Texas & the Rio Grande Valley

On our first day of travel, sit back and enjoy the ride! This is a great day to get acquainted with your tour companions. Our group travels south into Iowa, where a noon meal is included in Sioux City. After traveling through a portion of Nebraska and Kansas, we arrive at our hotel in Topeka, Kansas. (L)

This morning, we wind our way through the Flint Hills of Kansas. This unique eco-region has the densest coverage of Tallgrass Prairie in North America. Our noon lunch is included in Perry, Oklahoma. By early afternoon, we will visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and those whose lives were changed forever. The Oklahoma City bombing took place on April 19, 1995, at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. This peaceful spot in the middle of a busy city has been set aside to honor and remember. Continuing south into the great state of Texas, we check into our hotel accommodations near Fort Worth. (B) (L)

Fort Worth is known as the “City of Cowboys”, and nothing embodies western heritage better than the Stockyards National Historic District. It was once the largest livestock marketing center in the Southwest. A local guide will board our bus to tell us the stories that shaped “Cow Town.” We’ll stop for an included lunch along the way as we travel to the Magnolia Market in Waco, which evolved from the popular HGTV show “Fixer Upper.” This huge complex showcases hundreds of home furnishings, décor items, and an area for garden products. Arriving in San Antonio by early evening, we have a relaxing evening at our hotel. (B) (L)

This morning, we travel south through the Wild Horse Desert. During the mid-1800s, Richard King traveled here and saw the possibility of creating a ranch on this desert terrain. It may look easy now, but it took many years of hard work and smart business sense. Lunch is included before our tour of King Ranch, known as the largest privately owned ranch in the United States. Rustad Tours has provided a two-night stay on beautiful South Padre Island. This 34-mile-long tropical paradise is located on the coastal tip of Texas and is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm gulf waters, and is one of the most popular holiday getaway spots. After checking into our hotel, there will be enough time for you to walk the beach and put your toes in the Gulf of Mexico. (B) (L)

Rise & Shine! Get ready to go exploring on South Padre Island. At the Birding and Nature Center, we follow along on the boardwalk with our local guide, not just to learn about the birds on South Padre Island, but also about local fish, dolphins, and plants, to name just a few. Ila Loetscher began rehabilitating sea turtles in her home in 1965. Over many years, her business, called Sea Turtles, Inc., has grown and expanded into a new complex. After hearing a presentation about Ridley Sea Turtles and how they are rescued, our coach brings us to one of the top restaurants on the island for an included lunch. You’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy this beautiful slice of paradise for shopping, relaxing by the pool or beach, or checking out many of the amazing attractions the island has to offer! (B) (L)

After a relaxed breakfast buffet, we depart for Port Isabel to enjoy this charming seaside neighborhood complete with fun shops and art galleries. In the middle of the town square stands the majestic and historic 82-foot-high brick lighthouse. It was built in 1852 to guide ships through the nearby pass to Port Isabel. By late morning, we board the Osprey Cruises Eco Tour boat for a narrated cruise into the Laguna Madre Bay. You’ll enjoy watching bottlenose dolphins leap and play while learning about seabirds and other sea life. This afternoon, we travel west to Harlingen (enjoying an included boxed lunch along the way) to visit the original Iwo Jima Memorial, an impressive monument. The moving story behind it reminds us of the great sacrifice our service men and women make for the sake of our freedom. Nestled in the tropical Rio Grande Valley, many “Winter Texans” find their “Home Away from Home” to enjoy the warm Texas climate. A guided tour of the Vista Palms Resort will highlight the many resort-style amenities it has to offer. By late afternoon, we arrive in McAllen at the Drury Inn, where you can unpack and settle in for a four-night stay. Every night includes a manager’s reception (Kick Back) and a delicious breakfast buffet each morning. (B)

Today is set aside as an optional day. You might enjoy it as a free day or choose which attractions you would like to attend throughout the day. We will attend mass at Our Lady of San Juan Basilica with a unique musical treat. You’ll hear the Mariachi Band that performs the music for their Sunday worship services. We’ll be taking a lunch break (on your own), and this afternoon we’ll cross the border into Mexico as we explore the little town of Progresso. You’ll need a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license to walk across the border into Mexico to do a little shopping. This evening, we’ll enjoy an included dinner and celebrate the great time we are having in the Rio Grande Valley. (B) (D)

Today, Rustad Tours is taking you on an exciting “Road Trip” throughout the Rio Grande Valley. You’ll see diverse landscapes, agricultural fields of varied crops, and witness the small-town culture for yourself. Our first stop is in Historic Roma, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and have an included lunch at the Ancestral Craft Spirits Distillery. We continue our road trip to Rio Grande City to take a guided tour of the Historic LaBorde House. This majestic Parisian-style home dates back to the late 1800s, originally the home of Françoise LaBorde. In its early days, the LaBorde House served as a waystation for travelers on the riverboat and wagons, as well as cattle barons and military officers traveling throughout this region. During the 1900s, the home was completely restored and renovated into a hotel offering historical significance and a touch of style and elegance. Texas has a climate that is well-suited for many crops, including vegetables and citrus fruits. After a scenic drive through the Texas countryside, we arrive in San Juan, TX, for a self-guided tour of the Gelman Stained Glass Museum, known for being the largest and most comprehensive stained-glass exhibit and collection in the United States. The goal of the museum is to provide a unique transcendental experience where the stained glass is illuminated by an LED replication of sunlight. After an interesting and informative day, we return to our hotel for a free evening in McAllen. (B) (L)

You’ll start the day fascinated by the rich history of Quinta Mazatlán, a 1930s Spanish Hacienda surrounded by tropical gardens, native plants, and wild forests. This urban sanctuary features over 250 species of birds and other wildlife. After wandering the trails, we travel to see the Los Ebanos Ferry—the only remaining hand-drawn ferry across the Rio Grande River. Our included lunch is at the Riverside Club Bar & Grill, which is nestled on the banks of the scenic Rio Grande River. After lunch, you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Rio Grande River aboard the Riverside Dreamer, a custom-built pontoon boat. As we make our way back to the hotel, we’ll take a few minutes for a picture stop at the historic La Lomita Mission, an adobe chapel that was constructed in 1865 by Oblate Priests. This historic chapel served as a refuge for the weary, the sick, and those in spiritual need. It was restored in 1936 and is a replica of its earlier restoration in 1899. Our next stop is at the Obst Family Farm, a quaint agricultural business that grows berries, citrus fruits, melons, a variety of vegetables, and more. We’ll learn about farming in Texas, and you’ll get a chance to purchase some fresh fruits and vegetables! After a full day of touring, you’ll enjoy socializing at the hotel “Kick Back.” We’ll probably meet quite a few folks from Minnesota. (B) (L)

We bid farewell to the Rio Grande Valley as we travel north to the colorful city of San Antonio! Noon lunch will be on your own at the River Center. In 1718, Spanish Settlers made the San Antonio River their home, naming it “Refreshing Waters.” Little did they know that 300 years later, visitors would be flocking to this enchanting city. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing, narrated cruise while learning about the city’s past, present, and future on a San Antonio River Cruise. We’ll meander along the river viewing some of the River Walk’s most charming features, including quaint cobblestone paths, arched bridges, breathtaking waterfalls, and sidewalk cafes all dressed up with colorful umbrellas. Our Drury Inn hotel is also located on the River Walk and will be our home for a two-night stay. We check into our hotel, then it’s off to the rodeo. Established in 1949, it has grown to be one of the largest and most prestigious events in San Antonio. There will be time to explore the grounds and grab a bite to eat before taking our seats at the arena. (B)

San Antonio is a top tourist destination and an amazing city with rich history and old-world charm. While in San Antonio, we visit and shop at the SAS Shoe Factory General Store. San Antonio is also a Mission City to devout Mexicans and has four missions along the Mission Trail. We’ll visit and tour the Queen of the Missions—the San Jose Mission. An included lunch will be at the top of the 750-foot Tower of America’s while you enjoy a spectacular view of the city. After lunch, we’ll see the film, “Battle of the Alamo” at the IMAX Theater. The Alamo is the site of one of the most notorious battles in history. There will be free time for you to explore and enjoy this beautiful city for the remainder of the day. (B) (L)

This morning, our coach takes us north to Fredericksburg, founded by German settlers in 1846, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Our time in Fredericksburg will begin along Main Street at the National Museum of the Pacific War. While here, you will experience a comprehensive history of World War II in the Pacific and East Asia. You will experience large-screen, multi-media presentations and major artifacts from both sides of the war, including the George H. W. Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, the Pacific Combat Zone, a Memorial Walkway, and Japanese Garden of Peace. After an included lunch, we travel to the LBJ Ranch & National Park, where you’ll hear the story of our 36th president and a unique perspective into the life of one of America’s most noteworthy citizens. By late afternoon, we travel to Austin to our accommodations at the Drury Inn. (B) (L)

On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. This morning, we travel to Dallas to spend time at the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. An audio tour takes you through the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository. The displays are emotionally moving, bringing your mind back to the day that JFK was assassinated. There will be time to visit the gift shop before we depart for an included lunch. Our accommodations will be in Tulsa, OK, tonight. (B) (L)

We’ll enjoy a variety of beautiful landscapes on our travels through Oklahoma and Missouri. After an included lunch, we stop to visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City. Imagine finding this boat sunk in the mud with a load of treasures! It was like finding a time capsule. Tonight, our accommodations are at the Drury Inn in St. Joseph, Missouri. (B) (L)

During our last day on the road, time passes quickly as we compare memory-making moments. Before you know it, we are back in Kerkhoven and the Rustad Tours location. Your favorite souvenir will be memories of your vacation and the new friendships you have formed. (B)