New Mexico to Texas

Estimated Tour Pricing Inclusions: 6 nights’ accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, admissions, entrance, and guide fees as stated in the itinerary, including taxes, and gratuity (excluding gratuity for guides and driver, unless requested).

• Rainbow Ryders
• Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
• Old Town Albuquerque
• Sawmill Market
• Smokey Bear Historical Park and Museum
• Fort Stanton Historic Site
• Lincoln County Courthouse
• Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Carlsbad Caverns
• National Ranching Heritage Center
• Buddy Holly Center
• American Windmill Museum
• Lubbock's Art Disctrict
• McPherson Cellars
• Cactus Theater

• Arrive and unwind at the Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque North Rio Rancho before having dinner at El Pinto Restaurant. During your meal you will have a quick education session on the difference between New Mexico’s famous red and green chilies. If feeling adventurous, ask for Christmas!

• Start your morning off early with a hot air balloon ride with the Rainbow Ryders. Once you land, enjoy a light breakfast and mimosas on the field.
• Next, ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway up 10,000 feet overlooking the Sandia Mountains where an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits.
• Enjoy some time moseying around Old Town Albuquerque where there is no shortage of shops, art and jewelry galleries, restaurants, and wineries.
• Stop for lunch at Sawmill Market food hall; where this is something to satisfy every pallet.
• Continue shopping and exploring Old Town before heading to dinner at this hacienda-inspired, Garduno’s, inside Hotel Albuquerque.

• Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before hitting the road to the Smokey Bear Historical Park and Museum.
• After learning all things Smokey and forest fire prevention, lunch is served directly across the park at Oso Grill.
• Next up on this journey is visiting the Fort Stanton Historic Site, along the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway. This site served as a base of operations against the Mescalero Apache Indians, a tuberculosis hospital for the Merchant Marine, an internment camp, and even a women’s prison.
• The final stop before arriving at Inn of the Mountain Gods is the Lincoln County Courthouse. This site beams with notoriety because Billy the Kid managed to escape custody while onsite, thus ending the Lincoln County War.
• Arrive at Inn of the Mountain Gods and enjoy dinner on your own at one the many restaurants at the resort.

• This day is all about YOU! Utilize your complimentary gift card voucher by grabbing a tee time at the golf course, booking a massage, or simply relaxing during your free day at Inn of the Mountain Gods.

• Enjoy one last breakfast before boarding the bus to Carlsbad Caverns. After exploring the park, take the elevator down to the bottom of the cavern for a catered lunch.
• Make a stop in Hobbs, New Mexico for a sweet treat on the way to Lubbock, Texas.
• Once in Lubbock, check into your room at Cotton Court Hotel to rest before going to dinner at Cook’s Garage; a neon sign and vintage car inspired restaurant and live music venue.

• Rise and shine! Breakfast is served from the back of a chuckwagon at the National Ranching Heritage Center. This 19-acre indoor and outdoor museum depicts the history of ranching in the Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas areas, and features over 50 authentic structures throughout the park.
• One simply cannot visit Lubbock without touring the Buddy Holly Center. Here, you will see the permanent exhibits dedicated to Lubbock’s favorite son, Buddy, and his bandmates, as well as the rotating art gallery.
• Next is the American Windmill Museum, where over 170 fully restored windmills are housed. This museum showcases the important role that the windmill played to make the farming industry thrive. Do not miss the impeccable model train and miniature house exhibits!
• For lunch, get your hands dirty at Hand of the Cook. Here, you will participate in a taco cooking class and salsa making competition with your travel peers.
• After lunch, stretch your legs and take in the rotating art exhibits at LHUCA, the hub of Lubbock’s art district and home to First Friday Art Trail. Need a cold beverage? Walk right behind LHUCA and stumble upon Two Docs Brewery.
• Believe it or not, the Lubbock area grows 90% of the Texas wine grapes and it was all started by Doc McPherson. Today, Doc’s son, Kim, is the winemaker and owner of McPherson Cellars. Tour and taste this incredible wine that has gotten Kim nominated for a James Beard award!
• Round out your trip with a delicious steak at Triple J Chophouse and Brewery before walking across the street for a live performance at the historic Cactus Theater.

• Conclude the last morning of your trip with coffee and breakfast at the hotel before flying home!