Texas and its Wide Open Spaces
Authentic ranches, vibrant metropolises and western landscapes for a total immersion in the Texan spirit
Duration
14 days
From
€1,550/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
With its cities boasting massive skyscrapers, its typical ranches and farms, its rural landscapes worthy of a Western film and its cowboy spirit, Texas is the promise of a different and authentic journey.
Bordering Mexico's frontier, this immense State is the gateway to wide open spaces and discoveries of all kinds.
Vacances America will take you traveling through the raw beauty of Texas, so prepare your cowboy hat and your boots, the experience in the heart of deep America awaits you!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of the City of Dallas
This day will be devoted to the discovery of Dallas. This city is known for its numerous art museums and for being the place where President JFK was assassinated.
A multitude of museums and exhibitions are therefore available. Among the most renowned, the famous Sixth Floor Museum retracing JFK's assassination, but also the Art Museum.
In late afternoon, relax by sipping a drink at Reunion Tower, a famous observation tower overlooking the city.
Visit to Forth Worth
A city neighboring Dallas, Fort Worth is the cowboy capital.
When visiting it, you will travel through time with its rural atmosphere, its cowboy saloons, handcrafted souvenir shops.
Fort Worth is also known for its typical rural downtown since this city is a former center of cattle ranching!
Immersion Stay at a Ranch
Dallas → Graham
Say goodbye to the big cities of Texas for a moment by spending 48 hours in a 100% western ranch.
Across its 1,500 hectares, this 4-star ranch organizes outdoor activities such as horseback riding, archery or rifle shooting as well as guided SUV tours.
You can relax in the outdoor infinity pool or enjoy a massage. Take advantage of nature, activities and its local cuisine to experience 100% Texas life.
Austin Surroundings Tour
Graham → Austin
You will leave the ranch in the morning to explore during the day the natural wonders: Between the wild flower plains, the waterfalls and natural pools like the famous Hamilton Pool Preserve or the Gorman Falls, Texas is a mix of diverse natural landscapes.
At the end of the day you will head towards Austin to spend your first night there.
Exploration of the city of Austin
To alternate between nature and city, you will discover today the city of Austin.
Capital of the state of Texas, this city is a must-see. Its splendid capitol, its huge university as well as its multiple parks make this city a dynamic place where the sweetness of life is palpable when visiting it.
In the afternoon, go visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, to learn more about the history of Texas culture.
Relaxation day in Austin or nearby areas
You will enjoy this last day in Austin to continue exploring its downtown on foot or by bike, as well as the lovely state park McKinney Falls.
This park located south of the city is very popular with locals for its beautiful waterfalls and numerous hiking trails. It's a must-see!
Immersion stay at a ranch
Austin → Bandera
After visiting Austin, let us introduce you to an educational ranch for 2 days. Located in the heart of pastures, this ranch will welcome you in one of its typical chalets.
A multitude of activities will be offered to you such as daily horseback rides, campfires, fishing etc.
Around a traditional meal and around a fire while contemplating the starry Texas sky, the experience is unique and worth the detour.
Discoveries of Natural Wealth Around San Antonio
Bandera → San Antonio
Today, you will discover the Sonora Caverns or the Natural Bridge Caverns. These are world-class caves because of their incredible array of calcite crystal formations.
On the way back, you can also discover the beautiful Lost Maples State Park. Between these beautiful hills, forests and canyons, this place is paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Early in the evening, we recommend you take a stroll along the river dividing the city of San Antonio. With its shops and restaurants along the riverbank, the atmosphere there is unique and romantic!
San Antonio Visit
The city of San Antonio is full of historic monuments and typical places.
On the program for this day: A visit to the legendary fort and history museum of Texas: Fort Alamo, the San Fernando Cathedral as well as the historic downtown area of La Villita and Market Square where every week local artists and merchants gather.
South of San Antonio there are also historic churches reminiscent of the era of the Missions and colonization of Texas.
Discovery Day in Houston
San Antonio → Houston
You will head today towards the immense city of Houston.
Closely linked to the space industry, this city offers a visit to the Houston Space Center. The NASA coastal space center open to visitors and dedicated to astronaut training and mission control.
But this city is also full of other attractions such as its theatre district, with the Houston Grand Opera, and the historic district, with its 19th-century architecture and trendy restaurants. This city is not the largest city in Texas for nothing!
Car rental drop-off
Take advantage of your last few hours to purchase souvenirs.
Return the rental car at Houston airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance (optional)
- Flights (optional)
- Optional activities
- Everything that has not been mentioned in this price includes
- Possibility to do this circuit on motorcycle (option)
- Possibility of extending to New Mexico or Louisiana (optional)
- Possibility of spending more nights in ranches (option)
Included
- 13 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar
- Rental of an intermediate SUV with all insurance and local taxes
- 100% personalized itinerary
- Local on-the-ground assistance
- On-site concierge service
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the United States for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.
Passport
To enter the United States, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned end date of stay.
The passport must be an electronic (biometric) passport, recognizable by the electronic chip symbolized by a logo on the cover, to benefit from the visa exemption program.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa – Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland whose country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals also benefit from visa exemption to enter the United States.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorized length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry to the territory and cannot be extended under the visa exemption program.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation in the country.
ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Before arriving in the United States, anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Canadian nationals are generally exempt from this requirement.
ESTA is an electronic prior authorization required by the U.S. authorities. It allows verification of the traveler's eligibility before departure:
passport information
personal information and contact details
answers to questions regarding security and criminal background
The application must be made online on the official U.S. government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), ideally at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allows multiple entries. Fees apply when submitting the application. The authorization confirmation must be presented to the airline and immigration services.
Travel with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ESTA authorization if their nationality requires it.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and whether the country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers not eligible for VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before departure. Affected travelers should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — American South
Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness, based in Miami
In the United States, every road can become part of the journey. What I love is helping travelers find the right balance between the major sites and those detours that make the experience truly unique.
— Rémy
