San Antonio offers a blend of charm, vibrancy, and color, and guests enjoy the unique culture. The city explodes with arts and culture, history, and fun.San Antonio is home to the Alamo—the most famous spot in Texas, where David Crockett, Colonel William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie and 186 others died fighting for Texas independence on March 6, 1836. This historical landmark is located in the heart of San Antonio inside beautifully landscaped grounds. While visiting the Alamo, guests also have the opportunity to look inside the beautiful Menger Hotel. This hotel’s guest list has included personalities such as Theodore Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Robert E. Lee, and Ulysses S. Grant, just to name a few. Although much of the architecture, history, appointments, and artifacts found at the Menger Hotel certainly qualify as museum-quality, it remains a public hotel—as it has been since 23 years after the fall of the Alamo.The tour continues with a visit to historic Market Square—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 to just relax and enjoy a little “people watching.” Guests have the opportunity to browse the many shops at “El Mercado”, patterned after an authentic Mexican market, as well as the specialty shops in Market Plaza. To entertain and inform guests, a tour guide gives a commentary about Texas history, geography, and culture during the 1½ hour drive to San Antonio.More informationwww.visitsanantonio.com.Itinerary:
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8:00 AM Depart Hilton Austin Hotel
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9:00 AM Arrive Oma’s Haus Restaurant in New Braunfels (bakery and gift shop purchases on own—bathroom break)
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9:30 AM Depart Oma’s Haus Restaurant
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10:00 AM Arrive San Antonio / The Alamo / Menger Hotel / River Walk
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12:00 PM Depart The Alamo / Menger Hotel / River Walk (some guests may choose to stay at the River Walk for lunch on their own)
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12:15 PM Arrive Market Square / Lunch on Own / Shopping
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2:45 PM Depart Market Square
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3:00 PM Guest pick-up at River Walk / Depart San Antonio
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5:00 PM Return to Hilton Austin Hotel
NOTE: This Tour starts before the symposium actually begins and is available for purchase by all symposium attendees through your pre-registration form. This Tour will return to the hotel before the symposium registration desk closes on Sunday.
