
March 15-19, 2009
Marriott Rivercenter
San Antonio, TX














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Tours & Guest Events

Tours are nonrefundable.
All tours depart from the Main Lobby of the Marriott Rivercenter.
| Sunday, March 15 |
San Antonio River Safari & Walking Tour $88 10:00 AM-2:00 PM On this pseudo-safari you will cruise the San Antonio River on one of the river barges guided by a knowledgeable captain who will explain the history, architecture, and lore of this very charming metropolis. The culture and charm of the river will carry you through the excitement and beauty of this unexpected treat in the heart of the city.
Next, take a tour of the Buckhorn Museum that features a massive collection of over 3,500 specimens of horned game animal trophies from all over the world. Other attractions here include the Hall of Fins with more than 70 mounted specimens, the Hall of Feathers, and the Texas Hall of History Wax Museum.
Following the museum tour, guests will walk to the IMAX Theater for the movie "The Price of Freedom" before moving on to the first mission in San Antonio and Texas shrine, The Alamo, one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1718 and 1731. For lunch, you will visit the historic and haunted Menger Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt gathered his "Rough Riders" in the famous bar before riding to victory in the Spanish-American War.
| | Sunday, March 15 |
"This is San Antonio" Tour $69 11:00 AM-3:00 PM You will begin your day with a cruise down the San Antonio River, where a knowledgeable captain will explain the history and lore of San Antonio and point out the great architecture of the city. Next, have lunch at Rio Rio Cantina, where you will enjoy authentic Mexican Cuisine that will surely please your taste buds.
Following lunch, you will board deluxe transportation and pass by HemisFair Park, site of the 1968 World's Fair, and pause to view the beautiful use of rock and water in the architectural wonder world of water at the base of the Tower of the Americas. Next, walk across the park to the Institute of Texan Cultures that houses dioramas, exhibits of artifacts, and historic photographs of each culture found in Texas. Continuing on you will pass by the Spanish Governor's Palace, the El Mercado, The Houston St. theater district and the Municipal Auditorium to finally arrive at the Alamo. Originally called the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo played a pivotal role in Texas History. Lastly, visit the historic Menger Hotel, where bullet holes from the Spanish-American War can still be seen today.
| | Monday, March 16 |
Missions and Margaritas Tour $97 9:00 AM-2:00 PM You will start the day traveling down the "Mission Trail" stopping first at Mission Concepción, most well known for as one of the oldest unrestored stone churches in the nation. Next, you'll visit Mission San José. Termed the Queen of the Missions, this elegant structure echoes with reminders of an earlier time, when Texas was a frontier and the mission was a haven in an unsettled land.
Continuing on Mission Trail, you will pass Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. With the distinctive silhouette of the bell tower, San Juan Capistrano makes a striking photo. Next to Mission Espada lies the Espada Aqueduct, the timeless irrigation system constructed by the missionaries in the 1730s that is still in use today.
Then it's on to a favorite local restaurant, Aldaco's, for a relaxing hour of Margarita's and a cooking demonstration with lunch.
| | Monday, March 16 |
La Canterra Shopping $25 9:30 AM-2:30 PM The Shops at La Cantera consist of 1.3 million square feet of open-air world-class retail and dining in the Texas hill country. This luxurious marketplace features a large variety of contemporary, high-quality retail options such as Burberry, LaCoste, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren and many more. On this tour you can experience some of the finest shopping in Texas set to a tranquil and soothing outdoor backdrop. Lunch is available at your leisure. La Cantera is located approximately 20 minutes from the Marriott Rivercenter. Visit www.shoplacantera.com.
| | Tuesday, March 17 |
Texas Hill Country & Wine Tasting $95 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Begin the day with a 40-minute drive to Gruene, TX. A quaint cotton gin town nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this town is filled with antique shops, a winery, and even the world-famous "Gruene Hall," the Oldest Honky-Tonk in the state of Texas. For lunch, guests will dine at the Grist-Mill restaurant, featuring its beautiful view of the Guadalupe River. This building is over 100 years old and at one time was the actual Cotton Gin.
After an adventurous afternoon it is off to Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, known for its rich alluvial soil laced with limestone and flattened shale chips. This land provides ideal growing conditions for grapes. Dry Comal Creek is a relatively new venture, but its wines have achieved awards and recognition for their outstanding quality. The picturesque setting with lovely limestone structures is a beautiful setting to enjoy a few tastings and learn about the vineyards from the owner, who is also an expert of Texas wines.
| | Tuesday, March 17 |
Festival of Flowers & Fauna Tour $99 10:00 AM-2:00 PM The first stop of the day is the San Antonio Botanical Center and Carriage House. Set on 33 acres, this spectacular complex features plants from all regions of the state. Complementing the formal garden are an herb collection, a children's garden, and an area designed specifically for the blind. The 90,000-square-feet Lucille Halsell Conservatory is an architectural wonder. Following the tour, lunch will be served at the Carriage House.
Next, stop at the McNay Art Museum grounds, where you will sample art and nature in harmony. Once the home of oil heiress Marion Koogle McNay, this Spanish-style home has been converted into the first privately-endowed art museum in Texas and displays European and American Art. The grounds are meticulously kept and are artistically tempered with sculptures and landscaping.
| | Wednesday, March 18 |
Fredericksburg Tour $90 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Start the day with a drive to Fredericksburg, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Here you will tour the small town of Fredericksburg where buildings are made of native stone and timber. Next, travel west from the center of the town down Main Street and past the cross streets Crocket, Orange, Milam, Edison, Bowie, Acorn, Cherry and Kay; the first letter of each word combined spells "COME BACK". Current residents today still carry on the quest to show everyone that this town truly is a great place and is the heart of the hill country. Also included on this tour is a trip to the Nimitz Museum, the National Museum of the Pacific War, and Wildseed Farms, where you can walk trails, visit the butterfly exhibit, or explore the 200 acres of wildflowers on your own! Lunch is available at your leisure.
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