New Mexico
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture
Program No. 15464RSBLOG
See hot air balloons decorate the sky at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, learn about the history of the Pueblo peoples and discover Santa Fe.
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At a Glance
Turn your eyes skyward to New Mexico’s multi-colored tapestry of hot-air balloons at the region’s world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Trace Native American life back hundreds of years and learn how Puebloans have managed to retain their lands and traditions for centuries. Enjoy a one of a kind experience learning about New Mexico and the world's premier ballooning event.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over varied terrain. Standing for up to three hours. Elevations of 5,300-7,000 feet. Must be able to climb into/out of the balloon basket (approximately 4 feet tall) for the balloon ride. Some days will include very early departure times for the mass accessions at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience Balloon Fiesta up close — from inflating the balloons to taking a breathtaking balloon flight of your own.
- Enjoy Santa Fe, from its abundant culture to its Native American and Spanish history.
- Learn about the history and science behind hot air ballooning from a local pilot and expert.
General Notes
Small group assignments will be made approximately one month prior to the program start date. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.” Approximately two weeks prior to the program departure you will receive an email with your group assignment and Group Leader information.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Don Boyer
Don Boyer is a balloon pilot and currently an assistant chief flight instructor for the FAA-certified Airborne Heat Flight School. He took his first balloon flight in 1985 at the age of 32, later acquiring his own balloon system and private and commercial pilot certifications. In 1994, Don became a contract pilot for the renowned World Balloon Corporation in Albuquerque. He recently retired as the safety director for LRC Trucking, Inc., where he managed driver safety programs and federal and state DOT/OSHA compliance.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Christopher Gibson
View biography
Christopher Gibson is an award-winning artist, writer, and arts educator who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work includes the Cuentos del Camino series on lower Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and mixed-media installations at numerous museums in New Mexico and California. Over the years, he has written several articles on Hispanic arts and culture for the magazines "Tradición Revista" and "Imagen."
Don Boyer
View biography
Don Boyer is a balloon pilot and currently an assistant chief flight instructor for the FAA-certified Airborne Heat Flight School. He took his first balloon flight in 1985 at the age of 32, later acquiring his own balloon system and private and commercial pilot certifications. In 1994, Don became a contract pilot for the renowned World Balloon Corporation in Albuquerque. He recently retired as the safety director for LRC Trucking, Inc., where he managed driver safety programs and federal and state DOT/OSHA compliance.
Elena Junes
View biography
Elena Ortiz-Junes is a native New Mexican and member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. She has worked for many years as a study leader and group leader for numerous organizations and universities, providing a unique perspective on the region and its rich cultural tapestry. She is a writer and founding board member of Red Media, an indigenous owned and operated media project that highlights Native writers. Elena is also a board member of the University of New Mexico’s Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies.
Vannetta Perry
View biography
Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.
Colleen Patrick
View biography
A native of Colorado and a relative newcomer to New Mexico, Colleen Patrick has spent a lifetime visiting and learning about Pueblo culture, pottery and the movement of Native Americans and Spaniards throughout New Mexico. Colleen has been in the travel business since 2006, but has been a traveler since her childhood. She learned to appreciate new cultures and new places as a child and has loved sharing new places and cultures with guests for many years.
Sherry Moon
View biography
Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture
Program Number: 15464
Through the Eye of the Deer: An Anthology of Native American Women Writers
An Indigenous People's History of the United States
From the perspective of Indigenous People, this book demonstrates how policy against Native people was designed to displace and eliminate them and how they fought back, resisting the expansion of the West.
The Spell of New Mexico
A gathering of essays that evoke the unique and mysterious appeal New Mexico has had for some of the twentieth century's best-known writers. included are selections by Mary Austin, Oliver La Farge, Conrad Richter, D.H. Lawrence, C.G. Jung, Winfield Townley Scott, John DeWitt McKee, Ernie Pyle, Harvey Fergusson, and Lawrence Clark Powell. Hillerman's preface and introduction are choice specimens of his incisive humor and his own deep love of the state.
Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations: Traditional and Contemporary Native American Recipes
In this gloriously photographed book, renowned photographer and Native American–food expert Dr. Lois Ellen Frank, herself part Kiowa, presents more than 80 recipes that are rich in natural flavors and perfectly in tune with today's healthy eating habits. Frank spent four years visiting reservations in the Southwest, documenting time-honored techniques and recipes. With the help of culinary adviser and Navajo Nation tribesman Walter Whitewater, a chef in Santa Fe, Frank has adapted the traditional recipes to modern palates and kitchens. Inside you'll find such dishes as Stuffed Tempura Chiles with Fiery Bean Sauce, Zuni Sunflower Cakes, and Prickly Pear Ice. With its wealth of information, this book makes it easy to prepare and celebrate authentic Native American cooking.
New Mexico, A History
This book traces the history of New Mexico from the earliest inhabitants through the centennial of becoming a state in 2012. It delves in to the interactions of the indigenous people, immigrants and settlers and their descendants.
Santa Fe, Its 400th Year: Exploring the Past, Defining the Future
This fresh presentation, 400 years after the Spanish founded Santa Fe in 1610, presents the full art of Santa Fe's story that sifts through its long, complex, thrilling history. It illuminates Santa Fe's enduring promise to cling to roots that are bottomless and to leap into a future that is boundless. Many illustrations, timelines, index, and detailed biographies.
Forgotten Albuquerque, NM: Images of America
In 1706, Spanish colonists founded the Villa de Albuquerque on the banks of the Rio Grande. Three hundred years later, that once quiet farming community has grown to become Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico. Using over 200 vintage images from public archives and individual collections, author Ty Bannerman explores the city's many guises over time, from its prehistory as a thriving province of the Pueblo peoples to its post-World-War-II population boom.
Ballooning: A History, 1782-1900
This book chronicles development and advances in hot air ballooning.
Albuquerque in Our Time: 30 Voices, 300 Years
Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city astride a great river, celebrated its tricentennial in 2006. This book pays homage to the city with a rich medley of narratives by its most colorful residents: well-loved town characters, writers, journalists, politicians, civic and business leaders who have helped shape Albuquerque's character and guided its growth.
Georgia O'Keeffe: A Life
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Albuquerque
Program Concludes
Albuquerque
Meals
11
| 4B |
2L |
5D |
Activity Level
Turn your eyes skyward to New Mexico’s multi-colored tapestry of hot-air balloons at the region’s world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Trace Native American life back hundreds of years and learn how Puebloans have managed to retain their lands and traditions for centuries. Enjoy a one of a kind experience learning about New Mexico and the world's premier ballooning event.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience Balloon Fiesta up close — from inflating the balloons to taking a breathtaking balloon flight of your own.
- Enjoy Santa Fe, from its abundant culture to its Native American and Spanish history.
- Learn about the history and science behind hot air ballooning from a local pilot and expert.
General Notes
Small group assignments will be made approximately one month prior to the program start date. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.” Approximately two weeks prior to the program departure you will receive an email with your group assignment and Group Leader information.
Featured Expert
Don Boyer
Don Boyer is a balloon pilot and currently an assistant chief flight instructor for the FAA-certified Airborne Heat Flight School. He took his first balloon flight in 1985 at the age of 32, later acquiring his own balloon system and private and commercial pilot certifications. In 1994, Don became a contract pilot for the renowned World Balloon Corporation in Albuquerque. He recently retired as the safety director for LRC Trucking, Inc., where he managed driver safety programs and federal and state DOT/OSHA compliance.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Christopher Gibson
Christopher Gibson is an award-winning artist, writer, and arts educator who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work includes the Cuentos del Camino series on lower Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and mixed-media installations at numerous museums in New Mexico and California. Over the years, he has written several articles on Hispanic arts and culture for the magazines "Tradición Revista" and "Imagen."
Vannetta Perry
Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.
Colleen Patrick
A native of Colorado and a relative newcomer to New Mexico, Colleen Patrick has spent a lifetime visiting and learning about Pueblo culture, pottery and the movement of Native Americans and Spaniards throughout New Mexico. Colleen has been in the travel business since 2006, but has been a traveler since her childhood. She learned to appreciate new cultures and new places as a child and has loved sharing new places and cultures with guests for many years.
Sherry Moon
Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over varied terrain. Standing for up to three hours. Elevations of 5,300-7,000 feet. Must be able to climb into/out of the balloon basket (approximately 4 feet tall) for the balloon ride. Some days will include very early departure times for the mass accessions at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 4B | 2L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 2:30-4:30 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session for your color group. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation by color group: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader for your group will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 160; the whole group will be together for many lectures and meals. For some activities and field trips participants will be separated into groups of no more than 40 participants. Each group will have a dedicated Group Leader. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page. What follows is a representative schedule. The order of the elements each day may vary by group, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all scheduled activities. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/ weather conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
New Mexico History, Old Town, About Hot-Air Ballooning
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day; standing up to an hour at a time; paved and unpaved, uneven terrain, some stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the morning with an overview by our local expert of the area’s history, from its earliest Ancestral Puebloan inhabitants to Spanish and American colonists and settlers who followed. After a short break, in our smaller groups, we'll set out on a walking field trip with our knowledgeable Group Leader into nearby Old Town, the focal point of community life since Albuquerque was founded in 1706. About ten blocks of historical adobe buildings surround the central plaza, including San Felipe de Neri Church that dates back to 1793. The city’s settlers built homes, shops, and government offices here; many of these historical structures have been converted into the restaurants, art galleries, and shops we see today.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll be joined by an expert professional balloonist who will give us a presentation on hot-air ballooning, which will prepare us for what we will see and experience at Balloon Fiesta this week. Then we’ll have some time to relax or explore before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning field trip.
Day
3
Balloon Mass Ascension and Evening Glow, Pueblo Cultural Ctr
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; traveling 40 miles for up to two hours riding time, depending on traffic. Walking up to two miles over the course of the day both inside and outside, over paved and unpaved trails; crowded conditions. Standing for 1-2 hours at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Balloon ascensions and flights are weather-dependent and may be cancelled at any time by Balloon Fiesta officials.
Breakfast:
At the Chasers’ Club at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Morning:
Our coach will depart at 5:00 a.m. for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park to experience the Special Shape Rodeo™ Mass Ascension. From our fabulous vantage point on the Field, we are right in the action. We will be able to observe the Mass Ascension and explore the Field. During Mass Ascensions, all participating balloons launch in two waves as directed by “zebras,” launch coordinators recognizable by their striped black-and-white shirts. NOTE: Balloon ascensions and flights are weather-dependent and may be cancelled at any time by Balloon Fiesta officials. Due to the large number of people in attendance and the size of the Park (crowds can exceed 100,000 people, and the launch field is 78 acres, the equivalent of 54 football fields put together), it is impractical to view all the events as a group; participants are welcome to explore the launch field independently to see what interests each of us most. At a designated time and place, we will meet our Group Leader for a short walk to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, where we will have time for independent exploration of the many fascinating exhibits. Then we will board our motorcoach, and go on a field trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC).
Lunch:
At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Afternoon:
The IPCC is operated by the nineteen Pueblos of New Mexico, dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Pueblo culture as well as highlighting the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people. During our self-directed exploration, we’ll have opportunities to learn about New Mexico’s many different Pueblos as we view Pueblo-curated exhibits on the lower level. We’ll return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before setting out for dinner and evening events at Balloon Fiesta.
Dinner:
At the Chasers' Club at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Evening:
We’ll then step out to experience Special Shape Glowdeo™ — a special moment at dusk when tethered balloons ignite their burners and inflate without launching, glowing from within in a display of rich colors. The AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show will then light up the sky with a spectacular display. We’ll return to the hotel after the show and prepare for tomorrow's early morning field trip.
Day
4
Balloon Flight, Mass Ascension, Free Time, Balloon Glow
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, up to 2 hours riding time depending on traffic. Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day; varied terrain with inclines; crowded conditions. For the balloon ride, you must be able to climb into/out of the gondola and stand for up to two hours. Balloon ascensions and flights are weather-dependent and may be cancelled at any time by Balloon Fiesta officials.
Breakfast:
On your own at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and depart at 4:00 a.m. for Balloon Fiesta Park. This morning’s event is the Special Shape Rodeo™ Mass Ascension and our opportunity to ride in a hot-air balloon operated by Rainbow Ryders, the official balloon ride operator for the Fiesta and the only one authorized to give balloon rides directly from Balloon Fiesta Park. Their pilots have flown more than 23,000 hours carrying more than 220,000 passengers over the years. Many people have said riding in a hot-air balloon is one of the most peaceful experiences they’ve ever had. Each gondola holds from 12-14 people standing. The balloons lift from the ground to a maximum altitude of several thousand feet. We will be up for approximately an hour, moved by the wind, then return to the park via one of Rainbow Ryders chase cars to celebrate with a traditional champagne toast. The entire experience takes approximately 4.5 hours and we expect to return to the hotel by approximately 11:00 a.m.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Not to be confused with “Tex-Mex,” New Mexican cuisine has been influenced by Native American and Spanish techniques and ingredients. There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
The majority of the afternoon is free for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the late afternoon, we’ll depart by motorcoach for Balloon Fiesta Park.
Dinner:
At the Gondola Club at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Evening:
We’ll then step out to experience Special Shape Glowdeo™ — a special moment at dusk when tethered balloons ignite their burners and inflate without launching, glowing from within in a display of rich colors. The AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show will then light up the sky with a spectacular display. We’ll return to the hotel after the show.
Day
5
Visit Santa Fe, Museum Hill, Santa Fe Plaza, Free Time
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles roundtrip, approximately 2.5 hours riding time over the course of the day. Walking up to 2 miles, standing for 2 hours at a time; varied terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach for a full-day trip to Santa Fe. Established by the Spanish in 1610, this is the oldest capital city in North America and home to the oldest public building in the United States, the Palace of the Governors. Once in Santa Fe, we will visit Museum Hill, where we will explore the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art independently following introductions from the Group Leader. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture tells the story of the indigenous people of the Southwest from the earliest times to modern day, featuring some 70,000 objects, documents and artifacts. The Museum of International Folk Art focuses on indigenous populations from around the world through their art — ranging from ceremonial dress and masks to furniture. The museum hosts the largest collection of international folk art in the world, with multiple wings displaying more than 130,000 examples of folk and traditional arts from around the world. We will then ride downtown to the historic Plaza area. In our smaller groups, we’ll set out on a short walking field trip with our Group Leader to historic Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the town for nearly four centuries. As we walk, we’ll learn about Santa Fe’s history, as well as the art, architecture, and cultural diversity that make it one of the most fascinating cities in the country.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the Plaza; your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon is free for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. Nearby museums and sites of interest include the Palace of the Governors, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the New Mexico History Museum, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Loretto Chapel, and the State Capitol Building. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will rendezvous at an announced time and place, reboard our motorcoach, and ride to Albuquerque for our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
- Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 28 Reviews
Sort By:
This is the best trip/program for someone wanting to go up in a Hot Air Balloon. Our balloon’s pilot was knowledgeable, answered our group’s questions, and made us feel welcomed. We spent two full days at the fiesta/festival learning about the ballooning sport.
Even though we were a large group, it was easy to find new friends. Traveling to Santa Fe, the museums, and learning about its history was equally enjoyable.
I might do this program again in the future!
— Review left October 30, 2024
Great trip! Wonderful weather & the hot air balloon ride was fabulous! So many wonderful photos of the very colorful balloons! A great experience!
— Review left October 27, 2024
This program was well organized and completely met all of our expectations. The total balloon experience definitely exceeded our expectations. How the group was split up and use of the buses and being able to park practically at the Festival entrance was fabulous. Our Group Leader was exceptionally well organized. We greatly value her approach to provide briefings the day before and then additional details right before various activities. We felt very comfortable knowing what was happening, as well as where and when.
— Review left October 24, 2024
OMG, the balloons!!! This was definitely a bucket list item for me and Road Scholar made it happen. I had always wanted to attend the Fiesta and go for a balloon ride but was concerned about making arrangements, getting around and being able to see everything. The transportation, meals, venues and organization made it an incredible experience. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 23, 2024
It was FANTASTIC. Or at least all the balloon fiesta was great.
The dinners out first night at a restaurant was awful. Waiting over 2 hours for food unacceptable.
The buffet dinner at the Indian thing food not good. The final buffet however with all of us was wonderful.
.Museum times could be made shorter. Add another time at the balloons. It is what we signed up for.
Tour guides and bus drivers were very good. My groups tour guide was newer and there seemed to be a lack of communication from the others as they expected her to.know things she didn't. Lack of training.
I would recommend this trip to everyone
— Review left October 17, 2024
This program was everything I hoped for to fulfill my bucket list. Educational and extremely soul satisfying.
— Review left October 15, 2024
Balloon Fiesta is an amazing experience. I loved having the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon. With Road Scholar handling the logistics, it was much easier to enjoy the whole fiesta than it would be to do on your own. Really enjoyed the last day in Santa Fe. You almost need to add some time on your own to see all that Santa Fe has to offer. A thoroughly enjoyable trip. Be prepared to be on your feet a lot, but well worth it.
— Review left October 14, 2024
The Balloon Fiesta is an unforgettable experience, and Road Scholar made it easy to enjoy. Background information was provided, transportation and meals flawlessly provided so that we could just relax and appreciate everything.
— Review left October 26, 2023
If you are considering going to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, take the version that offers a balloon ride. Going up with all those other balloons was incredible! And the whole experience is so unique and fun.
— Review left October 22, 2023
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a bucket list must. Road Scholar's "Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture" is a well organized program that allows you to reap the greatest benefits of attending the festival with ease. The festival is amazing, and the balloon ride is the icing on the cake. The trip also gives you a taste of the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, exposing you to their history, culture, and delicious Southwestern food. The tour guides are knowledgeable and excellent ambassadors of their state.This adventure gets an A+++!
— Review left October 20, 2023
The balloon festival was a wonderful experience. The program ran smoothly and I met some very interesting people. This was my first Road Scholar program and I plan to use Road Scholar again.
— Review left October 20, 2023
What a fantastic trip. Our group guide Vanetta Perry was THE BEST. She and T Bone, our amazing bus driver took such good care of us. We had the best ever Rainbow Ryders pilot Brad Rice who flew us around the balloons floating over Fiesta Field. The Hotel Albuquerque was wonderful and in such a perfect location. As an added bonus we were on Museum Hill in Santa Fe for the Annular Solar Eclipse. Thank you Road Scholars for putting together such a great tour.
— Review left October 16, 2023
The Albuquerque-Santa Fa program is a "Bucket List" must do! Experiencing the excitement of hot air ballooning and learning about the culture and traditions of this beautiful part of our country creates memories to last a lifetime.
— Review left October 16, 2023
If you ever have the opportunity to attend the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, do it! This program completely exceeded my already high expectations! The setting, the sounds, the sights and the lectures all added to the ultimate experience, a delightful hot air balloon ride above the beautiful New Mexico landscape.
— Review left October 16, 2023
The Alburquerque Balloon Tour was at great trip. It was well organized and executed. I would highly recommend it.
— Review left October 16, 2023
This just might be a bucket list adventure for you. It combines a wonderful living experience with cultural richness and fun with balloons. What could be a better and more diverse adventure.
— Review left October 19, 2022
The Albuquerque Balloon Festival is a complex event to attend. The Road Scholar program eliminates a great deal of the potential hassle.
— Review left October 13, 2022
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was a bucket-list trip that exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed all the variety of activities. Be prepared to gain 5 lbs from the delicious meals!
— Review left October 12, 2022
Outstanding!!!! I would attend this trip again.
— Review left December 26, 2021
I enjoyed this trip much more than anticipated. Riding in a hot air balloon was the best experience, but being at the festival among all the balloons and enthusiasts was great. Despite the large crowd, everyone was welcoming and answered my multiple questions about their balloons. (Even though I was running into people because I was looking upwards most of the time!) Having the balloon pilots speak to us the very first day of the tour increased my appreciation of hot air flight- both riding and observing. I could happily repeat this trip.
— Review left October 17, 2021
Between learning about and meeting the Native Pueblo people of New Mexico and the world of hot-air ballooning, it's a fascinating and fun program. I can finally check it off my bucket list. The people of New Mexico are warm and inviting.
— Review left October 12, 2021
Road Scholar is excellent and provides as much as one could possible participate in.
— Review left October 11, 2021
This program was a great one. Had so much fun and learned a lot. Highly recommended.
— Review left October 10, 2021
As a trip leader for many Ski Club trips, I recognize that this program would be very difficult to organize as an individual. Let Road Scholar organize for you and get the added benefits of education, new friends and broader programming without the headaches of all those details.
— Review left October 10, 2021
The trip to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta is definitely a program you should consider. The spectacular balloon mass ascension is a sight you won't believe! I loved riding in a hot air balloon and I did check that off my bucket list with a well-qualified pilot. It was so much fun! I'll be telling all my friends what a great time I had.
— Review left October 10, 2021
Road Scholar made this trip very easy for me. It was great to have a shuttle to and from the balloon park. It was also helpful to have a warm place to go to rest.
Considering the amount of "scholars" attending it was very well coordinated. The dinners at the winery, the Pueblo Cultural Center and the Balloon Museum all were a bit tight for the number in our group.
I also enjoyed having things to do besides just balloon stuff. I really enjoyed learning about the pueblo culture.
— Review left November 24, 2019
What a wonderful combination! The ballooning was amazing. In addition we visited Old Albuquerque and Old Santa Fe AND studied the Pueblo Native Peoples by visiting historical sites, museums, and cultural centers.
— Review left October 21, 2019
Just returned from our first Road Scholar adventure at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Road Scholar provided a wonderful week long program that provided opportunities to learn about the art and culture of New Mexico and the Pueblo Indian tribes.
Of course the real treat of the trip was the opportunity to fly with Rainbow Ryders among the many balloons flying in the Fiesta, a once in a lifetime experience. Loved every minute of this program. We hope this will be the first of many memorable experiences with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 16, 2019
