San Antonio & Legendary Texas Towns

Day 1: St. Louis

Depart the icy winds of Wisconsin for the warm western breezes of Texas. Today we meet our fellow passengers as we make our way south into Illinois and our first overnight destination of St. Louis, Missouri. Our accommodations will be at the Drury Inn.

Day 2: Bricktown, OK

After a hot, hearty breakfast we’re on the road again, passing through the foothills of the Ozarks as we motor through Missouri. We’ll pause for lunch just before passing into Oklahoma and rest our heads at the Hyatt Place Bricktown in Oklahoma City. On the way to the hotel, we pause for a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial for a ranger-led tour of this moving and deeply symbolic site.

Day 3: San Antonio

Today we motor further south and enter Texas, "The Lone Star State", or in Native Caddo, word "tejas" or "taysha", meaning "friends" or "allies." You're sure to continue the Texas way and make plenty of allies on this fantastic road trip! We make our usual stops along the way for stretch breaks including a wonderful lunch on our own at Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar B-Q in Waco, Texas. After lunch, we continue until we meet our final destination for FOUR whole nights, at the hospitable Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk. Tonight, we enjoy an included boat ride down the illuminated riverwalk along the San Antoino River. A fantastic way to set foot in San Antonio! Sleep well tonight, more to explore tomorrow.

Day 4: San Antonio

There are lots of things to see and do in San Antonio and very nearby. Today we get our bearings as a local guide gives us fact and folklore here in San Antonio. A stop at the Alamo Historic Site is a must. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero its best known as the site of an heroic battle to defend it against the forces of the invading Mexican army lead by General Santa Anna. A guided tour brings us through the grounds.
Next, we make way to the King Williams Historic District and some other historical highlights in the city before landing at the Crockett Tavern for a scrumptious lunch before our aerial view visit to the Tower of the Americas. Here you will have time to watch the film, meander the exhibits and see San Antonio from a birds-eye-view before coming back down for a bit of shopping at the Historic Market Square. A well-rounded day of history and fun!

Day 5: San Antonio

Today a local historian joins us for a comprehensive tour of local missions including the Mission Concepcion and the Mission San Jose. After our morning visits, we work our way to the Buckhorn Saloon & The Texas Ranger Museum for an afternoon of Texas adventure. One-of-a-kind animal exhibits, a historic saloon, cafe, gift shop and the Texas Ranger Museum, which houses hundreds of Texas Ranger artifacts including revolvers, automatic handguns, sawed off shotguns, badges, photographs and much more.

Day 6: San Antonio

Today, we head for the scenic hills just beyond San Antonio, beginning with a stop in Johnson City to explore the legacy of one of Texas’ most influential sons. At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, a ranger-led tour will guide us through the boyhood home of President Johnson, offering a glimpse into the humble beginnings that shaped a future leader. After exploring the visitor center and homestead exhibits, we continue just 15 minutes west to Stonewall, TX for a narrated driving tour of the LBJ Ranch. Along the way, you’ll pass notable landmarks including the Junction School, LBJ’s birthplace, family cemetery, and Show Barn.

From there, we make our way to the charming town of Fredericksburg, where over 200 shops and boutiques offer everything from handcrafted goods and antiques to local art and unique home décor. Lunch is on your own, and with so many delightful options, you’re sure to find something that satisfies—bon appétit!

Our afternoon includes a meaningful visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War, a powerful tribute to the heroes of World War II’s Pacific Theater. The museum’s serene courtyard, framed by limestone walls, features plaques honoring the contributions of individuals, ships, and military units. Be sure to visit the striking Plaza of Presidents, an outdoor memorial to the ten American presidents who served during WWII.

After a day steeped in history and Hill Country charm, we return to San Antonio’s River Walk, where the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 7: Austin

This morning, we bid farewell to San Antonio, for now as we pack up and head out, but don’t worry our Texas adventure is just getting started. Today, we set our sights on the state capital: Austin!

We kick things off with a splash literally aboard an Austin Duck Adventures tour. This fun and informative 90-minute amphibious ride takes you through the city streets and into the waters of Lake Austin, giving you a unique view of the capital from both land and lake.

After the tour, enjoy free time along South Congress Avenue, Austin’s iconic shopping and dining district. Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky boutique, a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or a bite of local flavor, this area has something for everyone.

Our Austin visit continues at the Drury Inn & Suites Austin North for some well-deserved time to unwind and enjoy the state's capital on your own time.

Day 8: Bricktown, OK

Today, we’re off to Cowtown, Fort Worth, that is for a taste of true Texas heritage. Witness the legendary cattle drive, a nod to the Old West that still thrills visitors today. Enjoy time to explore the Stockyards, browse Western shops, and soak up the lively atmosphere before sitting down to a classic steakhouse dinner, Texan-style.

From here, we travel to Dallas for a meaningful visit to Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum at the Book Depository. Walk the historic grounds near the "grassy knoll" and reflect on the legacy of President John F. Kennedy at this impactful site.

As the day winds down, we make our way to Oklahoma City, where we’ll settle in for the night at the Hyatt Place Bricktown, conveniently located in the heart of this vibrant downtown district.

Day 9: Collinsville

Today, we journey across the wide-open plains of Oklahoma, making our way into the Show Me State, Missouri. Along the way, we’ll stop for a fun and flavorful lunch at the one-and-only Lambert’s Café in Ozark, famously known as the Home of the Throwed Rolls. With its lively atmosphere and hearty portions, this meal is sure to be a highlight of the day.

As evening approaches, we arrive at our final overnight stay at the welcoming Drury Inn in Collinsville, Illinois a comfortable stop as we prepare for the last leg of our holiday journey.

Day 10: Home

Time to say so long to old and new friends today as we are homeward bound after a great winter break in Texas.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch