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San Antonio and Missions Highlight Tour 3.5 Hours Small Group

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | San Antonio, USA
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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English
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Overview

Discover the rich history, culture, and beauty of San Antonio on this unforgettable 3-hour guided sightseeing tour. Travel in the comfort of a climate-controlled vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide as you explore the city's most iconic landmarks and the world-famous Spanish Colonial Missions. Your tour includes visits to The Alamo, Houston Street and the Historic Theater District, San Fernando Cathedral, the beautiful King William Historic District, Mission San José, and Mission Concepción. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about San Antonio's Spanish colonial heritage, the Texas Revolution, and the city's vibrant culture.
Enjoy plenty of opportunities for photos and short walks at each stop while traveling in a small group for a more personal experience. Whether you're visiting San Antonio for the first time or returning to discover more, this tour is the perfect introduction to the city's most famous landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage missions.

What's Included

  • Small-group experience for a more personal and relaxed tour
  • Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Photo opportunities at selected landmarks and scenic stops
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE -Meals and beverages, unless specified
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE- Hotel pickup and drop-off; guests meet at the designated departure point
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE-Parking fees at the meeting location
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Alamo

The Alamo, originally the 18th-century Spanish mission Mission San Antonio de Valero, is a premier Texas historic site located in San Antonio. It is famous for the 13-day 1836 Battle of the Alamo, where nearly 200 Texan defenders—including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie—were defeated by Mexican forces, becoming a lasting symbol of courage and independence
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

San Antonio

Historic Houston Street contains many examples of San Antonio’s spectacular commercial architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

Founded in 1731 by Canary Islanders, San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio is the oldest standing church in Texas and the heart of the city's Catholic history. Completed in 1755, it served as the original parish for the area, hosted Jim Bowie’s marriage in 1832, served as a lookout during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and is believed to hold the remains of Alamo defenders.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

King William Historic District

The National Register of Historic Places-listed King William Historic District is generally located between the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez Boulevard, South St. Mary’s Street, and South Alamo Street. The King William Local Historic District and neighborhood also includes the National Register of Historic Places-listed South Alamo Street-South St. Mary’s Street Historic District located west of South Alamo Street. Most of the houses within the district were built between 1850 and 1899, and in comparison to most of those located south of South Alamo Street, the houses are larger, more ornate, and are situated on larger lots (Bell and Williamson 1971).
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Alamodome

The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat domed indoor multi-purpose stadium in San Antonio, Texas. It is located on the southeastern fringe of downtown San Antonio. The facility opened on May 15, 1993, having been constructed at a cost of $186 million. The multi-purpose facility was intended to increase the city's convention traffic and attract a professional football franchise. It also placated the San Antonio Spurs' demands for a larger arena. The Spurs played in the Alamodome for a decade, then became disenchanted with the facility and convinced Bexar County to construct a new arena for them, now called the Frost Bank Center. The Alamodome's regular tenant is currently the UTSA Roadrunners. Recent tenants include the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football, the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, and the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mission San Jose

Mission San José was founded in 1720. At its height, over 300 indigenous residents lived within these walls. This was not just a church. It was a fully functioning village. Blacksmith shops. Granaries. Workshops. Living quarters. Everything inside these walls supported a self-sufficient community. The Spanish introduced irrigation systems called acequias — some of which still function today. They introduced cattle ranching. The Texas cowboy tradition traces directly back to Spanish vaqueros trained in missions like this. Even the word ‘rodeo’ is Spanish. Walk toward the Rose Window. Legend says it was carved by a craftsman to honor his lost love. Whether true or not — it represents Spanish baroque artistry at the edge of empire. But we must also acknowledge something important. For Native Americans, mission life was not always voluntary. It often meant loss of culture, language, and freedom.
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35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

San Antonio

Mission Concepción was completed in 1755. It is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. What you see here is nearly original. These missions were vulnerable to raids from Apache and Comanche tribes. This was not peaceful farmland. This was frontier survival. Inside, faint original fresco paintings still remain — red, blue, yellow pigments from the 1700s. This church has stood here through: The Spanish Empire Mexican rule. The Republic of Texas. The Civil War. Two World Wars And it still stan
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35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

San Antonio

MISSION SYSTEM EXPLANATION What we are about to see is older than the Alamo. Most visitors believe the Alamo is the beginning of Texas. It’s not. The real beginning… is the mission system. Between 1718 and 1731, Spain built a chain of missions along this river. Not just churches. Communities. Fortresses. Agricultural centers. Political tools. Spain was not building for religion alone — Spain was building to control land. And that land would one day become Texas. These four missions we’re visiting today are so historically important that in 2015 they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — joining places like the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. And they are right here in San Antonio. “As we drive, imagine this region 300 years ago. No highways. No skyline. No Texas. Just river, farmland, and indigenous tribes. Spain feared French expansion from Louisiana.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Texas law mandates that children under 8 years old, unless they are taller than 4 ft 9 in, must be secured in an appropriate Child Passenger Safety seat or booster seat.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Antonio and Missions Highlight Tour 3.5 Hours Small Group?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-11593P59

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Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Small-group experience for a more personal and relaxed tour
  • Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Photo opportunities at selected landmarks and scenic stops
  • 8.25% TEXAS STATE AND LOCAL SALES TAX IS INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL PRICE YOU PAY AT BOOKING.
  • Professional local tour guide with engaging stories and historical insights
  • Live commentary throughout the guided tour
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE -Meals and beverages, unless specified
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE- Hotel pickup and drop-off; guests meet at the designated departure point
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE-Parking fees at the meeting location
  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE -Guide gratuities (optional and appreciated)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Texas law mandates that children under 8 years old, unless they are taller than 4 ft 9 in, must be secured in an appropriate Child Passenger Safety seat or booster seat.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers

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