The Great Texas Escape

The Great Texas Escape. 13 days/12 nights. Start: Fort Worth - End: Dallas.

  • Day 01: Fort Worth arrival - pickup rental car - hotel - free at leisure
  • Day 02: Fort Worth
  • Day 03: Fort Worth - Austin
  • Day 04: Austin (selfdrive)
  • Day 05: Austin - San Antonio
  • Day 06: San Antonio - City Visit
  • Day 07: San Antonio - Galveston
  • Day 08: Galveston
  • Day 09: Galveston - Houston
  • Day 10: Houston - cityvisit
  • Day 11: Housten - Dallas
  • Day 12: Dallas
  • Day 13: Departure Dallas
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day 1

Fort Worth arrival - pickup rental car - hotel - free at leisure

1 Day

25 km

Welcome to where the west begins. Branded as the "City of Cowboys and Culture", Fort Worth - the only city in the U.S. where cowboys and culture co-exist harmoniously - welcomes visitors to experience the great American West along with rich arts and culinary treasures. Upon arrival, pick-up your rental car and transfer independently to your hotel. This evening, stroll through Sundance Square which boasts 35-square-blocks of shopping, dining, nightlife and performing arts venues.

day 2

Fort Worth

1 Day

25 km

Your tour of Texas begins in Fort Worth, the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” This morning, discover the Water Gardens, an architectural and engineering marvel where you can experience three distinct water features as you wander through this relaxing urban park. Afterward, experience the sights, sounds and smells of 19th-century Texas at Log Cabin Village. Or, if museums are your thing, the Cultural District houses five Internationally recognized museums in a beautiful park-like setting. And no trip to Fort Worth would be complete without a stop in the Stockyards National Historic District, a 125-acres and 15 square blocks of western tradition. The Stockyards is where you can celebrate the Old West by watching the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive and meet the Drovers of the Fort Worth Herd, enjoy a hearty steak, famous barbecue or Tex-Mex, Shop for authentic cowboy gear and embrace your inner Texas with a visit to Billy Bob's Texas - the largest honky-tonk anywhere, visit the White Elephant Saloon or catch the Stockyards Championship Rodeo every Friday and Saturday night at Cowtown Coliseum. These are just a few examples of where you can rustle up adventure in Fort Worth.

day 3

Fort Worth - Austin

1 Day

304 km

Venture off the beaten path today and on to US-281 enabling you to explore some charming Texas towns en route to Austin. This scenic route will add a little time of your yourney, but it assures minimal traffic and maximum fun. The capital of Texas and "Live Music Capital of the World", Austin is a stage. With 250+ music venues representing every style, fitting a quintessential musical experience into your visit is an absolute must-do. Many of the music venues are conveniently located in the downtown area near attractions and restaurants. Tour the Texas Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or boutiques along South Congress Avenue. Those who love the outdoors will be delighted by Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed swimming hole, and the city’s extensive network of greenbelts, parks and natural preserves. So when you head out this evening, be sure to bring your sense of adventure and wear comfy shoes along with your dancing pants.

day 4

Austin (selfdrive)

1 Day

25 km

Enjoy a full day to explore Austin. There is not just music in Austin. In order to claim you've actually experienced Austin's food culture, we recoomend starting your day with an iconic breakfast taco served in restaurants throughout the city. After you've fueled up, take a guided tour of the Texas State Capitol. Built in 1888 and the city's most visible manmade attraction, this pink granite building stands as a symbol of the legendary spirit of Texas. Visit the LBJ Presidential Library for a glimpse into the life, work and legacy of America's 36th President. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on the outskirts of town makes for a great afternoon outing and has numerous trails and plantings that keep the original flora of the state flourishing. This city is famous for its many parks and lakes, very popular for hiking and swimming. If you want a sense of Austin's vibrant outdoor life, there may be no better place than Lady Bird Lake. And, for a truly fascinating experience, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to witness the cit'ys 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge from underneath the bridge from April through October. If you are a fan of Formula One don't miss the possibility to visit the only F1 circuit of the US: the Circuit of Americas.

day 5

Austin - San Antonio

1 Day

147 km

Today we recommend heading west and joining TX-165 so you can revel in all that's beautiful about Hill Country... rolling hills, wildflowers, majesti live oaks, and lots of twolane road. Rejoin US-281 and arrive in San Antonio, quite possible Texas's most beautiful city. Remember the Alamo - the city's most widely recognized landmark? It's here, sitting in a plaza right downtown. A symbol of Texas' fight for indepence, the Alamo is treated not as a museum or an attraction, but as a shrine: men are asked to remove their hats and voices are expected to be hushed. It's a power feeling thet you must experience for yourself. Spend some time at the city’s River Walk. Millions of people visit the River Walk each year to enjoy this unusual urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio River in central San Antonio, one story below the bustling street level. Restaurants, galleries and shops line the banks of the downtown River Walk while the north and south banks of the River are less commercial. The lush landscapes, quaint pathways, tinkling waterfalls, quiet pools, outdoor art and relaxing outdoor patios evoke the renowned public spaces of Europe. The best ways to experience this area is by taking a guided River tour or a sunset River cruise. In the evening, marvel at the panoramic view of San Antonio from 750 feet on top of the Tower of the Americas, built for the 1968 World’s Fair. A glass elevator will take you up to the Flags Over Texas observatory, with heart-stopping views all the way.

day 6

San Antonio - City Visit

1 Day

15 km

Stroll along the River Walk. This festive, almost magical place, winds through downtown at 20-feet below street level providing scenic pathways and waterways for the city's cultural and historic sites as well as picturesque link between restaurants, hotels ands shops. Or plan a visit to the Spanish Governor's Palace or one of the many Spanish missions will take you into the historical heritage of this charming city. But most of all, remember the Alamo and visit the site of the courageous battle between a handful of Texans and Santa Ana's vast army, which was instrumental in creating the Republic of Texas. The Alamo is where 189 Texas defenders held 4,000 Mexican troops at bay for thirteen days in their claim for Texas independence. Embark on Mission Trail to explore the four other Spanish colonial missions set amidst the native grasslands along the San Antonio River. All four are still active Catholic parishes, all now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When your appetite returns, venture to El Mercado, the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande to find family owned cafés and colorful food booths. Indulge in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with selections like Enchiladas Rancheras de Queso and Gorditas de Picadillo o Pollo. Recline among papel picado and the old world feel as you select pastries from panaderías served alongside fresh coffee.

day 7

San Antonio - Galveston

1 Day

400 km

Today it's on to the Texas Gulf Coast for some island time. Sitting on a barrier island near the northern end of Texas coastline, Galveston is a sandy playground heraided in Victorian times as the "Playground of the South". With more than 30 miles of shoreline, this is where you will find sun-drenched historic charm that encourages lingering. Moody Gardens and its iconic pyramidal structures provide a fun place to spend the day. This vast compound includes an aquarium, beachfront waterpark, rainforest habitat, science museum and more.

day 8

Galveston

1 Day

10 km

Kick off your day with a stroll through The Strand Historic District. A shopping area defined by the architecture of its 19th-century buildings, this is where antique lovers, art aficionados and shoppers of all kinds will discover beautiful and interesting objects. Relax with your toes in the sand or ride along the shore by horseback at East Beach. Walk back in history at the Bishop's Palace where massive front doors open to reveal an interior of equaly impressive beauty, or visit The Bryan Museum which houses the largest collection of its kind in the world. Once the sun dips down, one of the hottest places on the island featuring a pyriad of attractions for all ages is Pleasure Pier.

day 9

Galveston - Houston

1 Day

90 km

Today, en route to Houston, we suggest a stop at Space Center Houston where you can go behind the scenes of America's exciting space program at NASA Johnson Space Center. See the original Mission Control, the actual facilities where astronauts train, and consider spending time with a NASA astronaut while enjoying a delicious lunch. Continue to Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S. chock-full of exciting things to do.

day 10

Houston - cityvisit

1 Day

10 km

Spend the day exploring this unique city. Take a stroll through the historic Heights District rich with character-filled architecture, funky boutiques and delightful restaurants. If it's culture you're looking for, the pedestrian-friendly Museum District houses 19 cultural institutions in a beautiful park-like neighborhood. Make your way through the River Oaks area which contains some of the most coveted (and expensive) real estate in the city. This evening, grab a bite in one of the many award-winning restaurants, or if you're looking for a safe way to hit the nightlife scene, check out the Wave, a service that shuttles folks around the city's primary nightlife areas.

day 11

Housten - Dallas

1 Day

395 km

From Houston, it's on to the "Big D" where you'll be met with a hearty helping of Texas hospitality. The city of Dallas has something for everyone. From glittering skyscrapers and a past rich in the stuff that American legends are made, to prize-winning architecture and the best shopping in the Southwest, "big things happen here".

day 12

Dallas

1 Day

10 km

Dallas' many neighborhoods and entertainment districts have everything you can imagine for an exciting and diverse visit. Explore the life of President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum. Get an in-depth look at 8 years of presidential history at the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. Stand amongst massive bronze longhorn sculptures at Pioneer Plaza. Meander through time at Dallas Heritage Village. Enjoy world-class architecture as you wander through the Dallas Arts District, step into the Dallas Museum of Art, or experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Dallas from 470 feet up at the Reunion Tower's GeO-Deck. Walking trough the little streets in the old city center with lots of restaurants, snacks and shops is definitely worth a visit. Other attractions to visit are: the J.F.K. Memorial Plaza, the State Fair Park, the famous Stockyards van Fort Worth, .... The choice is yours.

day 13

Departure Dallas

1 Day

25 km

Return your rental car at the airport prior to your departure, or consider extending your trip with a visit to Wildcatter Ranch. Only minutes away you can escape the city and discover the beauty of the North Texas Hill Country at this Texas guest ranch complete with western-styled guest rooms, horseback riding, guided activities, therapeutic massages and first-class authentic Texas cuisine. 

Tourist Class hotels (0US0036T)
is available starting at 2024 EUR

Prices apply for all departures in the date range. Departure is possible every day.

Rooms 01.05.24 - 30.06.24 01.07.24 - 31.08.24 01.09.24 - 15.10.24
2X DOUBLE ROOMS + 1 RENTALCAR (K2X2D) 1832 1882 1832
DOUBLE ROOM 1 BED (K21) 2024 2117 2024
QUADRUPLE ROOM 2 BEDS (K42) 1130 1185 1130
TRIPLE ROOM 2 BEDS (K32) 1432 1495 1432
SINGLE ROOM (K11) 3999 4187 3999
per child in parents room 2 - 12 (DACHD12) 56 56 56
Alamo Suppl. Gold - per car (DALGOLD) 164 164 164

Superior hotels (0US0036S)
is available starting at 2615 EUR

Prices apply for all departures in the date range. Departure is possible every day.

Rooms 01.05.24 - 30.06.24 01.07.24 - 31.08.24 01.09.24 - 15.10.24
2X DOUBLE ROOMS + 1 RENTALCAR (K2X2D) 2425 2475 2425
DOUBLE ROOM 1 BED (K21) 2615 2710 2615
QUADRUPLE ROOM 2 BEDS (K42) 1500 1550 1500
TRIPLE ROOM 2 BEDS (K32) 1890 1955 1890
SINGLE ROOM (K11) 5186 5374 5186
per child in parents room 2 - 12 (DACHD12) 58 58 58
Alamo Suppl. Gold - per car (DALGOLD) 164 164 164

Included

  • Hotelaccomodation based on lodging + local sales taxes, as per itinerary and as per chosen hotel category.
  • Car rental with GPS, adapted to the number of persons in the car, one driver.  Extra drivers and/or underage drivers can be added with supplement.
    • Single: Economy except if the car is brought back to another city than the one it started from, than Compact.
    • Double/Twin: Compact
    • Triple: Intermediate
    • Quadruple and 2x double rooms: Fullsize.
  • Any other car rental category can be provided with the appropriate price adjustment.
  • Only for selfdrives booked as published: roadbook with description of day by day itinerary. (Only available in Dutch and French)
  • Local roadmap of the State or Province (Canda), or a road atlas if the trip brings you through different states.

Not Included

All services NOT mentioned such as: 

  • International passport and charges for ESTA = USA and or ETA = Canada.
  • Airline tickets, airport taxes, fuel surcharge, security fee, and more.
  • Meals at the hotels except if confirmed differently at time of confirmation.
  • Resort fees, Urban fees, Facility fees and other fees charged by some hotels and to be paid locally.
  • Eventual cost for a (new) Belgian - European drivers licence, if the current one does not state "Drivers Licence" in English.
  • Warrant/Security Deposit/Guarantee cost for rental cars, motorhomes, motorbikes, hotels and more.
  • Fuel for the vehicles and parking costs. 
  • Charges for tollroads en toll bridges
  • Insurances (cancellation insurance, travel and assistance insurance, luggage insurance, etc).
  • Admissions to the national parks, to attractions, extra excursions, etc.
  • All personal expenses (Food & Drinks), souvenirs and more. 

Good To Know

FLIGHTS:

Wings ‘n Wheels is offering a large choice of European and American carriers which operates daily flights to and from the USA and Canada, starting from Brussels and as well as from the main airports in neighboring countries.

International and eventual domestic flights are not included. Airlines work with flexible prices and availability does change quickly. Use the contact form below and send it to your travel agent (enter your postal code or city name or the name of your travel agency) and indicate accurately your travel dates (departure and return) together with the surname (family name), first name and date of birth of each traveler and Wings ‘n Wheels will search for the best deals, considering itinerary and pricing.

A-LA-CARTE   -  TAILOR MADE:

All self-drive itineraries can be amended and tailormade “ à la carte” to your wishes.

CARRENTAL - DRIVERS LICENCE:

It is mandatory to present a NATIONAL driving licence with on the front side "Driving Licence". An international drivers licence is a translation only and not a valid document to rent a vehicle.