They don’t call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for no reason. It is filled with a blending of historical and modern times; Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures; magnificent scenery; friendly people and great and distinctive food. The greatest concentration of this is in Northern New Mexico. This 5-day photography and cultural tour is designed to provide the full perspective of the range and flavor of what is available in New Mexico.
The tour starts in Albuquerque, but quickly moves north to explore Santa Fe, Taos, and a major part of the surrounding territory in the north visiting many of the photogenic and cultural sites. We will visit Old Town in Albuquerque where the city was founded. Of the many places to see in Taos there is the thousand year old Pueblo still inhabited, the Martinez Hacienda, the St. Francis de Assisi church made famous by many artists including Ansel Adams, and many art galleries. In Santa Fe there is the Governor’s Palace, the plaza, galleries and fine eating. For scenery and diversity there is the Turquoise Trail with a stop at Madrid, a colorful artistic community, the High Road to Taos includes a stop at the famous Santuario de Chimayo, and further north is the Enchanted Circle. A spectacular trip up towards the Colorado border takes us along the route of the Cumbres and Toltec narrow gage railroad through more spectacular scenery and small towns, then south to Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu. In addition to the Taos Pueblo we will visit the San Ildefonso and Picuris Pueblos and the Indian ruins at Bandelier national monument. There is much more including the tiny villages and communities, eating at local restaurants, visiting with the artists, and staying at a picturesque and historical inn.
A major part of this tour is instruction in photography. Specifically we will discuss: elements of the perfect image, how the digital camera works, how to control the camera so as to capture the desired image, and shooting procedures. There will be a brief introduction to Photoshop and what it can do for you. This is a comprehensive, fun filled, total experience not to be missed. Minimum age for participants on the tour is 15.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - North to Taos via the High Road
In Albuquerque we visit Old Town to feel the early days of New Mexico. Leaving Albuquerque we drive up the Turquoise Trail with a stop at the artistic community of Madrid. Then to Taos via the High Road which takes us through Chimayo and its famous Santuario, Truchas, Las Trampas, Penasco, then over to Picuris Pueblo and Dixon and then north by the Rio Grande to Taos.
Day 2 – The Enchanted Circle
A scenic tour into the Sangre de Cristos along the enchanted circle which goes through Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa including a side trip east to Cimarron.
Day 3 – Touring Taos
In Taos there are many sights to see including the Pueblo, St. Francis de Assisi church, Martinez Hacienda, the home of Kit Carson, the plaza and many galleries and visits with artists. Time is available for sightseeing on your own.
Day 4 – The Far North and West
Today we head north over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge which is more than 600 feet over the Rio Grande. Then north to Antonito where we follow the very scenic Cumbres and Toltec train route to Chama. From there we head south following the Chama river to Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, and the San Ildefonso pueblo returning to Taos via the Rio Grande.
Day 5 – South to Santa Fe and Albuquerque
Leaving Taos early we head south along the Rio Grande and over to the Indian ruins at Bandelier. In Santa Fe we visit the Plaza and Governor’s Palace, Andrew Smith’s Photography gallery, and Andrea Fisher’s pottery gallery. Lastly on our return to Albuquerque we stop at one of the old ranches of New Mexico, El Rancho de los Golondrinas.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- The guide
- Transportation
- Lodging for 4 nights based on double occupancy
- Breakfasts
- Any entry fees, and photography instruction.
Note:
- A deposit of 25% of the cost of the tour is due upon booking. The remainder is due three (3) months prior to the start of the tour.
- Cancellation greater than three months prior to the start of the tour: full refund of the deposit (or full amount for the tour if such was provided) less $75 handling fee.
- Cancellation within three months of the start of the tour: the deposit is forfeit and the remainder is returned.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
New Mexico
Leisure Pursuit
Photography and Videography
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
