Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 DALLAS
Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 DALLAS
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of North Texas Horse Country, one of the largest concentrations of horse farms in the United States. Visit a real working HORSE RANCH with a knowledgeable local guide for a true authentic experience. See beautiful vistas, relaxing backroads, and the gorgeous countryside—home to a variety of horse breeds and disciplines, including Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Paints, Arabians, Appaloosas, and Warmbloods…they are all here. In the afternoon, return to Dallas for included city sightseeing that features Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and Dealey Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about that moment in history at the SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM, the location from which the alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots on November 22, 1963, that killed President John F. Kennedy.
Day 3 DALLAS–FORT WORTH
This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District to enjoy a “Stockyards Experience” by seeing the SPIRIT OF THE WEST movie. Afterward, meet the drivers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive before visiting the TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME. It’s here that the museum pays tribute to more than 70 cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sport of rodeo, and the Western lifestyle. This evening, return to the Stockyards for free time. Perhaps attending the Fort Worth Rodeo would be of interest? Overnight in Fort Worth.
Day 4 FORT WORTH–AUSTIN
Visit the BOB BULLOCK STATE HISTORY MUSEUM that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin’s downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas.
Continental Breakfast
Day 5 AUSTIN–SAN ANTONIO
A short drive from Austin to the most visited city in Texas: San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the historic River Walk. Upon arrival, sightseeing with a local guide includes visits to the SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL, the oldest in the U.S., and downtown’s authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. Afterward, visit the infamous ALAMO. It was here in 1836 that a small band of Texans defended themselves against the Mexican army, and although the Alamo fell, it remains hallowed ground and symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty. End your day back at the River Walk, where Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, and plazas make it one of the city’s most picturesque areas.
Continental Breakfast
Day 6 SAN ANTONIO
This morning, a private narrated CRUISE down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Continental Breakfast
Day 7 SAN ANTONIO–FREDERICKSBURG
Texas Hill Country is home to the LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK. Discover the story of the 36th president, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at the LBJ Ranch. Visit the TEXAS WHITE HOUSE, including the president’s office, living room, dining room, den, and yellow sitting room, restored to their 1963-1968 appearance. Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this historic town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district shopping, perusing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums.
Continental Breakfast
Day 8 FREDERICKSBURG–HOUSTON
Houston is a city of firsts—home to the first successful human heart transplant, America’s first public television station, and the first word spoken on the Moon. Gain an appreciation for Houston’s rich history on a sightseeing tour of America’s fourth-largest city that includes the Theatre District, which is second only to New York City. You’ll marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world. Last, but not least, is a visit to one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks.
Continental Breakfast
Day 9 HOUSTON
A special highlight today is a visit to JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America’s exciting space program. Be a part of history in the making as you witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts shaping the future of space exploration. With this behind-the-scenes journey, you will also visit the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center, and Saturn V Rocket, the most powerful moon rocket ever built and one of only three moon rockets remaining in the world. NOTE: The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.
Continental Breakfast
Day 10 HOUSTON–LAKE CHARLES–LAFAYETTE
Visit the CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ADVENTURE POINT and immerse yourself in Southwest Louisiana’s nature and way of life. Learn the best places to spot alligators and migrating songbirds, take a peek at wildlife found in bayous and marshes, smell mouthwatering aromas of Cajun/Creole cooking, and “play along” with a Cajun and Zydeco band. In Lake Charles, grab a bite to eat in the Beer Garden or at one of the local restaurants, maybe even choose one with live music. After lunch, a CRUISE through moss-draped cypress trees and winding, waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin swamp lands. Keep an eye out for lingering alligators as you experience one of the most unique wildernesses on earth.
Continental Breakfast
Day 11 LAFAYETTE–NEW ORLEANS
This morning journey across Bayou Country into New Orleans, capital of Dixieland and the “City That Care Forgot.” Upon arrival, a guided sightseeing tour focuses on the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring French Quarter landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Breakfast
Day 12 NEW ORLEANS
Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights and a variety of exciting optional activities.
Continental Breakfast