8 Day Texas: The Lone Star State

DAY 1, Saturday - Arrive in Dallas Arrive in Dallas and transfer to your hotel. A modern metropolis where 'Big Things Happen'! Tonight, a briefing by your Tour Manager on the delightful tour that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7PM on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5PM on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible Overnight: Dallas DAY 2, Sunday - Sixth Floor Museum, George W. Bush Presidential Library, Southfork Ranch This morning, begin your day with a visit to the somber John F. Kennedy Memorial, designed to symbolize the freedom of his spirit. Continue to the Deep Ellum District to see how this former warehouse area has been magically transformed into a trendy center for live music. Drive to popular Klyde Warren Park, an oasis of green in the midst of the city. Pause at the "grassy knoll" before entering the Sixth Floor Museum. Here, remember the tragic events of November 22, 1963 that shook the country. Leisure time and an independent lunch before departing to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. This complex presents stunning interactive exhibits covering Bush's time in office, from his inauguration to world events of his presidency. Afterwards, a nostalgic visit to the Southfork Ranch where the "Dallas" TV series was filmed. A tram takes you to the Ewing Mansion; visit the museum, view memorabilia from the series and hear about the ranch's history. To top off the day in style, enjoy a delectable Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant Overnight: Dallas Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 3, Monday - Fort Worth, Stockyards Historic District, Austin City Tour Travel to Fort Worth, once known as the biggest and busiest livestock marketing center in the Southwest. Enjoy a guided walking tour to get acquainted with the area before viewing an actual "longhorn cattle drive" that rumbles daily through the Stockyards Historic District. After lunch on your own, drive through the Texas hills to the state capital of Austin, a city with a unique blend of Old West charm, a thriving cultural scene and vibrant nightlife. Time to relax before an orientation tour of the city this evening Overnight: Austin Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Tuesday - LBJ Ranch, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Barge Cruise Morning drive to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Birthplace of Lyndon Johnson and known as the Texas White House, this is where LBJ and Lady Bird lived and are both laid to rest. Afterwards, journey to the heart of Hill Country to the beautifully preserved German village of Fredericksburg; time to independently explore the quaint shops and restaurants for lunch. Visit the Museum of the Pacific War with its stunning artifacts, interactive exhibits, and indoor/outdoor exhibit of World War II military vehicles. Depart for San Antonio, often called the "American Venice” with its historic missions, Spanish architecture and beautiful river centerpiece. This evening, embark on a barge cruise that takes you along the river; learn more about San Antonio's history on this relaxing narrated boat ride. Tonight, explore the River Walk on your own, an iconic area with landscaped walkways, bridges and restaurants Overnight: San Antonio Meals: Breakfast DAY 5, Wednesday - Missions National Historical Park, El Mercado, The Alamo Begin the day at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Start your visit at Mission San Jose; view a short film relating the story of mission life in the 1700s and walk the grounds of the best preserved and restored Mission. Next, at Mission Conception, see where priests and local Native Americans lived and worked within this walled compound. Continue to El Mercado, the lively Mexican marketplace, to browse for one-of-a-kind goods and opt to try a typical Mexican lunch on your own. View the San Fernando Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. See history come to life as you visit the famous fort, The Alamo, which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. People worldwide remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds, a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Continue to Briscoe Museum of Western Art to view art and artifacts that tell the vast and multifaceted story of the American West Overnight: San Antonio Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Thursday - St. Mary's High Hill Church, Houston Before leaving San Antonio, experience real turn-of-the-century charm at a Western Style General Store. Time to browse the antiques and Americana, taste penny candy and see the artistry of old world craftmanship. Then, a visit to St. Mary's High Hill Church in Schulenburg, the "Queen of the Painted Churches" in Texas, renowned for its elaborate and intricately detailed paintings and glittering stained-glass windows*. Enjoy a Texas-style buffet lunch before traveling to Houston, the state's largest and most diverse city. Tonight, explore your options for dinner at one of Houston's many restaurants Overnight: Houston Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 7, Friday - NASA Space Center Discover sprawling downtown Houston today with views of the city's original courthouse built in 1910, as well as City Hall, the Houston Astrodome, the Theater District and the Texas Medical Center, the largest in the world. Continue to the NASA Space Center, which has made Houston synonymous with the nation's space achievements - from here, man's first moon landing was directed. Board a tram that takes you on a tour of the complex. Space Center Houston boasts a number of interactive displays with everything from space artifacts to a full size rocket and space shuttle. See scientists at work at the NASA facility and learn about space exploration from fascinating hands-on exhibits. Time to explore on your own - there is so much to see! This evening, enjoy a "Farewell to Texas" Dinner with your newfound friends Overnight: Houston Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8, Saturday - Return Home Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast *April 8 departure will instead visit the Historical Museum. Details to be advised locally. **Please note the Apr 27 departure will have an adjusted schedule in San Antonio. Additional information will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.