AAA Arizona - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Themed & Special Events, Escorted Vacations, Food & Wine

Package details include:

See San Antonio at its most festive as the city commemorates the heroes of the Alamo and the battle of San Jacinto. The 2009 Fiesta promises some exciting new events as well as dazzling parade floats and "A Night in old San Antonio," a celebration of the city's cultural diversity that re-creates the sights, sounds and tastes brought to San Antonio by its earliest settlers.

The city literally lights up during this yearly celebration as theme barges and illuminated musical floats sail down the San Antonio River, both day and night, in The Texas Cavalier River Parade, the largest night river parade in the world.

And just as in 1891 when ladies in a parade of horse-drawn carriages tossed flower petals at each other in mock battle, flowers remain a vivid part of Fiesta San Antonio. You’ll witness the re-creation of that early performance as you get caught in a delicate crossfire of color and fragrance. The only parade in the United States produced entirely by women, this event stays true to its original intent: to remember the Alamo.

Price includes:

• 5 nights accommodations at the Menger Hotel
• Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
• City sightseeing with guide and private motor coach transportation
• Attendance at the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, "Night in Old San Antonio," and Battle of Flowers Parade
• Admission to the Spanish Governor's Palace
• Lunch at Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum
• Tour of Knibbe Ranch, including BBQ lunch and cowboy entertainment
• River cruise
• Visits to: The Alamo, Fredericksburg, and LBJ Ranch

Limitations and Restrictions *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Due to the event's "festive" environment, this tour is not recommended for children. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance.

Day 1 - Arrive in San Antonio
Meet your escort at the historic Menger Hotel for a reception. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the cobblestone walkways, lush green foliage, restaurants, and shops of the River Walk. After a Welcome Dinner, where you can get to know your fellow travelers, enjoy reserved seats for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, a procession of illuminated musical floats gliding down the river. As the most unique parade in the United States, it is one of the premier events each year during Fiesta San Antonio. The Texas Cavaliers is an organization of business, civic and community leaders founded to preserve and promote the ideals for which the heroes of the Alamo died, and to promote horsemanship.
Accommodation: Menger Hotel - 5 nights

Day 2 - A Night in Old San Antonio
Join your escort and guide for a sightseeing tour of the Alamo and the city, then head to the Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum for lunch. Next, visit the Spanish Governor's Palace, a national historic landmark and labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society. See San Fernando Cathedral, which dates back to 1731, and go shopping at the Mexican market. Tonight, join the fun at "A Night In Old San Antonio," presented by the San Antonio Conservation Society. Here you are free to explore and have dinner on your own, choosing from a wide variety of local delicacies.

Day 3 - Visit Hill Country, Fredericksburg & LBJ's Ranch
In Fredericksburg, a German town in the Texas Hill Country, you will have free time to explore Main Street and its wonderful shops and restaurants. From there, travel to Wildseed Farms, the country's largest working wildflower farm, and tour Lyndon B. Johnson's Texas ranch, still a working cattle ranch, preserved to look as it did in the late 1960s.

Day 4 - Tour Knibbe Ranch
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to The Knibbe Ranch for a late morning Ranch tour, a hay wagon ride to a prehistoric Indian Dig Site, and a drive through their F1 Tiger-stripes, a specialized breed of cattle. At the Knibbe Ranch you are hosted by your San Antonio guide, whose family actually owns this historical six generation, historic Hill Country ranch. You'll enjoy a BBQ lunch and cowboy entertainment. Tonight you are free to roam the area on your own to rediscover some of the things which have caught your eye.

Day 5 - Battle of the Flowers Parade
After breakfast at the hotel we enjoy the Battle of the Flowers parade. The oldest event and largest parade of Fiesta San Antonio, the Battle of Flowers Parade attracts crowds of more than 350,000. It is the only parade in the United States produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers. These ladies, dressed on Parade day in yellow and wearing yellow hats, direct operations with the valued assistance of the Texas Army National Guard. In keeping with the parade's original purpose, honoring the heroes of the Alamo, participants place a floral tribute on the lawn as they pass in front of the historic shrine. After a free afternoon, board a barge and travel to a restaurant on the River Walk for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 6 - Depart San Antonio
After breakfast, return to the airport for your trip home.