Day 1: Today we set off for some warmer weather and adventures as we travel south for our Galveston Getaway.

Day 2: Blast off on the ultimate space adventure as we visit NASA’s Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian Affiliate. You will have time to explore the inside of a shuttle replica, Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft, and then explore the giant plane. There are many interactive exhibits and films to watch. Later, we board a private tram tour of the NASA Campus visiting George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, Historic Mission Control, and the Astronaut Training Facility. This evening, we checked into our beachfront hotel in Galveston for the next 3 nights. (B, D)

Day 3: Step into Galveston’s rich past and vibrant present with a guided city tour that takes us through the island’s defining events, majestic architecture, and lush tropical wonders. Next we tour the opulent Moody Mansion that survived the hurricane and once belonged to one of Texas’s wealthiest families. The spectacular Moody Gardens include a guided tour of the Rainforest Pyramid, home to exotic plants and free-roaming animals such as Giant Amazon River Otters, Komodo dragons, Saki monkeys, Cotton-top tamarins, and sloths. Later there is some beach time before dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4: After a relaxing morning, our day begins with the salty breeze of the Gulf as we step aboard the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. From geological exploration to drilling, to oil and gas production, we explore offshore drilling equipment and exhibits on this refurbished offshore drilling rig. After lunch, we visit the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the beautifully restored 1877 tall ship ELISSA. Next, it’s all aboard for our Harbor Boat Tour. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, and a view of the S.S. Selma, the largest concrete ship ever constructed, partially submerged. This evening you will have time to explore, eat, and shop The Historic Strand District, once known as “The Wall Street of the South.” (B, L)

Day 5: Today we visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. This museum and library offer a thoughtful and immersive journey through the life, presidency, and legacy of the 41st President. En route, we stop for dinner before stopping for the night just north of Dallas. (B, D)

Day 6: This morning we visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center, offering an immersive experience into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Chickasaw Nation. The Poya Exhibit Center is the heart of the cultural experience. We will have the opportunity to witness (or participate in) the spiritual and communal expressions of the Chickasaw identity through the traditional Stomp Dance and the “Friendship Dance”. We enjoy some traditional foods for lunch before making our way back to Kansas with good memories of Galveston and all the adventures in between. (B, L)