BALLOON FIESTA & the GRAND CANYON

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Overview

BALLOON FIESTA & the GRAND CANYON
Albuquerque, NM
Oct 6 - 13, 2026
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American Tours
$3,950
Deposit: $250

About this trip

Trip Overview

Destination: New Mexico & Arizona (Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Grand Canyon)
Travel Dates: October 6–13, 2026
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Departure Location: Tyler, Texas

Tour Operator: American Tours
Travel Style: Motor-Coach Tour – Fully Escorted
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate
Price: $3,950 per person (double)

What’s Included at a Glance

  • Round-trip motor-coach transportation from Tyler

  • 7 nights hotel accommodations

  • 17 meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 7 dinners)

  • Professional American Tours Tour Escort

  • Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary

  • Baggage handling at hotels (one suitcase per person)

  • Complimentary parking at American Tours

Overview

Experience one of the most unique events in the country with a journey to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, combined with the natural beauty and cultural highlights of the Southwest.

Enjoy premium access to the Balloon Fiesta with Gondola Club seating, offering exceptional views of the mass ascensions, evening glow events, and fireworks displays. This unforgettable experience places you right in the heart of the action during one of the world’s most celebrated festivals.

Beyond the Balloon Fiesta, explore Albuquerque with a local guide, including time in historic Old Town. Travel to Arizona for a memorable visit to the Grand Canyon, featuring a scenic journey aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and a guided tour of the South Rim.

Additional highlights include visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Bearizona Wildlife Park, and the culturally rich city of Santa Fe.

This tour package is operated by American Tours and includes a professionally escorted motor-coach travel experience with an American Tours Tour Escort.

American Tours coordinates the full travel experience for our guests, including transportation, lodging, meals, sightseeing, and tour support throughout the journey.

What to Expect on This Tour

This tour is designed for travelers who enjoy a fully escorted group experience with a well-planned itinerary and unique, memorable destinations along the way.

You’ll travel by comfortable motor-coach with a professional American Tours Tour Escort, visiting key highlights throughout New Mexico and Arizona, including Albuquerque, the Grand Canyon, and Santa Fe.

The journey features a combination of scenic travel, guided sightseeing, and special events, highlighted by premium access to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Most days include scheduled activities balanced with scenic travel and enjoyable breaks along the way, allowing you to experience a wide variety of destinations in one trip.

Why Book With American Tours

Travel with confidence knowing your experience is supported by a trusted local team dedicated to making your journey smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.

  • Personalized service from a local, trusted team

  • Assistance before, during, and after your trip

  • Easy payment plans through our reservation platform (WeTravel)

  • Local support you can call anytime

Highlights

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey featuring the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, combined with iconic Southwest landscapes and cultural destinations.

  • 7-Night Motor-Coach Tour through New Mexico & Arizona

  • Premium Gondola Club Access at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

  • Mass Ascension, Evening Glow & Fireworks Events

  • Guided Tour of Albuquerque & Historic Old Town

  • Aerial Tramway Ride to Sandia Peak

  • Grand Canyon Railway Experience

  • Guided Tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim

  • Visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

  • Bearizona Wildlife Park Experience

  • Santa Fe Sightseeing & Historic Plaza

  • Scenic Southwest Landscapes Throughout the Journey

Featured Experiences

Enjoy some of the most memorable events and destinations in the Southwest, highlighted by exclusive access to one of the world’s most iconic festivals.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Gondola Club Experience
Enjoy premium access with Gondola Club seating, offering prime viewing of the mass ascensions, evening glow events, and fireworks displays, along with added comfort and exclusive amenities throughout the day.

Grand Canyon Railway & South Rim Experience
Travel by train to the Grand Canyon and experience one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, complete with a guided tour of the South Rim.

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Ride to the top of Sandia Peak for stunning panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding desert landscape.

Bearizona Wildlife Park
Enjoy a unique drive-through wildlife experience featuring North American animals in a natural setting.

Santa Fe Historic Experience
Explore the charm, culture, and history of Santa Fe, including its famous plaza, historic sites, and distinctive Southwestern architecture.

Itinerary

Experience an unforgettable journey through the Southwest, featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the Grand Canyon, and the cultural highlights of New Mexico and Arizona.

Day 1 – Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Tyler to Amarillo, Texas

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amarillo, TX

Begin your journey west with comfortable motor-coach travel and scheduled breaks along the way.

  • 6:00 AM Motor-Coach Departure from American Tours

  • Morning leg stretch

  • Lunch in Wichita Falls (location TBD)

  • Afternoon leg stretch

  • Arrival in Amarillo, Texas

  • Kickback dinner at hotel

Day 2 – Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Amarillo to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Albuquerque, NM

Travel into New Mexico and begin your Southwest experience with guided sightseeing in Albuquerque.

  • Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway experience

  • Guided tour of Albuquerque with local step-on guide

  • Walking tour of Historic Old Town

  • Free time in Old Town

  • Dinner at local restaurant

Day 3 – Thursday, October 8, 2026
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Experience

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Albuquerque, NM

Enjoy a full day at the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with exclusive Gondola Club access.

  • Early morning departure to Balloon Fiesta

  • Gondola Club access for mass ascension events

  • Dawn Patrol, Morning Glow & Mass Ascension

  • Afternoon rest time

  • Evening return to Balloon Fiesta

  • Dinner buffet and evening Glow events

  • Fireworks and entertainment

Day 4 – Friday, October 9, 2026
Albuquerque to Williams, Arizona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Williams, AZ

Travel west into Arizona and continue your journey toward the Grand Canyon.

  • Visit Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

  • Travel to Williams, Arizona

  • Dinner at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Day 5 – Saturday, October 10, 2026
Grand Canyon Experience

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Williams, AZ

Experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

  • Grand Canyon Railway journey with reserved seating

  • Arrival at the Grand Canyon South Rim

  • Guided tour of the South Rim

  • Lunch at Maswick Lodge

  • Return via Grand Canyon Railway

Day 6 – Sunday, October 11, 2026
Williams to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Santa Fe, NM

Enjoy a scenic drive and unique wildlife experience before arriving in Santa Fe.

  • Drive-through experience at Bearizona Wildlife Park

  • Visit wildlife exhibits

  • Travel to Santa Fe

  • Dinner at local restaurant

Day 7 – Monday, October 12, 2026
Santa Fe to Amarillo, Texas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Amarillo, TX

Explore Santa Fe’s rich culture and history before beginning your return journey.

  • Guided tour of Santa Fe with local step-on guide

  • Visit historic sites and plaza areas

  • Travel to Amarillo

  • Kickback dinner at hotel

Day 8 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Amarillo to Tyler, Texas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Return home with unforgettable memories of your Southwest adventure.

  • Morning leg stretch

  • Lunch in Wichita Falls (location TBD)

  • Afternoon leg stretch

  • Arrival in Tyler approximately 4:30 PM

Overnight Accommodations

Enjoy comfortable hotel accommodations throughout your journey, with stays in convenient locations near the attractions and experiences included in your itinerary.

Hotel Stay:
7 nights hotel accommodations

Planned Accommodations:

  • Amarillo, TX – Drury Inn & Suites (2 nights)

  • Albuquerque, NM – Fairfield Inn (2 nights)

  • Williams, AZ – Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (2 nights)

  • Santa Fe, NM – Courtyard by Marriott (1 night)

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

Pricing & Tour Details

Tour Pricing:

  • Single Occupancy: $4,650 per person

  • Double Occupancy: $3,950 per person

  • Triple Occupancy: $3,800 per person

  • Quad Occupancy: $3,650 per person

Tour pricing does not include optional Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection.

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. Space cannot be held without completed registration and deposit.

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.

If paying by check, please make checks payable to American Tours.

Credit card payments are accepted; processing fees apply.

What’s Included

  • 7 Nights Hotel Accommodations

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

  • Sightseeing and Admissions per Itinerary

  • Baggage Handling at Hotels — One Suitcase Per Person

  • Motor-Coach Transportation

  • Professional American Tours Tour Escort

  • Complimentary Parking at American Tours

Motor-Coach Travel Information

This tour departs by motor-coach from Tyler, Texas. Complimentary secured parking is available at American Tours for guests who need to leave a vehicle during the trip.

Travelers should arrive at the designated departure location in time for check-in and boarding prior to departure.

Important Information

Itinerary and accommodations are subject to change.

Tour Activity Level 2

Understanding the physical activity required for this tour will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

(Level 1 = easiest, Level 4 = most demanding)

This tour includes a moderate level of activity with a balance of sightseeing, special events, and scenic travel throughout the journey.

Travelers should be comfortable walking short to moderate distances, standing during events, and boarding the motor-coach multiple times each day.

Some experiences, including the Balloon Fiesta, Grand Canyon, and sightseeing tours, may involve extended periods of standing or walking on uneven surfaces.

The itinerary also includes longer travel days by motor-coach, balanced with multi-night stays and a well-paced schedule designed for comfort and enjoyment.

Who This Trip Is For

This tour is designed for travelers who will appreciate the experiences, pace, and overall style of this journey.

  • Travelers who want to experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, one of the most unique events in the country

  • Guests interested in a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and iconic destinations

  • Those who enjoy a structured itinerary with included sightseeing and special events

  • Travelers comfortable with moderate walking, standing during events, and motorcoach travel days

  • Guests who appreciate multi-night stays and a well-paced itinerary

  • Travelers looking for a memorable Southwest experience with a balance of activity and relaxation

Travel Identification

A valid government-issued photo ID is recommended for travel.

Passengers are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate identification for any included venues requiring identification.

Optional Travel Protection:

Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection is available for this tour and is designed to provide added peace of mind after final payment.

Plan Cost: $395 per person
(Must be purchased at the time of registration with your initial deposit)

How It Works

If Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection is purchased at the time of registration, you may cancel for any reason after final payment and before the day of departure.

  • No forms required

  • No doctor’s notes required

  • No explanation required

  • Refund is issued after the conclusion of the tour, minus the cost of Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection

If You Cancel Before Final Payment

Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection is not needed if you cancel before the final payment due date.

You will receive a full refund of all funds paid, including any amount paid for Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection.

If You Cancel After Final Payment

Once the final payment due date has passed, funds are committed to the tour.

  • With Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection:
    You will receive a refund after the conclusion of the tour, minus the cost of Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection.

  • Without Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection:
    No refund will be issued, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Travel Insurance Purchased Elsewhere

If you purchase travel insurance from another provider and cancel before final payment, American Tours will provide a full refund with no insurance claim needed.

If you cancel after final payment, you must file a claim with your insurance provider, as American Tours does not issue refunds in this situation.

How To Book

Online Registration (Recommended)
You may register online 24 hours a day by clicking the green “SEE AVAILABILITY” button.

During the online registration process, you will:

  • Complete the reservation form

  • Submit your required $250 per person deposit

  • Provide your contact and travel information

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

Mail-In Registration

To register by mail, click the “Download Brochure” button to access the American Tours registration form.

Complete the form and mail it with your deposit to the address listed. Your reservation will be confirmed once your deposit is received and processed, and a confirmation email will be sent.

Payment Information

American Tours accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Credit or debit card

  • Bank draft (ACH)

  • Personal check

Important:

  • Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee

  • Bank draft (ACH) payments do not include additional fees

~ For simplicity and to avoid processing fees, many guests choose bank draft (ACH). ~

Phone Registration

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

What's included

Transportation

Round-trip Transportation on a Luxurious Motor-Coach from Tyler, Texas.

Complimentary Parking

Complimentary parking is available at American Tours.

Hotel Lodging

7 Nights Hotel Accommodations

17 Meals

Includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners during the tour.

Admission & Sightseeing

All sightseeing, tours, admissions, and holiday experiences per itinerary.

Tour Director

Professional American Tours Tour Director throughout the journey.

Local Step-On Guides

For "Optimal Passenger Experience", American Tours will include local Step-On Guides at various points throughout this package.

Luggage Handling

Baggage handling at hotel for one suitcase per person.

What's not included

Cancelation Protection

Optional Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection is available for $395 per person.

Tour Guide Gratuity

$5 to $10 per day per person is common practice. However, please feel free to give whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

Tour Driver Gratuity

$5 to $10 per day per person is common practice. However, please feel free to give whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

Meals Not Listed

Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.

Personal Expenses

Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, beverages, snacks, and optional purchases.

About your organizer

AT
American Tours
Thanks to all of you who have chosen to travel with us in the past. Welcome to those who enjoy the adventure and rewards of exploring new places, meeting new people and experiencing the personal attention to which we are committed. Our success is attributable to your satisfaction. We measure that success by the enjoyment, appreciation and learning you experience when you travel with us. We are a professional travel company, and have been taking trips for over 30 years! Join us as we traverse the globe and seek out exciting places to vi

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