Day 1 – Fri Oct 03 Home Cities to Great Falls, MT
Meals Included: None
Embark on a southern adventure starting from St. Albert, with pickups across key Alberta locations including Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Calgary, all the way to Lethbridge. Pause at Duty Free before crossing into the US at Sweet Grass, then proceed to Great Falls for an overnight stay at the Sleep Inn, preparing for the next day’s journey. Overnight: Sleep Inn and Suites
Day 2 – Sat Oct 04 Great Falls, MT to Casper, WY
Meals Included: Breakfast , Welcome Dinner
This morning, embark on a scenic journey south through Wyoming, absorbing the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains’ eastern slopes en route to Casper. Along the way, pause at Judith Gap for a unique photo opportunity with a colossal wind turbine blade. The day culminates at the Ramkota Casper, where a Welcome Dinner provides a perfect setting to socialize with fellow travelers.
Overnight: Ramkota Hotel Casper WY
Day 3 – Sun Oct 05 Casper, WY to Littleton, CO (West Denver)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey heads south to Historic Downtown Fort Collins for independent shopping and lunch, with an optional walking tour. Later, we’ll proceed to Littleton, CO, to check into the Holiday Inn Express for the night.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Denver SW
Day 4 – Mon Oct 06 Littleton, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a visual feast starting at Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater, an iconic, acoustically perfect venue. Continue to Colorado Springs for an enlightening tour of the Garden of the Gods, complemented by a knowledgeable guide. Nearby, delve into history at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and its museums. The day concludes with a restful stay at the Hyatt Place, nestled on Garden of the Gods Road.
Overnight: Hyatt Place Colorado Springs
Day 5 – Tue Oct 07 Denver, CO to Santa Fe, NM
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embarking on a journey to New Mexico, we’ll stop for refreshments en route to Santa Fe, where we’ll check into the historic La Fonda on the Plaza by afternoon. This 4-Diamond hotel, a preferred choice in Santa Fe, offers unique dining and a seasonal cocktail bar with views of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Guests will have the evening to explore the Plaza’s offerings.
Overnight: La Fonda on the Plaza
Day 6 – Wed Oct 08 Santa Fe Free Day
Meals Included: None
Today presents an opportunity to independently explore the vibrant plaza, with its overwhelming array of sights that promise to captivate. Options include art and history tours or leisurely strolls, absorbing the local culture at your own pace. The nearby Loretto Chapel is a highlight not to be missed. For those interested, trolley tours and walking tours are available, departing from La Fonda Hotel, offering structured insights into the area’s rich heritage.
Day 7 – Thurs Oct 09 Santa Fe, NM to Albuquerque, NM
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning, we depart Santa Fe for Albuquerque, where we’ll ascend the Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic views. Post descent, we’ll enjoy lunch at County Line BBQ. Our itinerary includes the International Balloon Museum and a historical tour of Old Town Albuquerque, before settling in at the Hyatt Place for two nights, in preparation for the early Balloon Fiesta f light tomorrow.
Overnight: Courtyard Marriott Albuquerque
Day 8 – Fri Oct 10 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Meals Included: Breakfast Bags, Coffee & Donuts at Balloon Park
Experience the magic of dawn as hot air balloons ascend into the sky. Join us for an early start with breakfast bags, hot coffee, and donuts at our Group Hospitality tent. Explore the balloon field, get up close to the preparations, and enjoy the variety ofshops and food stalls. Post-event, relax at the Hyatt Regency or visit Old Town Albuquerque and the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, with convenient drop-offs and pickups arranged.
Overnight: Courtyard Marriott Albuquerque
Day 9 – Sat Oct 11 Balloon Fiesta to Durango, CO
Meals Included: Lunch, Breakfast Bags, Coffee & Donuts at Balloon Park
Rise early for a dawn hot air balloon spectacle, with access to a hospitality tent offering coffee, donuts, and a prime viewing spot. After the mass ascension, enjoy brief shopping before departing for Durango. En route, savor lunch at Aztec, followed by a tour of the Aztec Ruins. In Durango, check into the Best Western near the train station, with options to explore the Train Museum, local shops, and historical sites at your leisure.
Overnight: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Day 10 – Sun Oct 12 Durango to Silverton Train to Ouray, CO
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, embark on the thrilling Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Train Ride, a 3 ½ hour journey showcasing the Colorado Rockies’ autumn splendor. Enjoy onboard snacks and drinks before exploring Silverton. Later, travel the scenic “million-dollar” highway to Ouray, where you’ll check into Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs. Spend the evening soaking in hot springs or dining at local eateries. Optional train ride pricing available in early 2025.
Overnight: Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs
Day 11 – Mon Oct 13 Ouray, CO to Moab, UT
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning’s journey leads us to Moab, with a lunch stop in Grand Junction, CO. Upon reaching Moab, UT, we’ll explore the Arches National Park Visitor Center, followed by a scenic drive to view the park’s iconic rock formations and arches. Ample time is allotted for walking and photography. The day concludes with check-in at Hotel Moab Downtown, offering proximity to local dining, shopping, and relaxation amenities like an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
Overnight: Mainstay Suites
Day 12 – Tue Oct 14 Moab, UT to Layton, UT
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we’re heading north after exploring the breathtaking Canyonlands National Park, with its myriad canyons and unique buttes shaped by the Colorado River. The park’s four distinct districts offer diverse desert landscapes and adventures. Later, we’ll check into the Holiday Inn Express in Layton, conveniently surrounded by popular dining options like Cracker Barrel and Outback Steakhouse.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express
Day 13 – Wed Oct 15 Layton, UT to Great Falls, MT
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll reboard the coach and head north, traversing Idaho and returning to Montana. A highlight of the day includes a Farewell Dinner at The Pizza Ranch in Helena. The journey concludes with the final stretch to Great Falls, where you’ll spend the tour’s last night at the Sleep Inn and Suites.
Overnight: Sleep Inn and Suites
Day 14 – Thurs Oct 16 Great Falls, MT to Home Cities
Meals Included: None
On the final day of our tour, we board the bus, heading north towards the Canadian border. We pause at the Duty Free before re-entering Canada, where you’ll be returned to your original pick-up spots, carrying cherished memories of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the remarkable journey shared.
