This is one of the most colorful events worldwide! Five hundred hot air balloons fill the skies in the brilliant skies of the southwest. Enjoy the art, shopping, and culture of New Mexico on this tour,  leaving right from Champaign.

NOTE: while we show the tour as sold out, if you put yourself on the waiting list (no obligation), we will likely be able to get space for you.

• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - Dawn Patrol & Balloon Glow • Old Town, Albuquerque • 3 Nights in Santa Fe • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center • Los Alamos Science Museum • Loretto Chapel • Santa Fe City Tour • Taos Pueblo • Taos • High Road to Taos

*Price is per person based on room occupancy chosen. Premier World Discovery operates the tour as a disclosed principal. The deposit is $725 per person. The tour balance is due 7/4/24 with a discount of $100 per person if paid by paper check or e-check via WeTravel.

• The document required is a government-issued REAL ID with a photo. • Insurance coverage included is Premier’s TPP; for coverage details, see premierworlddiscovery.com/tpp.html covering cancellation charges; other terms at steviejaytravel.com/terms are incorporated by reference. • A local host is provided only from Champaign to Chicago O’Hare Airport to get you checked in for your flight, but not as a host on the tour. Price and details are subject to change. If you do not want to be covered by the included Travel Protection Plan (TPP), enter the discount code NO-INSUR for a $325  per person reduction when booking.  

EASY 1 (2) 3 4 ACTIVE

The Premier Compass Club rewards our valued guests with special recognition and a Compass Club Loyalty Credit on future tours and cruises. Guests who have completed a trip will automatically be enrolled and receive an additional $100 per person or $200 per couple Compass Club Loyalty Credit applied to their next Premier World Discovery tour or River Cruise. Loyalty Credit is valid for 24 months from your last tour.

FULL REFUND if sick and unable to travel*, or canceling for any reason, get a 75% credit towards a future Premier World Discovery tour later in the year (the latter applies up to 48 hours before scheduled departure). The included Travel Protection Plan costs $325 per person and is not refundable.

The Travel Protection Plan also includes Post-Departure coverages for Trip Interruption and Delay, Baggage/Personal Effects and Delay, Emergency Accident/Sickness Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Non-Insurance and Emergency Travel Assistance Services 24/7. 

premierworlddiscovery.com/tpp.html

*You are also covered if there is a death in the immediate family.

Book securely online 24/7* by clicking the green button, or call Bill Owen at 217 619-0202 or Mary Beth at 217 840-8724. Or mail a deposit check to Stevie Jay Travel, 4413 Trostshire Cir, Champaign, IL 61820. 

*Credit cards or "e-checks" from a checking account are welcomed and entered securely on WeTravel.

Albuquerque (2) Albuquerque Marriott, Doubletree or Crowne Plaza, Albuquerque

Santa Fe (3) Inn of the Governors, Doubletree by Hilton or Hilton, Santa Fe

On some dates, alternative hotels may be used.

Board our private vehicle to Chicago O'Hare. Today, fly to Albuquerque, founded in

1706, where you will meet your Tour Director. Later, check into your hotel for

a two-night stay in Albuquerque, locally known as “Duke City”. Tonight enjoy

a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)

More Photos includes a larger map in the Photo Gallery at the bottom of the webpage

Today, experience one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Early this morning, view over 100 colorful balloons from around the world at Dawn Patrol, followed by the Mass Ascension. The balloons make the sky a palette of multicolored orbs dancing in the cool morning light. Later, stop in Old Town to stroll the historic adobe buildings that house over 150 shops, galleries, and restaurants. Also, see the icon of Old Town, the San Felipe de Neri Church. This evening, return to the Balloon Fiesta to witness the Balloon Glow, where, just before dusk, burners from hundreds of balloons light up the evening sky. (Boxed B)

Photo: Balloons with burners lighting up the sky colorfully

This morning, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which depicts the history and culture of New Mexico’s 19 Native American pueblos. Then, head north from Albuquerque to visit the Los Alamos Bradbury Science Museum to learn about the Manhattan Project and the creation of the world’s first atomic bomb. Later, arrive in Santa Fe for a three-night stay. Santa Fe is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. (B)

Photo 

Depart this morning and travel north via the “High Road to Taos,” passing through ancient villages founded in the 1700’s. Stop in the Spanish village of Chimayo to visit El Santuario, revered by pilgrims for the healing power of dirt found inside the chapel. Arrive in Taos, the historic home of the Pueblo Indians. Enjoy a Taos visit and learn about this fascinating city rich in culture and scenery. Atop a plateau between the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has lured artists and writers since the 19th century. Enjoy lunch on your own and shopping in the Taos Plaza. Later, enjoy a tour of the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, before returning to Santa Fe. (B)

Photo: Taos

Today, discover Santa Fe, the upscale resort and artist community with Spanish-Pueblo roots. Enjoy a wonderful Santa Fe City Tour, including details about the history, culture, and unique architecture of this interesting city. See the Plaza, Loretto Chapel, and the Palace of the Governor’s, a Santa Fe landmark built in 1610. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your own pace in this historic city to explore the many art galleries, museums, restaurants, and shops. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant in the Santa Fe area. (B,D)

Photo: Santa Fe's Palace of the Governor’s

Transfer to Albuquerque and fly home with wonderful memories of your travel experience. Board our private vehicle back to Champaign. (B)