This itinerary for a long weekend in Santa Fe lets you experience the ancient culinary and artistic traditions of the local Pueblo Indians and immerse yourself in the art scene and culinary renaissance of this classic Southwestern city. For those whose passions go beyond food and art, enjoy hands-on activities such as excavating with an archeologist, stargazing in the desert with an astronomer, tasting the Southwest’s finest wines with a winemaker or rafting down the Chama River with an ecologist.
Enjoy VIP transportation and a local host throughout your stay, including private transfers to and from the airport and excursion transportation in a luxury sedan or SUV, and a private, local concierge who will welcome you with an orientation to the area and assist with dining and special requests.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Arrive and head to your hotel of choice. For a classic, full-service experience, check in at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, in an ideal location just off the Plaza. Alternately, The Inn of the Five Graces is an idiosyncratic property owned by Ira and Sylvia Seret, whose design store on Galisteo Street, Seret & Sons, houses a huge collection of central and south Asian antiques and furnishings.
After settling into your room, take a leisurely stroll around the historic Plaza, taking note of the many artisans and shops that line the square. Return to the hotel to make arrangements with the concierge for dinner at one of the city's notable restaurants (options listed below).
Ideally situated adjacent to Santa Fe’s Plaza, this hotel contains 58 stylish rooms within a modest adobe building.
A short walk from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza, this family-run inn is housed within several restored buildings around secluded stone courtyards.
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in North America, and also is home to the nation's oldest public building — the Palace of the Governors, an adobe structure on the Plaza. It originally served as the Spanish seat of government for "Nuevo Mexico" which at the time comprised the states of Texas, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, California and New Mexico. It now is the state's history museum and serves as an open-air market where Indian artisans gather under the shaded porch to sell turquoise, silver and antique wares.
Explore some of the gastronomic and cultural activities the city has to offer. Read through the following suggestions for inspiration as you plot a more personalized itinerary.
Pueblo Indian art and cultural explorations
Led by a local expert in Indian art, visit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and then meet gallery owners and artists on Canyon Road or in the The Railyard district for the best of Native American art, both antique and contemporary. See the spectacular Puye Cliffs with a private Native American guide, and meet artists still living on the historic Santa Clara Pueblo.
Native American farm-to-table experience
A Native American chef who also has a Ph.D. in food studies brings you into her garden to learn about Southwestern culinary history, ancient traditions and ancestral foods from the region. Continue with a hands-on cooking experience and four-course lunch or dinner with wine pairings.
Chef's tasting dinner at Geronimo
Experience a special five-course dinner at this nationally recognized restaurant, with its renowned chef and owner presenting a superb wine tasting.
Inside private art collections
Get inside top collections of contemporary art not open to the public that are housed in architecturally significant private homes and surrounded by the beautiful high-desert lands of northern New Mexico.
Private tour of the Santa Fe Institute
Have a scientist lead you through this fascinating institution at the forefront of the scientific understanding of complex systems at all scales, from the microscopic to the cosmic.
Have a large breakfast to prepare for an afternoon outside of the city. Select one, or several, of the following excursions to suit your tastes.
Expert archaeology experience
Led by a top archaeologist and anthropologist, explore Bandelier National Monument, where human remains can be traced back over 11,000 years.
Taos Pueblo insider
A rare, privately guided visit to meet residents and artists of Taos Pueblo, still inhabited after 1,000 years and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A nonceremonial traditional dance can be organized to give a taste of the amazing feast dances held on festival days in the Pueblo.
Private wine tasting
Spend time with the head winemaker of Gruet Winery, taste excellent bottlings, learn about the oldest wine region in the United States and discover how wine is made at 4,300 feet!
Night sky observer
An astronomer will take you deep into the desert outside Santa Fe to set up a powerful telescope and give you a fun and informative lesson in astronomy.
Horseback riding
Accompanied by an expert riding guide, have the unique experience of exploring Santa Fe’s amazing landscape on horseback, focusing on the ranch experience and the history of the farms and vineyards themselves.
Rio Grande or Rio Chama outdoor adventure
Take a full-day or overnight “luxury camping” adventure, rafting down one of the area’s vibrant rivers. Experience the amazing scenery while your team cooks gourmet meals and ensures your comfort.
The life of Georgia O'Keeffe
Explore the area that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, accompanied by an art expert; visit her home in Abiquiú and the Ghost Ranch.
Colorado ranching extensions
Extend your trip with a high-end but authentic ranching experience next to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado, including horseback riding among bison herds, learning about conservation and eating local, gourmet meals.
Take advantage of your last morning by indulging your senses at a spa. Customize a healing experience to include possibilities like meeting a Native American healer, experiencing the healing waters of the local springs, or visiting a high-end spa that utilizes local traditions in its products and treatments.
After a light lunch at your hotel, collect your bags and depart.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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