” and
southwestern Colorado, on an unforgettable immersion
into the lives, traditions, and history of the native
people of the southwest. Your 3-night stay in Santa Fe
includes a sightseeing tour showcasing the historic Town
Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, and the Loretto Chapel
with its remarkable spiral staircase, and ample free
time to explore the city on your own. A private cooking
class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking introduces you
to the ingredients and dishes unique to the Southwest.
On a river float along the Rio Grande, a Native American
guide will teach you about the history and culture of
the Pueblo Indians who still inhabit the river valley.
See a demonstration of the traditional art of pottery
making and enjoy a delicious customary feast prepared by
local Pueblo families. Get a glimpse into the past when
you visit the Taos Pueblo, a community that has been
continuously inhabited by descendants of the same tribe
for over one thousand years. Journey through scenic
mountain landscapes, deserts, and Indian reservations to
Durango, Colorado. You’ll spend an incredible day in
Mesa Verde National Park, gaining some insight into the
lives of the Anasazi Indians whose elaborate stone
villages are built into the sheltered alcoves of the
canyon walls. Spend your final two nights exploring the
multi-cultural, richly historic city of Albuquerque, New
Mexico.
- Enjoy a 3-night stay in
Santa Fe, including a locally guided sightseeing tour.
- Visit the five-story pueblo community of
Taos Pueblo.
- Travel to the Four Corners, the
traditional homeland of a number of Native American tribes, and enjoy the
many unique shops and trading posts featuring Native American artistry.
- Learn about the culture of the Anasazi
Indians and their incredible cliff dwellings.
 Day
1: Albuquerque, New Mexico - Santa Fe - Tour Begins
Combine northern New Mexico, "the land of enchantment,"
and southwestern Colorado for an unforgettable adventure
into America's old west. Arrive in Santa Fe, nestled at
the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, for your
extended stay. (D)
Day 2: Santa Fe
Today a local guide will join you for a sightseeing tour
of Santa Fe. See the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous
spiral staircase, St. Francis Cathedral, the historic
Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail,
and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The
remainder of the afternoon is at leisure so you may
explore this beautiful town on your own. Your Tour
Manager will be on hand to assist in planning your
leisure time. Perhaps you would like to partake in an
optional excursion aboard the Santa Fe Southern Railway
through northern New Mexico's beautiful high desert with
awesome views of five mountain ranges. Tonight, gather
with your fellow travelers for a private class at the
Santa Fe School of Cooking. Experience the aroma and
flavors of the Southwest as you learn the art of cooking
and feast on your creations. (B, D)
Day 3: Santa Fe - Rio Grande Valley - Taos - Santa Fe
Gain an intimate glimpse of a very special and ancient
culture with an unforgettable experience on a river
float along the Rio Grande Valley, home to many Pueblo
Indian tribes who still follow a traditional lifestyle.
A Native American guide will accompany you on this
magnificent journey, sharing the history and culture of
the area's indigenous people and their unique view of
the land they inhabit. Your tranquil river float
excursion concludes with a demonstration of the
traditional art of pottery making, followed by a
delicious customary feast, prepared and served by Pueblo
Indian families. You then travel by motorcoach to Taos
along the Rio Grande River and the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains. Visit Taos Pueblo, a five-story pueblo
community that has been continuously inhabited by
descendants of the same tribe of Native Americans for
over one thousand years. (B, L)
Day 4: Santa Fe - Farmington - Durango, Colorado
Today you travel to the Four Corners, the traditional
homeland of a number of Native American tribes,
including the Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, Ute Mountain
Ute, Southern Ute and Hopi nations. Visit Farmington,
nestled in the picturesque San Juan River valley, within
sight of Colorado's rugged San Juan Mountains and the
desert highlands of Arizona and Utah. Your journey
continues through scenic mountain landscapes, deserts,
and Indian reservations to Durango. (B)
Day 5: Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango
An incredible day is in store for you with a visit to
Mesa Verde National Park. Learn about the remarkable
culture of the Anasazi Indians, "the Ancient Ones".
Visit the fascinating Spruce Tree Cliff Dwellings and
view the famous Cliff Palace. This evening enjoy an Old
West adventure filled with traditional cowboy food and
entertainment. (CB, D)
Day 6: Durango - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Today you travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico. This
afternoon a local guide will join you for a tour of
Albuquerque and Historic Old Town. Discover this city's
rich multi-culturalism, natural beauty and profound
historic attractions and museums. Albuquerque has long
been the intersection of past and future, where
paleontological history blends with cutting-edge
technology. Your day concludes with a walking tour of
Historic Old Town. (CB)
Day 7: Albuquerque
Today you have a full day at leisure to explore this
magnificent city on your own. Your Tour Manager will be
on hand to assist you in planning your day. Perhaps you
would like to take an optional trip to Sandia Peak on
the world's longest aerial tramway where breathtaking
vistas abound for miles on end. Another optional
opportunity is a visit to Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,
a wonderful museum and crafts market run by several New
Mexico pueblos - it offers a perfect opportunity to
learn the history and culture of the pueblos and select
authentic crafts. Following your visit to Indian Pueblo
Cultural Center, drive west to Acoma Pueblo situated
atop a 365-foot sandstone mesa. "Sky City" predates 1200
AD and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited
communities in North America (optional). (B, D)
Day 8: Albuquerque - Tour Ends
All too soon your tour comes to an end. Your greatest
souvenir will be the dear memories of your trip to New
Mexico and Colorado. (B)
Stay Another Night - Add a post night stay in
Albuquerque. Prices start at $80 per person, double.
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Uniquely For You
Rio Grande Valley |
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Try to
imagine a time when man and earth were
as one. Your relaxing trip through the
Rio Grande Valley is home to many Pueblo
Indian Tribes who still follow their
traditional ways. A Native American
guide accompanies you through this
magnificent journey sharing in history
and knowledge of their people and their
unique view of the land they live in.
Get an intimate glimpse of a very
special and ancient culture. Your
tranquil river float excursion concludes
with a delicious traditional feast,
prepared and served by Pueblo Indian
families.
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 2 - 10, 2006
This
annual extravaganza is indescribable, a
must - see - in -order to believe event
which seems to grow larger with every
year: over 720 hot air balloons, more
than 75 special shaped balloons and many
gas balloons. It has grown into the most
photographed event in the world. Imagine
the sky filled with these enormous,
beautiful and colorful balloons rising
simultaneously. Included in the Balloon
Fiesta dates are a morning mass
ascension and an evening Night Magic
Glow.
Please
note: Balloon Fiesta inclusions
replace day 7 of regular tour. On some
dates the Night Magic Glow may be
replaced with the American's Challenger
Gas Balloon Race. Balloon Fiesta
inclusions are subject to change and
dependent on Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta 2006 schedule of events.
Events are weather permitting. Alternate
sightseeing will take place in case of
inclement weather. On some departures a
reverse itinerary is offered. |
Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| May 28 2006 |
$1249 |
$1629 from ORD |
| Jun 04 2006 |
$1249 |
$1629 from ORD |
| Aug 13 2006 |
$1249 |
$1629 from ORD |
| Sep 10 2006 |
$1249 |
$1629 from ORD |
| Sep 24 2006 |
$1249 |
$1629 from ORD |
| Oct 05 2006 |
$1449 |
$1829 from ORD |
| Oct 08 2006 |
$1449 |
$1829 from ORD |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
8 days, 12 meals
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
Day 1 - 3 - Radisson Hotel, Santa Fe, NM
Day 4, 5 - Strater Hotel, Durango, CO
Day 6, 7 - Doubletree, Albuquerque, NM
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
NOTES:
- Flights arrive into
Albuquerque, NM, a 1.5 hour drive from Santa Fe. Flights on
arrival day should arrive prior to 3:00 p.m.
- The breakfasts in Durango are
deluxe continental (CB).
- Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine
may be spicy; alternative meals may be available upon request.
- On some dates an alternate
restaurant may be used for dinner on Day 5.
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