Albuquerque bus tours
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant neighborhoods through various bus tour options. Here are some of the best bus tours available in Albuquerque:
- Albuquerque Old Town Tour: Explore the historic heart of Albuquerque with a guided bus tour of Old Town. This tour typically includes visits to historic landmarks such as San Felipe de Neri Church, the Plaza, and the Albuquerque Museum, as well as stops at local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Tour: Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning with a guided bus tour that takes you to the launch site for Albuquerque’s famous balloon fiesta. Visitors can watch as colorful balloons take to the sky and may even have the opportunity to participate in a balloon ride themselves.
- Sandia Peak Tramway Tour: Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest aerial tramways in the world, for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. Many bus tours include a trip on the tramway as part of a larger sightseeing itinerary.
- Route 66 Tour: Explore the iconic Route 66 with a guided bus tour that takes you along historic stretches of the Mother Road in and around Albuquerque. Learn about the history of Route 66, visit classic roadside attractions, and see landmarks like the neon signs of Central Avenue.
- Albuquerque Wine Country Tour: Discover New Mexico’s burgeoning wine industry with a guided bus tour of Albuquerque’s wine country. This tour typically includes visits to local wineries and vineyards in the nearby Rio Grande Valley, where visitors can sample a variety of wines and enjoy scenic views of the countryside.
- Albuquerque Ghost Tour: Delve into the city’s spooky side with a guided bus tour of Albuquerque’s most haunted places. Learn about the city’s ghostly legends and folklore as you visit historic cemeteries, haunted hotels, and other eerie sites said to be inhabited by spirits.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Here are some key highlights of Albuquerque’s history:
- Native American Settlement: The area that is now Albuquerque has been inhabited for thousands of years by various Native American tribes, including the Pueblo people. The Pueblo of Sandia, located near present-day Albuquerque, has been continuously inhabited for over 700 years.
- Spanish Colonial Period: In 1706, Spanish settlers established a farming community along the Rio Grande and named it “La Villa de Alburquerque” in honor of the Duke of Alburquerque, viceroy of New Spain. The settlement served as a trading post and agricultural center in the Spanish colonial empire.
- Mexican Independence and American Annexation: After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Albuquerque became part of the Mexican territory of Nuevo México. In 1846, the United States occupied New Mexico during the Mexican-American War, and Albuquerque was officially incorporated as a town in 1885.
- Railroad Era: The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in 1880 brought new economic opportunities and growth to Albuquerque. The railroad made Albuquerque a major transportation hub in the Southwest and facilitated the expansion of trade and commerce.
- Route 66: In the early 20th century, Albuquerque became a popular stop along the iconic Route 66, the “Mother Road” that connected Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 brought tourists, travelers, and economic development to the city, leaving a lasting legacy on Albuquerque’s culture and identity.
- Military Presence: During World War II, Albuquerque’s population boomed with the arrival of military personnel and defense contractors. Kirtland Army Air Field (now Kirtland Air Force Base) was established in Albuquerque in 1939 and remains an important military installation today.
- Atomic Age: In 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated at the nearby Trinity Site as part of the Manhattan Project. Albuquerque’s proximity to Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories made it a center for nuclear research and development during the Cold War era.
- Modern Development: In the latter half of the 20th century, Albuquerque experienced significant population growth, suburbanization, and economic diversification. Today, Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and serves as a cultural, educational, and economic center for the region.
Albuquerque’s history is reflected in its diverse architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural institutions, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
While Albuquerque may not be as well-known for wineries as some other regions in New Mexico, there are still several excellent wineries in and around the city where visitors can enjoy local wines and beautiful vineyard settings. Here are some of the best wineries near Albuquerque:
- Gruet Winery: Located just north of Albuquerque in the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Gruet Winery is renowned for its award-winning sparkling wines. Founded by the Gruet family, originally from Champagne, France, the winery produces a variety of sparkling wines using traditional Champagne methods. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
- Casa Rondeña Winery: Situated in the scenic North Valley of Albuquerque, Casa Rondeña Winery is known for its picturesque setting and high-quality wines. The winery specializes in producing Spanish and French varietals, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier. Visitors can take guided tours of the winery and enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room or outdoor patio.
- Milagro Vineyards and Winery: Located just south of Albuquerque in the village of Corrales, Milagro Vineyards and Winery is a family-owned boutique winery known for its handcrafted wines and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Visitors can sample wines in the tasting room and stroll through the vineyards.
- Sheehan Winery: Situated in the South Valley of Albuquerque, Sheehan Winery is a small, family-owned winery that specializes in producing small-batch, artisanal wines. The winery offers tastings of its handcrafted wines, which include reds, whites, and dessert wines made from locally sourced grapes.
- St. Clair Winery & Bistro: While not located directly in Albuquerque, St. Clair Winery & Bistro has a tasting room in nearby Los Lunas, New Mexico, where visitors can sample a variety of wines produced by New Mexico’s largest winery. St. Clair Winery produces a wide range of wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines, and offers tastings, tours, and dining options.
These are just a few of the best wineries near Albuquerque where visitors can enjoy locally produced wines and beautiful vineyard settings. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day trip from Albuquerque, these wineries offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
Before booking a bus tour in Albuquerque, it’s advisable to research different companies, compare tour offerings and prices, and read reviews from previous customers to ensure a satisfying experience.