Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 23

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach today as we make our way to "The Land of Enchantment," New Mexico. Before checking into our hotel in Kodak, Tennessee for the night, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for Nashville, Tennessee and the Opryland Hotel for a delicious buffet lunch. Following lunch take a pleasurable Delta River Flatboat ride on the scenic indoor river, which is included. Next leisurely explore the Opryland Hotel on a self-guided tour discovering its majestic, climate-controlled glass atriums, surrounded by nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding rivers and pathways, and sparkling waterfalls all under one spectacular roof. Be amazed and delighted by the elaborate décor surrounding you, experience charming southern hospitality and marvel at the many wonders of this extraordinary Nashville landmark hotel. Later settle back, relax and enjoy the scenery on our drive across western Tennessee to our overnight accommodations in Little Rock, Arkansas. A dinner stop will be made en route to Little Rock.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Fort Smith, Arkansas and visit Miss Laura's Visitor Center. The first former Old West bordello listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Visitors Center now serves as the official welcome center for the city of Fort Smith. We will enjoy a guided tour of this historic old "hotel," that has been fully restored to its original Wild West grandeur, but don't expect any old-fashioned hospitality. Following our tour, we depart for lunch and entertainment provided by Miss Laura's Players. Later we travel to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where we are treated to a delicious dinner at Cattlemen's Steakhouse upon our arrival. Located in the historic stockyards district, it is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Oklahoma City, first opening its doors in 1910 to hungry cowboys, ranchers, and cattle haulers. By the 1940's Cattlemen's Steakhouse had become a gathering place for all kinds of folks to enjoy a good meal and a stiff drink, including movie stars, rodeo greats and politicians. After dinner take an inspiring stroll through the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The Memorial is a place of quiet reflection, which honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. It encompasses the now-sacred soil where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood, as well as the surrounding area devastated during the attack. Next, we check-in to our Oklahoma City hotel for a good night's sleep.

Day 4

Bienvenidos, New Mexico! After breakfast we depart for Albuquerque, New Mexico, our tour destination! Our accommodations for the next four nights are at the Albuquerque Marriott. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the restaurant and shopping district where you're only steps away from great shopping, movie theaters and terrific restaurants. Bring your bathing suit and relax at the Marriott's indoor swimming pool. Also, from the comfort of your deluxe hotel room, enjoy spectacular views of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains and the dessert. Coffee makers, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers are provided in your hotel room. The Marriott in Albuquerque welcomes you to "The Land of Enchantment". Tonight, we are treated to a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a day of New Mexico sightseeing. We begin with a driving tour of Route 66 landmarks, from the historic Nobb Hill business district to downtown and then on to Old Town. Our first stop is the Turquoise Museum, which features one of the largest private turquoise collections in the world. See one-of-a-kind showpieces and samples from more than sixty mines on four continents. Also, enjoy an informative and entertaining presentation that will show you the difference between real turquoise and plastic. Next, we visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a landmark dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Pueblo Indian culture, history and art. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional Indian dances. A delicious buffet lunch is included after the tour. Following lunch, we take a brief walking tour of the Historic Plaza area of Old Town, the original center of Albuquerque, founded in the 18th-century. Explore hidden courtyards, stroll under covered portals and shop at the many fine specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza on your own. Later we will return to our hotel where you will have some time to sit, relax and freshen up before going out for a very special evening. Tonight, we are going to escape the city and enjoy a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the top of Sandia Peak. It stretches from the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains and has the world's third longest single span. It is the longest aerial tram in the Americas. A trip on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain while traveling a diagonal distance of 2.7 miles of awesome views! At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color from the observation deck atop 10,378-foot Sandia Peak giving you a breathtaking panoramic view of the "Land of Enchantment". The flight on the tram will be one of your tour highlights! Before returning to our hotel for a good night's rest, a delicious dinner is served at a local restaurant that serves up great local flavor.

Day 6

We leave our hotel bright and early for the mornings Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Explore the grounds, chat with the pilots and crews, and capture truly memorable photographs! Breakfast and snacks are included in the Chaser's Club. Later we depart for an afternoon of New Mexico sightseeing. We begin with a drive on the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The drive takes us by mining towns that once mined precious stones and rich ores. Upon our arrival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many restaurants located on the Historic Santa Fe Plaza. After lunch you may take an optional guided walking tour, visiting such points of interest as the Historic Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, with its famous "miraculous" staircase, and the San Miguel Mission. You may continue to explore the area on your own, or indulge in a southwestern shopping spree at the many unique specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors are within walking distance of the Plaza. We return to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a delicious buffet dinner at El Pinto Restaurant, regarded by locals and visitors alike as the place for the finest in traditional New Mexican cooking.

Day 7

After breakfast we depart for our final day of New Mexico sightseeing. We travel west to Acoma Pueblo, known as "Sky City," located in the spectacular West-Central Plateau of New Mexico. Acoma Pueblo is built atop a sheer-walled, 367-foot sandstone bluff, above the high desert floor in a valley studded with sacred, towering monoliths. Settled and built around AD1100, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities within the United States borders. A Pueblo member will give us a ¾-mile guided walking tour of the village, explaining the culture and history of the tribe. Points of interest include San Estevan del Rey Mission, built in 1629, the largest and most remarkable of all the Spanish Colonial mission churches in New Mexico. A buffet lunch is included after the tour. Later we return to our hotel to relax and freshen up before going out for "The World's Premier Balloon Event," the Balloon Glow at Dusk. Witness all the balloons fire their burners and light up the night sky at the same time. It's an absolute exhilarating site! Enjoy a delicious dinner provided at the Gondola Club, followed by an "After Glow" festive fireworks display that will dazzle and delight you before returning to the hotel for a good night's sleep!

Day 8

Adios Amigos New Mexico! After breakfast we depart for our overnight accommodations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Your on-board Gunther Tours Manager will help pass the time by playing games, showing a movie or two, and scheduling quiet time to relax and enjoy the scenery along the highway. Tonight, a buffet dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 9

After breakfast we depart for the fun-loving town of Branson, Missouri. Branson is the home of exciting live entertainment ranging from country to bluegrass, and gospel to old-time rock 'n roll. Upon our arrival, we climb on board the Showboat Branson Belle for America's most entertaining lake adventure! Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waters of Table Rock Lake from one of the most unique vantage points in Branson. While cruising on board this majestic turn-of-the-century paddle wheeler we are treated to a delicious dinner, are entertained by an exciting show and see gorgeous views of the Lake and lush Ozark Mountains. Later we check into our hotel accommodations for the night at the Radisson Hotel, nestled in the breathtaking Ozark Mountains.

Day 10

After breakfast settle back, and relax in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach and enjoy the scenery on our drive through Missouri, crossing over the Mississippi River, and through Illinois into Indiana. We will stop on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri for a photo-stop at the Gateway Arch. With its awe-inspiring shape, the Gateway Arch is one of the world's greatest architectural icons. After checking into our hotel in Richmond, Indiana for the night, we are treated to a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 11

After breakfast we depart for home having enjoyed the fellowship of friends old and new on our 2023 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & "A Taste of New Mexico" tour, and taking with us many wonderful memories, pictures and souvenirs!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner