Southern Comfort: A Road Trip from Austin to San Antonio
Set off in style from the state capital to the center of Tex-Mex culture on this history-rich route, which takes in fables, food tours and a fine-dining hotel.
A road trip through America’s Lone Star State is the stuff of windshield-widening magic. Set your GPS from Austin to San Antonio, for example, and in just an hour’s drive south you’ll uncover a whole different world of mission churches, romantic river strolls and first-rate food.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
“Austin is a wonderful place to see the newest buds of Texas,” says Miranda Gill, a San Antonio-based interior designer and the local creative behind New In House collages. “But while most of Austin’s skyline is less than 30 years old, San Antonio’s is over 300. It is the place for Mexican food, culture and history in Texas – in fact, San Antonio is the specific place where cilantro (coriander) was introduced into Mexican cuisine.”
The city’s River Walk and Spanish mission, the Alamo, are the most visited tourist destinations in the state, and their beauty is a major source of San Antonian pride. “Be sure to visit El Mercado – the downtown Market Square – and check the calendar to see if it coincides with one of the regular fiestas or charreadas (rodeos),” advises Gill.
Ready for a road trip? We’ve lassoed the best expert-led tours in San Antonio to help you uncover Alamo City’s sights, stories and scandals and saddled you up in a ravishing riverside hotel, all bookable right here on Culture Trip.
Where To Stay: The Hotel…
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Resort, Hotel
What To Do: The Experiences…
San Antonio Walking Food Tour: Downtown Delicacies
Tours
The five flavor-filled stops on this walking tour of downtown San Antonio will give you a taste of the city’s kaleidoscopic cultural influences – you’ll try Creole, Cuban and traditional Tex-Mex dishes, as well as sample the vintages at an award-winning wine bar. The afternoon will be peppered with stops at local landmarks, too, so you’ll leave full of knowledge about the city’s rich history and, after five delicious mini-meals, be ready for a well-earned cat nap, too.
San Antonio Drunk History Tour
Tours
This tour starts at the Alamo, the site of Texas’s violent revolutionary battle, before moving on to two historic bars. At the Menger Hotel bar, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his ragtag posse, the Rough Riders, you’ll learn how the story of this mahogany-hued room is inextricably linked to the history of the state itself (and see the bullet holes to prove it). Expect lively Lone Star stories and very generous pours – bottoms up.
The Ghosts of Old San Antonio
Tours
Haunted histories, spook-tacular sights and the specter of some gruesome ghosts await you on this after-dark walking tour of downtown San Antonio (that’s suitable for the whole family). You’ll hear about the heroic feats of American folk hero, Davy Crockett, and his men at the Alamo, and wonder whether spirits still lurk in Texas’s oldest church, the San Fernando Cathedral.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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