Texas Heritage & Heroes: Military History & Culture Tour
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity level: Moderate
- Group size: Small group, 2–14
- Departs from: Several cities — ask us
- Next departure: Apr 19, 2027
- From: $2,849
From $2,849 / person
ModerateUp to six miles a day on maintained trails, with some real climbs.Is this trip right for you? ›
Overview
Embark on a journey through the heart of Texas, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This unforgettable tour pays homage to legacy of the brave men and women who have earned the nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor.
From the historic battlegrounds of the Alamo to the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country, you'll witness firsthand the rich tapestry of Texas's past and present. Explore iconic cities like Dallas, San Antonio, Galveston, and Fredericksburg, each with its unique charm and cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the River Walk, marvel at the wonders of space exploration at NASA's Space Center Houston, and pay your respects at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
The tour culminates at the awe-inspiring National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. This spectacular facility is set to open in March 2025, so you will be among the first to gain a firsthand look into the lives and legacy of extraordinary men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
As you traverse the state, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in delicious Texas barbecue, and experience the warm hospitality and vibrant modern culture of the Lone Star State. This 8-day tour is more than just a vacation; it's a journey of discovery, reflection, and gratitude.
This trip by season
The same trip. Very different weeks.
Spring
March to May
Rivers running high
Rivers full of snowmelt and the parks ahead of the summer rush. Some high roads and passes open later in the season.
1 spring departure ›Autumn
September to November
Fall color and wildlife
Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.
1 autumn departure ›
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
Nasa Space Center Day 1
Arrive DFW - Waco
Begin your Texas experience by arriving at DFW Airport and meeting your tour director at 1:00 PM. Please arrive at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport before 1:00 PM. Board your vehicle and depart the Dallas area for Waco. Once in Waco, explore Magnolia Market and Silo Baking Co., created by Chip and Joanna Gaines to share their love of food, family, friends, and Texas.
OvernightLa Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - BaylorMealsDinner
USS Lexington Day 2
Texas Whitehouse - Fredericksburg
Depart Waco and head to Buccees, renowned for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and unique offerings. Continue to Johnson City for a tour of the Texas White House, the home of Lyndon B. Johnson. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit Wildseed Farms and Vineyard, a 200-acre property with walking trails, gardens, and optional wine tastings. Check into your hotel in Fredericksburg and spend the evening exploring this charming German town.
OvernightFredericksburg Inn & Suites FredericksburgMealsBreakfast, Lunch
San Antonio River Walk Day 3
Fredericksburg - San Antonio
This morning, check out of your hotel and head to The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW). This world-class, cultural institution is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The NMPW provides the nation's most comprehensive account of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. It still remains true to its promise to Admiral Nimitz: to honor all who served and supported the war effort in the Pacific, the Museum proudly presents the facts, stories, and authentic artifacts of the Pacific War for today and generations to come. Next you will board the motorcoach and head to San Antonio for lunch at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. The Buckhorn Saloon is where it all began—where history was made, and legend lives. It is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders, and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution. Take a stroll through the streets of San Antonio as you head to the San Antonio Riverwalk for your 35-minute narrated cruise in the brand-new, colorful and quiet Go Rio Riverboat Cruise electric barges. You'll experience an enchanting journey through San Antonio’s rich history, from La Villita, the city’s first neighborhood (and where General Santa Anna placed his cannon line in the Battle of the Alamo) past the Old Mill Crossing where Teddy Roosevelt led his Rough Riders. After your leisurely boat ride, you will load the motorcoach and go check into The Historic Menger Hotel and enjoy the evening exploring the San Antonio Riverwalk and beautiful downtown San Antonio.
OvernightSan AntonioMealsBreakfast, Lunch
Grapevine Hills Sunset_Big Bend NP Day 4
San Antonio
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Alamo. You will uncover 300 years of history and learn about the awe-inspiring story that’s more intriguing than you might imagine. Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under five flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire. Best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, the rest of the 300-year history is vital to understanding why the Battle happened and its importance. Continue learning about the legacy of San Antonio as you explore the San Antonio Missions - a National Historical Park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. These missions formed part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish Southwest in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. You will then depart the missions and head to Mi Tierra for lunch. A landmark in San Antonio along with the Alamo and Riverwalk, Mi Tierra has been serving San Antonio for more than 80 years. Mi Tierra is well-known for its cultural and festive décor, delicious Mexican-style Breakfasts, Tex-Mex dishes and authentic Pan Dulce and Mexican candies. After lunch, enjoy exploring the beautiful and historic town of San Antonio.
OvernightSan AntonioMealsBreakfast, Lunch
Spring_Big Bend NP Day 5
Corpus Christi - Galveston
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Corpus Christi. Arrive at the USS Lexington for a tour. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington set more records than any other Essex Class carrier in the history of naval aviation. The ship was the oldest working carrier in the United States Navy when decommissioned in 1991. Next, enjoy the best seafood in Corpus Christi at Pier 99. After lunch, relax and enjoy the coastal drive to Galveston Island. Experience the charm of Galveston Island, a destination full of art, historic architecture, chic boutiques, ghost legends, and more. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the evening exploring and having dinner.
OvernightLa Quinta Galveston NorthMealsBreakfast, LunchDay 6
Galveston - NASA - Houston
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then head out for a tour of the Naval Museum. Load the motorcoach and head to the Bryan Museum for a step back into Texas Military History. After your tour, load onto the motorcoach and arrive at Mainland City Centre for lunch on your own. After lunch, head to NASA’s Space Center Houston for a tour of the museum, control center, and grounds. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening on your own.
OvernightFairfield Inn & Suites League CityMealsBreakfastDay 7
Arlington
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before loading the motorcoach and leaving for Arlington, TX. Enjoy barbecue from one of the oldest Texas BBQ families. Known for their smoked brisket and beef ribs, you will enjoy a true Texas tradition at Terry Black’s Barbecue. After lunch, explore the Sixth Floor Museum, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, which chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. After exploring, arrive at your hotel in Arlington to check in and freshen up before heading off for a tour at the National Medal of Honor Museum. Leave the museum and head to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. Lastly, return to your hotel to relax for the evening.
OvernightHyatt Place ArlingtonMealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 8
Depart For Home
This morning transfers to DFW Airport will be provided for your flight home. What an unforgettable experience you've had in Texas!
6-11AM: Breakfast available at the hotelTBA: Transfers to DFW Airport
MealsBreakfast
Is this trip right for you?
ModerateLevel 2 of 4
- Maintained trails with uneven footing, steps and sustained climbs. Up to six miles across a full day, usually in two or three separate walks.
- Full days out, often above 6,000ft, and canyon country runs over 100°F from June to August. Shade is not guaranteed.
- Not suitable for a wheelchair, a walker or anyone who cannot manage stairs without a rail. Comfortable if you walk regularly.
- Your guide may change or drop a stop for weather, road closures or time. What is walked on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Tour details
In the price15
- Motorcoach Transportation
- Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director
- 7 nights hotel accommodations
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
- Park entrance fees
- National Museum of the Pacific War
- The Alamo
- The USS Lexington
- The Naval Museum
- The Bryan Museum
- NASA Space Center and Johnson Control Center
- The Sixth Floor
- The National Medal of Honor Museum
- Gratuities for included activities
- Gratuities for included meals
Not in the price6
- Airfare
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
- Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
- Hotel baggage handling
- Gratuities for the Southwest Adventure Tours tour director
- Gratuities for Motorcoach Driver
Arrival & departure
- Arrival Location
- Dallas/Fort Worth Airport – DFW
- Arrival Time
- Prior to 1PM CT on Day 1
- Departure Location
- Dallas/Fort Worth Airport – DFW
- Departure Time
- Anytime
Physical requirements
Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gain and loss averages between 0 feet to 400 feet throughout the areas visited during this tour.
More from Texas
Departures
Online booking is unavailable for a short while. Tap a date and send us your details, and someone from our office will call you to finish your booking. Nothing is charged until then.
Pick a season, then tap a date to book it.
Spring: Mild days and cool mornings, with snow lingering up high. Bring layers.
Autumn: Mild days and cool nights. Bring layers.
Spring 2027
1 of 1 open
from $2,849
Autumn 2027
1 of 1 open
from $2,849
Dates without a price of their own are from $2,849. The rate for the date you choose is confirmed when you book.
SWAT Trip Protection Plan
The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.
What does TPP cover?
SWAT-collected tour and SWAT-sold add-on payments only.
When must I buy?
At initial checkout, cannot add later.
Can I cancel for any reason?
Yes, up to the day before your tour starts.
Is TPP refundable?
No, the 10% fee never refunds.
Can I move my trip?
Yes, once within 12 months at no extra TPP fee.
Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.
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Close, but not quite this trip?
We build tours to order — the same guides and the same itineraries, rearranged around your group and your dates.
From
$2,849