7 Days / 6 Nights | Rating: Intermediate | Start / End: San Antonio, TX
- E-bikes Available
The enchanting Texas Hill Country is one of the finest places in the US for cycling. We doubt that Lyndon Johnson had any idea he’d be creating such road cycling bliss when he paved every little back road in the county while Governor of the State of Texas. Many of our extraordinary cycling routes follow lightly traveled single and two-lane roads that wind through sprawling ranchlands. The wildflowers lining our routes are prolific and brilliant—the famed Texas bluebonnets blanket the rolling fields in purple hues. Visit the Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, the hub of the Hill Country and a town settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Historic buildings still depict a half-timbered style and the local dialect known as “Texas German” is still evident among the descendants. If there’s one place in Texas that every cyclist must experience, the Hill Country is it. So, pack your old faded Levis and pick yourself up a Lone Star belt buckle while you’re spinning through an amazing vacation in big, beautiful Texas! You’ll come away understanding why many of us still want to grow up to be cowboys.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
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.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
Meet your tour leaders and fellow travelers for a private reception and dinner in Las Canarias, the hotel’s fourstar restaurant, where the group will enjoy an exceptional dining experience in the River Walks most historic and beautiful property.
LODGING:
Omni La Mansion Del Rio, San Antonio, TX
210-518-1000
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-antonio-la-mansion-del-rio
Day 2
Mission 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 neighborhoods, 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
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
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.
LODGING:
Omni La Mansion Del Rio, San Antonio, TX
210-518-1000
omnihotels.com/hote s/san-antonio-la-mansion del-rio
CYCLING OPTIONS:
23 Miles
Day 3
Head 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 traveled 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 travelers.
LODGING:
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg
830-997-6739
www.hoffmanhaus.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
32 Miles
50 Miles
Day 4
Willow City Loop – Most of our 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. Our route begins in Fredericksburg and winds for miles along roads so lightly traveled 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch before choosing 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 favorite local restaurants just a short walk from the inn.
LODGING:
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg
830-997-6739
www.hoffmanhaus.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
20 Miles
41 Miles
60 Miles
Day 5
Ride, 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 that pass 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 a geologic wonder to behold. If you feel like enjoying a less active day, The Museum of the Pacific War is internationally renowned. 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 the fine options in town for dinner.
LODGING:
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg
830-997-6739
www.hoffmanhaus.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
30 Miles
50 Miles
HIKING OPTIONS:
1.5 Miles
Day 6
LBJ 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 our 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 center 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 be a truly Texas affair–a private catered backyard BBQ at the Hoffman Haus.
MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONS
Itching for that EPIC (Extra Pedal if Crazy) ride? No problem, we’ll show you our favorite hills. Looking for more downtime? Your trip leaders will tell you the best days to take a break. All Sojourn tours have multiple route options to accommodate your riding skill or desires!
LODGING OPTIONS:
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg
830-997-6739
www.hoffmanhaus.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
29 Miles
46 Miles
Day 7
Follow the Creek to Comfort – Today’s ride leads to the charming town of Comfort. Much of the town’s downtown area is a National Historic District and contains the most authentic 19th century business district in all of Texas. This ride is often a guest favorite as it follows creeks for much of the route, including a beautiful section along aptly named Cypress Creek, as it rolls steadily downhill through rural ranchland. Explore the antique shops in town and relax over lunch before the group shuttles to the San Antonio airport. You will have the opportunity to shower at a local health club prior to the airport drop-off.
CYCLING OPTIONS:
32 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Omni La Mansion Del Rio, San Antonio
Luxury four diamong hotel on the River Walk featuring the Wine Spectator Award-winning Las Canarias restaurant. Three blocks to the Alamo. (2 nights)
112 College Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-antonio-lamansion-del-rio
210.518.1000
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg
The essence of rustic sophistication set in a lovely garden just a block from the main street in town. A blend of old and new, each room features its own unique style. Day spa. (4 nights)
608 E Creek St
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
www.hoffmanhaus.com | 830.997.6739
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 5:30pm Day 1 – Omni La Mansion Del Rio. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | Group arrival at the airport in San Antonio at approximately 3:00pm. Departing flights on Day 7 should not be scheduled prior to 4:15pm. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into San Antonio Airport (SAT). Parking available at SAT for those driving to tour |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 7 Days/6 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, hiking, swimming, options for golf. |
| RATING | Intermediate - This tour is perfect for cyclists who do not mind a few gently rolling hills with some longer grades. Routes average 20- 60 miles a day over rolling terrain with longer options available. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| San Antonio, TX | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67° | 74° | 81° | 87° | 92° | 95° |
| Low °F | 45° | 52° | 59° | 67° | 72° | 72° |
| Precip. Inches | 1.8 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 2.5 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
