Dallas - Arrival - rental car pickup - hotel checkin - free at leisure

1 Day

35 km

Arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and proceed to the hotel. Welcome to Texas! Depending on your time of arrival, set out for some dinner and fun, Texas style, at one of the many extablishments found in the Stockyards. Try the internationally renowned Cattlemen’s Steak House for a big juicy steak cooked to your specifications on a charcoal broiler.

Fort Worth

1 Day

25 km

Your tour of Texas begins in Fort Worth, the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” This morning, discover the Water Gardens, an architectural and engineering marvel where you can experience three distinct water features as you wander through this relaxing urban park. Afterward, experience the sights, sounds and smells of 19th-century Texas at Log Cabin Village. Or, if museums are your thing, the Cultural District houses five Internationally recognized museums in a beautiful park-like setting. And no trip to Fort Worth would be complete without a stop in the Stockyards National Historic District, a 125-acres and 15 square blocks of western tradition. The Stockyards is where you can celebrate the Old West by watching the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive and meet the Drovers of the Fort Worth Herd, enjoy a hearty steak, famous barbecue or Tex-Mex, Shop for authentic cowboy gear and embrace your inner Texas with a visit to Billy Bob's Texas - the largest honky-tonk anywhere, visit the White Elephant Saloon or catch the Stockyards Championship Rodeo every Friday and Saturday night at Cowtown Coliseum. These are just a few examples of where you can rustle up adventure in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth - Austin

1 Day

304 km

Venture off the beaten path today and on to US-281 enabling you to explore some charming Texas towns en route to Austin. This scenic route will add a little time of your yourney, but it assures minimal traffic and maximum fun. The capital of Texas and "Live Music Capital of the World", Austin is a stage. With 250+ music venues representing every style, fitting a quintessential musical experience into your visit is an absolute must-do. Many of the music venues are conveniently located in the downtown area near attractions and restaurants. Tour the Texas Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or boutiques along South Congress Avenue. Those who love the outdoors will be delighted by Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed swimming hole, and the city’s extensive network of greenbelts, parks and natural preserves. So when you head out this evening, be sure to bring your sense of adventure and wear comfy shoes along with your dancing pants.

Austin - San Antonio

1 Day

147 km

Today we recommend heading west and joining TX-165 so you can revel in all that's beautiful about Hill Country... rolling hills, wildflowers, majesti live oaks, and lots of twolane road. Rejoin US-281 and arrive in San Antonio, quite possible Texas's most beautiful city. Remember the Alamo - the city's most widely recognized landmark? It's here, sitting in a plaza right downtown. A symbol of Texas' fight for indepence, the Alamo is treated not as a museum or an attraction, but as a shrine: men are asked to remove their hats and voices are expected to be hushed. It's a power feeling thet you must experience for yourself. Spend some time at the city’s River Walk. Millions of people visit the River Walk each year to enjoy this unusual urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio River in central San Antonio, one story below the bustling street level. Restaurants, galleries and shops line the banks of the downtown River Walk while the north and south banks of the River are less commercial. The lush landscapes, quaint pathways, tinkling waterfalls, quiet pools, outdoor art and relaxing outdoor patios evoke the renowned public spaces of Europe. The best ways to experience this area is by taking a guided River tour or a sunset River cruise. In the evening, marvel at the panoramic view of San Antonio from 750 feet on top of the Tower of the Americas, built for the 1968 World’s Fair. A glass elevator will take you up to the Flags Over Texas observatory, with heart-stopping views all the way.

San Antonio - City Visit

1 Day

15 km

Stroll along the River Walk. This festive, almost magical place, winds through downtown at 20-feet below street level providing scenic pathways and waterways for the city's cultural and historic sites as well as picturesque link between restaurants, hotels ands shops. Or plan a visit to the Spanish Governor's Palace or one of the many Spanish missions will take you into the historical heritage of this charming city. But most of all, remember the Alamo and visit the site of the courageous battle between a handful of Texans and Santa Ana's vast army, which was instrumental in creating the Republic of Texas. The Alamo is where 189 Texas defenders held 4,000 Mexican troops at bay for thirteen days in their claim for Texas independence. Embark on Mission Trail to explore the four other Spanish colonial missions set amidst the native grasslands along the San Antonio River. All four are still active Catholic parishes, all now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When your appetite returns, venture to El Mercado, the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande to find family owned cafés and colorful food booths. Indulge in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with selections like Enchiladas Rancheras de Queso and Gorditas de Picadillo o Pollo. Recline among papel picado and the old world feel as you select pastries from panaderías served alongside fresh coffee.

San Antonio - Del Rio

1 Day

304 km

Continue traveling west to Del Rio. Experience the classic West Texas town of your imagination here. Nearby Lake Amistad offers plenty of outdoor fun, with scuba diving, swimming, skiing and fishing. Bird watching is a major attraction for this area, especially in the winter, when many species pass through on their southern migration. At the state’s oldest winery, Val Verde, you can enjoy a free tour and wine tasting. Spend the day examining the rock art at Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site or browning through one of the city’s museums.

Del Rio - Big Bend National Park

1 Day

352 km

Depart Del Rio and make your way through The Big Bend region to arrive at Big Bend National Park. The Big Bend area is named for the vast curve of the Rio Grande in southwest Texas. It is a wildly beautiful natural region where you can explore Texas’ mountains and vast Chihuahuan Desert scenic expanses. The area towns of Alpine, Fort Davis, and Marfa offer historic and natural sites to explore such as the Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing Center, Chinati Foundation, Fort Davis National Historic Site, McDonald Observatory, Chihuahuan Desert Visitor Center, among others. For outdoor adventure lovers the Big Bend Region offers over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Fort Davis State Park that offer hiking, camping, river running, horseback riding, mountain bicycling, jeep touring and abundant sightseeing opportunities. The regions eclectic communities, historic ranches, and ghost towns offer a complex and fascinating history to explore. Drive from Marfa to Terlingua via Presidio. From Presidio to Terlingua you will be on the scenic Camino del Rio or River Road.

Accommodations: (STD & SUP) Lajita Resort & Spa* or similar (2 nights)

Big Bend National Park - full day park visit

1 Day

5 km

Visit Big Bend National Park today. Sometimes it's considered as "Three parks in one". Big Bend has mountain, desert and river landscapes. An hour's drive will take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to the mountain ranges. Here you will find one of the last remaining "resting places" of the States to experience unparalleled views, sounds and silences. There are as many ways to enjoy The Big Bend as people who visit it. The diversity of recreational opportunities is so great that there's something for everyone. Many visitors enjoy the comfort of the cobbled panoramic routes and others enjoy taking on the challenge of the remote unpaved roads with rugged vehicles. Any Park Ranger will tell you that neither the desert nor the mountains show their true nature to motorized vehicles. The best way to experience The Big Bend is to go out on foot and become part of the landscape. Listen to the silence of the desert, smell the create bushes, marvel at the distant mountain peaks and you will soon discover how special this place is.

Big Bend National Park - Fort Stockton - Midland

1 Day

341 km

Leave the Big Bend area behind and drive toward Midland. Make a stop at Fort Stockton along the way. Visit Historic Fort Stockton, located on the east side of the town that shares its name and consists of original and reconstructed military buildings. Today the site includes Officers’ Row, Guardhouse, Enlisted Men’s Barracks, and the Parade Grounds. There is a visitor’s Center at the west side of parade grounds. Have a bite to eat in one of the many local establishments and continue on your way to Midland. This city is rich in history which is well documented at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Wide-ranging exhibits depict the role of oil in shaping culture from prehistoric times to the present. Don’t miss Jim Hall’s legendary race cars at the Chaparral Gallery or the World War II aviation nose art at the American Airpower Heritage Museum where you will find the world’s largest collection of aviation nose art from planes flown in World War II. Or, pay a visit to George W. Bush’s childhood home. Another option is touring the Museum of the Southwest and enjoying the exhibits of art & archeology. Then stroll across the manicured lawns of this mansion to the Haley Library for a lesson in Texas history.

Midland - Amarillo

1 Day

382 km

Depart Midland this morning. Your next stop is Amarillo, gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, America’s second largest canyon. Explore the canyon’s incredible river carved spires and pinnacles on your own or via jeep excursions offered by the Elkins Ranch. The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in nearby Canyon offers an engaging experience chronicling the history and art of the region and the American West through its tremendous collection. Back in Amarillo you can explore true Western heritage at the Amarillo Livestock Auction (Tuesday only), American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Kwahadi –Kiva Indian Museum. Amarillo also offers a portion of fabled Route 66 and one-of-a-kind attractions such as the Big Texan Steakhouse and the Cadillac Ranch, where ten classic Cadillacs are buried nose down in a field at the same angle as Gizeh’ pyramids.

Amarillo - Graham (selfdrive)

1 Day

442 km

Leave the natural beauty of Amarillo and travel to the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. You will spend two nights at the Wildcatter Ranch for a “Hands-on Cowboy Experience”. Wildcatter Ranch takes in 1,500 acres of the most beautiful Texas country. Enjoy all the comforts of home with a special rustic Texas charm. Expect a vacation where you can spend your day horseback riding, shooting sporting clays, and canoeing or enjoying the sunset from the back porch of your guest room. Whatever you decide to do here, one thing is for sure, the Wildcatter Ranch offers an authentic Texas experience like no other.

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort

1 Day

Morning activities at the Wildcatter include horse demonstrations, hay wagon rides, horse shoes, and lasso games; horseback riding also is available. A Dutch oven lunch at the Wildcatter will give diners a great cooking demonstration along with a good meal. In the afternoon, visit “America’s Largest Downtown Square” in Graham, ideal for walking and shopping. You can also tour nearby Fort Belknap. Return to the Ranch for a chuck-wagon dinner followed by s’mores and relaxation.

Graham - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

1 Day

168 km

Depart at your leisure to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).