Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

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11 Days From

$4640

$4015

Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

11 Days

Visiting: Denver, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Chimayo, Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Taos, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Narrow Gauge Railroad Inn, Silverton, Glenwood Springs, Georgetown Loop Railroad, North America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

NCS-2023

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

From:
$4640
$4015 (USD) Operator discount: -$512 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 -13%
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Tour Overview

If the closest thing to time travel is train travel, then you’ll love riding the rails into the unspoiled scenic past of Colorado. This off-the-beaten path tour of the U.S. West is just the ticket to chug through the untamed beauty of the Royal Gorge aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railway; through the magnificent mesas and canyons of San Juan National Forest aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; and through the rugged splendor of the Rockies aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll also pick up steam with visits to Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings, Chimayo’s famous pilgrimage site, and Glenwood Spring’s historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt’s. Train buffs will also enjoy time in Durango’s D&SNG Railway Museum, as well as a trolley tour through charming Santa Fe. All aboard! For one week in October, chasing rainbows is easy as hundreds of hot-air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere of New Mexico into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. Add the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to your U.S. West vacation to witness the incredible Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other colorful rituals of the world’s largest balloon event.

Places You'll See

Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown

Embassy Suites By Hilton Colorado Springs

Embassy Suites Albuquerque

La Posada De Santa Fe

Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Durango

Hotel Colorado

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado

Location: Denver

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2: Denver,Royal Gorge Route Railroad,Colorado Springs

Location: Denver, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Colorado Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart on a scenic drive south to the Royal Gorge for a unique experience on the spectacular Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Later, travel to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of The Gods, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.

Day 3: Colorado Springs,Albuquerque

Location: Colorado Springs, Albuquerque

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Colorado Springs and travel south into New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” to visit Albuquerque – home of the annual Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy free time this evening before an early morning adventure tomorrow!

Day 4: Albuquerque

Location: Albuquerque

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. See Old Town Albuquerque before returning to the hotel for free time before witnessing the popular Balloon Glow and Fireworks show.

Day 5: Albuquerque,Santa Fe

Location: Albuquerque, Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel, via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, to the charming city of Santa Fe. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Santa Fe. Excursion To Chimayo

Location: Chimayo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, begin with a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world. The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe allows you to explore a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. We then visit nearby Chimayo, which was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers. Enjoy lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, located in a century-old adobe home, serving some of the best New Mexican cuisine. Visit [LF] Santuario De Chimayo and learn about the miraculous healing powers that still attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Return to Santa Fe, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 7: Santa Fe,Bandelier National Monument,Taos,Durango

Location: Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Taos, Durango

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Santa Fe, stopping to explore the ancient Anasazi Puebloans, their cliff dwellings, and the museum at Bandelier National Monument. Visit the adobe town of Taos for free time to explore. Continue into Colorado for Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era. Tonight, spend free time browsing the many shops on Main Street or enjoy a cold pint at one of the city’s local breweries.

Day 8: Durango. Excursion To Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Mesa Verde National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Durango for a guided tour of the D&SNG Railway Museum with free time to see the exhibits including an extensive model train layout.

Day 9: Durango,Narrow-Gauge Railroad,Silverton,Glenwood Springs

Location: Durango, Narrow Gauge Railroad Inn, Silverton, Glenwood Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Continue to Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay at the historic [LF] Hotel Colorado.

Day 10: Glenwood Springs,Georgetown Loop Railroad,Denver

Location: Glenwood Springs, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Denver

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains to historic Georgetown for a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Continue east to Denver, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation.

Day 11: Denver

Location: Denver

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

UNESCO Sites

Mesa Verde National Park

Meals

Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Notes

Enjoy spectacular fall colors on our Fall Foliage departure: October 04 (Mother Nature permitting).

Accommodation

Denver:Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown
Colorado Springs:Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
Albuquerque:Embassy Suites Albuquerque
Santa Fe:La Posada de Santa Fe
Durango:Doubletree Inn Durango
Glenwood Springs:Hotel Colorado

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this Operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
$4339 $4038 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 (USD)

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$4339 $4038 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 (USD)

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$4640 $4015 (USD)

Operator discount: -$512 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 (USD)

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$4640 $4015 (USD)

Operator discount: -$512 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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