Getting on/off a public bus. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours in museums; stairs.
At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, bagels, toast, muffins, jellies and jams, oatmeal, cold cereal, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.
We’ll be joined by an award-winning university Professor Emeritus who will lead us on an enthralling, fast-paced, 2-hour journey through Texas history from its earliest beginnings to the modern day. Since the first footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors landed on the soil of Texas more than 500 years ago, there have been fascinating stories of conflicts and compromises, love affairs and bitter hatreds among the many peoples of Texas. We will be drawn into the lives of those early citizens and find ourselves torn by the same challenging choices that the people of the day had to make in order to survive. These stories of the past will help us understand the Texas we will see over the next few days. We’ll then set out with a local expert on a walking field trip to observe and appreciate the wide variety of architectural styles in downtown San Antonio. We’ll explore San Fernando Cathedral, founded in 1731, the oldest continually operating religious community in Texas. We’ll also learn about efforts of the historical conservation society in preserving the city’s past while encouraging new development.
At a nearby restaurant, we’ll have a luncheon buffet with salads, soups, a custom made-to order pasta bar, terrific desserts, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
We’ll continue our field trip and explore some of San Antonio’s most iconic sites. We’ll also learn about the development of the River Walk and its impact on the transformation of the area before moving on to the Alamo. The Spanish colonial mission we know as the Alamo was established in 1718, and moved to its current location in 1724. Its history is fascinating and complex. After the gallant defense by 182 Texans against Gen. Santa Anna’s army in 1836, “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry for Texas independence. We’ll hear the story then have some time to go inside to visit the Shrine, view artifacts, and watch a short movie. We’ll also visit The Menger, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. Established in 1859, it set the standard of luxury for its day. Among the historic events that took place here, Teddy Roosevelt recruited his “Rough Riders” cavalry brigade. Our expert will take us inside for a peek at the elaborately appointed lobbies and the Menger bar, to see memorabilia from TR’s time.
At a restaurant near the hotel featuring a variety of entrée choices; coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase.
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.