Albuquerque Balloon Festival & Santa Fe New Mexico

October 1st - 5th, 2010
$1,159

           

Click to Download Albuquerque Balloon Festival Brochure

Up, Up, and Away!
Imagine a blue sky filled with a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors and shapes. That’s what you’ll experience at the world’s largest balloon event, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Your spirits will soar as you watch more than 700 balloons from all over the world ascend into the skies over Albuquerque. Rise bright and early to witness the Opening Ceremonies, which are followed by a grand “mass ascension,” as hundreds of balloons – some vibrant, some whimsical – fill the skies over the grounds.

During your visit, you’ll also enjoy the Balloon Glow, a signature Fiesta event that’s guaranteed to set the night sky ablaze. Just before dusk, nearly 500 balloons are tethered over the fiesta grounds. In unison, the pilots set their burners aglow, creating a luminous, magical display, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. It’s a pyrotechnical display you’ll not soon forget

Journey Back in Time at Old Town
Established as a colonial farming village in 1706, Albuquerque’s Old Town neighborhood still bears the mark of its Spanish founders. Through narrow brick pathways to Spanish-style plazas and 18th-century adobe architecture, you’ll explore the heritage of Albuquerque’s varied past, guided by a local expert on the region’s history and culture.

Santa Fe and Beyond
We’ll head north along the picturesque Jemez Mountains to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States. We tour one of the wonders of Santa Fe’s historic district, Loretto Chapel. Constructed in 1873, this striking gothic chapel houses the Miraculous Staircase, a marvel of architectural ingenuity that some claim was designed and built by St. Joseph himself!  For the shoppers, Santa Fe is a South Western haven. Governor’s Plaza is home to various shops and artists studios.

Don't Miss the Event!
Spectacular sights await at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Don’t miss this chance to feel the joy and excitement of this world famous event!

Hotel Accommodations

Holiday Inn Express,  Albuquerque

* Indoor Pool
* Health & Fitness Center
* Free WiFi

Albuquerque Singles Weekend

Itinerary

Day One - Friday
Your Singles weekend begins when you arrive in Albuquerque and are transfered to our hotel.
Meet your Singles Hostess at 7 p.m. in the lobby and walk over to a local restaurant for dinner (not included)

Day Two - Saturday
Wake Up Early! Today we attend the Balloon Fiesta Opening Ceremonies and “Mass Ascension” at sunrise.

After the Balloons are gone, we head for the Rio Grande Arts & Craft show. This highly-ranked, juried show features the work of hundreds of the nation’s most outstanding artists and craftspeople. You can shop and purchase directly from the artists, and also enjoy the food court, complete with wine sampling.

It is time for lunch in Old Town or head back to the hotel for some rest.

Tonight we enjoy the Balloon Glow and fireworks display at dusk. A memorable evening as we watch as the balloons fill up and glow.
You can also get your fill of junk food at the festival.

Day Three - Sunday
One day is never enough to see the mass ascension of balloons at sunrise. So let's do it again today! 

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center presents traditional Native American Indian dance performances and guest Art Demonstrators. So after the balloons we will see the exhibits of art, culture, history, and current affairs of the Pueblo people.

Free time to relax or have lunch and shop in Old Town before we have a winery tour and tasting at Casa Rondena.

Day Four - Monday
This morning watch the balloons flying as we depart for a trip to Chimayo and Santa Fe. Chimayo is an old Spanish village whose residents preserve the Spanish Colonial Art forms of weaving and carving.  Visit a special church with miraculous healing earth and a weaver’s shop where the proprietor won a Lifetime Achievement Award. In Santa Fe we visit Loretto Chapel Museum with its miraculous staircase. Followed by free time for shopping, a light lunch or visiting a museum.

We will have our farewell dinner and show in Santa Fe - Cantina Style!  La Cantina serves classic northern New Mexico cuisine and features Santa Fe's young and brightest talent performing jazz and musical revues of the Best of Broadway.

Day Five - Tuesday
Transfer to Albuquerque Airport for flights home and the end of another Singles Travel weekend.