PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour

Mission Espada

15 min

Southern-most mission of the five in San Antonio, this location is the start of your tour and will lay the foundational context for the rest of the tour. You will walk into the interior of this mission, hear interesting information about its' inhabitants and the Friars, as well as, the construction and layout of the mission. You will also have an opportunity to walk into the church that looks as it did in the 1700's.

Mission San Juan

20 min

Just five minutes from the first stop at Mission Espada, this mission has a fully renovated church that is not only charming, but impressive in its' reconstruction and the highlight of this stop. Hear about the inhabitants at this location, the construction of this mission, and what life was like for them. You will visit a small museum that has wonderful displays of materials used by the inhabitants, the use water for agriculture, among interesting other information.

Mission San Jose

35 min

The "Queen of the Missions" is the largest and most renovated mission in San Antonio. This huge mission is arguably the most important here because of the massive amounts of food that was cultivated and shared with the smaller missions.
Here, you will walk into one of the apartments of the inhabitants, experience the Convento where the Friars and soldiers slept, walk through the beautiful domed church, and see the gorgeous facade of the church while you hearing stories of its' creation and renovation. And, of course, see and hear all about the iconic Baroque architectural piece known as the Rose Window.
This stop includes a few minutes to peruse the gift shop as well.

Mission Concepcion

20 min

Mission Concepcion is hands down the most charming of all the missions. Hear about its' inhabitants, what life was life at this location, and learn about the creation of its' duel bell tower church, the oldest stone church in the US!
You will see a 250 year old fresco, a fascinating ocular display, and the interior of the church where you will be humbled by its' beauty. You will see some other architectural highlights here, but those a secret and I can't wait to tell you all about them!

The Alamo

10 min

A visit to the exterior of the Alamo? Sure! This can be included in this experience since this is a private tour. Whatever you want to experience near downtown is available to you, as we can just shift timing at other locations.

King William Historic District

15 min

You will be guided through a portion of the King William District and and see and hear about the impressive homes of many German entrepreneurs from the late 1800's. You will see eight homes and be given deep and interesting information on their original owners, how they contributed to San Antonio, and how the neighborhood became what many call the "nicest neighborhood in San Antonio".

Historic Market Square

20 min

You will hear the history of this important market place from the 1700's to present day. Hear stories about the Chili Queens and different immigrant groups that sold good here at Market Square. You will have time to visit a store with authentic Mexican crafts and goods, and get a pastry at the iconic MiTierra panaderia.

Japanese Tea Gardens

15 min

Enjoy a short visit to the this iconic garden that dates back to the 1920’s. Another example of how San Antonio revitalizes former industrial spaces (old quarry).

Pearl Brewery

15 min

Ok, get ready for the most impressive re-use of a former industrial space in any city in the US. You will experience a guided tour through the revitalized Pearl Brewery that was an iconic business in San Antonio for a century.
You will see original components of the brewery all throughout the district, living spaces for locals, public spaces for families and community, and a plethora of restaurants and shops.
You can also experience the lobby of the Hotel Emma, which used to be the brewery and has been converted into one of the finest hotels in the US. You will have about 45 minutes to enjoy a meal (not included in ticket price), coffee, or shopping here.