Day 1 Blue Springs, MO

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We begin our holiday journey to the “Lone Star State.” Spend the day getting acquainted with our fellow travelers as we make our way to our first nights stay.

Day 2 Oklahoma City, OK

Continuing south, we will drive as far as Oklahoma City. On arrival, visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. From Albert Bierstadt’s glowing landscape Emigrants Crossing the Plains to pieces by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, see some of the finest Western art in the country. View ethnographic material from Native Americans and mountain men and learn about frontier military life. See the evolution of the working cowboy, from the range to their portrayal in film and pop culture. Walk away with a better understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped the West. (B)

Day 3 Grapevine, TX

It’s more merry in Grapevine! This charming city is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas and you will know why when you get here. Our first stop, the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau to see the nostalgic “Hometown Christmas” exhibit and a Christmas themed Model Railroad display. Next, a local guide will board our bus and give us a city tour. We will learn about this historic town and how it became the Christmas Capital of Texas. We will have an included lunch at Harvest Hall, a European-style food hall designed after the grand train stations of the 19th century. This afternoon we take in the magnificent 360-degree view of the surrounding Grapevine area with the Grapevine Observation Tower Tour at Grapevine Main Station. Enjoy some free time in Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District. Take in all the magnificent Christmas decor and window displays, as well as explore the local shops, galleries, winery-tasting rooms and more. While on Main Street, be sure to pop in to the North Pole Express neighborhood and visit Vetro Glass Blowing Studio, where they make beautiful Christmas ornaments, and maybe even say hello to Santa inside the North Pole Express General Store. Tonight we will go to the Texas Star Dinner Theater for a Christmas Show. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Grapevine, TX

Our morning begins at the historic Nash Farm, where we will experience a Victorian Christmas the way the early settlers of Grapevine did. Next we will visit the Settlement to City Museums and explore Grapevine’s enchanting past and join in an Elf Adventure. Enjoy an included lunch at Willhoite’s Restaurant, Grapevine’s original filling station complete with the original gas pump out front and a Model T Ford hanging over the Texas-sized buffet. One more stop before heading back to our hotel, the ICE! Exhibit at the Opryland Hotel. Step into a winter wonderland where over 40 world-renowned master artisans spend over 6-weeks hand-carving approximately 6,000 blocks of ice. This evening we will be entertained at the Palace Theater. (B, L, D)

Day 5 San Antonio, TX

Today we depart Grapevine and make our way to San Antonio. Upon arrival, we will visit 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, 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. Afterwards we will settle into our 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. Later we cruise along the San Antonio River for an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. This time of year, the River walk is transformed into a magical scene. Over 100,000 lights drape the towering cypress trees, reflecting off the water for a snow globe-like effect that feels straight out of a holiday dream. Perfect for an evening stroll. (B)

Day 6 San Antonio, TX

Our day begins with a guided tour of San Antonio this morning, featuring Useiline Convent, San Fernando Cathedral and more! You’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch on your own on the River Walk. This afternoon will be spent at the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Later, enjoy the sights and flavors of old Mexico at Historic Market Square, a favorite of locals and tourists. Explore over 100 locally owned businesses that provide a unique market place experience. (B)

Day 7 Ardmore, OK

We begin our trek towards home today. We’ll pass through Waco, making a stop 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 enter back into Oklahoma for our overnight in Ardmore, home to the Festival of Lights. Take in a 1.5-mile drive through with endless, vibrant Christmas lights. It is one of the largest holiday light displays in southern Oklahoma. (B)

Day 8 Blue Springs, MO

Back through Oklahoma City today, this time 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. Afterwards, we continue to Blue Springs, MO for our final night on this holiday adventure. (B)

Day 9 Home

Visiting with our new friends and making the usual stops, our trek home will conclude. We hope you had a magical time in Texas at Christmas time. (B)