Scenic New Mexico & Balloon Fiesta Featuring Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe, Taos and Carlsbad Caverns

Call for 2011 Dates 8 days 7 nights    Capture the big spirit of Santa Fe in small doses while you tour the Museum of International Folk Art. Capitols and churches come alive during the tour, featuring the State Capitol Building, Cristo Rey Church, Old Santa Fe Trail, and the miraculous staircase at the Loretto Chapel. See the views from the Rio Grande River Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains en route to Taos, where you will tour the Taos Indian Pueblo. Look for UFOs at Roswell on the way to your tour of Carlsbad Caverns, then be awed by the bat flight, when a thousand bats fly from the caverns to hunt for food. In daylight, tour the limestone corridors of the caverns, featuring the “Big Room” chamber. Return to Roswell and tour the International UFO Museum. Next is Ruidoso, home of Billy the Kid, who fought during the Lincoln County Wars of the 1870’s. Discover the dunes at the White Sands National Monument, and then see live lava at the Valley of the Fires. Onto Albuquerque for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, featuring a gorgeous gas glow illuminating the evening sky from more than 800 colorful hot air balloons. Take in the morning spectacle of the world’s largest mass ascension. Your next stop includes a guided tour of Acoma “Sky City” Indian Pueblo, a mesa-topped fortress, and free time to shop or explore the Old Town or San Felipe Church. Conclude the tour with a ride on the world’s largest aerial tram to Sandia Peak, with breathtaking views from 10,378 feet high. Read our blog post: Up, Up and Away! Read our blog post about the International Balloon Fiesta.       Print Color Flyer

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Albuquerque Balloon Festival City tours of Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque with free time in each La Casa Sena Dinner Theatre with Southwest cuisine and music Visit Taos Pueblo and Acoma "Sky City" to learn of Indian Heritage Santa Fe Georgia O'Keefe Museum and International Folk Art Museum Carlsbad Caverns with evening "Bat Flight" Roswell International UFO Museum White Sands National Monument and Atomic site Albuquerque Aerial Tram ride up Sandia Peak

TRIPS INCLUDES Round trip commercial airfare from Indianapolis Home pick-up & return Indy metro area Airport transfers Transportation by coach 7 nights accommodations Baggage handling 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners Admissions to national parks, monuments, museums, and attractions highlighted in itinerary All taxes and gratuities for included meals and hotel Professional Tour Director Operated by an Interlude Travel Partner   PRICING DETAILS (Cost per Person)* Double $2,239 Single $2,679 Deposit $400 per person Balance Due June 29, 2010 Cancellation Insurance: $168 (D), $201 (S) *Air departure from Indianapolis included. Call for pricing from other departure cities. Price subject to increase after balance due date.

TRAVEL ITINERARY Day 1: Indianapolis / Albuquerque / Santa Fe Fly from Indianapolis to the Albuquerque airport, meet your tour director and board your coach for the short drive to Santa Fe. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe reflects the influence of its Spanish, Pueblo Indian, and Mexican history. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the renowned Museum of International Folk Art to observe the famous Girard Collection of miniature figurines. Then check in for a 3-night stay at your southwestern style hotel. Tonight, relax prior to your private Get Acquainted Dinner. Marriott Courtyard, Santa Fe (D) Day 2: Santa Fe Begin today with a tour of this historic artist’s colony & capital city. See the State Capitol Building, Cristo Rey Church, and Old Santa Fe Trail. Stop at famous Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase. Next, visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, showcasing her many works inspired by New Mexico’s stark beauty. This afternoon is free to shop on the Plaza or visit the Palace of the Governors. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a musical show at La Casa Sena. Marriott Courtyard, Santa Fe (B,D) Day 3: Santa Fe / Taos Travel north along the Rio Grande River Valley with a breathtaking panorama of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the way to Taos. Here you'll see a colorful blend of Indian & Spanish Cultures. Tour the Taos Indian Pueblo, an authentic 600-year-old Indian Village. After free time for shopping and lunch on your own in the historic Plaza, return to Santa Fe for a free evening. Marriott Courtyard, Santa Fe (B) Day 4: Santa Fe / Roswell / White's City Travel south through the desert to the 1870's crossroads town of Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Then continue to White’s City. Arrive at your hotel for a steak dinner prior to your first of two trips to awe-inspiring Carlsbad Caverns. Tonight, view the incredible sunset "bat flight" (weather permitting). Witness 1000’s of bats departing the cave on their hunt for food. Cavern Inn, White City (B,D) Day 5: White's City / Ruidoso Today, return to Carlsbad Caverns. Enjoy a tour of the 21 miles of surveyed limestone corridors. Descend in an elevator to see the "Big Room,” the most impressive of the cavern’s chambers. Next, stop in Roswell for a visit to the International UFO Museum. This afternoon, travel west through the Sacramento Mountains to “Billy the Kid” Country and the town of Ruidoso. The young gunfighter lived and fought here during the famous Lincoln County Wars of the 1870’s. Visit an Indian jewelry shop before checking into our resort hotel. Gather this evening for dinner at a local restaurant. The Lodge, Ruidoso (B,D) Day 6: Ruidoso - Albuquerque / Balloon Glow Begin today with a visit to White Sands National Monument to see the 60 foot snow white sand dunes. After an included lunch, motor north across the ancient “Valley of Fires” lava flows. Follow the Rio Grande River up to Albuquerque for a two-night stay. This evening arrive at the world-famous International Hot Air Balloon Festival grounds to witness the "Balloon Glow" as tethered balloons are brilliantly lit up by their propane gas jets. Nativo Lodge, Albuquerque (B,L) Day 7: Balloon Fiesta / Acoma Return to the festival grounds this morning to marvel at the spectacle of over 800 colorful balloons in mass ascension (world’s largest) over the skies of Albuquerque. You may wish to actively assist a crew with the launching of their balloon. Next travel west to Acoma "Sky City" Indian Pueblo for a guided tour of this mesa-top fortress. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tour Old Town, shop, or visit the San Felipe Church. Tonight, reminisce over your travels during your Farewell Dinner. Nativo Lodge, Albuquerque (B,D) Day 8: Albuquerque - Indianapolis This morning ride the world's longest aerial tram to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak. Later, arrive at the airport for your return flight home. (B) Commercial Air: Book Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip operates on commercial air. Space is limited and may not be available less than 90 days before departure.

Cancellation policy: if insurance is not purchased, cancellation charges are: 91 days and earlier: full refund; 90-65 days before departure: $400; 64 and less days prior to departure: no refund. In addition, airline penalties and charges may apply.

Call Interlude Tours today for reservations!    (317) 913-0387 Copyright 2012-2013© Interlude Tours, 7816 N. Chester Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240