Cosmos Tours

ENCHANTED SOUTHWEST WITH ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA (87902012)

A 13-Day Cosmos Tours tour starting from $1,909

Thanks for voting !  (Not Yet Rated)   |   Write a review
Starting Price: $1,909 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 13 Days
Countries Visited: United States
Get A Quote     Chat with a travel agent
 
  • 10% Discount for Travelers under 18 yrs old
  • Pay $25 Less For Your 2nd & Subsequent Vacations
  • Vacations start as low as $115 a day
  • Lower prices during the low season (October–March)
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 National Parks
Tour Category: Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Tour Code: 8790-2012
Printer Friendly Page

Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Enchanted Southwest with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Vacation Overview
See spectacular scenery, unique sandstone formations, majestic mountains, and more on this wonderful Southwest vacation to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Trip highlights include a stay in Grand Canyon National Park, with its spellbinding landscapes; Monument Valley, where you’ll enjoy a 4-wheel-drive tour of the Tribal Park; Mesa Verde National Park, where you’ll stand in awe as you view the cliff dwellings inhabited by Ancestral Pueblo people from 600 AD to 1300 AD; White Sands National Monument, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders with the world’s largest gypsum sand dune; Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning red rock formations; and Tombstone, the most authentic western town in the United States. Ride the historic, coal-fired, steam-powered Durango & Silverton narrow-gauge railroad through breathtaking San Juan National Forest. You’ll also spend time in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Tucson, with a sightseeing tour in each city. In Albuquerque, be a part of the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the Mass Ascension, where the sky fills with vibrant colors as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight. All of this and much more are included in this Enchanted Southwest vacation. If you want to see some of the West’s most amazing and breathtaking scenery, don’t miss this tour. You’re sure to return from this vacation with plenty of photos and memories—a trip of a lifetime!

Vacation Type
y

 

Guides
Local Guide for sightseeing in Monument Valley; services of a professional Tour Director.

Hotels


SCOTTSDALE
Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley (MD),

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP),

KAYENTA
Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (MF),

DURANGO
Durango Downtown Inn (MF),

SANTA FE
Santa Fe Sage Inn (ST),

ALBUQUERQUE
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST),

LAS CRUCES
Drury Inn Las Cruces (MF),

TUCSON
Riverpark Inn (ST)

Meals
5 breakfasts (B), 1 continental breakfast (CB)

Transportation
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.

 
Day 1:
Scottsdale. Welcome to Arizona, the Grand Canyon state. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Scottsdale–Sedona–Oak Creek Canyon–Grand Canyon National Park. This morning, travel to Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning Red Rock Country. Browse its eclectic shops, feast on Southwestern cuisine, or just breathe in the incredible scenery. Next, pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Mountains, and beautiful pine forests to the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Overnight stay is inside the park. (B)

Day 3:
Grand Canyon National Park–Monument Valley–Kayenta. This morning, don’t miss the optional flightseeing excursion for a unique bird’s-eye view over the canyon—it’s the thrill of a lifetime! Continue to Monument Valley, where you will enjoy an exhilarating 4-WHEEL-DRIVE TOUR of the Tribal Park and will see the amazing twin “Mitten” buttes, the impressive “Totem Pole,” and other sights forever associated with the Wild West. The park has been the setting for countless movies, including She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Thelma & Louise.

Day 4:
Kayenta–Mesa Verde National Park–Durango. Our first stop today is wondrous MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will walk in the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans and see their mysterious, centuries-old cliff dwellings. Next, the Southwestern town of Durango, nestled in the Animas River Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, this charming town was once run by gunslingers. Tonight, why not explore the historic downtown or stroll along the Animas River?

Day 5:
Durango. Excursion On The Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. Board the DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD this morning for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks that miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took more than a century ago. The locomotives used to pull today’s train are 1923- 1925 vintage. This historic train has been in continuous operation for more than 125 years. The train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through the Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snowcapped peaks. Free time in Silverton, once a major mining town that owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner, “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!”

Day 6:
Durango–Santa Fe. Today, travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital. Tucked beneath the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is praised for its Spanish churches and fine museums, art, culture, cuisine, and spas. Upon arrival, time on your own for lunch on the 300-year-old Plaza. Afterward, afternoon sightseeing begins with an inside visit to the historic LORETTO CHAPEL and the “miraculous staircase.” Then, enjoy a GUIDED TROLLEY tour of Santa Fe. Your expert guide has knowledge in specialized areas such as archaeology, architecture, Santa Fe art and galleries, and the history of Santa Fe. The 8-mile loop in open-air trams includes Santa Fe’s most important historical areas, including the colorful art galleries of Canyon Road, the Museum Hill area, historic Santa Fe Plaza and Palace of the Governors, and other notable locations in the heart of the oldest capital city in the United States. Your evening is free for independent exploring.

Note:
Inside visits to the Loretto Chapel are dependent on private weddings, at which time the chapel is not open to the public.

Day 7:
Santa Fe–Albuquerque. A late-morning departure for Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. Framed by stunning mountains and with a captivating mix of Mexican, Spanish, and Native American cultures, this vibrant city bursts with fascinating landmarks. Upon arrival in Albuquerque, enjoy a walking tour of historic Old Town with its Spanish church and fine museums. This evening, there’s time to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional outing to towering Sandia Peak, which includes dinner and a thrilling cable-car ride that transports you 2.7 miles over deep canyons and breathtaking terrain. (CB)

Day 8:
Albuquerque. This morning stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Ascension where hundreds of hot air balloons take off, turning the sky into a virtual rainbow of colors. What began as a gathering of thirteen balloons 35 years ago has since turned into the largest ballooning event in the world. This afternoon there is time to further explore this atmospheric city, so why not explore the plethora of shops, galleries and restaurants in the city's Old Town, or visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

Day 9:
Albuquerque–White Sands National Monument–Las Cruces. This morning, travel south through the fertile Rio Grande Valley. This afternoon begins at one of the world’s great natural wonders: WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT. Here, gigantic sand dunes rise from the Tularosa Basin, creating an awesome 275-square-mile scenic canvas. View breathtaking desert landscapes as you travel into Las Cruces, New Mexico’s third-largest city.

Day 10:
Las Cruces–Tombstone–Tucson. Today, travel across the deserts to TOMBSTONE, the most authentic Western town left in the United States. Here you can walk the same streets that saw gunfights along Allen Street and witness a reenactment of the 1881 shootout at the OK CORRAL. Also stop at Boot Hill Cemetery, where many of the graves are of gunfighters who died quickly and violently and were buried with their boots on. Travel north to Tucson, one of Arizona’s most attractive cities. (B)

Day 11:
Tucson–Saguaro National Park–Tucson. Enjoying a dramatic setting in the Sonora Desert, this fascinating city boasts a colorful Mexican, Spanish, and traditional Native American heritage, and is surrounded by the soaring Santa Catalina Mountains. Your city tour includes the University of Arizona, downtown, and the 200-year-old MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC before heading out into incredible SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK, a reserve famed for its giant saguaro cactus. Only found in the Sonoran Desert, these monumental cacti epitomize America’s Wild West, and can live for 150 years and grow as high as 45 feet. (B)

Day 12:
Tucson–Sonora Desert Museum–Scottsdale. This morning begins with a visit to the acclaimed ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM, where you will admire the diverse flora and fauna. More than 300 species of live animals and over 1,200 species of plants indigenous to the area are exhibited in their natural habitats. Afterward, we make our way to Phoenix and its world-famous HEARD MUSEUM, rich in history and one the world’s finest for learning about American Indian arts and cultures. Tonight, join your travel companions on an optional excursion for dinner and live entertainment at Arizona’s legendary cowboy steakhouse, Rustler’s Rooste, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain. (B)

Day 13:
Scottsdale. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore this desert oasis further with a variety of exciting optional activities. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/29/2012 - 10/11/2012
$1,909
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
10/6/2012 - 10/18/2012
$1,909
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights
Sightseeing in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Tucson; Monument Valley 4-wheel-drive tour, Tombstone, OK Corral, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Heard Museum. Note:Maximum elevation on tour: 7,400 ft.

Scenic Highlights
Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, White Sands National Monument, Saguaro National Park.

 

Cosmos Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book early, secure the best departures and protect yourself from any price modifications. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

Price Details US
Prices based on double-room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $755Triple Room Reduction per person: $165Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.

Related Tours
8590|Enchanted Southwest

SAVE $125 Per Person On Cosmos 2012 Air-Inclusive Europe Tours

Save $125 per person on Cosmos 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacations

 

Discover the best of Europe - for less!


For 50 years Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most fascinating places—places like the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland, sunny Spain, the ancient splendor of Greece and Egypt, festive France, the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America’s breathtaking national parks, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii, and America’s historical East Coast. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit exciting cities at a remarkable price. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated and we pass the savings on to you. It's the very best way to travel more…for less!

 

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2012 Cosmos Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive $125 off the air price per person. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between February 28 and May 22, 2012 for travel between April 2 and October 25, 2012. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Your air quote will include all air taxes, surcharges and fees applicable for your itinerary at the time of booking. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Cosmos Year Round Deals

Cosmos Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

      

 

With Cosmos, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.



Discount for Repeat Travelers

      

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Cosmos vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 



Second Tour Discount

      

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Cosmos vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.





Triple Room Reduction

      

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.



Big Savings for Small Groups

      

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Cosmos tour vacations. 

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

      

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 


 

 
 
 
Make the most of your upcoming trip with these special offers from our partners:
Coats for Men and Women, footwear and accessories from Overland
Let Weight Watchers help you look your best for your upcoming trip!
Print your vacation photos at the KODAK Gallery.  Get 50 FREE prints!

Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:

ENCHANTED SOUTHWEST (85902012)

12 Days starting from $1,679

TitleEnchanted SouthwestVacation OverviewSee spectacular scenery, unique sa.. (click for more)

NATIONAL PARKS and CANYON COUNTRY (86002012)

13 Days starting from $1,489

TitleNational Parks & Canyon CountryVacation OverviewMarvel at the West's p.. (click for more)

WESTERN WONDERS (85102012)

11 Days starting from $1,399

TitleWestern WondersVacation OverviewThis wondrous Western vacation begins .. (click for more)

GOLDEN WEST ADVENTURE (85002012)

14 Days starting from $1,579

TitleGolden West AdventureVacation OverviewVisit hot spots throughout Calif.. (click for more)

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.