This tour explores Arizona’s breathtaking cliffs and canyons, showcasing magnificent geological formations. Continue into New Mexico to witness the vibrant hot air balloons of the International Balloon Festival, indulge in delectable cuisine at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and enjoy panoramic views from Sandia Peak. Along Route 66, admire the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and find solace at the serene Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.
- Marvel at the sight of the Grand Canyon
- Experience the dazzling International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s premier balloon event
- Visit the miraculous Loretto Chapel
- Reflect at the OKC Memorial
DAY 1: FLY INTO LAS VEGAS, NV
Fly into Las Vegas and check into the four-star Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. D
DAY 2: WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT, AZ
Embark on an enriching journey starting with a visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument, renowned for its breathtaking geological formations and historic cliff dwellings. Following this exploration, indulge in a three-night stay at the delightful Little America Hotel, where comfort awaits. Interested in stargazing? Tonight, delve into the mysteries of the cosmos with a visit to Lowell Observatory. Experience engaging astronomy exhibits, peer through telescopes, and witness celestial marvels firsthand (optional and additional expense). B, D
DAY 3: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a visit to the Grand Canyon, marvel at the canyon’s sheer majesty and its powerful and inspiring beauty where the unique geologic colors change throughout the day. Enjoy time exploring the rim and visit shops and lodges nearby. B
DAY 4: OAK CREEK CANYON & SEDONA, AZ
Journey through Oak Creek Canyon on your way to Sedona, AZ, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery. Explore Sedona aboard a narrated trolley, stopping at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Sedona and browse local galleries and shops. Return to Flagstaff for a guided tour of Riordan Mansion, a masterpiece of American Arts and Crafts-style architecture. B, L
DAY 5: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Journey east through New Mexico to Albuquerque, home to the magnificent 2025 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: SANTA FE, NM
This morning, take a hot air balloon (optional and additional expense) ride over the scenic landscapes of New Mexico. Afterward, visit the Santa Fe School of Cooking, where a skilled chef demonstrates traditional regional cuisine, culminating in a delicious meal. Enjoy an expert-guided tour of Santa Fe, exploring its historic heart, vibrant markets, and rich cultural sites, including a visit to the iconic Loretto Chapel with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and mysterious spiral staircase B, L
DAY 7: MASS ASCENSION & SANDIA PEAK
Rise and shine! The Dawn Patrol Show and glorious Mass Ascension are thrilling experiences as hundreds of vividly colored hot air balloons fill the morning sky. Watch it all from your reserved seats right on the launch field or walk amongst the balloons and watch them lift off! Board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram, the world’s longest tramway, and ride 2.7 miles above the Cibola National Forest to the Sandia Peak to experience a panoramic vista of the great Southwest. B, D
DAY 8: BALLOON MUSEUM & ROUTE 66
Learn about the history of the world-class Balloon Fiesta during a morning visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Continue your travels along iconic Route 66 before arriving in Amarillo, TX, for our overnight stay. 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, pay tribute at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, a poignant site commemorating the lives lost and affected by the 1995 bombing through its peaceful grounds and thoughtful exhibits. B, L
DAY 10: RETURN HOME B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: The Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, NV
Night 2-4: Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ
Night 5-7: Drury Inn, Albuquerque, TX
Night 8: Drury Inn & Suites, Amarillo, TX
Night 9: Hilton Garden Inn Tulsa, Midtown, Tulsa, OK
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
Dates:
- Departure: October 6, 2025
- Return: October 15, 2025
Pricing:
- Double: $3,499
- Triple/Quad: $3,149
- Single: $4,379
*Per person rates
*Includes one-way airfare from STL (return via motorcoach)
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-$7per 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.
