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Texas

The Holiday Season in San Antonio: Lighting Up the River Walk

Program No. 2227360MEADV-1116-60
Celebrate the holidays in San Antonio, where you’ll enjoy the festively lit Historic District, view the lights of the River Walk and revel in lectures and excursions to iconic sites.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 9 - Dec 14, 2024
Starting at
1,549
Filling Fast!
Dec 16 - Dec 21, 2024
Starting at
1,449
Dec 1 - Dec 6, 2025
Starting at
1,549
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2025
Starting at
1,649
Dec 15 - Dec 20, 2025
Starting at
1,549
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 9 - Dec 14, 2024
Starting at
2,039
Dec 16 - Dec 21, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Dec 1 - Dec 6, 2025
Starting at
1,979
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2025
Starting at
2,159
Dec 15 - Dec 20, 2025
Starting at
1,979
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

View the River Walk ablaze with millions of lights while journeying along the river. Through expert-led visits to San Antonio’s iconic historical sites such as the Alamo and The King William District and explorations of the vibrant and lively El Mercado and La Villita areas, you will welcome a greater perspective and understanding of this fascinating city in its most beautiful time of the year.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
For people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, to explore historic neighborhoods or trails. Standing in a museum for up to 2-3 hours. Ability to go up and down stairs each day.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy historic city sights and a historic neighborhood decorated for the holidays.
  • Experience the San Fernando Cathedral, built in 1731 as a center for city life.
  • Learn about the life of LBJ on a day-long field trip to the Texas Hill Country, admiring the sparkling holiday lights in small Texas towns along the way.

General Notes

Enjoy lights and luminarias along the river walk throughout the holiday season. On December dates, there will also be carolers on the river barges.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
KT Cockerell
KT Cockerell, a native Texan, loves to share colorful Texas history with visitors. She enjoys the adventure of discovery while leading groups and in her own personal travels as well. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and locally. KT has been involved with the travel industry for over 20 years. KT and her husband Alan enjoy living in the small rural town of Seguin, where they have raised their four daughters.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Mary Brennan
Mary Brennan View biography
Mary Brennan is dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas State University. She has exhaustively researched conservative politics in America and has penned a number of books related to the subject, including "Wives, Mothers, and the Red Menace" that evolved from her curiosity about Joe McCarthy’s wife, and "Pat Nixon: Embattled First Lady." Mary has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows, including CNN’s "The Sixties" and CSPAN's "First Ladies: Influence and Image."
Profile Image of KT Cockerell
KT Cockerell View biography
KT Cockerell, a native Texan, loves to share colorful Texas history with visitors. She enjoys the adventure of discovery while leading groups and in her own personal travels as well. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and locally. KT has been involved with the travel industry for over 20 years. KT and her husband Alan enjoy living in the small rural town of Seguin, where they have raised their four daughters.
Profile Image of Ken Erfurth
Ken Erfurth View biography
Ken Erfurth is a life-long resident of San Antonio whose interest in the region’s history, culture, and architecture began at an early age. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and is a registered architect. He has been conducting educational adventures in San Antonio for various groups for over 20 years. In recent years, Ken has used photography to document the unique visual aspects of his native city and surrounding area. His images have been exhibited and published in multiple forums.
Profile Image of Bruce Martin
Bruce Martin View biography
Bruce Martin is a native Texan who has lived in San Antonio for more than 30 years. A master naturalist, he leads informative and entertaining explorations throughout San Antonio’s downtown, historic districts, and natural areas as well as the nearby Texas Hill Country. A keen observer of the built environment, he shares his appreciation for San Antonio’s architectural details and public artwork. Bruce tries not to take himself too seriously. He and his wife Barbara live in a 1937 white stucco house.
Profile Image of Mary Muenster
Mary Muenster View biography
Mary Muenster is a native Texan who has lived in San Antonio since 1992. After working for Pan American World Airways as an International Flight Attendant, she moved to San Antonio to teach at one of the city’s top public high schools where she also served as the Social Studies Department Chair. Mary's passion for geography — physical and cultural — expanded beyond classroom walls and is what attracted her to settle down in the Alamo City. She has visited more than 50 countries on six continents.
Profile Image of Omar Valerio-Jimenez
Omar Valerio-Jimenez View biography
Omar Valerio-Jiménez is a professor of history and associate dean of graduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has presented his research in various documentaries, journal articles, and books. With the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Spencer Foundation, he is currently working on his next book project, 'Challenging Exclusion,' which explores educational reform and historic preservation efforts by Mexican American scholars and activists in New Mexico and Texas during the early 20th century.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
San Antonio, Texas
Program Concludes
San Antonio, Texas
Meals
10 | 5B | 2L | 3D |
Activity Level
View the River Walk ablaze with millions of lights while journeying along the river. Through expert-led visits to San Antonio’s iconic historical sites such as the Alamo and The King William District and explorations of the vibrant and lively El Mercado and La Villita areas, you will welcome a greater perspective and understanding of this fascinating city in its most beautiful time of the year.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy historic city sights and a historic neighborhood decorated for the holidays.
  • Experience the San Fernando Cathedral, built in 1731 as a center for city life.
  • Learn about the life of LBJ on a day-long field trip to the Texas Hill Country, admiring the sparkling holiday lights in small Texas towns along the way.
General Notes
Enjoy lights and luminarias along the river walk throughout the holiday season. On December dates, there will also be carolers on the river barges.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
KT Cockerell
KT Cockerell, a native Texan, loves to share colorful Texas history with visitors. She enjoys the adventure of discovery while leading groups and in her own personal travels as well. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and locally. KT has been involved with the travel industry for over 20 years. KT and her husband Alan enjoy living in the small rural town of Seguin, where they have raised their four daughters.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Mary Brennan
Mary Brennan
Mary Brennan is dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas State University. She has exhaustively researched conservative politics in America and has penned a number of books related to the subject, including "Wives, Mothers, and the Red Menace" that evolved from her curiosity about Joe McCarthy’s wife, and "Pat Nixon: Embattled First Lady." Mary has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows, including CNN’s "The Sixties" and CSPAN's "First Ladies: Influence and Image."
Profile Image of Bruce Martin
Bruce Martin
Bruce Martin is a native Texan who has lived in San Antonio for more than 30 years. A master naturalist, he leads informative and entertaining explorations throughout San Antonio’s downtown, historic districts, and natural areas as well as the nearby Texas Hill Country. A keen observer of the built environment, he shares his appreciation for San Antonio’s architectural details and public artwork. Bruce tries not to take himself too seriously. He and his wife Barbara live in a 1937 white stucco house.
Profile Image of Omar Valerio-Jimenez
Omar Valerio-Jimenez
Omar Valerio-Jiménez is a professor of history and associate dean of graduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has presented his research in various documentaries, journal articles, and books. With the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Spencer Foundation, he is currently working on his next book project, 'Challenging Exclusion,' which explores educational reform and historic preservation efforts by Mexican American scholars and activists in New Mexico and Texas during the early 20th century.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
For people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, to explore historic neighborhoods or trails. Standing in a museum for up to 2-3 hours. Ability to go up and down stairs each day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
10 meals | 5B | 2L | 3D |
3 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in our reserved meeting room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our Group Leader will also present an introduction of San Antonio, explaining how the River Walk was developed and offering a short explanation about how various cultures converged on the area to make it the unique place that it is today. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Each evening from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the hotel hosts a complimentary “kickback” reception on the second floor with food and drink. Everyone is invited.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a catered welcome dinner.
Evening:
The Group Leader will accompany those who would like to walk across the plaza adjacent to the hotel to San Fernando Cathedral for an outdoor light show by French artist Xavier De Richemont. This 24-minute show tells the story of San Antonio from its beginnings to present day. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up/down steps to reach the River Walk, walking up to 3 miles throughout the day over paved and uneven terrain; standing up to 2 hours at a time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning:
Our local expert will explore Texas history and culture from a Tejano perspective. Since Spanish Conquistadors first landed on this soil more than 500 years ago, there have been fascinating stories of conflicts and compromises, love affairs and bitter hatreds among our many peoples. We will explore the area's complex history together. Next, we’ll embark on a field trip by foot with a local expert to explore some of San Antonio’s most iconic sites. We’ll also learn about the development of the River Walk and its impact on the transformation of the area. We will visit the historic Menger hotel, across the plaza from the Alamo. The Menger, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, was established in 1859 and set the standard of luxury for its day. Historic events that took place here include Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders cavalry brigade recruitment. Our expert will take us inside for a peek at the elaborately appointed lobbies and the Menger bar, to see memorabilia from TR's time.
Lunch:
We’ll stop at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our walking exploration of historic San Antonio. The Spanish colonial mission we know as the Alamo was established in 1718, and moved to its current location in 1724. Its history is fascinating and complex. We'll hear the story of the Alamo, then visit the Shrine, view artifacts, and watch a short movie. Our local expert will take us to other sites of interest in the area. At San Fernando Cathedral we will step back in time to the 18th century Spanish colonial era. The cathedral was built from 1738-50 by settlers from the Canary Islands who had been granted land by Spain’s King Philip V. The cathedral is the oldest religious community in Texas and is still an active parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Santa Anna raised the red flag of “no quarter” from the church tower during the siege of the Alamo. One of the most interesting of the cathedral’s holdings is what purports to be the final resting place of Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. We will gain an appreciation for the efforts of the historical conservation society in preserving the city’s past while encouraging new development. From here, we will have some free time to explore the area independently or return to the hotel on foot along the river.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Step outside the hotel to the River Walk — the heart of the city — for a private, narrated barge ride on the San Antonio River. Situated 20 feet below street level and just steps from the famed Alamo, we’ll see how stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums with a blend of architecture that reflects the development of this centuries-old metropolis. The barge pilot will tell us about the history of the area and the structures we pass as we float along the river amid thousands of holiday lights that sparkle all along the way.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day; city streets and sidewalks, level terrain; walking up/down steps to reach the River Walk.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
In preparation for our field trip to the LBJ Ranch tomorrow, we’ll be joined by a university professor who is a specialist in late 20th century American history for a presentation on former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration. President Johnson’s vision for a more just and honorable country contributed to the passage of the most important civil rights legislation in the 20th century. We’ll hear how Texans celebrated this legacy on the 50th anniversary of this watershed legislation passed during the mid-1960s. We will then depart on foot for Historic Market Square, which is the largest Mexican Marketplace in the U.S. This three-block area consists of more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls. We’ll have some time to explore the market independently following lunch.
Lunch:
At a popular restaurant in Market Square, we'll enjoy a plated lunch.
Afternoon:
Free time. After lunch you may choose to explore Market Square or walk back to the hotel on your own. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to a mile, standing up to 2 hours at a time. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach at the hotel for a full day exploring Texas hill country. We will ride to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park that contains a visitor center, reconstructed boyhood home, cemetery, and the Johnson residence, known as the Texas White House. National Park Rangers will be on hand and tell us more about Lyndon, Lady Bird, and their Texas home. Please note: The White House and Hangar Visitor Center is currently under renovation and may not be visible. Next, we’ll ride into the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.
Lunch:
On your own in Fredericksburg.
Afternoon:
In Fredericksburg we'll have time for a self-directed exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. This small city founded by German settlers in 1846 is on the National Register of Historic Places. You may be interested in visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, located in the historic hotel run by the family of Admiral Chester Nimitz (reservations recommended), or you may wish to learn about the early history of the area at the Pioneer Museum Complex or the Vereins-Kirche (Society Church), the oldest public building in town. Our Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
On the drive back to San Antonio, we’ll stop for a barbecue dinner with live music and see the town square with holiday lights.
Evening:
After dinner we will return to San Antonio.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic). Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day, standing up to an hour at a time; city streets and sidewalks, level terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll set off on a field trip to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. We’ll explore some of the missions that make up the historic park and learn about early settlement and efforts of the Spanish to convert local people to the Roman Catholic Church and an agricultural lifestyle. We’ll see how the Spanish used “acequia” (irrigation systems) to develop self-sustaining agricultural communities along the San Antonio River. Next, we will ride to the historic Pearl district. This 23 acre property was the site of the original Pearl Brewing Company founded in 1883, and has been transformed over recent decades into a popular community and business hub. The site now includes a food hall, a brewery, a hotel, concert space, shops, a Culinary Institute of America campus, and residences. Our Group Leader will give us an introduction to the Pearl and then we'll have some time to explore on our own.
Lunch:
On your own at the Pearl.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll ride to the King William Historic District, where we’ll hear interesting stories of immigrants and others who were instrumental in the economic development of the city. We’ll see mansions and cottages of varied architectural styles built by successful families after the Civil War and walk along the San Antonio River and adjacent farm lands that were originally part of the Alamo complex in mission days.
Dinner:
We’ll walk a few blocks to a popular local restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
We will conclude our program with a visit to the Botanical Gardens where we will explore a holiday wonderland boasting over 1 million christmas lights. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
10 Meals
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
  • Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
  • Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
  • Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
5 nights
Location: San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
5 nights
Location: San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
5 nights
Location: San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
5 nights
Location: San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
5 nights
Location: San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
Participant Reviews
4.95
Based on 25 Reviews
Sort By:
Mariet – Class of 2010 | Brooklyn, NY
Excellent informative as well as entertaining
— Review left March 25, 2024
Melinda – Class of 2013 | La Porte, TX
I had always wanted to see the lights on the river, and glad I was able to attend this trip. I learned much about my home state during this tour. The lights on the river are certainly beautiful but I enjoyed the other offerings on this trip more so than the lights on the river walk!
— Review left December 26, 2023
David – Class of 2022 | Montrose, CO
This was an excellent introduction about San Antonio during the Christmas holidays. Lots to see and do. Very enjoyable.
— Review left December 24, 2023
Kenneth | Sheboygan, WI
San Antonia River Walk Tour is a Gem
— Review left December 14, 2023
Susan – Class of 1998 | Bedford, TX
Whether a first timer to San Antonio or a repeat participant to the general area, this covers a wide range of topics for the San Antonio/Hill Country area of Texas. I highly recomment it.
— Review left December 11, 2023
Phillip – Class of 2023 | Yoder, CO
I thought road scholar field trips were very informative and educational. VERY ENJOYABLE.
— Review left December 4, 2023
Eileen – Class of 2023 | Yoder, CO
If you have never been to the San Antonio area and would like to learn about how the Spanish settlers influenced the culture of the Southwest, then this is the trip for you! Plus, you will enjoy amazing food, the incredible River Walk, great accommodations, explore missions and the rich history to go with that - “Remember the Alamo!” and a ride to the Texas Hill Country where there may or may not be an incredible BBQ dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. Loved it!
— Review left December 4, 2023
Helen – Class of 2010 | Horse Shoe, NC
This is a super educational trip about San Antonia and the culture there. I highly recommend. I learned so much on this trip.
— Review left December 3, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Elizabeth – Class of 2022 | Glen Ellyn, IL
This was our first Road Scholar Program, and it did not disappoint. Our adult children, 31, 29, and 27 joined us. We all loved the trip. We had never been to Texas and did not know what to expect. We left with such a great appreciation for the roll Texan settlers played in the founding of our nation. Also, hats off to courageous Texans, both past and present, that shaped what we would consider modern America today. The discussions, historical sites, architecture, art, and food were all amazing. Everything was timed perfectly. Our host Linda Jo was knowledgeable, spunky, and full of Texas sparkle! We could have not wished for more.
— Review left February 12, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Nahid | Ladera Ranch, CA
Likes: both lectures about history of Texas and LBJ life were amazing and very informative. Road trip to LBJ ranch and town and Fredericksburg was very interesting. Linda our group leader was very good, she was always happy and made us laugh. Dislike: the hotel in San Antonio was not my favorite. Although the rooms were OK but the hotel was EXTREMELY crowded and noisy full of family with lots of kids. and they were playing VERY loud music 24 hours a day in all common areas. basically no peace or quite place you site and relax except to go to your room. Elevators were way slow sometimes up to 20 minutes to get one. We extended our stay 2 more nights on our own and a hotel cross street and found peace and quite and nice atmosphere.
— Review left January 5, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Jackie – Class of 2018 | Montrose, CO
Superior experience! Our Group Leader, Janie, was organized and efficient, and yet flexible enough to be really fun. The two speakers, Allen Hamilton and Mary Brennan, were OUTSTANDING, both of them. We learned so much about the history of Texas and about LBJ and his impact on Texas and the country at large. The Riverwalk is beautiful this time of year. The projected show on the cathedral was a gem. Our hotel was extremely nice with many amenities, and fantastic location for this tour. We all loved the BBQ dinner with live music and dancing. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone! My only suggestion would be that we did not have much time in the lovely town of Fredericksburg, only about 1 hour, and all the shops were closing by then. Our start time was later that day, and then we stopped with box lunches for lunch. Perhaps that schedule could be altered to allow for more time in Fredericksburg.
— Review left December 20, 2022
Don – Class of 2016 | Garland, TX
Very informative program. Totally changed my feelings toward LBJ. Instructors brought history alive. And the tour leader was the best we've had.
— Review left December 18, 2022
Jennifer – Class of 2012 | Hamden, CT
We could step from the Drury Hotel directly on to the River Walk, and were given enough free time to stroll it repeatedly. In fact, a big portion of San Antonio's major attractions are a short-to-moderate distance away, so bring broken-in shoes and prepare for some of the most enjoyable walks you've ever had.
— Review left December 17, 2022
Elizabeth – Class of 2017 | Mankato, MN
We had a GREAT time on this Christmas Lights tour to San Antonio. So much history there and excellent presenters.
— Review left December 3, 2022
Sarah – Class of 2014 | Rogers, AR
Great trip....check out the YouTube "movie" I created - 6 minutes: https://youtu.be/0w97Oxd5DQY Enjoy!
— Review left January 6, 2022
Terry – Class of 2015 | Fort Mill, SC
San Antonio ar Christmas is beautiful,; the weather is wonderful, and the people are friendly. Great time to visit the southwest.
— Review left December 27, 2021
Denna – Class of 2006 | Manassas, VA
We have done 20 trips with Road Scholar and this was definitely one of the best. The Christmas trip features the River Walk lit with tens of thousands of lights, really beautiful. The hotel was the nicest we have stayed at and the experiences were really interesting and varied. The two lecturers were outstanding and the group leader, Ginger, was a treasure. Everything went like clockwork. While we walked around in short sleeves in perfect 75 degree weather, many of the participants loved looking at their phone pictures of snow piling up at home and appreciating San Antonio even more! I highly recommend this one.
— Review left January 5, 2020
Beverly – Class of 2017 | Fort Worth, TX
This San Antonio Christmas Lights tour is a great holiday adventure of festive lights, information, and fun. This was my best Road Scholar tour to date.
— Review left December 28, 2019
Elizabeth – Class of 2018 | New Milford, NJ
Like all my other road scholar trips it was wonderful. I would love to see more guides follow Ginger’s lead and create ‘a day at a glance’ guide. It reduced each day to a list of times with a couple of key words. Instead of carrying around pages of 8 x 11 paper on a roughly 3 x 8 sheet that can be folded into name tag you can check out day’s itinerary. Another suggestion would be for the guides to have a supply of passports for sale. The shipping is more than the cost of the passport. I would love to have list of six and counting trips in one place. Thank you for all the wonderful adventures! Elizabeth (Betty) Costello Bettycostello915@gmail.com
— Review left December 27, 2019
Pat – Class of 2019 | Las Vegas, NV
The San Antonio program is excellent. One learns about the historical aspects of the area with the Alamo, L. B. Johnson influence on America (other than Vietnam), the architecture, the food, the beauty and the general culture of the area. For instance, I did not realize how much the Germans influenced this area of Texas.
— Review left December 27, 2019
Robert – Class of 2015 | Warwick, RI
San Antonio is a great city- the Riverwalk and architecture were very enjoyable.
— Review left December 23, 2019
Peter – Class of 2018 | La Crosse, WI
San Antonio was delightful surprise! A beautiful and unique city. Programs on Texas History, Missions and LBJ all very intriguing. Recommend highly.
— Review left December 9, 2019
Kathy – Class of 2012 | Sterling, VA
Great trip & great time to visit San Antonio!
— Review left December 8, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
Claudette – Class of 2018 | Portland, OR
A fun way to start the holiday season.
— Review left December 8, 2019
Elizabeth – Class of 2006 | Vernon, CT
San Antonio at Christmas time is extra special. There is lots of diversity in a short period of time.
— Review left December 7, 2019





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