Grand Tour of San Antonio
9am to 5pm - Adults: $49

The Full-Day Tour Goes To: The Alamo, IMAX Theatre, Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Japanese Sunken Gardens, Market Square, Riverboat ride

The Alamo
The most famous spot in Texas, where David Crockett, Colonel William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie and 186 others died fighting for independence on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks from Mexican General Santa Anna. Originally established in 1718 as San Antonio's first mission, The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. Step inside The Alamo and see where brave defenders fought and died. Walk through the Long Barracks Museum, home to exhibits that tell the story of Texas, its settlement, Revolution, and later efforts to save The Alamo from disuse and disrepair. Visit the Gift Museum to see more Alamo artifacts and to purchase souvenirs.

The San Antonio IMAX Rivercenter
The giant IMAX screen, along with state-of-the-art sound, take you to 1836 and put you in the center of the battle in the award-winning recreation of the siege and fall of The Alamo in "ALAMO...The Price of Freedom©." Relive history's unforgettable 13 days of glory, as you stand beside Colonel William Barrett Travis, James Bowie, David Crockett and 186 other Texian and Tejano defenders fighting for Texas Independence against the much larger force of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his Mexican army.

Riverboat Ride 
Take a relaxing cruise down the beautiful Paseo del Rio, shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental foliage. One level below the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the riverboats take you on a three-mile tour of lush green foliage, unique retail shops and restaurants.

Market Square/El Mercado
The historic Market Square is a unique and exciting experience. From the famous 24-hour restaurant and bakery, Mi Tierra, to an outstanding art gallery and century-old pharmacy, this is a great place to shop for extraordinary gifts and souvenirs or just to relax and enjoy a little "people watching." Visitors can browse the 32 shops at "El Mercado," a replica of an authentic Mexican market, as well as the 80 specialty shops in Farmers' Market Plaza.

Mission San José
Founded in 1720, San José became the largest of the Texas missions with up to 300 inhabitants at one time. The mission is now fully restored and boasts several unique features, including exquisite carvings on the church and the famous "Rose Window," considered to be one of the finest pieces of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the country.

Japanese Sunken Gardens
This beautiful and unique old stone quarry features winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools among lush gardens. Also enjoy a drive through beautiful Brackenridge Park and by the world-renowned San Antonio Zoo.

Mission Concepción
Visit Mission Concepción and be transported back in time to the era of Spanish conquest, and experience the strength of the Friars who Christianized the Native Americans. Originally founded in East Texas in 1716 to ward off French influence from Louisiana, the mission was moved to the San Antonio area in 1731. Learn how the Spanish developed the mission system within the San Antonio area and how they and Native Americans lived and worked in the mission era. View the original frescoes still visible within the rooms of the mission. Mission Concepción is the oldest unrestored stone church in America today, and it is still an active parish, as are all of the missions, except The Alamo.

During your tour, you will be driven by these points of interest:
1. San Fernando Cathedral--Founded in 1731, this is among the oldest Catholic parish churches in the Southwest.

2. La Villita--San Antonio's oldest surviving neighborhood, dating from the 1750's, is now alive with artists and craftsmen, shops and restaurants.

3. Tower of the Americas--At 750 ft. tall, the Tower offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding areas. It is one of San Antonio's most visible landmarks.

4. HemisFair Park--Site of the 1968 World's Fair, the area features greenscapes, historic buildings, a dramatic water display and playground.

5. Institute of Texan Cultures--Opened in 1968 as part of HemisFair, the Institute features exhibits on 27 ethnic and cultural groups that settled the state.

Prices and itineraries subject to change without notice.
Restrictions may apply.

©2005 San Antonio City Tours