Discover the cultural and artistic soul of Northern New Mexico on an immersive small group journey through Santa Fe, Taos, and Abiquiú. Created for travelers who appreciate comfort, culture, and experiences with real depth, this tour reveals the fascinating blend of Native, Hispanic, and Anglo influences that make this region one of America’s most distinctive destinations.
Your adventure begins in Santa Fe—“The City Different”—famous for its historic adobe architecture, world-class galleries, and vibrant arts scene. You’ll have time to explore celebrated attractions such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the wildly imaginative, immersive world of Meow Wolf Santa Fe. And of course, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to sample Santa Fe’s outstanding restaurant scene—everything from classic regional specialties to modern Southwestern cuisine.
Northern New Mexico is Georgia O’Keeffe country—and this tour is thoughtfully designed to bring her story, landscapes, and artistic legacy to life.
Travel to Abiquiú for a guided visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio, one of the most meaningful artist-home experiences in the United States. Step inside the spaces where she lived and worked, and gain rare insight into her daily routines, personal style, and creative world.
Then continue to legendary Ghost Ranch for the O’Keeffe Landscape Tour, walking among mesas, painted desert cliffs, and vividly layered rock formations that inspired many of her most iconic works. You’ll also take in unforgettable views of Pedernal, the flat-topped mountain she famously called “my private mountain.”
Travel through the dramatic scenery of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the artistic town of Taos, long celebrated as a magnet for painters, writers, and creative spirits.
Stroll through historic Taos Plaza, browse galleries and artisan shops, and enjoy free time for lunch. Optional additions may include the Kit Carson Home and Museum or tasting a legendary green chile cheeseburger at Doc Martin’s.
A tour highlight is your visit to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Discover its remarkable multi-story adobe architecture and living cultural traditions.
You’ll also visit the outstanding Millicent Rogers Museum, known for its exceptional collections of Southwestern jewelry, pottery, textiles, and fine art—then finish the day with panoramic views from the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
This tour is designed with a relaxed pace and the right balance of guidance and independence—ideal for travelers who want time for art, culture, photography, and personal discovery.
A dedicated Traveling Professor tour leader travels with the group from start to finish, providing expert insight, assistance, and personalized attention—hallmarks of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.
Everyone feels welcome with a small group of 12-20 friendly travelers. We move about efficiently and at our own pace.
Plenty of free time budgeted into the itinerary.
Solo travelers as well as those with travel partners welcome. Each tour is different, but usually half of our travelers are solo women travelers.
Personal Service: We make sure travelers are well-prepared for the tour. We advise on all aspects of the trip such as air itineraries, money matters, packing, passports, and what to expect on this tour. We are here to help - call us (413.528.2125) or email your questions.
Since each tour is planned with traveler input, your tour may be slightly different. We always add in “off the itinerary” sites of interest. Adjustments may be made for crowd management, weather, special events, or conditions beyond our control.
We travel with a small group of 12-20 active adults. This offers the flexibility to do what we want to do, on our own schedule.
A New Mexican style breakfast is included each day of the tour. Every day we plan a relaxing lunch and dinner. Please join us or go out on your own - we are glad to offer our best recommendations.
We have guided experiences throughout your time in New Mexico. The tour leader is with the group 24/7. Unless otherwise noted, we ask travelers to be ready to go at 9:00 a.m. for a full and active day of touring.
Before departure date, each traveler is supplied with a “final” detailed itinerary along with a complete and detailed information packet. It has advice on packing, money matters, weather, etc. We make sure travelers are well-prepared. And of course, we are always available to personally answer any questions you may have.
Extra nights in Santa Fe available upon request.
at the centrally located Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, including daily breakfast
between Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and your hotel on scheduled arrival and departure days
of historic Santa Fe, including the Plaza and surrounding districts
to Taos Pueblo (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A private, guided Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio Tour in Abiquiú
A guided O’Keeffe Landscape Tour at Ghost Ranch
by van for the Taos day trip (Santa Fe ↔ Taos)
by van for the Abiquiú & Ghost Ranch excursion
recommendations, with help making reservations when requested
The services of a dedicated, professional Traveling Professor tour leader throughout the tour
A thoughtfully designed itinerary balancing guided experiences and free time
Welcome to “The City Different” Arrive in beautiful Santa Fe, the legendary Land of Enchantment, and check in to the charming Inn on the Alameda, perfectly located between the historic Plaza and the renowned galleries of Canyon Road.
In the late afternoon, meet your fellow travelers in the lobby for a relaxed orientation walk through Santa Fe’s historic heart. Stroll across the Plaza, admire Saint Francis Cathedral, and discover hidden lanes and adobe-lined streets that give this city its unforgettable character.
This evening, your Traveling Professor tour leader will recommend favorite spots for cocktails, signature hot chocolate elixirs, and dinner at some of Santa Fe’s most memorable restaurants. Join the group—or enjoy a peaceful evening on your own. Hotel: Inn on the Alameda
After a full breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Santa Fe Plaza, uncovering the fascinating blend of Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures that make this city so unique.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Santa Fe is one of America’s great art destinations, home to world-class museums and hundreds of galleries.
Optional highlights include:
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
• New Mexico Museum of Art
• The immersive world of Meow Wolf
• Gallery walks along Canyon Road
• Scenic views from the Cross of the Martyrs
Your tour leader will be available throughout the day to suggest dining, boutique shopping, bookstores, and evening experiences.
Hotel: Inn on the Alameda
Travel north through stunning high-desert landscapes with the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains as your backdrop. This inspiring region has long attracted artists, writers, and free spirits—shaping Taos’s colorful cultural identity.
Explore Taos Plaza, browse local galleries and shops, and enjoy lunch in town. Optional visits include the Kit Carson Home and Museum or a legendary green chile cheeseburger at Doc Martin’s.
Continue to the extraordinary Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Experience its living traditions, remarkable multistory adobe architecture, and deep cultural roots.
Next, enjoy the impressive collections at the Millicent Rogers Museum, showcasing Southwestern jewelry, pottery, textiles, and fine art. On the return to Santa Fe, stop at the breathtaking Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for sweeping canyon views and unforgettable photos.
Hotel: Inn on the Alameda
Follow in the footsteps of one of America’s most iconic artists on a truly unforgettable day. Travel into O’Keeffe Country for a guided visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio in Abiquiú—one of the most significant artist home experiences in the country. Step into the preserved rooms where she lived and worked, framed by the very desert views that inspired her masterpieces.
After lunch, continue to magical Ghost Ranch for a guided O’Keeffe Landscape Tour. Walk the colorful terrain that appears in her most famous paintings and enjoy views of Pedernal, the flat-topped mountain she called “my private mountain.”
Before returning to Santa Fe, enjoy a fun stop at Bode’s General Store, a Northern New Mexico landmark for quirky local finds.
Hotel: Inn on the Alameda
Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast before savoring your last moments in Santa Fe. Spend the morning browsing galleries, charming shops, and local markets for art, jewelry, and New Mexican specialties.
When you’re ready, make your way to the airport for your return home. Your Traveling Professor tour leader will be available to assist with departure arrangements and final travel tips.
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