Texas Explorer

Itinerary

3 Nights – Dallas
3 Nights – Austin
3 Nights – San Antonio
3 Nights – Houston

Optional extension: New Orleans
Self-drive option available

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✈️ UK to Dallas (3 Nights): On arrival in Dallas, you’ll be instantly dazzled by this bustling city with its vibrant nightlife and cultural arts scene. Explore Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum for insights into JFK’s assassination in 1963. Immerse yourself in the local art scene at the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Centre, and for some of the best views in the city, head to the Reunion Tower. Don’t miss the Bishop Arts District with its quirky, artsy vibe and pedestrian-friendly streets with plenty to explore on foot. As you might expect, barbecue cuisine is a firm part of the local culture, and there are plenty of great places for a fabulous meal in the city.

🚆 Dallas to Austin (3 Nights): After your stay in Dallas, you’ll take the Amtrak train to Austin where you’ll spend the next three nights. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, you’ll find a singer or band in almost every bar you enter! Sixth Street is often considered the main hub of the capital’s music scene with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues showcasing a variety of genres. Or head to the Continental Club, one of the city’s oldest and most renowned live music venues offering jazz, blues, rock, and authentic honky-tonk. Must-see sites include the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, and The South Congress area (SoCo) with its boutique shops, lively streets with street performers, and food trucks. Perhaps the most well-known site in Austin though is the nightly ‘bat show’. To watch this spectacular sight, head to Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk when millions of Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge at dusk in search of food.

🚆 San Antonio (3 Nights): Leaving Austin, you’ll hop back on the Amtrak train and travel to San Antonio, a city full of colonial heritage, thanks to its history as a Spanish colonial outpost. Head to the Alamo in downtown San Antonio, the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution, where you’ll find the Alamo Church, Long Barrack and Alamo gardens… as well as a model of the Alamo fort made from over 50,000 lego bricks! The Alamo is just steps away from the 15-mile scenic River Walk lined with restaurants and shops. Other must-sees include San Fernando Cathedral, the vibrant El Mercado historic market square and the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The Pearl District is also a great place to explore, with trendy shops, restaurants, and a weekend farmers’ market.

🚆 San Antonio to Houston (3 Nights): You’ll jump back on the Amtrak to conclude your journey through Texas onto Houston for the next three nights. As one of the largest and most multicultural cities in the United States, Houston’s vibe is diverse, dynamic, and welcoming. The Museum District’s tree-lined streets and green spaces offer a great spot to relax alongside a wealth of museums, including the Museum of Natural Science, the Holocaust Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts. For sports fans, no visit to Houston is complete without catching a baseball game at Minute Maid Park to see the Houston Astros in action. There’s plenty of fun for younger family members, with attractions including Wet ‘n’ Wild waterpark, the Houston Zoo, and the Downtown Aquarium. The iconic Houston Space Centre is another must-see, and in the Theatre District, you’ll be spoilt for choice with diverse shows. In the evening, head to a bar with live honky-tonk music and immerse yourself in the bustling Houston nightlife.

🚆 Optional Extension – New Orleans: If you’re not ready for the adventure to end quite yet, add on a final visit to New Orleans in Louisiana, by taking the Amtrak train from Houston. This city is renowned for its music scene and lively atmosphere. But beyond the music, there are a wealth of other attractions including its historic architecture, charming streets, and lush green parks.  Take a wander through the French Quarter where you’ll find a blend of French and Spanish Creole influences, and for a great view of the city, take a river cruise along the Mississippi River. Other highlights include the Garden District, Woldenberg Park, St. Louis Cathedral, The Botanical Gardens at City Park, and Longue Vue House and Gardens.

🚗 Self-Drive Option: As an alternative to taking the Amtrak train between cities, a self-drive option is available if you prefer more flexibility and to see things at your own pace.

✈️ Houston/New Orleans to UK: Whether you complete your adventure in Houston or New Orleans, your transfer will collect you and take you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.