Private UNESCO Missions Tour in San Antonio

Overview

This is the most engaging, historically accurate and entertaining missions tour you will find in San Antonio. Guaranteed.

You will learn what life was like at the missions, construction and architectural influences, and the relationship between the Franciscan Friars, soldiers and the Payaya, Coahuiltecan and other indigenous tribes. This is a nuanced and beautifully presented experience about colonialization, but also interdependence. At the end of this tour, you will be impressed with the largest concentration of Spanish missions in the US!

Please consider purchasing our "Missions and More" tour, as it includes all four missions PLUS two more centuries of San Antonio history and diverse cultures. See reviews for that tour please.

Locally owned/operated by professional guide and history teacher, stand-up comic (with Kevin Hart:), performer and world traveler Michael Robinson.

City: San Antonio

Wed 11 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $125.00

Make a reservation

Wed 11 Mar

Starting at $125.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Transportation

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Mission Espada

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

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

The "Queen of the Missions" is the largest and most renovated mission in San Antonio, the finest example of Baroque architecture in Texas. Here, you will learn about its' function as a mission, as well as, the impressive revitalization by the WPA in the 1930's. You will experience the living quarters of all groups that lived and worked at the mission, have an exclusive interior guided tour of the Church, and learn so much more! Over 2000 of architectural, religious and cultural influences, and a reverence for the indigenous labor that made Mission San Jose the "Queen".

Mission Concepcion

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 Espada Aqueduct

Drive past and learn about the oldest Spanish Aqueduct in the US. Learn about its' construction, where the technologies to build the structure come from, its' function and placement and connection to the acequia system to irrigate labores (farmlands).

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (90)

P7130DJhannahm

Nov 2021

Being born and raised in San Antonio, I am ashamed to admit that I had never visited all 4 missions. Thanks to San Antonio ProTours, I can cross that off my list. Michael's background in education and entertainment made the perfect combination. From the time I was picked up (on time in a clean vehicle with complimentary water!), I was engaged and entertained the entire way and left excited to learn more about San Antonio's unique history and culture.

Response from Host

Nov 2021

Don't feel bad about being a native San Antonian and not seeing all the missions until our tour. More locals than you know haven't seen them as well and it is such a miss. It was nice to be the one to show y'all these amazing structures with such deep history and importance in our city. Best to you and hope to see you at Fiesta or a Spurs game! Michael

V6178HObobb

Nov 2021

Absolutely the highlight of our vacation in San Antonio. Miss this tour and you’ll miss knowing the rich heritage of San Antonio. This tour guide has done his homework and gives detailed insight into what makes San Antonio special. You will be fascinated from the beginning to the end of the tour. Listen to me folks: Give this tour the priority of your activities in San Antonio. You won’t be sorry!

Response from Host

Nov 2021

Wow. It is humbling to read this kind of feedback from our time together. I greatly appreciate your words here and wish you all the best! Michael

jeremyjS1516ZA

Oct 2021

Phenomenal experience! We live right outside San Antonio and were amazed to learn so much about the history of this great city. There’s so much more to San Antonio than the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Michael is an outstanding guide - extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and energetic. I feel like I spent the afternoon with a close friend. We will definitely be coming back to San Antonio Pro Tours!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thanks Jeremy! I really strive to make it feel like guests have just met "their new friend in San Antonio". It was a pleasure to show you two the missions and hope to see you again. Michael