Learn about the centuries old Native American Pueblo culture in Albuquerque and then explore Old Town. Head to Santa Fe, a treasure trove for art, culture, and cuisine nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains…visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum with its’ exuberant art. Admire stunning landscapes on your way to Taos, home of the only Pueblo designated as a World Heritage Site. Take the Turquoise Trail through the heart of New Mexico with a stop in Madrid, a thriving artist community. A visit to Bandelier National Monument is a highlight. Here you will walk in the footsteps of the Anasazi that thrived in this remote canyon from the 11th to the 14th centuries.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Albuquerque, NM
Upon arrival* in Albuquerque, our first stop will be at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present in the museum and exhibition galleries. Lunch will be included in Albuquerque. Later this afternoon we will check into our hotel in Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza. After some time to relax, we get together for a welcome dinner. (L,D)
*Please have your flights arrive no later than 1:30pm.
Day 2 - Santa Fe
After breakfast at our hotel, we will partake in a walking tour of Santa Fe. Walk through more than 400 years of history, art, and culture. Our guide presents an extraordinary introduction to Santa Fe and provides and entertaining, humorous, and accurate portrayal of the “City Different”. Visit the historic Plaza and the Palace of the Governors (whose occupants have included the government and military leaders from Spain, Mexico, the Confederacy, the U.S and Indian nations). We will also visit the Loretto Chapel and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. You will have the afternoon, and evening on your own to explore all the city has to offer. (B)
Day 3 - Taos and Chimayo
We leave today for a trip to the charming town of Taos. This historic town was one of the most important artist colonies in America during the first half of the 20th century. On the way, we will pass through the extraordinary landscapes of northern New Mexico and see many memorable vistas, as well as visiting the enchanting San Francisco de Assisi Church in Ranchos de Taos, made famous by artists including Georgia O’Keefe, Ansel Adams, Peter Hurd, Fritz Scholder and Andrew Wyeth. The next stop will be, Taos Pueblo, framed by the sacred Taos Mountain. The northernmost of the tribal pueblos of the Rio Grande, Taos Pueblo has been designed a World Heritage Site, including its cultural importance. The pueblo is also on the National Historic Register, and remains in its pristine, traditional state. After visiting the Pueblo and enjoying lunch, we will take a short trip out to see the Rio Grande Gorge, on the return trip we make a stop in Chimayo, where we will have dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Albuquerque & Madrid
Our day begins with a drive to Albuquerque down the scenic Turquoise Trail. This Scenic and Historic Area encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. On the way, we will make a quick stop in Madrid. It was once a historic coal mining town and ghost town, Madrid is now a creative community with over 40 shops and galleries, several restaurants, a spa and museum. After, we will continue to Albuquerque where we have free time in the afternoon to explore Old Town. (B)
Day 5 - Los Alamos
Following breakfast we travel to Bandelier National Monument, where we will descend into a canyon filled with the ruins of the Anasazi Indians, colloquially “the Ancient Ones.” Located on the Pajarito Plateau of the Jemez Mountains, Bandelier was home of the Anasazi from the eleventh to fourteenth centuries. Excavated over 90 years ago, these ruins were once home to over 200 people, ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians. You may walk along easy paths past the remains of ancients Pueblo dwellings to the cliff dwellings where you can climb ladders to peer inside. After, we will head back to Santa Fe to enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Depart Albuquerque
After breakfast we will say goodbye to Albuquerque and transfer, own, to the airport anytime. (B)
