The Heart of Texas featuring an authentic Dude Ranch, San Antonio and Fort Worth

Call (508) 295-8282 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8724092

Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Offer

Offer valid through 12/31/2009

Duration

9 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Austin	Austin, Texas - Tour Begins : Begin your journey in the city of Austin, the capital city of Texas and the live music capital of the world! Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner in one of the city's historic restaurants.
Day 2	Austin	Austin : Start your day with an introduction to the "Story of Texas" during a visit to the interactive Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. Next, visit the stunning Texas State Capital building. Dating back to 1888, this historic landmark is a marvel in history and architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this great city.
Day 3	San Antonio	Austin - Stonewall - Fredericksburg - San Antonio : Travel into Texas hill country for a visit to the iconic LBJ Ranch, birthplace of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. During your tour of the ranch you will visit the "Texas White House." Then, discover the beauty of hill country in the German settlement town of Fredericksburg. Enjoy free time to explore the German-inspired shops and bakeries before visiting a local chocolate factory for a demonstration and tasting. En route to San Antonio, experience an introduction to Texas wines during a visit to a local historic winery for a tour and tasting.
Day 4	San Antonio	San Antonio : Your day begins with a fascinating tour of San Antonio. History and culture abound with visits to the Mission San Jose, the second mission established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, and the King William District, established when a large number of Germans immigrated to Texas and settled in the vicinity of San Antonio during the 1800s. This is followed by the Alamo which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds - a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Experience the flavors of true Tex-Mex cuisine as you learn the art of cooking this regional favorite and making the perfect Margarita - then enjoy your creations! Later, cruise along the Paseo del Rio, also known as the Riverwalk, one of Texas's most prized attractions.
Day 5	San Antonio	San Antonio - Bandera - San Antonio : Today you will journey into cowboy country to spend a day in Bandera, "Cowboy Capital of the World," at a working dude ranch. Meet a wrangler who will teach you the ways of roping and saddling during an interactive demonstration. Then enjoy a traditional cowboy lunch in the pasture followed by a hayride to view the wildlife on the ranch. You even have a chance to feed the local longhorns. This afternoon you're invited to the cowboy saloon to learn the tricks of Texas hold 'em before enjoying a home-style Texan dinner. The evening is complete with a campfire and storytelling from one of the acclaimed local cowboys.
Day 6	Fort Worth	San Antonio - Fort Worth : Journey through the heart of the Lone Star State en route to the city of Fort Worth, one of Texas's largest cities and the thriving center of culture and commerce, and your home for the next three nights.
Day 7	Fort Worth	Fort Worth - Grapevine - Fort Worth : Travel this morning to the historic community of Grapevine. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before boarding the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad*. Journey along the historic Cotton Belt Route aboard authentic Victorian-style coaches, preserved as they were in the days of the expanding West. Your train journey ends in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards where you will enjoy a tour of the historic stockyards complete with a visit to Billy Bob's, "The World's Largest Honky Tonk," and one of the iconic establishments of the area. This evening is sure to be unforgettable as you experience bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo!
Day 8	Fort Worth	Fort Worth - Dallas - Fort Worth : Explore Dallas today, including visits to Dealey Plaza, the Kennedy Memorial and the famous Sixth Floor Museum, whose exhibits examine the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. You will also visit Pioneer Plaza and the arts district of Dallas. Enjoy free time for shopping in the historic West End before gathering for a spectacular farewell dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.
Day 9	Tour ends	Fort Worth - Tour Ends :

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Radisson Town Lake		Drury Plaza Hotel
	Sheraton Fort Worth

Disclaimer

Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.