New Mexico: Behind Adobe Walls

September 26-30, 2011
Now accepting registrations – call 972-744-7800

Enjoy the crispy coolness of the New Mexico altitude, when you visit the Land Of Enchantment and its Three Cultures. This tour will show you the highlights of Northern New Mexico, from the ancient Pueblo Indian cultures to the Spanish civilization and the Anglo-American settlers of the Wild West.

Because many of our travelers have been to these towns before, on this particular trip we are emphasizing private access to places and people you would not be able to see on your own, a special opportunity to go “behind adobe walls”. You will tour private residences, dine with artists and chefs in their own homes, meet with gallery owners in their studios, and have a piece of your own turquoise jewelry appraised!

Albuquerque

The scenery, the pre-historic peoples and the Native American culture, the jewelry, the Plaza, the New Mexican and Native American cuisine.

• Ride into the clouds on the SANDIA AERIAL TRAMWAY to the top of Sandia Peak, where we will dine “with a view” at the High Finance Restaurant overlooking Albuquerque.
• Shop at OLD TOWN, the picturesque oldest part of town, where modern artisans and colonial history reside side by side. Visit the San Felipe de Neri Church on the Plaza. Dinner will be at one of the oldest buildings in town, the Church Street Café.
• Visit the TURQUOISE MUSEUM where the Curator will appraise turquoise jewelry brought by our travelers. Our turquoise version of Antiques Road Show! One piece per traveler please!
• The INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER, where we will learn about the centuries old Native American lifestyle from tribe members, including a private lunch featuring Native American recipes and ingredients.
• PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT, where we will view the world's largest collection of prehistoric rock art. A Park Ranger will explain it to us in our private tour.

Santa Fe

The oldest capital city in America, Santa Fe-style homes and interior decorating, one of the country’s largest art communities, more exciting local cuisine, one of The West’s iconic hotels.

• Two nights at the revered LA FONDA HOTEL on the Plaza, where travelers have relaxed in Southwestern luxury for many decades. The number one historical hotel in the city!
• FREE TIME scheduled so you can visit the museums and galleries of your choice. There is so much to choose from that we wanted you to be able to go where you wanted for a half day.
• A RARE TREAT: Our BEHIND ADOBE WALLS Tour that will take you to two PRIVATE HOMES to see first hand quintessential examples of the Santa Fe Style. Our hosts will be the homeowners themselves!

Two incredible private dinners that you will always remember:

• Dinner at the home of EVELYNE BOREN, a prominent Santa Fe artist, located in the quarry that provided the stone for St. Francis Cathedral. The home itself is a work of art, not to mention the paintings and furnishings found within, in a setting overlooking Santa Fe and the Rio Grande Valley. Ms. Boren is called a virtuoso both in watercolor and oil mediums, and her landscapes of Santa Fe, Provence, Tuscany, Spain and Mexico have been described as “windows that penetrate the walls on which they hang.”
• Dinner at the Santa Fe Cooking School, where the chef will prepare a meal of contemporary Southwestern cooking, following new and exotic recipes. This will be your private adventure into delectable New Mexico cuisine!

Taos

Feast Day at The Taos Pueblo, a World Heritage Site, inhabited for 3,000 years; a dizzying gorge out of this world; more private artist encounters; and a Wild West dinner you will not forget!

We will show you the complete sweep of the centuries of history in Taos, from the world-famous TAOS PUEBLO, through the Western heritage of the 1800’s, up to the modern art colony, all in the company of experts who will explain it to you from the local point of view. Includes these very special activities and sites:

• SAN GERONIMO FEAST DAY at the TAOS INDIAN PUEBLO. A ceremonial time when the tribe celebrates with dancing, arts and crafts and athletic activities.
• GORGE OF THE RIO GRANDE, jaw dropping natural feature, with its 700' high sheer cliffs carved by the River.
• MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM - extremely high quality collection of Southwestern artifacts, from a woman who wanted the best example of every category.
• LA HACIENDA MARTINEZ -outstanding example of a large 19th century ranch headquarters.
• DOC MARTIN’S RESTAURANT - exotic Southwestern dishes at Taos’ number one eatery.
• ARTISTS RECEPTION - private cocktail reception at a local gallery with the artists represented.
• And...EL MONTE SAGRADA RESORT - the last night of the tour will be spent at this luxurious spa; built on spiritual ground, it offers a relaxing and healing atmosphere. Pamper yourself at this AAA Four Diamond Resort!

Scenic and Historic Drives

We will take you along several of New Mexico’s most picturesque and colorful routes!

• The Turquoise Trail – The scenic and historic route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Along the way we will stop to see some oddities that will surprise you and some ghost towns that will impress you.
• The High Road to Taos – The mountainous road from Santa Fe to Taos that will include a stop at the famous church at CHIMAYO, where pilgrims claim to have been healed by its sacred earth.
• The Low Road from Taos to Santa Fe – This route parallels the Rio Grande River allowing for impressive riverside views.