2009 Special Events

There is nothing quite like the excitement of a special event. Whether it’s celebrating culture, heritage, tradition or a holiday, it’s sure to be an enriching experience. Great American events and past times make travel a true tradition with Mayflower Tours. The marching bands and character balloons in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, witnessing the ascension of over 700 hot air balloons with a back drop of natural beauty in New Mexico – what more could you ask for when you choose from more than 15 special events that Mayflower Tours offers.

In 1972, the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was started and has since then grown substantially to become the largest balloon convention in the world. People from across the state, the nation and even the world join together in the city of Albuquerque to observe this astonishing event.

With Mayflower Tours, travel to New Mexico to witness the glorious sight as over 700 hot air balloons ascend into the sky. You’ll be able to stroll the launch field, where you’ll be provided the rare opportunity to observe inflation and take off procedures. As the balloons mass ascend, characters of all shapes and sizes can be seen for miles as they peacefully float away, leaving you absolutely awestruck.

Not only will we witness the largest balloon convention in the world, but we’ll also enjoy a showcase of New Mexican culture and history featuring a journey back in time on a visit to Albuquerque’s Old Town and visit to Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument before returning to the grounds to witness the stunning balloon glow at dusk. We’ll also head North to Santa Fe, the oldest Capital city in the United States for a walking tour of the historic district including a visit to Loretto Chapel. All the excitement and wonders of the Southwest are yours on Mayflower Tours’ Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, available by motorcoach departing from the Chicagoland area, or by air.

In December, Mayflower Tours escapes to the sunny state of California where we experience the beauty of natural wonders and the ingenuity of mechanical wonders at the Granddaddy of all Parades. We’ll fly to Southern California for a four-night stay in Long Beach for your opportunity to see the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade.

We begin this annual special event with a morning tour of the Float Construction. Floats are typically built by professionals and can take up to a year to construct the colossal beauties! You will discover that most of the floral floats in the parade are inspired by the theme of the year, which in 2010 is “2010: A Cut Above the Rest”.

We enjoy an evening performance of The Glory of Christmas, an annual holiday tradition musical performance of the story of Jesus, at the world-famous Crystal Cathedral with its remarkable pipe organ. We ring in the New Year with our new-found friends at a gala dinner complete with dancing to a live orchestra and a toast to welcome 2010.

New Year’s Day we join hundreds of thousands of spectators on the parade route to enjoy the 121st Tournament of Roses parade from our reserved grandstand seats right on Colorado Boulevard. For two and a half hours the assembled bands, horse units and magnificent floats glide down the five and a half miles parade route. For many decades the festival of flowers, music and equestrians has followed the same route on Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena’s main thoroughfare.

Following the parade, a private football party luncheon awaits us at our hotel. Plus, you may extend your holiday to include a three-day Las Vegas vacation.

Join Mayflower Tours as we celebrate the holidays and special events in 2009. For more information or to make your reservations, contact Mayflower Tours or your local travel professional. We look forward to seeing you out on tour!