16 DAYS • 23 MEALS

Days One through Three – Travel South to Texas
We begin by traveling south through the states of Missouri and Oklahoma, towards the Lone Star state of Texas. While en route, get to know your fellow traveling companions and enjoy a warm welcome dinner. (2 Dinners and 2 breakfasts)

Days Four through Twelve –
Austin and South Padre Island
Before departing the state capital of Austin, we visit the LBJ Library and Museum. Take a walk through six decades dedicated to the life of the country’s 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Located off the tropical tip of Texas lies South Padre Island, where beautiful beaches, warm Gulf waters, breathtaking sunsets and year-round activities await. On the south end of the island lies Port Isabel with its Historical Museum, Treasures of the Gulf Museum and the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Constructed in 1852, the lighthouse was built to guide ships through the Brazos Santiago Pass and the barrier islands. The protection of wildlife on South Padre is world famous. From Sea Turtle, Inc. dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured sea turtles to the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, whose mission it is to provide education about the birds, flora, fauna and the natural environment of South Padre Island, you will learn how important conservation is.

The warm waters around South Padre are a perfect habitat for the large pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins which call the area home. Learn from experienced guides about dolphins, from the legends and history of their relationship with man to social dynamics, feeding habits and environment during an entertaining and fun cruise. You will also discover the variety of marine life found on the bottom of the Laguna Madre as your Captain pulls in his net and turns the boat into a salt water laboratory on the Marine Ecology portion of the cruise. On another day we take to the water again on a narrated cruise of the Port of Brownsville. This busy Gulf port features oil rig construction yards, shrimping boats and the Navy yards dismantling their “ghost” ships.

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to a real working ranch. On a historical tour of King Ranch just outside Corpus Christi, you’ll learn about the settling of the Valley, the coming of the railroad and the life and times of Richard King, the salty steamboat captain who developed the world’s largest ranch. You will visit the Henrietta Museum, housing the King family’s historical collection, and enjoy a real Texas-Style Barbeque featuring beef brisket and smoked sausage prepared over a mesquite wood fire. There are also four free days for you to decide how much or how little you wish to do. These are ten days of sun-kissed fun you won’t forget. (9 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners)

Day Thirteen – San Antonio’s Riverwalk
We arrive in San Antonio today where a local guide joins us for a narrated tour of this picturesque city by the river. Visit the Alamo, a mission and fortress where Davy Crockett fought and died defending Texas, and see the IMAX presentation, Alamo–The Price of Freedom. Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Paseo del Rio where we take in the sights from the water while enjoying dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Days Fourteen through Sixteen – Return Home
Leave Texas behind and travel back through the states of Oklahoma and Missouri. Your Tour Manager will host a farewell dinner along the way, a perfect opportunity to share your memories with your newfound friends.
(3 Breakfasts and dinner)