Self-Drive Talkin' Texas

Day 1 & 2

Fort Worth, TX

Arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth, check into your hotel and enjoy a little rest and relaxation before a big day of exploring. Start your morning by taking the JFK trolley tour for a historic journey of what happened that fateful November day in 1963, beginning at the Sixth Floor Museum, the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed the nation’s 35th president. Afterward, visit the museum before venturing to South Fork Ranch for a tour of the setting for the original “Dallas” TV series. Return to Fort Worth to experience the famous Stockyards and a legendary rodeo performance. (All activities and attractions are at an extra charge)

Overnight: Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards or similar

Day 3 & 4

Austin, TX (190 miles)

Drive to Austin and embark on a tour of the historic district on foot or by carriage, viewing the grand 19th-century buildings like the 1876 Old Bakery and the 1878 Millett Opera House, interwoven with modern skyscrapers. Watch the time, as you won’t want to miss watching North America’s largest urban bat colony emerge from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. A full day of exploring the city and surrounding area awaits – visit the Texas State Capitol building to take a free guided tour and enjoy the picturesque view of downtown, explore the University of Texas campus, and, if you’re here between early September and late November, take in a Longhorns’ home game. No matter what time of year, be sure to dine at one of the city’s famed food trucks and take in live music in this self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World. (All activities and attractions are at an extra charge)

Overnight: Radisson Austin or similar

Day 5

Fredericksburg, TX (78 miles)

The summer is ideal for a scenic drive to nearby Hill Country, renowned for its refreshing pools, rolling hills, deep creeks, and colourful wildflowers. Your next destination, Fredericksburg, will put you into the heart of it. With over 40 wineries and tasting rooms scattered across the region, enjoy a day of wine touring and tasting, as well as sampling delicious German cuisine and exploring the quaint shops along the way. Driving Willow City Loop is a must, the spectacular 20-mile stretch of road winds through the lush, green hills and some of the most unique, and oldest, geology in the central part of the state. (All activities and attractions are at an extra charge)

Standard Hotel: Fredericksburg Inn or similar

Day 6 & 7

Bandera, TX (49 miles)

Travel to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital for an unforgettable stay at the Mayan Dude Ranch, all delicious, home-cooked meals included. Play cowboy or cowgirl on this real working ranch in Texas Hill Country where longhorn cattle, Spanish goats and pigs are raised, and real-life cowboys work the horses and compete in rodeos. Your stay includes a variety of activities, like two horseback rides each day, hiking, catch-and-release fishing, hayrides and swimming in the large pool.

Overnight: Mayan Dude Ranch or similar

Day 8 & 9

San Antonio TX (54 miles)

Today you’ll venture to San Antonio where you can enjoy a stroll on the city’s famous River Walk, the most visited tourist attraction in the state, offering the chance to sample the best of art, museums, food, shopping and more, among the dozens of businesses that line the 2.5-mile walkway along the San Antonio River. Begin Day 9 with exploration of The Alamo, one of the nation’s most famous historic sites. The fascinating museum details the history of Texas and the mission church, with exhibits that display battle artefacts, including weapons and paintings. Afterward, head to nearby San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to explore its four missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. End your day with a visit to the Institute of Texan Cultures, which celebrates the stories of immigrants who started their new lives in the state, and become a part of the Texas multicultural society. (All activities and attractions are at an extra charge)

Standard Hotel: Menger Hotel or similar

Day 10 & 11

Houston, TX (211 miles)

Drive to Houston to take a trip through the world of space exploration at the Space Center Houston, a Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to the history of space exploration, where you can watch astronauts train, take a behind-the-scenes NASA tour, experience the sensation of a "blastoff" in the Blastoff Theater, and more. Early evening, you can wander through historic downtown Houston, including Texan Avenue to visit the landmarks around the historical Main Street. (All activities and attractions are at an extra charge)

Overnight: Hotel Derek or similar

Day 12

The final day of your holiday, so perhaps fit in some last minute shopping before heading to the airport to drop of your hire car and then fly home.