08 Days
Canyonlands, Arches & Mesa Verde National Parks with Balloon Fiesta
Day
01.
Arrive in Salt Lake City
Arrive in Salt Lake City. Transfer independently to the hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM.
Overnight: Salt Lake City
Day
02.
Travel to Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park
Morning drive along winding roads in the high desert of Southern Utah, stopping en route for leisure time. Continue to Dead Horse Point State Park. Arrive in Canyonlands National Park. At Grand View Point, the southernmost spot on the high mesa, view markers for the Totem Pole, the confluence of the rivers, and White Rim Road. Continue to Moab with its red rock scenery. This evening, celebrate your arrival with dinner.
Overnight: Moab | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
03.
Arches National Park
In the morning, journey to Arches National Park. Here, see the densest concentration of natural stone arches. View various sites, including The Windows Section and Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Afterward, return to Moab. Later, join the optional Evening Dinner & Boat Tour on the Colorado River.
Optional: Evening Dinner & Boat Tour on the Colorado River | Overnight: Moab | Meals: Breakfast
Day
04.
Travel to Durango, Million Dollar Highway
Morning drive via the mountain town of Ouray, situated in a river valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. From here, travel on the Million Dollar Highway through the San Juan mountain range and the Uncompahgre Gorge to Silverton. After leisure time in Silverton, board the 19th century Narrow Gauge Railroad, named a National Historic Landmark. Arrive in Durango and transfer to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Durango | Meals: Breakfast
Day
05.
Mesa Verde National Park
Today explore Mesa Verde National Park, renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde offers a look into the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people who made this area their home. View the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, and Sun Temple, a large
ceremonial structure. Return to Durango for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Durango | Meals: Breakfast
Day
06.
Travel to Sante Fe, Taos Pueblo
A vast change in scenery as you arrive in Taos, New Mexico. Cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on your drive into Taos. This community of talented artists and craftspeople were attracted here by the scenic beauty of the contrasting forests and deserts. Lunch at leisure in this
eclectic town. Visit Taos Pueblo*, the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Free time this evening in Santa Fe to explore this vibrant city’s lively street life, boutiques and superb restaurant scene.
*Taos Pueblo visit is subject to unexpected closures due to religious activities and/or tribal ceremonies.
Overnight: Santa Fe | Meals: Breakfast
Day
07.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Wake up early this morning to begin your day at Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta. Experience the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Watch hundreds of balloons take to the sky, in the most spectacular fashion. After, visit the Balloon Museum, dedicated to the science, art and history of ballooning. The exhibits showcase the adventurous spirit of balloonists and feature a collection of ballooning equipment along with memorabilia. Later, return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Bid farewell to your Tour Manager at dinner.
Overnight: Santa Fe | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
08.
Return Home
Early morning group departure from Santa Fe and drive to Albuquerque International Sunport for your departure flight back to your hometown city. Passengers returning to Albuquerque from Santa Fe on Day 8 should select flights that depart no earlier than 10 AM. Santa Fe is approximately a 1 hour drive from the Albuquerque International Sunport.
Meals: Breakfast
All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended. National Parks route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns.
