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Texas Bicycle Tour: Explore the Hill Country
Duration
7 days
Site savings
$42
From
$4,103 USD
Texas Hill Country is one of the best places in the country for scenic and peaceful bicycling. Miles of back roads wind through rolling limestone hills and river valleys lined with graceful cypress trees. Tour historic and beautiful LBJ Ranch by bike. Cycle to the legendary country music hamlet of Luckenbach. Visit famous historic sites, including the Alamo, El Mercado, and La Villita. Ride the Mission Trail along bike paths leading to a series of Spanish missions established in the early to mid-18th Century. Partake in some of Texas’ most savoury authentic BBQ and sip upon locally produced wines during your stay for a true taste of Texas flavour.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration7 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainHilly
- Distance165.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance27.7 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration7 days
- Main DestinationUnited States
- Distance165.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance27.7 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainHilly
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrival
Begin your Texas vacation at the Omni La Mansión del Rio, located overlooking the River Walk in downtown San Antonio. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants that line the winding canal of the River Walk. Spend your afternoon visiting such famous historic sites as The Alamo, El Mercado, and La Villita—all a short distance from the hotel. The Alamo pays homage not only to the volunteer soldiers who lost their lives battling for independence at the hands of Mexican troops in 1836 but also to its history as Mission San Antonio de Valero and a Native American burial ground. Meet your tour leaders and fellow travellers for a private reception and dinner in Las Canarias, the hotel’s four-star restaurant, where the group will enjoy an exceptional dining experience in the River Walks most historic and beautiful property.
- Omni La Mansión del Rio
- Dinner
- Day 2Mission Trail and San Antonio
Quiet morning hours are the perfect time of day for riding the National Park Service’s historic Mission Trail. Wind through beautifully preserved and historic neighbourhoods, and along bike paths leading to a series of Spanish missions established in the early to mid-18th Century. The missions lined the trade route from Mexico City to the northern frontier in Texas. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and then fought to retain control of Texas, at the Alamo, in the spring of 1836. Though the Alamo was ultimately sacked by Mexican fighters, it still serves as the symbol of independence for Texas who ultimately drove the Mexican army from the region later that year. Following the ride along the Mission Trail, the group will meet for a meal together at Blue Star Brewing Company, just off the bike path. This afternoon and evening you will have ample opportunity to explore the sites in San Antonio –most everything is within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Cycling Options: 37km (23mi)
- 23 miles
- Omni La Mansión del Rio San Antonio
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 3Head for the Hills
Following breakfast, the group will shuttle 40 miles north of San Antonio to the tiny town of Sister Creek where your Hill Country riding begins. Lightly travelled roads through sprawling ranchland and past cypress-lined creeks offer a glorious introduction to this beautiful region of Texas. Pause to take in the beauty of the mystical Guadalupe River before winding your way north to Luckenbach whose country music fame was sealed years ago when country music legend Jerry Jeff Walker made popular the song Back to the Basics of Love. This one-of-a-kind place is a must-see for anyone visiting the Hill Country, and chances are, there’ll be someone picking a guitar while you’re there enjoying the picnic lunch your leaders will prepare. Today’s ultimate destination is the town of Fredericksburg which was settled by German immigrants. The place you’ll call home for the next four nights is a lovely property that is the essence of rustic sophistication and just a few blocks from town. This evening, gather for an intimate dinner at the inn with your fellow travellers.
Cycling Options: 51km (32mi) and 72km (45 mi)
- 31.7 miles
- Hoffman Haus Fredericksburg
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Willow City Loop
Most of the cycling routes in Texas are well off the beaten path but this is one ride on every cyclist’s list when they visit the Hill Country. Your route begins in Fredericksburg and winds for miles along roads so lightly travelled you might feel as though you’re riding on a bike path. In years when winter rains have soaked the alkaline soil, the route is ablaze with the rich purple hues of Texas bluebonnets. In addition to bluebonnets, a variety of lupine, paintbrush, and other brightly colored wildflowers punctuate the landscape. Willow City Loop is a narrow and winding valley road that penetrates some of the densest concentrations of bluebonnets in the area. Lunch today is a truly Texas affair—a catered Texas BBQ at Bell Mountain Winery—where you’ll also be treated to some locally crafted wines. This afternoon choose to continue your ride or return to town to visit the fabulous Museum of the Pacific War, just a short walk from the Hoffman Haus. In case you’re wondering why the museum is in the middle of Texas, US Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was born and raised in Fredericksburg. Massage is available at the inn by prior appointment and shops and eateries line the main street in town, offering plenty of options for browsing. Dinner this evening is at one of our favourite local restaurants just a short walk from the inn.
Cycling Options: 32km (20mi), 65km (41mi), and 96km (60mi)
- 19.9 miles
- Hoffman Haus Fredericksburg
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Ride, Hike and Immerse Yourself in History
Your day is full of options for cycling, hiking, and exploring all that the charming town of Fredericksburg has to offer. A ride along rolling roads through rural ranchlands is on tap for the morning. Later in the day, those interested in hiking will join your tour leaders for a hike up a giant granite dome that punctuates the landscape. The bald-topped Enchanted Rock offers a unique perspective of the Hill Country topography and is a bit of a geologic wonder to behold. If you feel like a less active day, The Museum of the Pacific War is an internationally renowned museum of high acclaim. You might also be interested to learn more about Fredericksburg’s German heritage by visiting the Vereins Kirche or Pioneer Museums in town. There is also a self-guided walking tour through the downtown area that is part of the National Register of Historic Places and features more than 80 historic points of interest. This evening, choose from any number of fine options in town for dinner.
Cycling Option: 48km (30mi) and 80km (50mi)
Hiking Option: 2.4km (1.5mi) round trip (425’/129m elevation)
- 29.8 miles
- Hoffman Haus Fredericksburg
- Breakfast
- Day 6LBJ Ranch
Today’s ride leads east to Stonewall and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Nestled among oak trees along the banks of the Pedernales River is the homestead and ranch of the Johnson family which produced the nation’s 36th President. The property recently opened to the public and includes a gently rolling, one-way loop past livestock barns and through open grasslands where longhorn cattle roam freely. You might also pay a visit to the Texas White House and stop to admire LBJ’s old Air Force One. Folks often wonder how the plane got to its current home but if you search for it, you’ll notice a runway cleverly tucked in an inconspicuous location in the centre of the ranch. Your tour leaders will prepare a delicious picnic lunch overlooking the ranch and the Pedernales River where you can relax as the gentle waters flow past. LBJ undoubtedly hosted many similar meals during his years at the ranch. Dinner this evening will undoubtedly be a grand occasion as you and your travel companions will be the guests of delightful local hosts in town.
Cycling Options: 46km (29mi) and 74km (46mi)
- 28.6 miles
- Hoffman Haus Fredericksburg
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Follow the Creek to Comfort