This was a short trip to San Antonio.  I think I was in San Antonio on business once during my Control Data years, but the only touring would probably have been “which restaurant on River Walk do we want to walk to tonight”.

The itinerary below is copied from one of the Collette documents, with my editing in [brackets].  Since Sunday and Thursday were simply travel days, with a “welcome reception” on Sunday, I’ve chosen to show only the days where we actually toured and where I took photos.

The photos on each page are geotagged, so if you care you can see where each was taken, usually to within a few meters.  I haven’t edited them except to add GPS data.  The photos have been size-reduced for the web, but I’d be happy to send you full-size individual photos, or a DVD with all of the photos.  I’ve also added a map showing where each day’s photos were taken.

Click on the “photos” links below to see the photos for each day.  Or, you can navigate using the menu at the top of each page.

Day 1 - photos

This morning the choice is yours: visit the South Texas Heritage Center, an interactive museum dedicated to sharing the stories of San Antonio’s people and the land that has shaped their lives. Or, explore the 33-acre grounds of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens featuring expansive rose gardens, a conservatory with tropical vegetation, and the Texas Native Trail showcasing ecosystems from the diverse regions of the state. Next, browse for one-of-a- kind goods at El Mercado, the Mexican Marketplace, and help yourself to a bite to eat. This afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of San Antonio with a local guide. History and culture abound with a visit to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the Mission San Jose, the second mission established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus in 1720. Then it’s on to visit one of America’s most historic sites, the Alamo, which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds – a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. This evening, enjoy the local flavors of barbeque during dinner at a ranch. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. [I chose the Botanical Garden option in the morning.]

Day 2 - photos

Journey to the heart of the rural Hill Country and the German settlement of Fredericksburg. The holiday season is a fabulous time to visit with its seasonal festivities and decorations flavored by German heritage. Then, continue on to Stonewall to visit to the LBJ Ranch, birthplace of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. On your tour of the ranch you will view the grounds of the “Texas White House” and learn about living in the Texas Hill Country. Afterwards, return to the city and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk. Today breakfast will be included. [The Texas White House itself was closed for interior repairs, but we saw the classic cars, “Air Force One-Half”, some wildlife, etc.]

Day 3 - photos

Take the morning to relax before you head out to visit a picturesque olive orchard. Enjoy a tour of the orchard complete with a wine and olive oil tasting and learn about its history before indulging in a spectacular Texas-inspired farewell lunch. This evening, you’ll be surrounded by holiday cheer during a riverboat ride on the Paseo del Rio. Relax as the narrated cruise takes you along the San Antonio River Walk. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.