Arrive in San Antonio, TX and check into your Riverwalk hotel for a three night stay.  The Riverwalk shines bright as thousands of colorful lights are displayed along the banks and in the tall Cypress trees.  Dinner is on your own this evening.

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a San Antonio City tour to include San Fernando Cathedral, walking tour of King William Historic District and a driving tour of the city.  You then have time at El Mercado for lunch and shopping on your own.

This afternoon enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Walk and afterwards you will have free time at the River Walk.  This evening, enjoy delicious Tex-Mex Cuisine.  Strolling Mariachis are common accompaniments and add that extra touch, providing the perfect festive atmosphere. Ole! (B, D)

This morning begins with a guided tour of the San Antonio Missions.  See what life was like in the 18th century, and how these important religious sites have earned their status in the world.  Next, visit the Institute of Texan Cultures.  Learn the stories of immigrants from around the globe who settled in Texas and contributed to what is today the 15th largest economy in the world.  This afternoon, you visit the Historic Alamo, the sight of the famous losing battle that helped secure Texas’ independence from Mexico.

Tonight’s dinner is in a classroom, complete with a cooking demonstration.  You will learn how to make the perfect Enchilada paired with the perfect margaritas.  This class includes cooking instruction where you learn to make Enchilada Verdes and Margaritas , you will sample both. End with fabulous tres leches cake, and a souvenir recipe card. (B,D)

Today, you travel to South Padre Island, 34 miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald waters.  South Padre Island is one of the world’s most exquisite barrier islands.  Before checking in to your hotel, stop by the Visitors Center for a warm welcome.  Check into your oceanfront resort for a three night stay.  Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening upon arrival. (B,D)

Following breakfast, the morning and afternoon is yours.  Spend time at the beach or visit the local attractions.  This evening, you enjoy a Sunset Dolphin Cruise.  South Texas is a year-round home to several large pods of dolphins.  Share the thrill of meeting bottle-nose and spinner dolphins in the wild and experience the unique bond and kinship they inspire in mankind.  After the cruise, dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B,D)

After breakfast this morning, you visit the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, the Rio Grande Valley’s premier destination for birdwatching.  Your naturalist will take you on an informative walk at the bayfront boardwalks with extra time to explore the nature center, a five story tower with spectacular views of Laguna Madre, beaches & dunes of South Padre Island, the Gulf of Mexico, & the South Padre Island Skyline.

Then visit the world renowned Sea Turtle Inc.  Founded in 1977 by Ila Loetscher, better known as “The Turtle Lady,” the organization has dedicated itself to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sea turtles.  Sea Turtle Inc. is instrumental in bringing back the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle from the brink of extinction.  Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B)

After breakfast, you depart for home. (B)