What You Will Do
Experience San Antonio's soul on our "Spanish Colonial Legacy" tour, led by Victor, revealing hidden stories of five missions in climate-controlled transportation. Explore beyond the Alamo to discover Mission Concepción's frescoes, Mission San José's majesty, and the serene grounds of San Juan and Espada. Your passionate guide brings 300 years of Texas colonial history to life through captivating tales of indigenous communities, Franciscan friars, and architectural achievements that earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015.
Book now for this perfect blend of education and entertainment that consistently earns five-star reviews!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
10 minutes
This revitalized waterway features stunning murals, intricate tilework, and immersive public art that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage
2
Spanish Governor's Palace
Is a beautifully preserved 18th-century adobe building that once served as the residence of the Spanish colonial governors. this National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into Texas' early colonial history. Learn all about the Spanish influence that shaped the region.
3
San Antonio
San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest continuously operating cathedrals in the United States, stands at the heart of San Antonio with a history dating back to 1731. This stunning Gothic Revival landmark is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical site, housing the remains of heroes from the Battle of the Alamo.
4
La Villita Historic Arts Village
San Antonio’s historic arts village is a charming district that dates back to the 18th century as one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Today, it is a vibrant cultural hub filled with artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants, showcasing local craftsmanship and heritage.
5
Mission Espada
20 minutes
Mission Espada, established in 1690 and relocated to San Antonio in 1731, is the oldest of the city's Spanish colonial missions. Known for its distinctive Moorish-style doorway and well-preserved structures, it offers a glimpse into early missionary life and indigenous craftsmanship.
6
Mission San Juan
20 minutes
Founded in 1716 and relocated to its current site in 1731, is known for its serene atmosphere and lush farmlands. Once a thriving agricultural community, the mission supplied food and goods to the region, thanks to an extensive irrigation system.
7
Mission San Jose
35 minutes
The "Queen of the Missions" due to its impressive size and remarkable state of preservation. Established in 1720 by Franciscan friars, this Spanish colonial mission features a stunning rose window, intricate stone carvings, and a fully restored church that continues to hold regular services. The mission complex, which once housed over 300 indigenous residents, now serves as a window into Texas' colonial past and is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8
Mission Concepcion
20 minutes
the oldest unrestored stone church in America, maintaining much of its original architectural features including its striking twin bell towers and vivid frescoes. Established in 1731 after being relocated from East Texas, this mission represents a remarkable example of Spanish colonial religious architecture with its cruciform layout and limestone construction. The mission continues to serve as an active parish while offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage as part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
9
Alamo Plaza
In May of 1718, 307 years ago, a Franciscan Father founded a Spanish mission here that history would remember as "Misión San Antonio de Valero"; by this act, this man founded the modern-day city of San Antonio, Texas. Olivarez founded our famous Alamo Mission in San Antonio, the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, and the Acequia Madre de Valero, among other missions. Let's trace the steps of Friar Antonio de Olivarez to see how he ended up on San Antonio's front door 306 years ago. Father Antonio de Olivares, who accompanied the Alarcón Entrada, along with a small crowd of Spanish and indigenous people, founded Misión, San Antonio de Valero, on May 1, 1718, next to the headwaters of San Pedro Springs by making a mixture of "mud and straw" and placing it ceremonially as the cornerstone of a future mission. History remembers that on the day Antonio founded the mission on San Pedro Springs - he was 88 years old!
10
The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
Historic Houston Street in Downtown San Antonio, Texas: History, Ghost Stories, Fun Facts, and Economic Impact
Houston Street is one of the most iconic and historically significant streets in downtown San Antonio, Texas. Running through the heart of the city, it has long been a major thoroughfare for commerce, culture, and entertainment. From its early days as a key part of San Antonio's historic district to its vibrant role in modern urban life, Houston Street is a living testament to the city’s rich history.
11
San Antonio
The Majestic Theatre is San Antonio's oldest and largest atmospheric theatre. The theatre seats 2,264 people and was designed by architect John Eberson, for Karl Hoblitzell's Interstate Theatres in 1929. Despite many years of entertaining the crowds the Majestic closed in 1974. In 1981 it was reopened but a superficial remodeling covered up many of the important architectural details. It was closed again in 1988 and the City of San Antonio stepped-in to purchase the theatre.
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