The Lone Star State to the French Quarter

Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.

Today's sightseeing features the Historic West End and Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas featuring the re-creation of a cattle drive sculpted in bronze. The afternoon is free to explore all this cosmopolitan city has to offer. Consider an optional excursion to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy.

This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District and get a taste of the true American West. Afterward, meet the drovers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive. Enjoy free time to stroll the weathered brick streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, shops, and saloons. This evening is at your leisure to enjoy Sundance Square, attend the rodeo, or visit Billy Bob's, known as “The World's Largest Honky Tonk”

In Austin, visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin's downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor's Mansion, and the University of Texas. Then go a little ‘batty' on the optional Bat Watching Sunset Cruise and witness hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at dusk from their home under the Congress Avenue Bridge. (B)

A short drive from Austin is Texas Hill Country, home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Discover the story of the 36th president, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at the LBJ Ranch. See and learn about President and Mrs. Johnson's lives on the ranch during a driving tour of the grounds that includes stops at the Junction School, President Johnson's reconstructed birthplace, and the Johnson Family cemetery.

Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this charming town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district with its one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, wineries, and museums. (B)

This morning, journey to the most visited city in Texas: San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the historic River Walk. Upon arrival, sightseeing includes visits to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest in the U.S., and downtown's authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. Afterward, visit the historic Alamo. It was here in 1836 that a small band of Texans defended themselves against the Mexican army, and although the Alamo fell, it remains hallowed ground and symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty.

End your day back at the River Walk, where Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, and plazas make it one of the city's most picturesque areas. (CB)

This morning, discover more of the city's history and cultural gems on a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the vibrant River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the artisan shops at La Villita Historic Arts Village or enjoy a beer at the oldest running saloon in Texas, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. (B)

Houston is a city of firsts. The first word spoken on the moon was heard here, the first successful human heart transplant was performed here, and the first public television station to go on the air was launched here. Appreciate all that Houston has to offer on a sightseeing tour of America's fourth-largest city. See the Theatre District, which is second only to New York City, marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world, and visit one of Houston's most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks. (B)

A special highlight today is a visit to Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America's exciting space program. View flown spacecraft, spacesuits, and get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration including a look inside the International Space Station! (B)

Please Note: The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.

A beautiful drive past fertile prairies, delicate marshes, and abundant wildlife takes you to Lafayette, Louisiana. Cruise through moss-draped cypress trees and winding waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin swamp lands. Keep an eye out for lurking alligators as you experience one of the most unique wildernesses on earth. This evening, spice up your visit with a true taste of Louisiana on a casual optional outing with Cajun food and music. Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll!) (B)

This morning, journey across Bayou Country to The Big Easy, New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and home of creole cuisine. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour where you'll view historic parts of the city including French Quarter landmarks St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, St. Charles Avenue, and pay a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy listening to some New Orleans Jazz on an optional Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi.

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights and explore further. (B)