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Discover Texas: Cowboys, Culture, History & Space

Nine days exploring the legendary sights, rich heritage, Western traditions, and unforgettable experiences of the Lone Star State.

9 Days / 8 Nights
Duration
4
Destinations
Year-round
Availability
Custom Quote
Pricing

Overview

The Lone Star State, Your Way

Experience Texas through a journey that brings together its history, cultural diversity, legendary Western heritage, and modern attractions.

Beginning in historic San Antonio, travel through the scenic Texas Hill Country and vibrant Austin before discovering the cowboy traditions of Fort Worth and the attractions of Dallas. Continue to Houston and the Gulf Coast for experiences highlighting Texas history, coastal culture, and space exploration.

Along the way, enjoy authentic Texas barbecue, historic landmarks, live cultural experiences, Western entertainment, and opportunities to connect with local traditions.

Designed for private groups and international visitors, this customizable nine-day itinerary offers an engaging introduction to the people, places, and experiences that make Texas unique.

This is a custom-quoted journey with no fixed departure dates. Seasonal events and some experiences operate on their own schedules, so the order of the days may be adjusted around operating hours, events, weather, and your group’s plans. Customize this journey with LABUSA Travel, explore our United States travel guide, or see our other group journeys.

The journey at a glance

  • San Antonio & the Hill CountryDays 1 to 2
  • AustinDays 3 to 4
  • Waco, Dallas & Fort WorthDays 5 to 7
  • Houston & the Gulf CoastDays 8 to 9
A weathered stone mission church with twin bell towers and a dome, seen past a ruined wall and palm trees.

Highlights

Highlights at a Glance

A catalog of the landmarks, traditions, and experiences on this journey.

  • HeritageThe Alamo & San Antonio Missions
  • RiverSan Antonio River Walk Cruise
  • SceneryTexas Hill Country & Fredericksburg
  • CultureAustin Music, Food & Culture
  • FoodTexas Barbecue & Western Traditions
  • MarketMagnolia Market at the Silos, Waco
  • WesternFort Worth Stockyards & Cattle Drives
  • AttractionsDallas & the State Fair of Texas (Seasonal)
  • Gulf CoastHouston & Historic Galveston
  • SpaceSpace Center Houston

Itinerary

Suggested Itinerary

San Antonio & the Hill Country

Days 1 to 2
  1. Day 1: Historic San Antonio: Missions, Heritage & River Walk

    Begin your Texas experience in San Antonio, where centuries of history meet vibrant cultural traditions.

    Featured experiences:

    • San Antonio Missions
    • Historic Market Square
    • The Alamo
    • Spanish Governor’s Palace
    • GO RIO River Walk cruise

    Overnight: San Antonio

  2. Day 2: Texas Hill Country: Presidential History & German Heritage

    Travel into the Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic landscapes, small towns, and distinctive cultural heritage.

    Featured experiences:

    • Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch area
    • Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, subject to operating availability
    • Fredericksburg historic district
    • Hill Country scenery and local heritage

    Overnight: San Antonio

Austin

Days 3 to 4
  1. Day 3: Austin: Local Culture, Barbecue & Horseback Riding

    Discover Austin’s distinctive personality through sightseeing, food, shopping, and outdoor experiences.

    Featured experiences:

    • Morning drive from San Antonio to Austin
    • Austin Duck Adventures sightseeing experience
    • Authentic Texas barbecue
    • South Congress district
    • Optional guided horseback riding experience

    Overnight: Austin

  2. Day 4: Austin: Texas Government, Georgetown & Two-Step Dancing

    Explore the political heritage of Texas and discover its music and dance traditions.

    Featured experiences:

    • Texas State Capitol
    • Downtown Austin
    • Georgetown historic district
    • Lady Bird Lake area
    • Texas two-step dance lesson, subject to scheduling

    Overnight: Austin

Waco, Dallas & Fort Worth

Days 5 to 7
  1. Day 5: Waco & Fort Worth: Texas Road Trip Experiences

    Journey north through Central Texas toward the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

    Featured experiences:

    • Buc-ee’s Texas road-trip stop
    • Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco
    • Czech-Texan culinary heritage in West, Texas
    • Arrival in Fort Worth

    Overnight: Fort Worth

  2. Day 6: Dallas: Attractions, Food & Entertainment

    Discover the Dallas area through a selection of seasonal attractions and cultural experiences.

    Featured experiences:

    • State Fair of Texas, when scheduled
    • Dallas sightseeing and cultural attractions
    • Shopping, food, and entertainment opportunities

    The State Fair of Texas runs for a limited season each fall. For departures outside the fair season, this day features an alternative program of Dallas cultural sightseeing.

    Overnight: Dallas-Fort Worth area

  3. Day 7: Fort Worth: Cowboy Heritage & Western Traditions

    Experience the iconic cowboy culture of Texas in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

    Featured experiences:

    • Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
    • Scheduled cattle drive, subject to availability
    • Western shops and heritage attractions
    • Optional rodeo or Western entertainment, subject to event schedules

    Overnight: Dallas-Fort Worth area

Houston & the Gulf Coast

Days 8 to 9
  1. Day 8: Houston & Galveston: Gulf Coast Heritage

    Travel toward the Texas Gulf Coast and discover the maritime and cultural history of Galveston.

    Featured experiences:

    • Journey to Houston and Galveston
    • The Bryan Museum
    • Historic Strand District
    • Gulf Coast sightseeing

    Overnight: Houston

  2. Day 9: Houston: Space Exploration & Departure

    Conclude the journey with a visit to one of the most recognized attractions in Texas.

    Featured experiences:

    • Space Center Houston
    • NASA space exploration exhibits
    • Optional Apollo Mission Control experience, subject to booking and availability
    • Departure arrangements

    End of tour: Houston

Optional experiences

Customize Your Texas Experience

Make your Texas journey your own. From authentic cowboy experiences and professional sporting events to NASA adventures, live music, culinary discoveries, and cultural heritage attractions, LABUSA Travel can customize your itinerary around your group’s interests.

Explore the optional experiences below and select the activities you would like us to include in your personalized travel proposal.

Optional experiences are subject to availability, scheduling, and additional costs. Final pricing will be provided in your customized travel proposal.

Western & Cowboy Experiences

  • A cowhand in a straw hat swings a lariat on horseback among longhorn cattle on a working Texas ranch.

    Extended experience Popular

    Working Texas Ranch Experience

    Location
    Texas Hill Country or Fort Worth area
    Duration
    Half day to full day
    Recommended
    Day 2 or Day 7
    Availability
    Subject to ranch and activity schedules

    Experience Texas ranching traditions through a guided ranch visit, horseback riding, cowboy demonstrations, and optional ranch-style dining.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • A trick roper stands on a saddled horse and spins a lariat in the dirt arena of the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth.

    Add-on experience Popular

    Professional Rodeo Experience

    Location
    Fort Worth
    Duration
    Evening
    Recommended
    Day 7
    Availability
    Event-dependent

    Experience authentic Western entertainment at a scheduled rodeo featuring traditional competitions and cowboy culture.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The brick storefront of Leddy's Boots and Saddles with its vintage sign on a brick street in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

    Add-on experience

    Cowboy Boots, Hats & Western Shopping

    Location
    Fort Worth Stockyards
    Duration
    1 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 7
    Availability
    Store and service schedules

    Explore Western outfitters, discover traditional cowboy clothing, and enjoy optional custom hat shaping and boot shopping.

    Purchases and specialty services extra

    Price Available Upon Request

Space & Sports Experiences

  • Restored Apollo era consoles with glowing blue screens, switches and open flight binders in Historic Mission Control.

    Add-on experience Popular

    NASA Historic Mission Control Tour

    Location
    Houston
    Duration
    Approximately 1 to 2 additional hours
    Recommended
    Day 9
    Availability
    Limited; advance booking may be required

    Enhance your Space Center Houston visit with an available guided experience highlighting historic NASA mission operations.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Full size International Space Station training modules marked with NASA logos inside a large hangar in Houston.

    Extended experience

    NASA Behind-the-Scenes Experience

    Location
    Houston
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 9
    Availability
    Program-dependent

    Explore available specialty tours and educational programs related to NASA, space exploration, and astronaut training.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The curved white roof and glass walls of AT&T Stadium in Arlington seen beyond a line of trees.

    Add-on experience Popular

    Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour

    Location
    AT&T Stadium, Arlington
    Duration
    2 to 4 hours
    Recommended
    Day 6 or Day 7
    Availability
    Stadium and NFL schedules

    Explore the home of the Dallas Cowboys through an available stadium tour or arrange an NFL game-day experience during football season.

    A game day depends on the NFL schedule and may change the itinerary

    Price Available Upon Request

  • A baseball game in progress under the closed roof of a packed downtown Houston ballpark, seen from the upper deck.

    Extended experience

    Professional Texas Sporting Event

    Location
    Dallas, Arlington, Houston, or San Antonio
    Duration
    Evening or event day
    Recommended
    Based on schedule
    Availability
    Event-dependent

    Attend a professional football, basketball, baseball, or other sporting event, depending on the city and season.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Red, white and blue curbing sweeps through the winding turns of the Circuit of the Americas track outside Austin.

    Extended experience

    Circuit of the Americas Experience

    Location
    Austin
    Duration
    Event-dependent
    Recommended
    Day 3 or Day 4
    Availability
    Event-dependent

    Attend a scheduled motorsports event, concert, or other available experience at Circuit of the Americas.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

Food, Music & Cultural Experiences

  • Slices of smoked brisket with a dark peppery bark and a pink smoke ring on a red cutting board.

    Add-on experience Popular

    Texas BBQ & Pitmaster Experience

    Location
    Austin, Lockhart, or Fort Worth
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 3 or Day 5

    Discover authentic Texas barbecue through a guided smokehouse visit, barbecue tasting, or private group dining experience.

    A visit to Lockhart adds travel time

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The weathered red front of the Broken Spoke dance hall in Austin with wagon wheels and a Texas flag above the sign.

    Add-on experience Popular

    Live Country Music & Honky-Tonk Night

    Location
    Austin or Fort Worth
    Duration
    Evening
    Recommended
    Day 3, Day 4, or Day 7

    Experience live country music, Texas dance halls, and an authentic honky-tonk atmosphere.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Rows of green grapevines behind a wire fence with live oaks along a ridge in the Texas Hill Country near Fredericksburg.

    Extended experience

    Texas Hill Country Winery Tour

    Location
    Fredericksburg area
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 2

    Discover the Hill Country’s wine culture through guided winery visits and tastings.

    Adults of legal drinking age only

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Cheese enchiladas covered in melted cheese and a rich red chili gravy, a Tex-Mex classic.

    Add-on experience

    Tex-Mex Cooking Experience

    Location
    San Antonio
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 1

    Learn about Tex-Mex culinary traditions through an interactive cooking class or hosted food experience.

    Price Available Upon Request

Nature & Adventure

  • A tall limestone column and flowstone formations lit inside Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio.

    Extended experience

    Natural Bridge Caverns

    Location
    San Antonio area
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 1 or Day 2

    Explore underground limestone formations during a guided cavern experience.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Pink granite boulders and oak scrub along a sandy trail at Enchanted Rock in the Texas Hill Country at sunrise.

    Extended experience

    Enchanted Rock Hiking Experience

    Location
    Fredericksburg area
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 2
    Availability
    Weather and park entry dependent

    Enjoy a scenic Hill Country hiking experience featuring the distinctive granite dome of Enchanted Rock.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The blue aquarium pyramid, pink discovery pyramid and glass rainforest pyramid of Moody Gardens in Galveston.

    Extended experience

    Moody Gardens

    Location
    Galveston
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 8

    Discover aquarium, rainforest, and educational attractions at Moody Gardens.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier roller coaster silhouetted over the Gulf of Mexico at dusk.

    Extended experience

    Galveston Beach & Pleasure Pier

    Location
    Galveston
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 8

    Enjoy Gulf Coast beaches, seaside dining, and optional amusement attractions.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Buffalo Bayou winds between wooded banks below the glass towers of the downtown Houston skyline.

    Add-on experience

    Buffalo Bayou Park & Houston Skyline Experience

    Location
    Houston
    Duration
    1 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 8 or Day 9

    Explore Buffalo Bayou Park, enjoy Houston skyline views, and discover available guided walking or boat experiences.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • A long reflecting pool framed by live oaks and paved paths stretches toward an obelisk in Hermann Park, Houston.

    Add-on experience

    Hermann Park & McGovern Centennial Gardens

    Location
    Houston Museum District
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 8 or Day 9

    Enjoy Houston’s landscaped gardens, scenic walking paths, and a relaxing outdoor experience that can complement a Museum District visit.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Sailboats moored in a marina with the wooden Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster beyond at the Kemah Boardwalk.

    Extended experience

    Kemah Boardwalk Waterfront Experience

    Location
    Kemah, Greater Houston
    Duration
    3 to 4 hours
    Recommended
    Day 8

    Experience waterfront entertainment, Galveston Bay views, dining, and optional amusement attractions.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

History & Heritage

  • The brick entrance of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston with its name on the canopy.

    Add-on experience

    Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

    Location
    Houston
    Duration
    1 to 2 hours
    Recommended
    Day 8 or Day 9

    Explore the history and contributions of African American military service members.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The seven story red brick building at Dealey Plaza in Dallas that houses The Sixth Floor Museum.

    Add-on experience

    The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

    Location
    Dallas
    Duration
    1 to 2 hours
    Recommended
    Day 6

    Learn about President John F. Kennedy and the historical events surrounding his assassination.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The historic Nimitz Hotel with its ship shaped tower, part of the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg.

    Add-on experience

    National Museum of the Pacific War

    Location
    Fredericksburg
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 2

    Explore World War II history and the legacy of Admiral Chester Nimitz.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Add-on experience

    Briscoe Western Art Museum

    Location
    San Antonio
    Duration
    1 to 2 hours
    Recommended
    Day 1

    Explore the art, culture, and history of the American West.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The domed facade and giant bronze star of the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

    Add-on experience

    Bullock Texas State History Museum

    Location
    Austin
    Duration
    1 to 2 hours
    Recommended
    Day 4

    Discover the history, people, and cultural identity of Texas.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • The domed building of the African American Museum at Fair Park in Dallas framed by flowering crape myrtles.

    Add-on experience

    African American Museum Dallas

    Location
    Dallas
    Duration
    1 to 2 hours
    Recommended
    Day 6

    Explore African American art, history, and cultural contributions.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • A walkway lined with lawns and lamps leading to the limestone entrance of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

    Add-on experience

    George W. Bush Presidential Center

    Location
    Dallas
    Duration
    2 to 3 hours
    Recommended
    Day 6

    Explore American presidential history and exhibits associated with the George W. Bush presidency.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • Live oaks shade a long lawn leading to the classical facade of the Museum of Fine Arts in the Houston Museum District.

    Extended experience

    Houston Museum District

    Location
    Houston
    Duration
    Half day
    Recommended
    Day 8 or Day 9

    Visit selected museums featuring art, science, natural history, and cultural exhibitions.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

  • A costumed historical interpreter works a leather strap on the porch of a log farmhouse at George Ranch Historical Park.

    Extended experience

    George Ranch Historical Park Heritage Experience

    Location
    Richmond, Greater Houston
    Duration
    3 to 5 hours
    Recommended
    Day 8 or an extended stay

    Discover Texas ranching history through historic buildings, interpretive exhibits, and available demonstrations.

    Adding this experience may require changes to the daily itinerary or additional travel time.

    Price Available Upon Request

Select any experiences you would like included in your proposal.

    Where you stay

    Accommodations

    Accommodations are selected according to group size, travel dates, availability, and traveler preferences. Hotels listed are representative examples and are not guaranteed until confirmed.

    San Antonio

    • Residence Inn San Antonio Riverwalk
    • Or a similar hotel near the River Walk
    • 2 nights

    Austin

    • Hilton Austin
    • Or a similar hotel in downtown Austin
    • 2 nights

    Fort Worth

    • AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown
    • Or a similar hotel in downtown Fort Worth
    • 3 nights

    Houston

    • The Westin Galleria Houston
    • Or a similar hotel in Houston
    • 1 night

    In the price

    Potential Inclusions

    Proposed package components. Your custom proposal confirms exactly what is included.

    • Accommodation for eight nights
    • Scheduled ground transportation
    • Selected sightseeing experiences
    • Admission to included attractions
    • Local guides where required
    • Group travel coordination
    • Pre-departure travel information

    Final inclusions and exclusions will be detailed in your customized travel proposal.

    Not in the price

    Potential Exclusions

    • International or domestic airfare unless quoted
    • Travel insurance
    • Meals not specifically included in the final proposal
    • Personal purchases and gratuities
    • Optional activities
    • Additional hotel nights
    • Services outside the confirmed itinerary

    Discover Texas FAQs

    Is this a private or scheduled group tour?
    This itinerary is offered as a customizable private group journey. Departure dates and arrangements are developed around your group’s requirements.
    What is the recommended group size?
    The experience can be tailored for different group sizes. Transportation, accommodations, and pricing depend on the final number of travelers.
    Can the itinerary be customized?
    Yes. Destinations, activities, hotels, and trip duration can be adjusted to match your interests and travel requirements. The order of the days may also be adjusted around operating hours, events, weather, and group requirements.
    Is airfare included?
    Airfare is not automatically included. LABUSA Travel can coordinate flight arrangements as part of a customized proposal.
    Is the State Fair of Texas available throughout the year?
    No. The State Fair operates during a limited seasonal period. Alternative Dallas experiences can be arranged for other departure dates.
    Are the hotels guaranteed?
    No. Hotel selection is subject to availability and will be confirmed during the booking process.
    Can international groups book this experience?
    Yes. The itinerary is particularly suitable for international visitors interested in Texas history, culture, and attractions. Travelers remain responsible for meeting applicable U.S. entry requirements.
    Can the trip be shortened or extended?
    Yes. LABUSA Travel can prepare a shorter itinerary or incorporate additional Texas destinations.

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