DAY 1 | Aug 10
Arrive in Santa Fe and check-in to the Inn on the Alameda, a 2-acre Pueblo-style boutique inn located near the heart of the historic Plaza.
In the company of Alan Osbourne, a public Southwest cultural historian, set out on a late afternoon walking tour of downtown Santa Fe, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Learn the history of our ancient American Indian cultures, early Spanish explorers and colonists, Mexican settlers, and Anglo-American traders down the Santa Fe Trail followed by travelers on the Santa Fe Railroad. Relive the Confederate invasion of New Mexico and the pivotal Civil War battle fought near Santa Fe.
Stroll across the historic Santa Fe Plaza to the lovely La Casa Sena Restaurant, the former family home of Major Jose Sena, a friend of Territorial Governor Charles Bent and frontiersman, Kit Carson. Enjoy the placita, a classic Spanish Colonial interior courtyard in a garden setting within Sena Plaza, a historic adobe complex now owned by prominent art dealer, Gerald Peters, who has furnished the spacious restaurant interior with classic works by noted artists.
(D)
DAY 2 | Aug. 11
Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet “Breakfast of Enchantment,” with organic options and gluten-free choices.
Our morning begins with a lecture by Desiree Mays, the Santa Fe Opera’s resident speaker, as she illuminates the operatic experience for newcomers and experts alike.
Then, head to the Santa Fe Opera for a behind-the-scenes backstage tour where we will discover the remarkable process on how an opera production comes to together. Get a glimpse of the production and technical areas of the opera house.
Enjoy a free afternoon exploring Santa Fe’s galleries and shops. You may want to head out to explore the innumerable galleries on Canyon Road, starting right outside our hotel entrance.
At 4pm, relax over a selection of wines at the Inn on the Alameda’s daily complimentary wine and cheese reception. This is a perfect time to gather new ideas by mingling with other travelers and sharing thoughts on making the most of your Santa Fe vacation.
Return to the Santa Fe Opera for a preview dinner outdoor dining experience. Enjoy dinner, including wine and dessert, at our open-air cantina on the beautifully landscaped rehearsal grounds. Guest speaker, Desiree Mays, offers an informative talk about the evening’s opera during dessert.
Featuring American singers in a wide ranging and challenging repertory, the Santa Fe Opera has become one of the world’s leading cultural festivals. Tonight we’ll enjoy Capriccio by Richard Strauss.
(B, D)
DAY 3 | Aug. 12
The breakfast buffet is open between the hours of 7am and 10am.
Visit to San Ildefonso Pueblo, one of the best-known New Mexico Pueblo, noted for its famous black-on-black pottery, which was revived in the early 20th century. San Ildefonso native people have lived in the region since before thirteen hundred A.D. They have a strong sense of identity and retain ancient ceremonies, rituals, and dances tenaciously. We will be visiting the home of legendry potter, Dora Tse Pe, a Zia Pueblo native and resident of San Ildefonso for many decades. There she will share a pottery demonstration and stories about her people and culture.
Enjoy time on your own this afternoon and evening. Activities abound in downtown Santa Fe and beyond. We recommend you begin by exploring New Mexico’s compelling history with the incredible collections at the Palace of the Governors; a few steps from the Palace you’ll find the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Or, if you are adventurous, ride the convenient “M” bus to Museum Hill and explore four world-class museums: the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
Dinner tonight is on your own to explore Santa Fe’s culinary arts scene. Ask the locals to name their favorite Santa Fe restaurants and you’ll end up with a lengthy list of worthy choices. Innovative Southwestern fare created by award-winning chefs, and hearty New Mexico fare featuring red and green chile, are some reasons Santa Fe to have earned a prominent place on the world’s culinary map. Santa Fe is a food lover’s paradise, and the options are many within walking distance of our hotel.
Should you wish to do an optional opera tonight, Vanessa by Samuel Barber with libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti is playing at 8pm. Tickets can be obtained by calling 800-280-4654.
(B)
DAY 4 | Aug. 13
The breakfast buffet is open between the hours of 7am and 10am.
Begin the day with a third lecture by opera expert Desiree Mays.
Then, transfer to the beautiful home of Arlene Cisneros Sena. Creating retablos (painted icons on wooden tablets) in traditional form that expresses pride in her heritage, Arlene’s innovative use of natural pigments and soft graceful lines has led to acquisition of her award-winning works by countless private collectors and museums, including the Vatican.
Early afternoon, embark on a different dining experience by sampling Santa Fe’s unique cuisine and culinary excellence with a walking tour to four prestigious dining destinations. Experience private tastings and audience with the chefs, owners and key players of restaurants that make Santa Fe one of America’s top culinary capitals.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains we return to the Santa Fe Opera for one last night of music, magic and beauty. Tonight we’ll experience Giacomo Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West.
(B, D)
DAY 5 | Aug. 14
The breakfast buffet is open between the hours of 7am and 10am.
Nestled in the historic village and arts community of Tesuque, the open-by-appointment only Glenn Green Gallery and Sculpture Garden features work by world class global artists including the sculpture of Alan Houser and Eduardo Oropezana, the paintings of Kenji Yoshida and Wounaan Rainforest Basketry. Set amid gardens and ancient trees, this is a lovely old world style estate.
Later we visit the famed El Santuario de Chimayo, the famed “Lourdes of America.” The chapel is said to have been built over miracle healing earth in the early 1800’s.
Lunch at the legendary Rancho de Chimayo restaurant. We will also learn about the village of Chimayo, an important cultural center for Hispanic arts and crafts in northern New Mexico and visit a Hispanic weaving studio in this quaint valley settled in the 1700’s by Spanish settlers and attacked often by the Comanche.
Late afternoon depart for the Albuquerque International Sunport airport (ABQ). En-route to the airport, we’ll make a quick stop in Santa Fe for anyone who is extending their stay in Santa Fe. Scheduled arrival at the airport is at 5pm, so please don’t book any departures prior to 7pm in order to leave ample time for check-in and security.
(B, L)
