Feb 6‑14 Southwest & Southeast Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Albuquerque, NM

Morning: Arrive at Albuquerque International Sun Port from STL, collect your rental car and check into a downtown boutique hotel. After settling in, take a short walk to stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Stroll through Old Town Albuquerque, exploring the historic adobe buildings, native art galleries, and the charming Plaza. Grab a quick lunch at a local café.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant on Central Avenue and wander the pedestrian‑friendly streets to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Albuquerque → Santa Fe

Morning: Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley; the ride lasts about 30 minutes each way.

Afternoon: Drive to Santa Fe (≈1 hour) and explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza, visiting the Palace of the Governors and sampling New Mexican cuisine.

Evening: Wander the art‑filled Canyon Road, where galleries stay open late and the desert sunset paints the sky.

Day 3: Taos Day Trip

Morning: Depart for Taos (≈2 hours) and tour the UNESCO‑listed Taos Pueblo, a living Native community.

Afternoon: Stop at the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for spectacular river views, then enjoy a light lunch in town.

Evening: Return to Santa Fe, relax with dinner at a farm‑to‑table eatery, and perhaps catch a live music performance downtown.

Day 4: Travel to Phoenix, AZ

Morning: Fly from Santa Fe to Phoenix (connecting flight via Denver), pick up a rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Afternoon: Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, strolling among thousands of desert plants and seasonal art installations.

Evening: Explore downtown Phoenix on foot, stopping at a rooftop bar for city lights and a casual dinner.

Day 5: Phoenix Highlights

Morning: Hike the popular Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail) for sweeping city views; start early to avoid heat.

Afternoon: Discover Native American art and history at the Heard Museum, featuring rotating exhibitions.

Evening: Wander the vibrant Roosevelt Row district, enjoying street murals and eclectic eateries.

Day 6: Sedona Scenic Day

Morning: Drive to Sedona (≈2 hours) and hike the iconic Bell Rock Trail, offering easy access to striking red‑rock formations.

Afternoon: Visit the architectural marvel of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched on a cliff with breathtaking vistas.

Evening: Capture the sunset from Airport Mesa before heading back to Phoenix for a relaxed night.

Day 7: Travel to Savannah, GA

Morning: Fly from Phoenix to Savannah (via a major hub), collect a compact car at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Afternoon: Begin a leisurely walk through the Savannah Historic District, admiring cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, and moss‑draped oaks.

Evening: Dine along River Street, where historic warehouses house lively restaurants and bars overlooking the Savannah River.

Day 8: Savannah & Tybee Island

Morning: Stroll through Forsyth Park, snap photos of the iconic fountain, then explore the serene Bonaventure Cemetery with its historic statues.

Afternoon: Drive to Tybee Island (≈30 minutes) for beach time, lighthouse tour, and a relaxing seaside lunch.

Evening: Return to Savannah for a guided Ghost Tour, experiencing the city’s famed hauntings and legends.

Day 9: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a café on Bull Street and take a final walk along the historic squares.

Afternoon: Return the rental car and catch your flight back to STL, reflecting on a week of diverse landscapes and cultures.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Old Town Albuquerque – 2 hrs – $0 (free exploration)
• Sandia Peak Tramway – 2 hrs – $30 (round‑trip ticket)
• Santa Fe Plaza – 2 hrs – $0
• Canyon Road galleries – 2 hrs – $0
• Taos Pueblo – 2 hrs – $25 (guided entry)
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – 1 hr – $0
• Desert Botanical Garden – 2 hrs – $25
• Camelback Mountain hike – 3 hrs – $0
• Heard Museum – 2 hrs – $18
• Roosevelt Row – 2 hrs – $0
• Bell Rock Trail – 2 hrs – $0
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – 1 hr – $5 (donation)
• Airport Mesa sunset – 1 hr – $0
• Savannah Historic District – 3 hrs – $0
• River Street dinner – 2 hrs – $40 (meal)
• Forsyth Park – 1 hr – $0
• Bonaventure Cemetery – 2 hrs – $12 (tour)
• Tybee Island lighthouse – 2 hrs – $10
• Ghost Tour – 1.5 hrs – $20
• Brunch on Bull Street – 1.5 hrs – $30
• Inter‑state flights (STL‑ABQ, ABQ‑PHX, PHX‑SAV, SAV‑STL) – 6 hrs total flight time – $600
• Rental cars (8 days) – 8 days – $320
• Accommodation (8 nights) – 8 nights – $1,200
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,447

Tips

To extend the trip, add a full day in Sedona for additional hikes or a sunrise hot‑air balloon ride, and consider a day‑trip to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Tybee Island excursion and replace the Ghost Tour with a self‑guided evening walk of Savannah’s squares, saving both time and a few dollars.