Texas Hill Country comes alive each spring with blankets of bluebonnets, Texas Indian paintbrush, pink evening primrose, and more. Explore the region’s best wildflowers Each spring, Texas Hill Country comes alive with blankets of bluebonnets, Texas Indian Paintbrush, Pink Evening Primrose, and more. Explore the region’s best wildflowers during season’s peak, while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the trendy cities of Austin and San Antonio. From private gardens to a stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we promise this vacation will be a memorable tour of “The Friendship State.”
DAY 1—WELCOME TO SAN ANTONIO!
Upon arrival in the Lone Star State, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2— SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS/MUSEUM OF ART
The next two days are spent with local San Antonio expert, Bruce Martin, as you tour the iconic San Antonio Missions National Park, one of America’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll along San Antonio’s first suburb, King William, settled in the 19th century by prosperous German merchants who displayed their wealth through extravagant homes. Following lunch, we will explore the San Antonio Art Museum. The museum takes you around the world through five thousand years of art. Later, see the history of San Antonio come alive in a special Saga light show projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral. B, L
DAY 3—GARDENS GALORE!
This morning walk through the restored Japanese Sunken Gardens featuring a lush year-round garden and a floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and ponds filled with Koi. Lunch today is on your own at The Pearl, a thriving and vibrant community, home to a beautiful farmer's market featuring local artisans. Next up, the San Antonio Botanical Garden! Spend the afternoon in the gardens which encompass 38 acres in the center of the city and features formal and display gardens, a conservatory containing plants from around the world and a Water Saver Garden. B
DAY 4—WILDSEED FARMS/FREDERICKSBURG
And if your eyes haven’t seen enough beauty, we’ll visit Wildseed Farms which grow fields of wildflowers for the production of seed and is one of the nation’s largest working wildflower farms. We’ll also have time to visit the boutique, nurseries, walking trails, and Butterfly Center. Later, wander the quaint German town of Fredericksburg to explore Main Street and shop for that perfect souvenir. B, L
DAY 5—WILDFLOWERS/UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN
Limestone cliffs, granite outcroppings, and hidden springs are a perfect habitat for wildflowers in Hill Country. You’ll witness this wonderful area up close in the morning light as we travel from Fredericksburg towards Austin. En route, travel through the back roads to see the region’s blooming flowers. We’ll stop along the way for lunch at a charming café and then it’s on to UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, which holds over 40 sculptures framed by nature. Gaze at the artwork on a private docent-led tour, then check into your centrally located downtown hotel for the next two evenings. Our hotel is located near many restaurants, public spaces, and shopping, the choice is yours! This evening, you may even see the famed bats fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge. B, L
DAY 6—LBJ LIBRARY/LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
This morning, explore the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library, which offers an inspiring journey through the life of the 36th President. This is also a great introduction to our next stop, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. From collecting seeds to designing and installing green roofs, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin realizes its mission through ecological design, research, plant conservation and landscape restoration. This evening, a delicious BBQ Farewell Dinner is in order. B, L, D
DAY 7—TRAVEL HOME
We’re off to Austin International Airport, taking with us memories of Texas’ spectacular wildflowers. B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-3: Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, San Antonio
Nights 4: The Albert Hotel, Fredericksburg
Night 5-6: Hampton Inn & Suites, Austin
Dates:
Apr 3-9, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double $3,499
Single $4,339
Depart/Return:
Des Moines, IA
Inclusions:
Roundtrip flights from Des Moines
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Flight Information
Flight information will be provided closer to departure.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
April – high of 85°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Central
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron/ironing boards, and a coffee maker. All hotels also offer a refrigerator, Wi-Fi, exercise room and a swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Temperatures can fluctuate in this region, so we recommend bringing a light jacket with you when out in the morning or evening.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
