Texas Trails Self-Drive Tour

The Museum District is home to 18 cultural institutions, from fine art to natural science. From here you can take a stroll to Hermann Park where you will find the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Hermann Park Golf Course.

Collect your hire car and head to the historic city of San Antonio.

San Antonio is home to one of the country's most famous sights and the state's most popular attraction, The Alamo, where a few hundred Texan revolutionaries fought for independence against thousands of Mexican soldiers.

On the short drive from San Antonio to Austin, you can visit Gruene, a quintessential and well-preserved Texan town. Stop for lunch in Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas.

Austin, the fascinating state capital has an incredibly laid back and independent atmosphere. Few would dispute its claim as the 'live music capital of the world' and there are many music venues in town.

Another day to explore quirky Austin. You may wish to visit the Texas State Capitol, an imposing building that is taller than the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Head north from Austin through the farmland of the north Texas Hill Country en route to your ranch getaway. Spend two nights at one of Texas's excellent ranches.

Ranch stays offer a wealth of activities, including options for horse riding and exploring the trails on foot.

A short drive takes you to Fort Worth. The Stockyards area of Fort Worth, with its wooden sidewalks and old storefronts, is where you can still see cowboys on horseback driving cattle, a daily spectacle here, subject to the weather, much to the delight of onlookers.

Today you are free to enjoy more of the sights and sounds of the Stockyards full of saloons, wild west theme shops and steak restaurants. Tonight we recommend taking advantage of the famous Stockyards Rodeo before heading on to Billy Bobs for live music and line dancing.

Today you could take the drive out toward the Southfork Ranch to visit the set of Dallas and take a guided tour of the area. Not only is this an iconic place to visit, but it provides the opportunity to drive to and through Texas farmlands which are beautiful and a great contrast from the bright lights of Dallas.

There is still time for some last minute sightseeing before making your way to the airport in time for your flight home.