Day 1 Merriam, KS

Today we will begin our journey to the “Lone Star State.” We spend the day getting acquainted with our fellow travelers as we make our way to the Kansas City area.

Day 2 Frisco, TX

Continuing our journey south today, we’ll drive into Kansas and then Oklahoma, making a stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The outdoor symbolic Memorial is a place of quiet reflection. The Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the tragedy of the bombing. We continue on to Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, where we will spend the night. (B)

Day 3 Waco, TX

This morning we’ll board the bus with a guide and experience Dallas. Our city tour features sights such as John Neely Bryan’s log cabin (the founder of Dallas), Old Red Courthouse, Dealy Plaza grassy knoll and the JFK assassination site, the JFK Memorial, the original Neiman Marcus store, Thanksgiving Square and much more. After lunch, we will visit the Sixth Floor Exhibit, featuring films, photographs and artifacts that chronicle President Kennedy’s life, death and legacy. This afternoon we tour the Stockyards National Historic District with a local guide. Once home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, today the Stockyards is the best way to get a taste of true American West. We then head to Waco for our overnight. (B)

Day 4 San Antonio, TX

Our morning begins at Magnolia Market at the Silos, where there’s a little something for everyone. Enjoy shopping, games, the garden and even a bite to eat. Be sure to check out the bakery to grab some fresh goodies! We move on south and then west through Austin, the state capital, to Johnson City. We will explore the National Museum of the Pacific War, a 6 acre Museum Complex. Immerse yourself in Pacific War history, American and Japanese culture of the time, and heartfelt tributes to the heroes of the Pacific Theater. After lunch, we’ll tour LBJ Ranch, leaders from around the world visited the Johnson’s here, and during the Johnson Administration it became known as the Texas White House. Afterwards we will settle into our San Antonio hotel located on the River Walk, a verdant oasis of cypress-lined paved paths, arched stone bridges and lush landscapes in San Antonio, Texas. It gently winds through the city center with scenic pathways and waterways. The river is lined with a sidewalk to many shops and restaurants. (B)

Day 5 San Antonio, TX

Enjoy a guided tour of San Antonio this morning, featuring Mission San Jose, Useiline Convent, San Fernando Cathedral and more! We’ll make a stop at SAS General Store then you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch on the River Walk on your own. This afternoon we’ll cruise along the San Antonio River for an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. (B)

Day 6 McAllen, TX

We’ll start our morning at the IMAX Theater, seeing the film “Alamo-The Price of Freedom,” telling the story of the 189 Texans and Tejano Defenders who chose to die for freedom. Next, we’ll head over to visit The Alamo-the most famous stop in Texas! This is where the Spanish colonization first took hold and where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days. Plenty of time will be spent here for you to explore and learn about this historical place. We will continue to McAllen for a four night stay. (B)

Day 7 McAllen, TX

We’re going international today! We board our bus to tour the border city of Progreso, a Mexican town in the state of Tamaulipas located right on the U.S. border. You will be able to explore, have lunch and shop here. Don’t forget, you will need a passport for today’s adventure. (B)

Day 8 McAllen, TX

Our morning will be spent at Sea Turtle, Inc, a nonprofit company dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. We’ll be given a “turtle talk” upon arrival and then have time to explore the facility. Then we’ll head to South Padre Island, situated on the coastal tip of Texas. After lunch, we’ll head to the pier to board a boat for a Dolphin Watch & Sealife-Eco Tour. The South Padre Island area is home to hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, we’ll watch these intelligent animals leap and play while learning about them, seabirds and other sea life. We’ll return to our hotel for you to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. (B)

Day 9 McAllen, TX

Today you are on your own to explore McAllen or just relax at our hotel and sit by the pool. (B)

Day 10 Corpus Christi, TX

This morning we’ll visit King Ranch in Kingsville. In 1853, Captain Richard King purchased 15,500 acres and stocked it with longhorn cattle. Our guide at the ranch will tell us more about the history of the ranch and its modern day workings that they still use today. Some highlights of the tour are the auction arena, the horse cemetery, and the Colony-home of the King’s men. Lunch is included here. We’ll continue on to Corpus Christi stopping along the way at the USS Lexington, aka “The Blue Ghost.” We’ll tour the Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy before heading to our hotel for the evening. (B, L)

Day 11 Galveston, TX

We begin our day with a visit to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum. The retired drilling rig offers a hands on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry. Afterwards, check-in to our hotel just steps away from the beach. The rest of the day is at your leisure to sit by the pool, go to the beach or you may even take the trolley to do a little bit of exploring around the city. (B)

Day 12 Houston, TX

Today we head to Houston to visit the Johnson Space Center where you can touch a Moon rock, witness a shuttle launch, enjoy a tram tour of NASA, see real space-flown vehicles and much more. Tonight’s lodging will be in Houston, TX. (B)

Day 13 Little Rock, AR

Today’s travels take us north, passing through Texarkana, home of Ross Perot. Then through Hope, Arkansas, which is the birthplace of former President, Bill Clinton. We’ll continue to Little Rock, where we’ll visit the Clinton Presidential Center. The exhibits display the story of President Clinton’s life before becoming president, during his terms in office, as well as his post-presidential work. (B)

Day 14 Kansas City, MO

This morning an outstanding drive awaits us as we take the scenic route through the Ozarks on our way to Kansas City for our overnight. (B)

Day 15 Home

Visiting with our new friends and making the usual stops, our trek home will conclude. (B)