What is the HEART of Texas? Heritage, Scenic Beauty, People, and the list could go on. Join us as we explore the HEART of Texas by visiting the different regions of this beautiful state, beginning in North-Central Texas as we visit Fort Worth and Kilgore and SOUTH FORK RANCH. Then we’re off to South Texas to visit Austin and San Antonio. Grab that Stetson Hat because you then visit Central Texas and the home of LBJ before traveling through the Hill region and on the Panhandle-Plains. Whew! When we return to Grapevine, we too can swagger and boast like a true TEXAN of the fascinating things we have seen and done!
Day 1: Monday
Meet in Dallas, TX starting your tour no later than 3:00 pm at the hotel for check-in at the Hampton Inn, Grapevine, TX. Depart hotel aboard motorcoach for Fort Worth Stockyards and walking tour of stockyards (cattle drive if can get there in time). Also visit Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum if time permits. Dinner is included this evening at BILLY BOB’S before returning to hotel. (D)
Day 2: Tuesday
Enjoy a continental breakfast in the hotel before departing the hotel for a drive to Kilgore, TX. Enjoy the EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM and then take Ride through Kilgore with lunch on your own. Depart Kilgore for travel to Parker, TX (South Fork Ranch). Enjoy SOUTH FORK RANCH (of the “Dallas” fame) with dinner included this evening at the CHUCKWAGON BARBEQUE at South Fork Ranch before returning to hotel. (B, D)
Day 3: Wednesday
Enjoy a continental breakfast in the hotel before hotel check out and departure for travel to Austin, TX. Upon arrival in Austin enjoy RIDE THE DUCKS TOUR OF AUSTIN and then travel on to San Antonio, TX where you will enjoy the IMAX and THE ALAMO before hotel check in at the DRURY. Dinner is included this evening at TEXAS LAND CO. and then onto the Cruise on the Paseo del Rio / Riverwalk canal before returning to hotel. (B, D)
Day 4: Thursday
Enjoy a continental breakfast in the hotel before hotel check out and departure for Fredericksburg, TX. LBJ RANCH for tour of the ranch and then depart ranch and travel short distance into Fredericksburg enjoying lunch on your own. Also enjoy the FREDERICKSBURG WINERY before departure and traveling onto San Angelo, TX. Check in to assigned area hotel before dinner this evening at MISS HATTIES SALOON (and Bordello Museum). (B, D)
Day 5: Friday
Enjoy a continental breakfast in the hotel before hotel check out and departure for travel to Lubbock, TX with lunch on your own in Lubbock. Enjoy admissions to the BUDDY HOLLY CENTER before departing Lubbock for travel on to Canyon, TX for hotel check in at the Holiday Inn Exp. Dinner is included this evening at the BIG TEXAN STEAK RANCH, Amarillo with an evening view of the PALO DURO CANYON. (B, D)
Day 6: Saturday
Enjoy a hot buffet in hotel this morning before departing for a morning of touring the PALO DURO CANYON the “GRAND CANYON OF TEXAS” once provided shelter for Comanche Indians with lunch included. Enjoy an afternoon with some free time in Amarillo before returning to the hotel for refreshing. Dinner this evening will be on own but don’t forget entertainment as we experience TEXAS the magnificent musical drama of the history of Texas. (B, L)
Day 7: Sunday
Enjoy a hot buffet in hotel this morning before hotel check out and departure for travel to Grapevine with ample rest and meal stops enroute (all day!) Enjoy lunch on your own before hotel check in at the Gaylord Texan. Dinner is included this evening at GAYLORD TEXAN with a free evening to enjoy the hotel. (B, D)
Day 8: Monday
Enjoy breakfast on your own before hotel departure. (B)