Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over packed dirt, grass and paved terrain. Standing up to 2 hours per day in museums. Program will require approximately 4 miles of walking over 3 days with additional walking per individual choice at the Balloon Park and Old Town. Elevation is at 5,000 feet which has a fatiguing impact. Two pre-dawn departures. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
New Mexico
Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Program No. 10427RJ
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Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Albuquerque
Program Concludes
Albuquerque
Meals
10 (
4B, 2L, 4D
)
Activity Level
From
2,149Enroll Early And Save
Gain a new perspective on New Mexico — from the air! Explore the science and artistry behind the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Feel the excitement of the launches at Balloon Fiesta Park while learning how the aircrafts are made and the science behind flying from a pilot. Experience the history and heritage of Albuquerque through museum explorations and an expert-led walk through its Old Town. After a week of new discoveries, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of the art of ballooning and the magic of New Mexico.
Best of all, you'll...
- Watch and learn from the pilots and their crews as they prepare huge and intricately constructed balloons for inflation and flight.
- Enjoy observing aircrafts from countries around the world, including the Mass Ascension of balloons on the opening morning.
- Learn about the history and science of ballooning through a presentation from an expert professional balloonist and exciting firsthand experiences.
General Notes
This is a large group program; participants will be separated into smaller groups for some activities. 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 Experts
John Layton
John Layton has visited 70+ countries and 48 states during more than 30 years in the travel industry. “As a career, travel is all I know and I’ve been lucky that I have never had a job I didn't love.” After many years sailing the seas as a cruise director, John is now a flight attendant for JetBlue, a travel blogger, and a group leader for Road Scholar. He has led Road Scholar programs throughout Florida, around Cuba, and on the Great Lakes.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
John Layton
John Layton has visited 70+ countries and 48 states during more than 30 years in the travel industry. “As a career, travel is all I know and I’ve been lucky that I have never had a job I didn't love.” After many years sailing the seas as a cruise director, John is now a flight attendant for JetBlue, a travel blogger, and a group leader for Road Scholar. He has led Road Scholar programs throughout Florida, around Cuba, and on the Great Lakes.
Terri Ross
Terri Ross is a longtime resident of New Mexico. First arriving in 1994, she began exploring the rich history and varied landscape of the state. She has led more than 80 group programs around the corner and around the world. She is also a local speaker in her adopted hometown of Albuquerque, making presentations on a variety of topics including travel journaling and scrapbooking, New Mexico history, traveling the Navajo lands and driving on New Mexico Highway 4.
Nolan Hines
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, then became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and, since 2017, has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road Scholar.
Audrey McCombs
Audrey McCombs has wandered through diverse territories that include philosophy, creative writing, ecology, and statistics, and has roosted in various locales in Asia, Africa and Europe. She took a fancy to hot air balloons when she moved to Albuquerque and earned her private LTA pilot's certificate in March 2024.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call
800-454-5768
Helpful Links
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Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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