Personalized Tour of Austin and Surrounding Hill Country

Discover the Personal Touch of the Austin and Hill Country Tour

The Personalized Tour of Austin and Surrounding Hill Country offers an intimate way to explore this vibrant city and its scenic countryside in just 5 hours. For $530 per group (up to 14 people), travelers enjoy a private, customizable experience led by a knowledgeable guide. The tour departs from your accommodation, ensuring convenience from the moment you start, and includes air-conditioned transportation and bottled water for refreshment.

This tour combines city sightseeing with visits to local distilleries, breweries, and a famous barbecue spot, making it ideal for those seeking variety in their half-day adventure. The flexible approach means the itinerary can be tailored to your group’s interests, whether that’s focusing on history, food, or local spirits. It’s a perfect option for small groups looking for a personalized, relaxed exploration of Austin and its surrounding hills, with the added bonus of artisanal tastings and regional cuisine. Keep in mind, food and drinks at stops are at your own expense, and the tour is best suited for most travelers due to its light physical requirements.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 5-hour tour with air-conditioned transport
• Visits to distilleries, breweries, and Salt Lick BBQ
• Tour can be tailored to suit your group’s preferences
• Includes bottled water and a licensed chauffeur
• Food and alcohol at stops are not included
• Rated 5/5 from 5 reviews, praised for flexibility and knowledgeable guides

The Tour Starts and Ends Conveniently Near Your Accommodation

The tour begins with pickup at your Austin-area lodging, making the start seamless and convenient. From there, the journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes you across some of Austin’s highlights and into the Texas Hill Country. The guide’s flexibility ensures that the pace and stops match your interests, making for a relaxed yet engaging experience.

This private tour is designed to suit most travelers, with most bookings made about 15 days in advance. While the tour operates Thursday through Sunday, starting at 10:30AM, it offers enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The meeting point is flexible, as it’s based at your accommodation, and the tour runs rain or shine, with options for rescheduling if weather disrupts plans.

Exploring Austin’s Historic Landmarks and Scenic Views

The tour includes visits to Austin highlights like the State Capitol and other historical landmarks. Your guide shares insights into the city’s history and culture, providing context that enriches your understanding of Austin’s identity. While the focus is on a personalized experience, responsible for most of the city’s major sights, the real highlight is the optional stops for tastings.

These stops include Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, housed in a former bottling plant, where you can sample mixed drinks in a scenic setting. You also visit Dripping Springs Distilling, with its award-winning spirits, craft cocktails, and elevated comfort food. The Jester King Brewery on 41 acres offers a chance to sample local beers and enjoy the farm-like atmosphere, with the added appeal of their on-site pizzeria and goat ranch.

Distillery Visits in the Texas Hill Country

The Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery provides a taste of the local spirits scene, sitting just outside Austin in the Texas Hill Country. This expansive venue sees around 75,000 visitors annually and is housed in a historic bottling plant. The visit involves sampling mixed drinks and learning about the distillation process, all without an admission fee.

Following this, the tour heads to Dripping Springs Distilling, known for its award-winning spirits and craft cocktails. The tasting room offers a relaxing environment with plenty of seating under oak trees or on the patio, making it easy to savor the flavors and enjoy the natural surroundings. The distillery also produces beer and Bloody Marys, catering to different tastes, though sampling is at your own expense.

Jester King Brewery’s Unique Hill Country Setting

The highlight for beer enthusiasts is the visit to Jester King Brewery, a 41-acre farm on the outskirts of Austin. This brewery, pizzeria, and goat ranch creates beers tied to the land and local culture. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights in a lively, scenic setting that emphasizes the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country.

Jester King’s environment offers more than just drinks; it’s a place to relax among rolling hills, with options to explore their farm animals and enjoy the farm-to-table food options available at the brewery’s pizzeria. The experience emphasizes local craftsmanship and the natural beauty that defines the region.

Salt Lick BBQ: A Hearty Meal at Your Expense

While the tour does not include lunch, it makes a stop at Salt Lick BBQ, one of the most famed barbecue spots in the area. Here, guests can indulge in hearty Texas-style barbecue—ribs, brisket, sausage, and more—prepared using traditional methods. The own expense aspect allows you to choose your favorite items and enjoy a relaxed meal in a rustic setting.

This stop offers a quintessential Texas experience, giving you a chance to savor regional flavors. The location’s reputation and scenic outdoor seating make it a popular choice for a satisfying, authentic meal after a morning of sightseeing and tastings.

Transportation and Personalization: The Tour You Control

Transportation is provided in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, with a licensed chauffeur ensuring comfort along the route. A significant advantage of this tour is its private nature, meaning only your group participates, and the itinerary can be customized according to your interests.

The guide, Mark Hawkins, is praised for his flexibility and knowledge, often adjusting the day’s plan based on your preferences. Whether you want more time at distilleries, additional sightseeing, or specific stops, the tour can adapt. This personalized approach makes it ideal for those who prefer a tailored experience rather than a fixed schedule.

Booking Details and Practical Considerations

Most bookings are made about 15 days in advance, reflecting high demand. The tour operates Thursday through Sunday, with a start time of 10:30AM and runs until approximately 3:30PM. You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours, and cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

The tour accepts service animals and is accessible to most travelers. It is suitable for those who enjoy scenic drives, craft beverages, and regional cuisine, with minimal physical demands involved. Since food and alcohol at stops are not included, you’re free to select your preferred dining options and drinks.

Highly Praised Guides and Flexible Experience

The tour’s success hinges on the guides’ expertise and flexibility. Reviews highlight Mark Hawkins’ friendly demeanor, knowledge, and willingness to customize the day’s activities. His ability to adapt schedules based on your interests and needs has resulted in a consistently perfect rating of 5/5.

Guests appreciate the smooth communication, punctual pickups, and the thoughtful tips, such as returning lost items. Mark’s ability to make the experience both informative and relaxed is a defining feature, elevating the private tour from a simple sightseeing trip to a personalized adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Austin and Hill Country Tour

This private, 5-hour tour offers a well-balanced mix of city landmarks, local distilleries, breweries, and regional cuisine. The customizable itinerary makes it ideal for small groups wanting a tailored experience with a friendly guide. The scenic stops in the Texas Hill Country add a special touch, providing insight into the local craft spirit and beer scenes.

While food and drinks are at your own expense, the stops at Salt Lick BBQ and local distilleries offer genuine taste experiences that complement the sightseeing. The value lies in the private, flexible nature of the tour, perfect for those seeking a personalized introduction to Austin and its surroundings.

The high ratings and enthusiastic reviews confirm this tour as a reliable choice for groups wanting a relaxed yet engaging exploration of Austin’s highlights and hidden gems. If you enjoy craft spirits, good food, and scenic countryside, this is a memorable way to experience Texas hospitality in a half-day format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, licensed chauffeur, and bottled water are included. Food and alcoholic beverages at stops are not included.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to your group’s preferences, allowing you to spend more time at specific stops or explore additional sights.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Dripping Springs Distilling, Jester King Brewery, and a visit to Salt Lick BBQ.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour is designed for groups of up to 14 people, making it suitable for small to medium parties seeking a private experience.

How do I book the tour?
Bookings are typically made about 15 days in advance, with easy online confirmation. Cancellations are free 24 hours prior.