New Mexico is known as the Mecca of the Southwest. American Indian, Spanish and Anglo traditions are distinctly woven together creating a destination different than any other. Add to that the beauty of the Balloon Fiesta, the colors of the fall and the magnificence of Southwestern Colorado and we have a tour that is truly unique.
We’ll start with a drive into western Colorado near the scenic Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We’ll take the spectacular narrow gauge railway from Silverton to Durango. We’ll see Mesa Verde National Park before working our way into Santa Fe and Albuquerque where we’ll enjoy several Balloon Fiesta events, and other activities. We’ll return via Moab with a visit to Arches National Park which is always a treat.
This is a super getaway with unbeatable scenery, history and culture. We’ll enjoy some excellent cuisine while staying in lovely hotels along the way. The tour is fully escorted and includes 11 meals, great lodging, all admissions, luxury motor coach transportation and much more. Space is limited to 44 passengers. So come and join us to celebrate one of the great traditions of the American Southwest!
Sightseeing Highlights:
The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque is the largest balloon event in the world. What started with 13 balloons in 1972 has grown to over 1,000 and it is an incredible sight to see. In fact, it is the most photographed event anywhere. But that is just the beginning as there are many other places to enjoy in this region.
Early October is the PERFECT TIME to be in the region. Temperatures are pleasant and there are beautiful fall colors in the mountains.
We hope you can join us!
October 6: Salt Lake to Montrose: Today we’ll get an early start as we begin our exciting journey. We’ll have a pick up in Weber, Salt Lake and Utah Counties as we make our way south, getting acquainted along the way. We’ll make a lunch stop in Price before continuing on through Green River and across the border in to Colorado. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive along highway 50 toward Montrose. We will drive 15 miles to the south rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for spectacular views of the canyon below. This is a lesser known park which was recently upgraded from a state park to a National Park. Then we’ll return to Montrose where we’ll spend the evening at the Holiday Inn Express (or similar).
October 7: The scenery is magnificent today as we work our way into the San Juan Mountains. Our first stop is Ouray (just 30 miles away), beginning of the Million Dollar Highway. The views cannot be overstated. We’ll see beautiful Box Canyon Falls before continuing into nearby Silverton where we’ll board the Narrow Gauge Railroad. This train began operating in 1882 hauling gold and silver through the mountains. Today’s trains are still coal-fired, steam-operated 1923 vintage locomotives in original condition. The scenery on the 3 1/2 hour journey is spectacular, especially with the fall colors in the hills. The train ends in Durango where we’ll spend the evening. Tour pays for breakfast and train journey today.
October 8: Today we’ll drive 36 miles to the west into Mesa Verde National Park, one of our country’s most interesting national parks. Besides great scenery, this was home to the Anasazi who built and lived in defensible communities for over 700 years. These cliff-dwellings are fascinating to see and we’ll have time to enjoy the park at a relaxed pace. We’ll have a local guide show us the park and provide all the interesting history as we travel. We’ll stay in Durango again this evening where we’ll enjoy dinner together as a group. Tour pays for breakfast, park admission and dinner.
October 9: Today we’ll continue south into New Mexico. After lunch, we’ll visit Los Alamos and the Bradbury Science Museum, a fascinating monument to the Manhattan Project and the first detonation of the Atomic Bomb. There are interactive displays about interesting “classified” information. From there, it’s just 33 miles into Santa Fe where we’ll relax at our hotel. We’ll take you down to the main square for some browsing and a chance for a unique Santa Fe dinner. Tour to pay for breakfast and museum admission today.
October 10: Welcome to Santa Fe, the City Different. The capital building has flown the flag of Mexico, Spain, and America. It is the oldest continually occupied capital dating back to 1610. A local guide will spend 2 hours with us introducing us to the interesting history and highlights of the area. After an included lunch on the main square, we’ll take our 45 minute ride into Albuquerque. After checking in and relaxing, we’ll have a chance to witness the first of the Balloon Fiesta events. It’s called the Special Shape Glowdeo. Hot-air balloons of all different shapes ascend and “glow” against the night sky creating a unique view. Following the balloon ascension, there is an entertaining Laser Light Show that lasts about 10 minutes, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 PM, which means we are back to the hotel by about 10:00 PM. Tour to pay for breakfast, lunch and Balloon Launch.
October 11: The Balloon Fiesta dates back to 1972 when 13 balloons lifted off from downtown Albuquerque. Nobody had any idea what it would become. 49 years later, more than 1000 balloons take to the sky in what has become a magnificent spectacle. We’ll arise early this morning and take a short drive to the launching area. It is a fair-like atmosphere with lots of activity going on while we await the launches (in a warm, heated tent by the way). This morning we witness what has become, by far, the most popular event: The Mass Ascension. Hundreds of balloons of all different shapes and sizes take to the air. Have your camera ready! You just have to see it to believe it and we’ll take our time and enjoy this great American tradition that has made Albuquerque famous. On our way back to town, we’ll stop at Sandia Mountain we’re we’ll take a tram to the top for lovely views of the entire region from over 10,000 feet. This is the longest tram in the world (and still takes only 15 minutes) and one of the most difficult to build. Note: The tram doesn’t take reservations during Balloon Fiesta – if lines are too long, we’ll put the funds toward an alternate activity.) You’ll then have some free time in Albuquerque’s charming Old Town. Do a little shopping, get some lunch or just enjoy the atmosphere. We’ve also included admission to the interesting Balloon Fiesta Museum. It is well worth a look and you will find it to be very educational. After a rest at the hotel, we’ll have an early, dinner followed by an option to return to the Balloon Fiesta to see another evening display called Night Magic Glow, different from last night’s Shapes Glowdeo, but also followed by a Laser Light and Fireworks show. Tour to pay for breakfast, tram and morning Balloon events.
October 12: If the launch was canceled yesterday due to bad weather, we’ll have a chance to see the ascension this morning. Otherwise, we’ll have breakfast and point our way home. Today is mostly a drive day. We’ll take advantage of our DVD equipment on board the coach. Lunch will be in Gallup, then we’ll make our way north. We’ll drive on to Moab, arriving around 5:30. After a brief rest, we have included a final dinner this evening. Fall is a great time to be in Moab. Tour to pay for breakfast and dinner.
October 13: After breakfast, we’ll drive a short distance to enjoy the views at Dead Horse Point State Park. We then work our way back to Salt Lake, arriving by about 4:00 in the afternoon. You’ll have a greater appreciation for this very interesting part of our country. Tour to pay for breakfast today.
Registration Information:
A $300 deposit is required to reserve your space. To make a reservation, simply register online by completing the booking form above. Your deposit will be charged to your credit card. If you prefer, you can call us and we will take your reservation information and credit card details over the phone. When we receive your reservation, we will email you a receipt confirming that you are registered for the tour. A letter with instructions, hotel itinerary, flight information (if applicable) and luggage tags will be sent roughly 75 days prior to departure. The balance will be due roughly 60 days prior to departure. You do not need to pay the balance until after you receive that package. We prefer final payments in the form of a check. Webb Tours also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. A 2.5% fee applies to final payments made by credit card to cover a portion of the credit card company fees (which are now around 4%)
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that you may need to cancel your trip for unforeseen reasons. If cancellation occurs 120 days or more before departure, your deposit is refundable. If airline tickets are purchased prior to that time (with your permission), they are the responsibility of the traveler. In most cases, airlines will allow the value of airline tickets to be used for future travel. If it is within 120 days, your deposit and other committed funds are non refundable.
Travel Protection:
In today’s changing travel environment, it is important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance Services 360° Group Premier Protection Plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
Premium for this insurance depends on your age and trip cost and is priced as follows:
Trip Cost (per person) Ages 0-59 Ages 60-74 Ages 75+
| $1,000-$1,500 |
$109 |
$143 |
$211 |
| $1,501-$2,000 |
$149 |
$191 |
$215 |
| $2,001-$2,500 |
$191 |
$245 |
$277 |
| $2,501-$3,000 |
$234 |
$300 |
$338 |
| $3,001-$3,500 |
$276 |
$354 |
$400 |
| $3,501-$4,000 |
$319 |
$409 |
$461 |
| $4,001-$4,500 |
$361 |
$463 |
$523 |
| $4,501-$5,000 |
$404 |
$518 |
$584 |
| $5,001-$5,500 |
$446 |
$572 |
$646 |
| $5,501-$6,000 |
$489 |
$627 |
$707 |
For coverage details and explanation of benefits, you can view or download the policy by going to https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/GPZ-1023.
If you are interested in the travel insurance, please contact Webb Tours any time up until final payment for the tour. You must be medically fit at the time you buy the insurance. The insurance goes into effect once purchased.
This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through the companies of Zurich in North America, provided solely for informational purposes. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, offer, advice, recommendation, or any other service with regard to any type of insurance product underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company, 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, terms and conditions. Travelex Insurance Services Inc. CA Agency license #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).
Insurance includes the following items:
For benefit and rate information, please review the Group Premier product flyer at https://partner.travelexinsurance.com/docs/premier
Unexpected flight cancellations or weather delays: Webb Tours works diligently to cover all of the details associated with your travel. We make sure that all ground transportation, lodging, local tours, restaurants, specialists, etc, are in place and awaiting our arrival. We ensure that our directors are well prepared to provide you with an experience that exceeds your expectations. One thing we do NOT control are the airlines. Significant problems can arise on a group tour due to canceled flights, weather delays or missed connections. In the case of a flight cancellation, Webb Tours will do all we can to work with the airline to move people to the next available flights. Any portion of the tour that is missed due to flight delays or cancellations is NOT the financial responsibility of Webb Tours. Refunds will not be given for hotels, ground transportation, activities or meals that are missed due to flight interruptions. This is another good reason to purchase the travel insruance which has a provision for missed connections (see Group Premier product flyer referenced above for details). Your participation in the tour signifies that you understand and accept this policy.
Mail deposit and enclosed reservation form to:
WEBB TOURS
2378 Evergreen Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Tel. (801) 278-3101
or Toll Free 1-800-658-8519
Or call us and register over the phone. We hope you can join us.
