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Texas

The Holiday Season in San Antonio: Lighting Up the River Walk

Program No. 22273RJ
Celebrate the holidays in San Antonio, where you’ll enjoy the festively lit Historic District, view the lights of the River Walk and revel in lectures and excursions to iconic sites.
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Start
HolidaysRegional StudiesCity Discoveries
Length
6 days
Rating (4.96)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,549
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
10 meals ( 5B, 2L, 3D )
4 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in our reserved meeting room to meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Each evening from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the hotel hosts a complimentary “kickback” reception on the second floor with food and drink. Everyone is invited.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Our local expert will present an introduction of San Antonio, explaining how the River Walk was developed and offering a short explanation about how various cultures converged on the area to make it the unique place that it is today. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up/down steps to reach the River Walk, walking up to 3 miles throughout the day over paved and uneven terrain; standing up to 2 hours at a time. Getting on/off a barge.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our local expert will explore Texas history and culture from a Tejano perspective. Since Spanish Conquistadors first landed on this soil more than 500 years ago, there have been fascinating stories of conflicts and compromises, love affairs, and bitter hatreds among our many peoples. We will explore the area’s complex history together. Next, we’ll embark on a field trip on foot with a local expert to explore some of San Antonio’s most iconic sites and learn important history. We’ll also learn about the local importance of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek. Our local expert will take us to sites of interest, such as El Mercado, city hall, Bexar County Courthouse, and the San Fernando Cathedral. At San Fernando Cathedral, we will step back in time to the 18th-century Spanish colonial era. The cathedral was built from 1738-50 by settlers from the Canary Islands who had been granted land by Spain’s King Philip V. The cathedral is the oldest religious community in Texas and is still an active parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Santa Anna raised the red flag of “no quarter” from the church tower during the siege of the Alamo. One of the most interesting of the cathedral’s holdings is what purports to be the final resting place of Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. We will gain an appreciation for the efforts of the historical conservation society in preserving the city’s past while encouraging new development.
Lunch:
We will visit the historic Menger hotel, across the plaza from the Alamo. The Menger, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, was established in 1859 and set the standard of luxury for its day. Historic events that took place here include Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders cavalry brigade recruitment. 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. Then, we’ll eat lunch at this iconic spot.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our walking exploration through historic San Antonio with a self-guided visit 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. We’ll hear the story of the Alamo, then visit the Shrine, view artifacts, and watch a short movie. From here, we will have some time to explore the area independently or return to the hotel on foot along the river.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
We’ll step outside the hotel to the River Walk — the heart of the city — for a private 1-hour, narrated barge ride on the San Antonio River. Situated 20 feet below street level and just steps from the famed Alamo, we’ll see how stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums with a blend of architecture that reflects the development of this centuries-old metropolis. The barge pilot will tell us about the history of the area and the structures we pass as we float along the river amid thousands of holiday lights that sparkle all along the way.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time (depending on traffic). Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day; city streets and sidewalks, level terrain; walking up/down steps to reach the River Walk. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set off by motorcoach on a field trip to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore some of the missions that make up the historic park and learn about early settlement and efforts of the Spanish to convert local people to the Roman Catholic Church and an agricultural lifestyle. We’ll see how the Spanish used “acequia” (irrigation systems) to develop self-sustaining agricultural communities along the San Antonio River. We will then depart on foot for Historic Market Square, which is the largest Mexican marketplace in the U.S. This three-block area consists of more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls. We will have an exclusive opportunity to watch a demonstration and then eat a delicious meal.
Lunch:
At a popular restaurant in Market Square.
Afternoon:
Next, we'll head to the Witte Museum, San Antonio's most visited museum. We will explore a vast number of topics such as military history, natural history, art, US and world history, Texas history, geology, and more. Next, we will ride to the historic Pearl district. This 23-acre property was the site of the original Pearl Brewing Company founded in 1883, and has been transformed over recent decades into a popular community and business hub. The site now includes a food hall, a brewery, a hotel, concert space, shops, a Culinary Institute of America campus, and residences. Our Group Leader will give us an introduction to the Pearl and then we’ll have some time to explore on our own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
We will conclude our evening with a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, where we will walk through their “Illuminate” exhibit where we will witness countless beautiful light displays along a mile-long trail.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to a mile, standing up to 2 hours at a time. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach at the hotel for a full day exploring the Texas Hill Country. We will ride to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park that contains a visitor center, reconstructed boyhood home, cemetery, and the Johnson residence, known as the Texas White House. National Park Rangers will be on hand and tell us more about Lyndon, Lady Bird, and their Texas home. Please note: The Texas White House and Hangar Visitor Center are currently under renovation and may not be visible. If we are unable to visit LBJ National Historical Park, we will visit the Pioneer Museum. Next, we’ll ride into the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.
Lunch:
On your own in Fredericksburg.
Afternoon:
In Fredericksburg we’ll have time for a self-directed exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. This small city founded by German settlers in 1846 is on the National Register of Historic Places. You may be interested in visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, located in the historic hotel run by the family of Admiral Chester Nimitz (reservations recommended), or you may wish to learn about the early history of the area at the Pioneer Museum Complex or the Vereins-Kirche (Society Church), the oldest public building in town. Our Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. In the late afternoon, we will head to a local vineyard and winery for a wine tasting (non-alcoholic drinks will be available).
Dinner:
On the drive back to San Antonio, we’ll stop for a German dinner with live music and see the town square with holiday lights.
Evening:
After dinner we will complete our return drive to San Antonio.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day, standing up to an hour at a time; city streets and sidewalks, level terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll start by learning about the life and legacy of Sam Houston. Though born a Virginian, his life’s journey would lead him to places and situations unparalleled by most Americans of his day. Well-known for leading the Texans to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, he earned a place in American History that few can surpass. From Virginia to Texas, from Tennessee to the Cherokee Nation, our expert presenter will bring to life the triumphs and tragedies of legendary Sam Houston. Next, we will walk to the nearby Briscoe Western Art Museum for a guided exploration of the museum's collection of artifacts and art depicting the Great American West.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You may choose to explore Market Square or walk back to the hotel on your own.
Dinner:
We’ll walk a few blocks to a popular local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
The Group Leader will accompany those who would like to walk across the plaza adjacent to the hotel to San Fernando Cathedral for an outdoor light show by French artist Xavier De Richemont. This 24-minute show tells the story of San Antonio from its beginnings to present day. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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