TRIP OVERVIEW

Destination: Albuquerque, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon's South Rim
Travel Dates: October 6 - 13, 2026
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Departure Location: Tyler, Texas (Complimentary secured parking available)
Travel Style: Motor-Coach Tour
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate
Price: $3,950 per person (double)

Experience the beauty and culture of the Southwest on this memorable motor-coach journey to New Mexico and Arizona. Witness the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with exclusive Gondola Club access for prime viewing of the spectacular mass ascensions and evening glow events.

Explore Albuquerque with a local guide, stroll through historic Old Town, and visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Travel by rail to the majestic South Rim of the Grand Canyon for breathtaking scenery and narrated touring. Along the way, enjoy wildlife encounters at Bearizona and discover the rich history and artistic charm of Santa Fe.

This is an exclusive motor-coach tour operated by American Tours. Every detail of this journey has been carefully planned and coordinated by our team to provide a comfortable, organized, and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish. Travel alongside fellow guests from Northeast Texas as we discover remarkable landscapes, experience local culture, and create unforgettable memories together.

• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Experience
• Exclusive Gondola Club Access (Morning & Evening Sessions)
• Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
• Guided Touring of Albuquerque & Historic Old Town
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• First-Class Reserved Seating on the Grand Canyon Railway
• Grand Canyon – South Rim Experience
• Bearizona Wildlife Park
• Guided Touring of Santa Fe
• Visit to Loretto Chapel
• Deluxe Roundtrip Motor-Coach Transportation from Tyler
• Multi-Night Stays in Albuquerque, Williams, Santa Fe & Amarillo
• Numerous Included Meals Throughout the Tour

DAY #1 – Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Tyler to Amarillo (TX) - Your Balloon Fiesta & Grand Canyon journey begins as we depart Tyler and travel west toward Amarillo. Enjoy a comfortable day aboard our motor-coach with planned stops along the way before settling in for the evening.

• 6:00 AM departure from American Tours
• Morning leg stretch
• Lunch stop in Wichita Falls (TBD)
• Afternoon leg stretch
• Overnight at Drury Inn & Suites – Amarillo
• Kickback Dinner at the hotel

DAY #2 – Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Amarillo to Albuquerque (NM) - Today we arrive in Albuquerque, where mountain views and Southwestern culture welcome us. Enjoy panoramic scenery from Sandia Peak and explore the charm of historic Old Town.

• Hot breakfast at Drury Inn & Suites
• Round-trip Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
• Step-on guide for Albuquerque
• Guided riding tour of Albuquerque
• Walking tour and free time in Old Town
• Dinner at Bubba’s
• Overnight at Fairfield Inn – Albuquerque

DAY #3 – Thursday, October 8, 2026
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Today is the highlight of our journey — a full day immersed in the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

• Early hotel departure (coffee available prior)
• Admission to Balloon Fiesta Park
• Gondola Club (morning session)
 Prime launch viewing location
 Open bar (limit 3 drinks per guest)
 Private motor-coach parking
 Dedicated restrooms
 Souvenir gift & collectible pin
• Dawn Patrol Show
• Mass Ascension – Flight of the Nations
• Afternoon rest time
• Gondola Club (evening session)
• Gourmet dinner buffet
• Glowdeo™, Drone Light Show & Fireworks
• Overnight at Fairfield Inn – Albuquerque

DAY #4 – Friday, October 9, 2026
Albuquerque to Williams (AZ) - We travel west toward Arizona with cultural experiences along the way before arriving in Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon.

• Continental breakfast at Fairfield Inn
• Admission to Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• Overnight at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel – Williams
• Dinner buffet at Fred Harvey Restaurant

DAY #5 – Saturday, October 10, 2026
Grand Canyon – South Rim - Today we experience one of the world’s natural wonders as we travel by historic rail to the Grand Canyon.

• Breakfast buffet at Fred Harvey Restaurant
• First-Class Reserved Seating on Grand Canyon Railway
 Light snacks included
• Admission to Grand Canyon – South Rim
• Narrated riding tour along the South Rim
• Lunch at Maswick Lodge
• Dinner buffet at Fred Harvey Restaurant
• Overnight at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

DAY #6 – Sunday, October 11, 2026
Williams to Santa Fe (NM) - We journey back toward New Mexico with wildlife encounters and Southwestern charm awaiting us in Santa Fe.

• Breakfast buffet at Fred Harvey Restaurant
• Drive-through Bearizona Wildlife Park
• Admission to Bearizona exhibits
• Dinner (TBA)
• Overnight at Courtyard by Marriott – Santa Fe

DAY #7 – Monday, October 12, 2026
Santa Fe to Amarillo (TX) - Discover the rich history and culture of Santa Fe before beginning our journey east toward Texas.

• Breakfast at Courtyard by Marriott
• Step-on guide for Santa Fe
• Guided riding & walking tour
• Visit to Loretto Chapel
• Palace of the Governors
• San Miguel Mission
• Saint Francis Cathedral
• State Capitol
• Historic Old Santa Fe Plaza
• Overnight at Drury Inn & Suites – Amarillo
• Kickback Dinner at the hotel

DAY #8 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Amarillo to Tyler (TX) - We conclude our Balloon Fiesta & Grand Canyon adventure and return home with unforgettable memories of colorful skies and breathtaking canyon views.

• Morning leg stretch
• Lunch stop in Wichita Falls (TBD)
• Afternoon leg stretch
• Estimated arrival in Tyler approximately 4:30 PM

7 Nights Hotel Accommodations

Night 1 – Drury Inn & Suites, Amarillo, TX

Nights 2 & 3 – Fairfield Inn, Albuquerque, NM

Nights 4 & 5 – Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Williams, AZ

Night 6 – Marriott, Santa Fe, NM

Night 7 – Drury Inn & Suites, Amarillo, TX

These well-located hotels provide comfortable accommodations and convenient access to the attractions and experiences included in your tour.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, a comparable hotel of equal quality may be substituted.

This tour is rated Level 2 on our activity scale (Level 1 = most demanding, Level 4 = easiest).

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing throughout the trip. Guests should be comfortable walking unassisted for extended periods, navigating stairs, and boarding and exiting the motor-coach multiple times daily.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta grounds and the Grand Canyon South Rim require considerable walking and may include uneven surfaces. Historic areas such as Old Town Albuquerque and Santa Fe also involve walking on sidewalks and plazas.

Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, guests must be able to participate independently without the use of mobility aids such as walkers or motorized scooters.

Double Occupancy: $3,950 per person
Single Occupancy: $4,650 per person
Triple Occupancy: $3,800 per person
Quad Occupancy: $3,650 per person

Tour pricing does not include American Tours' optional Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection (PTCP) or travel insurance.

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DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT

Deposit Required at Registration: $250 per person
Final Payment Due: July 6, 2026

A deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your reservation. All reservations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. We are unable to hold space without completed registration and deposit.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Flexible Payment Options
After submitting your deposit, you may log into your secure WeTravel reservation account at any time and make additional payments toward your balance. Travelers may also choose to set up automatic payments or a scheduled payment plan, allowing the remaining balance to be divided into smaller payments leading up to the final payment due date.

Credit card and ACH (bank draft) payments are processed through our secure WeTravel Reservation Platform. If paying by check, please make checks payable to American Tours.

Credit card or bank statements will reflect: WT* ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON.

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TOUR INCLUSIONS

• 7 Nights Hotel Accommodations

• 17 Meals (7 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, & 7 Dinners)

• Sightseeing & Admissions Per Itinerary

• Baggage Handling @ Hotels (One Suitcase Per Person)

• Deluxe Motor-Coach Transportation

• Professional “American Tours” Tour Director (All 8 Days)

• Various Local Step-On Guides Throughout Tour

• Complimentary Secured Parking @ American Tours 

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MOTOR-COACH SEATING POLICY

Seating requests are accepted but cannot be guaranteed.

Seats are assigned in the order registrations are received — first registered, first assigned.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Itinerary details and hotel accommodations are subject to change if necessary.

AMERICAN TOURS PRE-TRIP CANCELLATION PROTECTION (PTCP) = $395 per person

Guests have the option to purchase Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection (PTCP) during the registration process. PTCP is only available at the time of registration and cannot be added later.

TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDATION

American Tours strongly recommends that all travelers consider travel protection.

You may:

• Purchase Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection (PTCP) through American Tours, or
• Purchase travel insurance from a provider of your choice

WHAT IS PRE-TRIP CANCELLATION PROTECTION (PTCP)?

PTCP is a simple, no-paperwork protection option offered by American Tours. It provides peace of mind if you need to cancel your trip after final payment has been made.

Life happens — illness, injury, family matters, or other unexpected situations can arise. PTCP allows you to cancel your trip for any reason prior to departure.

HOW PTCP WORKS

PTCP must be selected at the time of registration to be valid.

IF YOU CANCEL BEFORE the FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATE

• PTCP is not required.
• You will receive a full refund of all funds paid.
• This includes any amount paid toward PTCP.

IF YOU CANCEL AFTER the FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATE

If PTCP is purchased and the passenger has need to cancel "after Final Payment Due Date":

• Simply notify our office by phone or email prior to departure.
• No forms, no doctor’s notes, and no explanation required.
• After the tour concludes, a refund check will be mailed to you, minus the cost of PTCP.

If PTCP is not purchased and the passenger has need to cancel "after Final Payment Due Date":

• No refund will be issued.

IF YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE ELSEWHERE

• If you cancel before final payment, American Tours will issue a full refund — no insurance claim required.
• If you cancel after final payment, you must file a claim directly with your insurance provider.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

You may register securely online 24 hours a day by clicking the green “Book Now” button.

During the online registration process you will:

• Complete the reservation form

• Submit your required $250 per person deposit

Deposits may be paid by credit card, bank card, or bank draft. Once your reservation is completed, you will immediately receive a booking confirmation email.

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MAIL-IN REGISTRATION

To register by mail, click the “Download Brochure” button to download the Premier World Discovery Color Brochure and Registration Form.

Complete the registration form and mail it with your deposit to the address listed on the form.

Your reservation will be confirmed once your deposit is received and processed by American Tours, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.

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PAYMNET INFORMATION

American Tours accepts the following forms of payment:

• Credit Card or Debit Card

• Bank Draft (ACH)

• Personal Check (processed electronically as Bank Draft)

Important:

• Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee

• Bank Draft (ACH) payments do not include additional processing fees.

For simplicity and to avoid processing fees, many guests choose Bank Draft (ACH).

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PHONE REGISTRATION

For security and legal compliance, registrations are not accepted over the phone.