San Antonio
4 DAYS SAN ANTONIO

Destination
SAN ANTONIO

Duration
4 DAYS

RESERVE ONLINE

ABOUT YOUR TRIP

The Painted Churches of Texas date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Czech and German immigrants came to Texas to start a new life. They built dozens of churches across Texas, that though seemingly ordinary from the outside, hold magnificent masterpieces inside. This road trip will take you through some of the most famous Painted Churches where significant Texas history meets incredible works of art to create an experience unlike any other in the state.

We will also visit St. Fernando Cathedral, the Mission of San José, the Famous Alamo, and the  Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio.

On our pilgrimage, we offer a complete itinerary that includes round-trip airfare, accommodation in first-class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, all transportation, daily Mass, and all under excellent organizing, leadership, and teaching from Nativity pilgrimage expert staff and Guides.

ITINERARY

Today: Our pilgrimage begins by boarding the bus to see a few Painted Churches on our way to San Antonio. We first stop at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, TX to view and then to St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, TX. The last stop of our trip is what is known as the “Queen of the Painted Churches,” St. Mary’s Church in High Hill. St. Marys is home to an astonishing wooden alter and life-sized biblical figure that draws pilgrims from all across the country. We continue on to San Antonio where we check in to our hotel and have a group dinner on the famous Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We start the morning by visiting both the replica Grotto of Lourdes and Hill of Tepeyac built by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to show Our Lady in both the Old and New World. We have ample time here to pray and ask for Our Lady’s intercession. We then stop for lunch before proceeding to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Here we are able to learn more about and connect with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” while admiring the beautiful depression-era architecture. After leaving this minor basilica, we move to the San Fernando Cathedral. Founded by 15 immigrant families in 1731, it is one of the oldest still-functioning Church building in Texas. We have to opportunity to explore the rich history of the cathedral on a tour as well as have the opportunity to celebrate Mass. The end of our second day sees us right in the middle of Historic Downtown San Antonio, where we have dinner and the rest of the evening free for leisure.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We will explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the State of Texas. First, we learn why every Texan will always “Remember The Alamo” by visiting the most famous and oldest mission in San Antonio. The Alamo is home to many artifacts and the beautiful Alamo Gardens right in the heart of Historic Downtown San Antonio. After leaving the Alamo we travel to Mission Concepción, named after the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, it is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. Next, we move onto Mission San José, the largest mission in San Antonio. Recently renovated we take a step back in time and get a glimpse of life in Spanish Colonial Texas. The beautiful flying buttresses and famous Rose Window serve as the beautiful backdrop for Mass. We then visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which houses the famous Serra Chapel. The Serra Chapel celebrates the Eucharist daily since the 1780s and is the only chapel still standing where St. Serra celebrated Mass. We can enjoy the nature trail that begins at the Mission and leads to the river. Our last stop of the day is the southernmost mission, Mission Espada, whose original aqueduct and dam are still functional. Run by Franciscan Missionaries, they integrate Native and Catholic traditions. Dinner at a local area restaurant.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We begin by checking out of our hotel. We’ll have a free morning to explore the famous Market Square and enjoy a Texas lunch. After lunch, we begin to head home with one more stop along the way to visit one more Painted Church, Sts. Cyril & Methodius in Shiner, TX. If opened, we will take a tour of the Spotzel Brewery, home of the famous Shiner Beer. We then hop on the bus for the last time as we drive back home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Round Trip Airfare

All airport taxes/fuel surcharges

First-class hotels (price based on double occupancy)

Land transportation as per itinerary

Daily breakfast and dinner

Sightseeing/admission fees as per itinerary.

Daily Masses

Professional local guides

Special pilgrimage promotional brochures

Medical protection plan

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

A trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)

Nativity Pilgrimage offers a comprehensive policy at an additional cost through Trawick International

Passport & visa costs (Passports must be valid for at least six months after the return date)

Tips/gratuities to the tour manager, guide, and driver

Personal items/expenses such as hotel extras, laundry, phone calls, etc.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Although travel insurance is optional, it is highly recommended. Be prepared for unforeseen events that can leave you to cancel your trip, or worse, with out-of-pocket expenses! We have partnered with Trawick Insurance to offer you coverage for the unexpected. Buy it now upon registration to get cancel for any reason. There are 2 options for travel insurance:

  1. Buy directly online through our website after submitting the application
  2. Buy insurance from your own insurance company.
TRAVEL INSURANCE

PLAN A TRIP

Booking your spiritual journey with Nativity Pilgrimage relieves you of all the hassles. There is no need to worry about the logistics such as flights, hotels, guides and timing. Invite your parish, family & friends and let Nativity do the rest! When you choose Nativity Pilgrimage you won’t have to worry about the details; hotels, flights, Mass venues, language and cultural barriers or marketing materials.

Our team is always available to ensure the process is simple and seamless. We provide comprehensive support, process all reservations, handle all accounting, invoicing and payment processing, issue travel documents and answer any questions that come up during the process.

We will walk you through all of your options for each itinerary and our expert team will make sure we create the pilgrimage of a lifetime.

UPCOMING TRIPS