National Parks of the Southwest featuring Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

The perfect blend of the beauty of the Balloon Fiesta and the amazing National Parks in the Southwestern United States. Enjoy a float trip, a scenic cruise on Lake Powell and so much more!

12 Days • 17 Meals (5 dinners, 1 lunch and 11 breakfasts)

Day One – Arrive in Utah

Welcome to Salt Lake City, Utah. Meet your Tour Manager and traveling companions at 6:00 p.m. for a welcom dinner. (Dinner)

Day Two – Salt Lake City and Dead Horse Point State Park

A local guide joins us to explore Salt Lake City’s historic Temple Square and walk in the footsteps of the Mormon settlers who founded this city more then 150 years ago. Then, we venture into Dead Horse Point State Park with its amazing views of the Colorado River as it snakes its way through the massive sandstone walls, colorful canyons, mesas and buttes of the area. Later, we continue to Moab and our hotel. (Breakfast)

Day Three – Arches National Park and Colorado River Float Trip

Arches National Park contains the largest concentration of stone arches in the world. A local guide shows us the massive sandstone arches and describes the culture of those that have occupied the region. Enjoy lunch before boarding a raft for a float trip on the Colorado River. During the leisurely ride our oarsman will tell tales of the area as we explore river passages with names like Fisher Towers and Professor Valley. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day Four – Capital Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

A morning scenic drive brings us to impressive Capitol Reef National Park, where white sandstone “domes” cap massive reef-like cliffs. Then we travel along Utah’s incredible Highway 12 Scenic Byway as we wind our way through spectacular Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument. (Breakfast)

Day Five – Bryce Canyon National Park

Today a guide joins us at the famed “Pink Cliffs” of Bryce Canyon National Park. The natural orange and red hues that color these formations called Hoodoos and are the result of iron oxidizing within the rock. Bryce Canyon National Park is truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders in the world. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Six – Zion National Park

Today features awe-inspiring Zion National Park, where the Virgin River has cut a dramatic rugged gorge through multi-hued sandstone, shale and limestone. We’ll look up at the towering rock walls surrounding us on all sides as we tour this incredible natural wonder aboard open-air sightseeing trams. Later, enjoy time for exploring on your own or shopping in picturesque Springdale. (Breakfast)

Day Seven – Glen Canyon Lake Powell Cruise and Glen Canyon Dam

A scenic drive along Vermilion Cliffs National Monument brings us to the impressive Colorado River Gorge at Navajo Bridge. Near Page we visit Glen Canyon Dam before our Antelope Canyon cruise on sky-blue Lake Powell. Dinner tonight has been arranged in the Rainbow Room at the Lake Powell Resort. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Eight – Grand Canyon South Rim

Entering through the east gate, we arrive at Grand Canyon National Park’s amazing south rim. World-renowned for its remarkable beauty and diverse range of rock layers, the Grand Canyon offers visitors an unmatched display of scenic wonders and breathtaking views. (Breakfast)

Day Nine – Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert

Today we drive through one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood at Petrified Forrest National Park and see the multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, in this surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Ten – Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

It’s an early start today as we depart for the Fiesta Grounds and the Opening Ceremonies. Founded in 1972, the Fiesta began with 13 balloons and has grown to more than 600 balloons from all over the world. We view the “mass ascension” of these specially shaped balloons as they lift off at sunrise. Later a local guide joins us for a tour of Albuquerque to learn about the history of the area. Just before dusk, the burners of nearly 500 balloons are ignited and the evening sky fills with a kaleidoscope of brilliant, luminous color at the Balloon Glow, followed by a vivid fireworks display. (Breakfast)

Day Eleven – Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Sandia Peak

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was designed to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and features original artwork, exhibits and theater presenting the accomplishments of the people of New Mexico. Later, take a thrilling ride aboard the world’s longest passenger aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. You will be transported above the deep canyons and breathtaking terrains for an incredible view of the Rio Grande Valley. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at Sandiago’s Restaurant. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Twelve – Depart for Home

A group transfer takes us to Albuquerque’s Sunport Airport for flights home departing after 12:00 p.m. (Breakfast)

Accommodations

Day One – Embassy Suites, Salt Lake City, Utah
Days Two and Three – Ramada Hotel, Moab, Utah
Day Four – Best Western Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Day Five – Best Western Zion Park Inn, Springdale, Utah
Days Six and Seven – Lake Powell Resort, Page, Arizona
Day Eight – Holiday Inn Express, Flagstaff, Arizona
Days Nine through Eleven – Doubletree Hotel, Albuquerque,New Mexico

Dates and Rates
2012 Departure Date:
September 27

Per Person Rates:
Twin $2,449
Single add $999
Triple deduct $22
Call for air rates from your city to Salt Lake City, Utah and from Albuquerque, New Mexico

Stay another night
Rooms for the night before and after the tour are available. Cost for a room in Salt Lake City is $159 and in Albuquerque is $219, tax included.