San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas 24

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us for a fun-filled motor coach vacation full of spectacular scenery, holiday cheer and yuletide spirit in "The Lone Star State," Texas. One visit to San Antonio, Texas and it's easy to see why it is often referred to as the "American Venice". Historic missions, River Walk restaurants, Spanish architecture and a beautiful river centerpiece make this a truly memorable and remarkable city! After checking into our hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee for the night, enjoy the Manager's Reception with free hot food & cold beverages, including beer, wine and mixed drinks before retiring to your room for a good night's sleep.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for Nashville, Tennessee. Upon our arrival, we climb aboard the General Jackson Showboat, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, for a 2-hour lunch cruise down the Cumberland River that includes an entertaining country music holiday show. Following our cruise, we check into the world-famous Opryland Hotel for the night. Each year the Opryland Resort is decorated with 2 million twinkling lights, acres of larger-than-life decorations, thousands of poinsettias and decorated trees, which transport you into a musical paradise and a land of enchantment! Experience charming southern hospitality and marvel at the splendor and elaborate holiday décor of this fabulous world-class resort! You will have some time to freshen up before attending a festival holiday dinner and an evening performance by a country music superstar at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Day 3

After breakfast settle back, and relax in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach and enjoy the scenery on our drive across western Tennessee, crossing over the Mississippi River, to reach Nick's Bar-B-Q & Catfish restaurant in Carlisle, Arkansas for an included lunch. After lunch, we continue traveling west through Arkansas on to our hotel for the night in Texarkana, Arkansas. A dinner stop will be made en route to Texarkana. Dinner is on your own.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for Dallas, Texas. Upon our arrival, we enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Dallas's straight-up, down-home Texas-style barbecue restaurants. Following lunch, a photo-stop at the beautiful bronze life size sculptures of Texas Long Horn Steers and Cowboys will be made en route to San Antonio, Texas. Our accommodations for the next four nights are at the Drury Plaza Hotel, a perennial favorite of Gunther Tours travelers! The River Walk is adjacent to our hotel. Bring your bathing suit to take advantage of the rooftop outdoor pool & whirlpool. A refrigerator and microwave are provided in your hotel room. Each evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, the Drury Plaza Hotel hosts a Manger's Reception with free hot food & cold beverages for guests, including beer, wine and mixed drinks. Tonight, take a stroll along the River Walk, on the lush banks of the San Antonio River, and enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere while being guided along by more than 6,000 luminaries. Fiesta de las Luminaries will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, beginning at dusk.

Day 5

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a tour of San Antonio. Highlights of our tour include visiting the Mission San José, the "Queen of the Missions," built in 1777 and once occupied by over 300 people. The Spanish and Moorish design is reflected in the Cathedral and surrounding buildings. Spanish missions were not churches, but communities with the church as the focus. Next, we discover more of San Antonio's rich history at The Alamo, where Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie, and 185 Texans under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended the fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Dictator Santa Anna and 5,000 Mexican troops in early 1836. The Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. The afternoon is free to soak up the Spanish flavor of this picturesque city or do a little holiday shopping. Tonight, we are treated to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that serves up great local flavors. Following dinner, we climb aboard Rio San Antonio Cruises for a relaxing riverboat ride on the River Walk. Sit back and admire the many holiday decorations while you enjoy the narrated cruise along the San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk shines brighter than ever as thousands of colorful Christmas lights decorate the building facades and are reflected off the river.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for Johnson City, Texas where we will enjoy a visit to the LBJ National Historic Park. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th President beloved LBJ Ranch, beginning with his ancestors through his post-presidency years and ultimately his final resting place. To provide you with the best possible tour experience we will first view two video presentations in the Visitor's Center. Next take a self-guided tour inside the permanent exhibit gallery showcasing Lyndon Johnson's life and accomplishments. A tribute to Mrs. "Lady Bird" Johnson is also included as part of the exhibit. It highlights Mrs. Johnson's commitment to the environment and guests can view her crimson suit and the White House china designed for the Johnson administration. Next, we depart for Stonewall, Texas and the LBJ Ranch. Our riding tour of the ranch will include stops at the President's birthplace, the Johnson family cemetery, and a photo-stop at the Johnson's ranch house known as the "Texas White House". A box lunch is included. After returning to our hotel, you will have time to unwind and freshen up before going out for a delicious dinner at Paesanos, an iconic San Antonio River Walk Italian restaurant. The use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create legendary dishes, Paesanos menu breaks the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine to explore modern Mediterranean specialties. Following dinner, enjoy the joyous caroling which fills the evening air along the San Antonio River Walk as school, church, company, and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing traditional carols on cruising boats. The eclectic mix of participants includes bell choirs, folk groups, and Latino ensembles. Holiday Boat Caroling will take place 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm nightly.

Day 7

After breakfast you are free to design the rest of your day and do as you wish! Centrally located, the Drury Plaza Hotel offers you a wide variety of options for creating a day of adventure and exploration on your own. Browse for one-of-a-kind goods and souvenirs at El Mercado, the Mexican Marketplace. Visit the South Texas Heritage Center, an interactive museum dedicated to sharing the stories of San Antonio's people and the land that has shaped their lives. This is your last day in San Antonio, so please enjoy a final helping of the unforgettable Texas hospitality! Reminder: Each evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, the Drury Plaza Hotel hosts a Manger's Reception with free hot food & cold beverages for guests, including beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Day 8

After breakfast settle back, relax and enjoy the scenery on our drive to "The Natural State," Arkansas. Your on-board Gunther Tours Manager will help pass the time by playing games, showing a movie or two, and scheduling quiet time to relax. Before checking into our hotel in Texarkana, Arkansas for the night, we are treated to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9

After breakfast we depart for Memphis, Tennessee. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy a visit to Graceland, all decked out in yuletide finery for the holidays. Highlights of our Graceland tour include visiting Elvis Presley's mansion, his original business office, his trophy building, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. We conclude our tour of Graceland by boarding Elvis' private jet, "The Lisa Marie". During the holiday season, the tour of Graceland is extra special with the interior and exterior of the mansion decorated for the holidays! See traditional lights and decorations including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed by Elvis. The interior of Graceland mansion is decked out in Christmas décor and includes his traditional red velvet drapes and Presley family Christmas artifacts on display. Before departing for our hotel accommodations in Horn Lake, Mississippi for the night, we are served a savory dinner at King's Palace Café. Located on world famous Beale Street, King's Palace Café, serves up appetizing Southern delicacies, such as Memphis style BBQ ribs or Cajun specialties, and for over 30 years it has been a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike!

Day 10

After breakfast we travel back to Nashville, Tennessee to visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Upon our arrival enjoy lunch on your own at one of the hotel's many first-rate restaurants. The Opryland Resort offers you a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, activities and events for you to enjoy! So, on your own create an adventure. Admissions to ICE, a fantastical, indoor winter wonderland entirely hand-carved out of ice celebrating the spirit of Christmas, and the Delta River Flatboat ride on the scenic indoor river are both included for you to enjoy at your leisure. Unwind, explore, shop, dine and be entertained to your heart's desire amidst this Christmas wonderland! Later we depart for our hotel accommodations in Knoxville, Tennessee. A dinner stop will be made en route to Knoxville.

Day 11

After breakfast settle back and enjoy a holiday themed movie on our drive home, while reminiscing about the amazing sights and sounds experienced along the way on our San Antonio Christmas Holiday Get-Away, and the indelible memories created by San Antonio's Southern hospitality, vibrant history, and the uniquely special yuletide cheer and joy experienced along the famous River Walk! Happy Holidays!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner