Discover Arizona’s stunning cliffs and canyons, displaying their magnificent geological formations. In New Mexico, witness the vibrant spectacle of the International Balloon Festival, indulge in delectable cuisine at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and take in panoramic views from Sandia Peak. Along Route 66, appreciate the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and find peace at the serene Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.
- Experience the Grand Canyon
- Enjoy the Alburquerque Balloon Fiesta
- Visit the miraculous Loretto Chapel
- Ride the Sandia Aerial Tram
- Reflect at the OKC memorial
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE SOUTHWEST!
Arrive in Phoenix for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. D
DAY 2: SEDONA
Discover the stunning beauty of Sedona from the comfort of a narrated trolley tour, where dramatic red rock vistas unfold around every turn. Visit the renowned Chapel of the Holy Cross, seamlessly integrated into the rugged cliffs. Then, enjoy a leisurely lunch downtown and explore Sedona’s artistic side with a visit to its eclectic galleries, boutique shops, and handcrafted treasures. B, L
DAY 3: WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT
Begin your day with a visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument to view ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 700 years ago. Take a guided tour of Riordan Mansion, an elegant example of American Arts and Crafts architecture known for its detailed woodwork, handcrafted finishes, and rich history. Tonight, explore the wonders of the cosmos with an optional visit to Lowell Observatory (additional expense), where you’ll witness celestial marvels firsthand through powerful telescopes and expert-guided stargazing. B, L
DAY 4: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
In 1903, Teddy Roosevelt said about the Grand Canyon “… it is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world…one of the great sights which every American should see.” Enjoy a visit to Grand Canyon National Park and marvel at the canyon’s sheer majesty and inspiring beauty where the unique geologic colors change throughout the day. Enjoy time to explore the rim or visit shops and lodges nearby. B, D
DAY 5: ALBUQUERQUE, NM/BALLOON GLOW
Journey east through New Mexico to Albuquerque, home to the magnificent 2026 International Balloon Fiesta, the foremost hot-air balloon event in the world. This evening, wander leisurely among the incredible display on the launch field. Be captivated by the mesmerizing Balloon Glow, as these floating wonders light up the desert twilight. Positioned at your reserved spot on the launch field, take in the breathtaking AfterGlow fireworks display—a truly unforgettable spectacle. B, D
DAY 6: THE INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER
Begin your morning with a hot air balloon ride (optional and additional cost), soaring above New Mexico’s breathtaking desert landscapes as the sun rises over the horizon. Then, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to explore the rich history and living traditions of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo Tribes. Later, enjoy lunch as you continue to take in the artistry and spirit of Pueblo culture. B, L
DAY 7: MASS ASCENSION/SANTA FE
Start your day with the breathtaking Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension, as hundreds of colorful hot air balloons rise into the morning sky. Watch from your reserved launch field seats or get up close among the balloons. Later, enjoy a cooking demonstration and meal at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, followed by a guided tour of Santa Fe’s historic center, vibrant markets, and the iconic Loretto Chapel with its legendary spiral staircase. B, L
DAY 8: SANDIA PEAK
Before saying goodbye to Albuquerque, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the world. Travel 2.7 miles high above the forested slopes of the Cibola National Forest to the summit of Sandia Peak, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the vast landscapes of the Southwest. After taking in the stunning scenery, continue your journey to Amarillo. B, D
DAY 9: NATIONAL COWBOY MUSEUM/OKLAHOMA CITY MEMORIAL
Start your day with a journey into the heart of the American West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, immersing yourself in cowboy history and Western art. Afterwards, visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, where peaceful grounds and thoughtful exhibits are brought to life through powerful first-person accounts that convey the profound impact of the 1995 bombing, honoring the memories of those lost and the strength of the community. B, L
DAY 10: RETURN HOME
Return home with some amazing photos to share and exciting stories to tell of your adventure in the Southwest. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Drury Plaza Hotel Phoenix, Tempe, AZ
Nights 2-4: Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ
Nights 5-7: Drury Inn, Albuquerque, TX
Night 8: Drury Inn & Suites, Amarillo, TX
Night 9: Wyndham Grand, Oklahoma City, OK
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Springfield, MO
Depart: October 5, 2026
Return: October 14, 2026
Pricing:
- Double: $3,499
- Triple/Quad: $3,149
- Single: $4,379
Includes departure airfare from STL/SGF. Please call for other gateway cities.
Helpful Hints
The morning of Mass Ascension is very early. It may be a good idea to bring your own alarm or set the alarm on your phone rather than just a wake-up call. Generally, the hotel will open their breakfast early during balloon season, but there will also be breakfast served at the Chaser's Club, where our seats are located.
You will get up close to the balloons and will see them lift off. In the evening, the pilots will make their balloons "glow" with their propane valve. This allows you to see all the beautiful colors of the balloons in the night sky.
During the early morning hours and evening hours for Mass Ascension and Balloon Glow, it will be much cooler. It's recommended to bring a coat, gloves, scarves and a hat to keep you warm. You may even want to consider bringing hand warmers.
Walking Distance
Moderate to extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. These distances can be over paved, unpaved, and cobblestone walkways.
Average Temperatures
Las Vegas, NV: 83° / 46°
Flagstaff, AZ: 63° / 32°
Albuquerque, NM: 72° / 46°
Amarillo, TX: 72° / 45°
Tulsa, OK: 74° / 51°
Elevation Note
In Albuquerque, elevation reaches over 5000 feet. In Santa Fe, elevations reach over 7000 feet.
Additional Expenses
The optional balloon ride on Day 7 and visit to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff are optional with an additional expense.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7 per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
