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Half-Day Morning City Tour of Historic San Antonio

4.5 (68)
San Antonio, US
4.5 (68)
San Antonio, US
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Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of San Antonio on this thrillingly comprehensive half-day city tour. Immerse yourself in the city's 300-year history as you explore the Downtown Reach, stopping at iconic landmarks such as the El Mercado Historic Market Square. Marvel at the beauty of La Villita Historic Arts Village and learn about the historic St. Paul Square and Saint Joseph's German Catholic Church. Discover the fascinating stories behind the Alamo and San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral, the oldest continuously functioning religious community in Texas. As you pass by Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Creek, and the Southwest School of Art, soak in the sights and let the driver guide and/or tour guide capture your memories with picturesque photo opportunities. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the largest Mexican market in the nation, Historic Market Square. Embark on this captivating tour and get a grand overview of San Antonio's rich history, architecture, and confluence of cultures.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 4 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Small Group Tour
  • & Audio GuidedGuided Experience
  • Explore the largest Mexican market in the nation
  • Learn the history of the Battle of the Alamo
  • Visit the historic park housing the Tower of the Americas
  • Discover the arts community of La Villita Historic Arts Village
  • Experience the oldest continuously functioning religious community
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (downtown hotels only) starting at 8:30 AM
  • Lunch
  • Guide Gratuities (optional)

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Get ready for an unforgettable half-day morning city tour of historic San Antonio. This small-group tour offers a grand overview of the city, its 300-year history, incredible architecture, and vibrant blend of cultures. Prepare to be captivated by the Downtown Reach of San Antonio, where you'll get to explore some of the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

What to expect?

During this 240-minute tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse heritage of San Antonio. You'll embark on a journey through time, visiting fascinating sites such as La Villita Historic Arts Village, Hemisfair, The Alamo, San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral, and more. Each location will offer unique insights into the city's past and present, allowing you to connect with its vibrant culture and captivating stories.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want to uncover the hidden treasures of San Antonio. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this experience caters to all. Get ready to soak up the city's rich tapestry of cultures and explore its iconic landmarks, while creating lasting memories in the company of like-minded explorers.

Why book this?

This tour stands out from the rest because it offers a comprehensive exploration of San Antonio's history and cultural heritage in just half a day. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll dive deep into the stories behind each landmark, gaining a unique perspective on the city's evolution over the centuries. From the vibrant ambiance of the Historic Market Square to the famous Battle of the Alamo, every moment on this tour is filled with intrigue and discovery.

Good to know

Make sure to bring your camera along, as you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the historic sites and architectural wonders. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve exploring on foot. Don't forget to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, especially during the warmer months. The tour includes stops at notable attractions, but please note that entrance fees are not included.

Reviews

Travelers who've experienced this tour have praised it for its comprehensive coverage of San Antonio's history and culture. They were particularly impressed by the knowledgeable guides who brought the stories and legends to life. Many also appreciated the small-group setting, which allowed for a more intimate and personalized experience. Visitors highly recommend this tour as a fantastic way to start exploring San Antonio and gain a deeper understanding of its captivating past.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

La Villita Historic Arts Village

Originally settled as one of the city's first neighborhoods, is now an arts community.

Hemisfair

(Pass by)

Learn of the historic park housing the Tower of the Americas, Institute of Texan Cultures, fountains, and playgrounds.

St. Paul Square

(Pass by)

Learn the history of The St. Paul Square Historic District, who's name comes from the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, which was constructed in Gothic Revival style.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

(Pass by)

Learn the history of Saint Joseph's German Catholic Church. Let the Driver Guide and/or Tour Guide know if you would like to take a picture for your memories. (Check out the stained glass windows).

The Alamo

(Pass by)

Learn of the history of the Battle of the Alamo

San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

(Pass by)

Learn the history of San Fernando Cathedral- founded in 1731, San Fernando is the oldest continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas.

San Pedro Creek

(Pass by)

Learn the history of San Pedro Creek. Let the Driver Guide and/or Tour Guide know if you would like to take a picture for your memories.

UTSA Southwest Campus

(Pass by)

Learn the history of The Southwest School of Art. Let the Driver Guide and/or Tour Guide know if you would like to take a picture for your memories.

San Francesco Di Paola Catholic Church

(Pass by)

Learn the history of San Francesco Di Paola Church. Let the Driver Guide and/or Tour Guide know if you would like to take a picture for your memories.

Historic Market Square

Explore the largest Mexican market in the nation.

Reviews

(68)

4.5 (68)

L4969DCrichardd

The trip was advertised as 4 hours. After 2.25 hours we were dropped off for 1.25 hour lunch and that was the end of the tour. So the tour was really only 2.25 hours, not 4.

Robert_H

Loretta was an excellent tour guide. Very well informed and good communicator. We saw the highlights of San Antonio and thoroughly enjoyed it

737marjv

We took the Grayline Tour of San Antonio City and the Tour of the 5 Missions in San Antonio. Both tours we had Alex G. as our guide and I cannot say enough about our experience. He was very informative! Knew all the in's and out's of the city and the history of the missions. He was considerate and thoughtful. I would so highly recommend these two tours to fully understand the history of San Antonio

Susan_T

Domingo was an amazing driver and guide for our morning half day tour this morning! Not only knowledgeable of the area, but delivered the information in an interesting way. He was fun and enjoyable! We (all 7 of us) agree he did a fantastic job and highly recommend this tour.

Deana_S

Our tour guide Loretta was super. She was very knowledgeable & energetic as far as providing water & helpful with us getting in & out of vehicle. Every question was answered

Carolyn_P

Informative 2 hours with Alex. The last 2 hours were nothing but going to a restaurant. Not what I expected.

Carolyn P

Alex was great and the first two hours informative. Then we went to a restaurant which took 1 1/2 hours, then back to hotel

Tom_V

Alex was very knowledgeable regarding the San Antonio area history and special places. I look forward to returning to do the afternoon tour with him. Overall a great experience.

John_E

need more items of historical as you pass by going place to place plus better spots to see - driver tried her best but route was below my expatstuins

ashleyrlynn

Not as advertised! We saw only two of the things listed, and the guide had almost no historical knowledge. I'm so upset that I wasted half of my only day in San Antonio on this - I was really excited to learn the history of this fascinating place. I never write reviews, but I don't want others to be duped like I was by all the good ones on here. I didn't have Alex as my guide (others seem to rave about him) so maybe that was the problem? This tour should have been titled "random things in San Antonio that I feel like driving by, and my feelings about Spain and the Catholic church." That last one could actually have been interesting to hear, had it been backed by any historical knowledge or facts. But no, all we learned about the missions was that "the people didn't want to be converted, so lot of violence happened, and in all the violence some of the Indians had to come to the missions to be safe. So the priests took advantage of this for free labor." I had to go and scan the QR codes at the mission san jose (which we weren't even supposed to be visiting) to actually learn anything. Like that the founder, a Franciscan who dedicated his life to poverty and walked on foot from Panama to Texas, is the patron saint of Florida. Interesting! If you want to learn which location was the distribution center for Covid masks and sanitizing gel, this tour is for you. If you want to learn the fascinating and complex history of San Antonio, look elsewhere.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-16 13:08