Welcome to Texas! Depending on your time of arrival, set out for some dinner and fun, Texas style, at one of the many establishments found in the Stockyards. Try the internationally renowned Cattlemen’s Steak House for a big juicy steak cooked to your specifications.

Holiday Inn Fort Worth North-Fossil Creek Hotel or similar

Your tour of Texas begins in Fort Worth, the ‘City of Cowboys and Culture’. Celebrate the American West when you visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, it’s 125-acres and 15 square blocks of western tradition. Shop for authentic cowboy gear & dance the night away at Billy Bob’s Texas, the largest Honky Tonk in the World or visit the White Elephant Saloon. Championship rodeos are available on Friday and Saturday nights at Cowtown Coliseum.

Holiday Inn Fort Worth North-Fossil Creek Hotel or similar

Next up, it’s Austin, the capital of the Lone Star State and the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. Austin has nearly 200 live music venues that welcome visitors to experience a vibrant nightlife. Many of the music venues are conveniently located in the downtown area near attractions and restaurants. Tour the Texas Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or boutiques along South Congress Avenue. Those who love the outdoors will be delighted by the city’s extensive network of greenbelts, parks, natural preserves and Barton Springs, a naturally spring-fed swimming hole.

Fort Worth > Austin | 190 miles

Red Roof Inn Austin or similar

Drive out of Austin in a south-west direction toward the enchanting city of San Antonio. Spend some time at the city’s River Walk, an area millions of people visit to enjoy this unusual urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio River. The best way to experience this area is by a guided River or sunset cruise. In the evening, marvel at the panoramic views of San Antonio from 750 feet on top of the Tower of the Americas, built for the 1968 World’s Fair, a glass elevator will take you up to the Flags Over Texas observatory, with heart-stopping views all the way.

Austin > San Antonio | 92 miles

Holiday Inn Riverwalk or similar

Today is yours to explore this great city. Visit the heart of downtown San Antonio to find the Alamo and embark on Mission Trail to explore the four other Spanish colonial missions set amidst the native grasslands along the San Antonio River. When your appetite returns, venture to Market Square, the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande to find family owned cafés and colourful food booths. Indulge in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with selections like Enchiladas Rancheras de Queso and Gorditas de Picadillo o Pollo.

Holiday Inn Riverwalk or similar

Continue travelling west to Del Rio, a classic West Texas town plucked straight from the imagination. Look out for Lake Amistad, it offers plenty of outdoor fun, with scuba diving, swimming, skiing and fishing. Bird watching is a major attraction for this area, and at the state’s oldest winery, Val Verde, you can enjoy a free tour and wine tasting.

San Antonio > Del Rio | 190 miles

Best Western Inn of Del Rio or similar

Leaving Del Rio, make your way through The Big Bend region to arrive at the magnificent Big Bend National Park. This wildly beautiful natural region is home to mountains and vast scenic desert expanses. The area’s towns of Alpine, Fort Davis, and Marfa offer historic and natural sites to explore and for outdoor adventure lovers, over one million acres of public land perfect for hiking, camping, river running, horseback riding, mountain biking, jeep touring and an abundance of sightseeing opportunities await. The regions eclectic communities, historic ranches, and ghost towns offer a complex and fascinating history to explore.

Del Rio > Big Bend National Park | 220 miles

Chisos Mountain Lodge or similar

Spend a marvellous day in Big Bend National Park. Sometimes considered ‘three parks in one,’ Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour’s drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude.

Chisos Mountain Lodge or similar

Leaving the Big Bend area behind, drive towards Midland, with a stop in Historic Fort Stockton along the way. Midland is a city rich in history; don’t miss Jim Hall’s legendary race cars at the Chaparral Gallery or the World War II aviation nose art collection at the American Airpower Heritage Museum. Or, pay a visit to George W. Bush’s childhood home.

Big Bend National Park > Midland | 213 miles

Comfort Inn Midland or similar

Your next stop is Amarillo, gateway to Palo Duro Canyon. Explore the canyon’s incredible river carved spires and pinnacles on your own or via jeep excursions offered by the Elkins Ranch. Back in Amarillo you can explore true Western heritage at the Amarillo Livestock Auction (Tuesday only), American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and the Kwahadi –Kiva Indian Museum. Amarillo also offers a portion of fabled Route 66 and one-of-a-kind attractions such as the Big Texan Steakhouse and the Cadillac Ranch, where ten classic Cadillac’s are buried nose down in a field at the same angle as Cheops’ pyramids.

Midland > Amarillo | 239 miles

The Fifth Season Inn & Suites or similar

Leave the natural beauty of Amarillo and travel to the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. You will spend two nights at the Wildcatter Ranch for a ‘Hands-on Cowboy Experience’. Enjoy all the comforts of home with a special rustic Texas charm. Expect horseback riding and canoeing or enjoying the sunset from the back porch of your guest room. Whatever you decide to do here, one thing is for sure, the Wildcatter Ranch offers an authentic Texas experience like no other.

Amarillo > Graham | 276 miles

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort or similar

Morning activities at the Wildcatter include horse demonstrations, hay wagon rides, horse shoes, and lasso games; horseback riding also is available. A Dutch oven lunch at the Wildcatter will give diners a great cooking demonstration along with a good meal. In the afternoon, visit ‘America’s Largest Downtown Square’ in Graham, ideal for walking and shopping. You can also tour nearby Fort Belknap. Return to the Ranch for a chuck-wagon dinner followed by s’mores and relaxation. 

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort or similar

Depart Graham at your leisure and head to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for your flight home or travel onwards to your next destination.  

Graham > Airport | 105 miles