Historic Austin & San Antonio Adventure – 4 Days
Four day trip to San Antonio with a stop in Austin to visit the Texas State Capitol Building before heading to San Antonio
Program Summary
Spend four days in San Antonio with a stop in Austin to visit the Texas State Capitol. Despite being over 300 years old, San Antonio is more active and vibrant than it was when Spanish explorers first arrived in 1691! Students will find this city brimming with history and eager to share its rich, multicultural story of Spanish, Mexican and European influences.
Program Highlights & Inclusions
- Professional Tour Manager with your group throughout the trip
- Admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Museum
- Admission to the San Antonio Missions
- San Antonio River Cruise
- Free time in Gruene
- Visit to the Riverwalk
- Tour of Natural Bridge Caverns with Gem Mining
- Admission to the IMAX film, Alamo-The Price of Freedom
- Visit to San Fernando Cathedral
Daily Itinerary
Upon arrival in Austin, you’ll meet your Tour Manager.
Get lost in the fascinating stories of Texas as you learn about the state’s rich history, and immerse yourself in unique media and film experiences. Distinctive shopping and dining will enhance your visit to this iconic building in the heart of Austin’s cultural district, just north of the Texas State Capitol. The Museum is a favorite excursion destination not to be missed by those who want to get in a Lone Star state of mind.
Once you arrive in San Antonio, you’ll have free time to explore the historic district of Gruene where you can go shopping at their unique one of a kind stores, experience an authentic Texas meal at one of their classics, or participate in the activities they have to offer.
After breakfast, you’ll visit the San Antonio Missions where you will have the opportunity to see five historic mission sites, all within close proximity to one another. These are not just places of the past, though. Just as Spanish officials had hoped, a vibrant and lasting community encircle them. In fact, some San Antonio residents can trace their roots back to the indigenous families that lived and worked at the missions. While other regions of the Americas saw Spanish mission activity, no place allows visitors to experience this history and culture quite like San Antonio.
You’ll visit the Buckhorn Saloon, where it all began. This is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution. Many of the original furnishings still grace today’s Buckhorn Saloon, including the back-bar which was hand-crafted of marble and cherrywood. You’ll also visit the Texas Museum which houses hundreds of Texas Ranger artifacts including revolvers, automatic handguns, sawed off shotguns, badges, photographs and much more. Notable Texas Rangers exhibited in the collection include Ray Martinez, Joaquin Jackson, John B. Armstrong and Frank Hamer.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander one of San Antonio’s most famous attractions, The River Walk. Here you’ll have the opportunity to experience a number of activities, visit all the must-sees, and enjoy an informative cruise along the world-famous urban waterway known as the jewel of the city.
This morning, you’ll visit The Alamo. Located in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo houses exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas History. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the beautiful Alamo Gardens. Just a short distance from the RiverWalk, the Alamo is a “must see” for all who come to San Antonio.
You’ll go to the IMAX theater to see the film, Alamo – The Price of Freedom, a short film depicting the events that took place at the Alamo.
Then, you’ll visit the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a national historic landmark labeled “the most beautiful building in San Antonio ” by the National Geographic Society. The palace once housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas.
After lunch, you’ll visit the beautiful San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. The cornerstone of the existing structure was laid in 1738 and the cathedral has played an important role in San Antonio’s history.
You’ll then visit the Tower of the Americas. Located in downtown San Antonio, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas provides guests the most spectacular view of the Alamo City!
To end the day, you’ll stroll by candlelight through the streets of Old San Antonio as the stories of centuries past are recounted and brought to life, experiencing the ghost stories no soul dares tell.
Today, you’ll tour Natural Bridge Caverns, one of the most treasured natural attractions Texas has to offer. This beautiful and historical cavern system offers an experience that is high energy, educational and fun. Natural Bridge Caverns awaits with a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. After your tour, you’ll participate in gem mining.
After your adventure, your trip will come to an end and you’ll make your way back home.