Departure Date: February 4 - 18, 2011

Join other sunseekers as we board our luxury motorcoach bound for the Texas Coast and Rio Grande Valley including 4 nights in semi-tropical McAllen and 3 nights in San Antonio

Tour Length: 15 days         

Itinerary:

DAY 1:  The Rio Grande Valley has grown in popularity as a vacation hot-spot, especially for Midwesterners seeking relief from winter chills.  Join other sunseekers as we board our luxury motorcoach bound for the Texas Coast and Rio Grande Valley.  Overnight - Overland Park, KS

DAY 2:  Today we travel through a portion of the states of Kansas and Oklahoma. Oklahoma is known for its oil fields, livestock and farmland.  This evening we arrive in the state of Texas.  Overnight - McKinney, TX  (B)

DAY 3:  At Southfork Ranch we tour what was the Ewing Mansion on the hit TV series, Dallas.  Later we visit the Sixth Floor Museum, an educational exhibit and memorial to the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.  At the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial, we are reminded of that tragic day in history when our 35^th President was assassinated.  Overnight - Huntsville, TX  (B)

DAY 4: Arriving in the Houston vicinity this morning, we  stop at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site where Texas won its independence from Mexico. Space helmets wonít be needed, but we can try one on at Space Center Houston. Exhibits include a shuttle mock-up, a moon rock display, computer simulators and live demonstrations.  An included Tram Tour will guide us behind the scenes at the Johnson Space Center.  Overnight - Sugarland, TX   (B)

DAY 5:  In Corpus Christi we find the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. Our visit to this aircraft carrier, reportedly sunk four times during World War II, includes a self-guided tour of the entire ship and a movie in the Mega Theater.  Next, we head to the Texas State Aquarium, where we will be introduced to hundreds of species of aquatic plants and animals. Overnight - Corpus Christi, TX  (B)

DAY 6:  No tour to Texas would be complete without seeing a working ranch, and we will do just that at King Ranch.  While here, weíll also enjoy an included Lunch.  Our next stop will be at the Iwo Jima War Memorial.  This afternoon we arrive in McAllen, which we will call home for the next four nights.  Our accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool, complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary hot food and cold beverages each evening, free local calls, in-room movies, dry-cleaning and valet service, adjacent restaurant, and a nearby shopping mall.  There ís a world of things to see and do in McAllen, and the people are as warm as the climate, which averages 74 degrees.  Overnight - McAllen, TX (B) (L)

DAY 7:  Our first stop is at Capilla De La Lomita, the mission for which the city of Mission is named. Then we will ride on the Los Ebanos Ferry, a hand-drawn ferry between the US and Mexico.  In the Museum of South Texas History we will see everything from the 1910 jail and hangman’s tower to early ranching and farming techniques used in the Valley.  A Packing Shed visit shows us vegetables and greens arriving fresh from the fields and being boxed for shipment.  Overnight - McAllen, TX (B)

DAY 8: This morning we travel to South Padre Island.  We meet some of the current residents and learn about the endangered Ridler sea turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc.  On our Sea Life Safari Dolphin Watch Eco Tour,  we enjoy spotting not only dolphins but other birds and wildlife native to the area.  A net dragged behind the boat will be brought on board to show us the fish, crabs, stingrays and assorted marine life that we wouldn’t otherwise see.  After an included Lunch,  We will have time to walk the beach before returning to McAllen. Overnight - McAllen, TX  (B) (L)

DAY 9:  Today we can test our bargaining skills as we shop in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico (Passport Required).  A brief stop at a local Flea Market gives us a chance to purchase Valley produce.  At tonight’s Mariachi Mass at Virgin De San Juan Del Valle Shrine, we hear the wonderful music that features violins, trumpets and guitars.  Overnight - McAllen, TX (B)

DAY 10:  With our bags packed, we travel to San Antonio.  Our San Antonio River Cruise winds us through the heart of this charming city.  At the Alamo, we will be at the shrine of Texas independence. Overnight - San Antonio, TX  (B)

DAY 11: Our day gets started with a fascinating San Antonio Guided City Tour that will include Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo and the Spanish Govenor's Palace .  This afternoon we will visit the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon and shop at the Mexican Market, El Mercado.  Overnight - San Antonio, TX  (B)

DAY 12: After watching SAS shoes made on our San Antonio Shoes Factory Tour, we may want to buy a pair in the General Store.  We get a bird's eye view of San Antonio from the top of the Tower of the Americas' observation deck and fly over the entire state of Texas on the 4-D "Skies Over Texas" Theater Ride.  This afternoon is free to explore more of San Antonio on our own.  Overnight - San Antonio, TX  (B)

DAY 13:  This morning at Johnson City we visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch. Included will be a drive through the ranch, a visit to the reconstructed farmhouse where LBJ was born and the Johnson family cemetery. Overnight - Ft. Worth, TX (B)

DAY 14: Leaving Texas behind, we travel to Oklahoma City. We pay our respects to the people who lost their lives in the Federal Building bombing in April, 1995, with a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Overnight - Emporia, KS (B)

DAY 15:  With entertainment, historic places, attractions, natural beauty, fun activities and relaxation, this tour leaves us with marvelous memories and a new perspective on life back home.(B)