- Convertible Top Sprinter
- En Español tambien
Austin + Hill Country Panoramic Tour with Multiple Stops - 2.5 Hours
Take our premium half-day tour of Austin with stops along the way to get out and enjoy the scenery on our Texas Hill Country tour!
Quick Details
- Duration: 2.5 Hours (with stops)
- Pickup and Drop-off: Austin Visitor Center NOTE: the van loading area can be as much as a block away from the Visitors Center-
Please notify your guide if you require extra time to board because of a disability. - Languages: English & Español (headphones provided)
- Numbers of stops: 3-4
- Seating & Vehicle Info:
- A Mercedes-Benz glass-top bus with a convertible feature
- Seats are not reserved
- When the convertible top is open: The van offers two types of seats; Shady or Sunny
- Shady Seats: If you prefer to be protected from the sun and wind, no problem!
Those seats are here for you, and you don’t have to miss the scenic view with
our glass-top system - Sunny Seats: Enjoy the full open space, the hot Texas sunshine, and of course,
the full panoramic view!
- Shady Seats: If you prefer to be protected from the sun and wind, no problem!
- Extras: Receive discounts through our Pink Tag Partners Program
- Guide Tips: On this tour, we get out for light (optional) walks so be sure to:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a hat (with ties to prevent it flying away)
- Bring water to drink (in sealed containers – no cup holders on board)
- Bring sunscreen if you need it
From :
$
66.99
$
56.94
What makes the Texas Hill Country Tour different from our other tours?
This is the longer version of our 90-minute tour Austin and Hill Country tour, and includes several stops to enjoy Austin’s attractions.
Discover what makes Texas’s capital city so unique. You’ll get to know why so many people are drawn to this fantastical city which is considered one of the United States’ latest boom-towns. Grab a seat in our luxury convertible Mercedes tour van and take in the gorgeous 360-panoramic views as you move through this music-driven metropolis that we call home.
Expect a deep dive on the history and culture from our expert guides; stops to get out and take pictures; and the local insider knowledge that comes from taking one of our small-group tours. We’ll even point out all the things to do in the Hill Country, TX.
Take in landmarks like the capitol, university, Driskill Hotel, the stomping grounds of legends like Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, then head over to Barton Springs, Mount Bonnel, and Austin’s Award Winning Central Library. You’ll be so jam-packed with Austin info and experiences that you’ll feel like a local yourself by the end of the Texas Hill Country tour!
Additional highlights include:
- This is a GPS-powered audio tour with real-time entertaining conversations about the sights you see.
- The panoramic bus offers 360-degree views of the city with a convertible top feature that can be open or closed, with expert narration from a local guide.
Points of Interest
Google Map
About the Guides
As a family business, AO Tours strives to hire professional guides with enthusiasm and deep knowledge on the state capital of Texas. Depending on the tour, you may be with an actor, a comedian, or local resident who can tell you the best places to eat, where to catch a live show, or where to get off the beaten track. Each tour is a little different than the next thanks to this group, who you can learn more about here.
About the Vehicle
You won’t miss any views in our Mercedes-Benz 14 passenger panoramic sprinter. In our unique vehicle you get 360-degree angles of the city sights, with a retractable roof that’s easy to open and close, making for a unique and comfortable way to see all of Austin’s city architecture. Check out our photos and videos to get a better sense of the experience!
Important Booking Information
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Online ticket purchases are refundable up to 24 hours before tour time, and reservations may be changed to another date and/or time (subject to availability).
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For Students, Seniors 55+, Military, and Convention Tag Holders – Must present ID upon arrival. Does not apply to sale price.
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The Austin Visitors Center is located at 602 East 4th St. (Click link to open in map)
- Option 1 – Austin Convention Parking Garage – 601 E. 5th street
The Garage entrance is located on the opposite (north) end of the Visitors Center building – the entry to the Garage is on 5th St between Red River and Sabine Streets. (601 E. 5th St.). Note: do not try to park in the 2nd street garage. It is not for public parking. - Option 2 – Street Parking. Parking Meters are available in the area. Please visit the City of Austin parking rates site for current hours and pricing information.
- Option 1 – Austin Convention Parking Garage – 601 E. 5th street
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Child safety seats must be provided by parents whose children legally require them. Please see the laws at the follow link: Texas Department of Safety
There must be at least one adult over the age of 18 with each party that includes a child.
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We do allow service animals, but we ask that you give us prior notice to allow for us to accommodate you safely. Non-service animals are not allowed without prior authorization by Mary Davidson – AO Tours Austin Owner.
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Take our most in-depth Austin city tour and get the pink luggage tag that gets you discounts all over town. Learn More
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This tour is offered in both English and Español. More languages coming soon!
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We don’t operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter – we have reduced schedules on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
The Austin tour route may be modified because of traffic, construction, weather, parades, and sporting events.
Request for special accommodations will be addressed by management. Special arrangements may require as long as 72 hours’ notice to secure.
Austin Overtures Corporation retains the right to remove customers from our group tours for reasons that impact on the enjoyment or safety of other tour members, such as, but not limited to, unsocial or unruly behavior, or the carriage of prohibited substances and materials.
Pickup and Drop-Off Location
602 E. 4th Street (Austin Visitors Center)
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to check-in and board.
NOTE: Seats are subject to resale if we have not heard from you or you are not checked-in 15 minutes prior to departure. Our tours depart on schedule – Thanks!
Excellent tour with Doug. Loved the open van. I’ve visited Austin often but learned of some new sites to explore. Doug gave great recommendations for dining and fun
– Ellen A via TripAdvisorBarton Springs and the old cemetery were very interesting. Doug was our tour guide and he was great. Very knowledgeable.
– Dee_P via ViatorExcellent customer service experience with the company since first interaction: another company in town let us down, we came across AO Tours and called late in the evening. The representative had great manners and so customer service oriented. She managed to find this tour for the following day. About the tour: our driver Doug was a fantastic guide: knowledgeable, structured and clear explanations, straight to the point with facts and history. I loved the absence of annoying and stupid jokes that too often, in similar tours, it indicates a lack in knowledge. The expectations were fully met: best introduction to Austin that you can get so that you can go back and revisits the place at your own pace . The only downside of this tour was the rest of the group unfortunately: they were very disengage and disrespectful. They got offered best seats in the van and they were constantly on their phones playing games.
– BeatriceB2807 via TripAdvisorWe had the pleasure of Corey being our driver. He was so detailed and informational. I actually preferred his explanation instead of the radio guided tour. The bus arrived promptly and was clean and accommodating. I love the usb connections to keep your phone charged along the awesome ride. The convertible style bus was a huge a perk, then when it rained a little the huge glass windows were nice to view the city at all angles. Corey’s knowledge was extremely detailed and he had a lot of fun facts and a few jokes that kept us on our toes. He made sure we knew the bus would be parked at all times and made sure we knew what time to head back. He gave us the heads up when to have cameras ready for amazing Austin city views and more. He made several stops to very historic statues, and others that I don’t want to spoil for you. We love the locations the tour offered he even had a back up plan to one of the coffee shops that was overcrowded outside and it was raining. Speaking of rain, he also offered several umbrellas to us as we made stops. Luckily it didn’t rain much, it was very light and short but he handled it well. He has a vibrant loud podcast voice that you can hear all the way in the back and even took talking breaks so we could take in the moment at some of the beautiful spots. Corey was just a 5 Star driver and I highly recommend you request him for a great ride. We loved every single location and hidden mini locations leading up to the main ones. I recommend you start this tour on your first day so you can plan out the rest of your trip with the all of the info you learn about downtown Austin and the outskirts. So so glad we took this tour and was blessed to have Corey as our driver for the ultimate experience.
– John_F via ViatorThe excursion was excellent. The sites were very interesting. The information was outstanding. The tour guide Doug was very entertaining and informative. All around a great trip.
– Glenn_S via TripAdvisorMy wife and I were visiting Austin for the first time. We chose this tour and were very happy that we did. Our tour guide, Doug was very good. He was energetic and knowledgeable. We even taught some long-time residents, things they didn’t know. I would recommend this tour.
– michaelpG7186DM via TripAdvisorThe tour guide was absolutely amazing, made the entire trip. He took us to parts of Austin that I had never seen and did a great job of letting us know about the history. This would be a great trip to get to know Austin. We went back and visited a few of the places that he showed us.
– jimmr2023 via TripAdvisorThe tour through the neighborhoods in Hill Country, the stops we made to walk around and the beautiful cemetery were the best parts of the tour. Doug did an excellent job!
– Thomas_C via ViatorThis tour is like ordering the sampler or bread basket at your favorite international restaurant, y'all folks with FOMO. You get to see the best of Austin in the near-best way possible. I say near-best because some of these places are best as full day trips when you have the time. Our guide and driver, Cory, was knowledgeable, friendly, and was very clear. He made the trip very enjoyable. He put the convertible top up a couple of times to keep the road noise/heat out. More than enough stops on this route for folks with an active bladder or can't let go their supersized drinks.
– 751sandeept viaTripAdvisorGot to see a huge amount in and around Austin, in a very comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van with a convertible roof, so was open top for most of the journey. Our guide Doug was super friendly and very knowledgeable, not just about the landmarks but about the good (and bad) places to eat and drink. A great way to see Austin and plan out your stay.
Awesome tour of Austin! We had a great tour guy, Doug, who showed us all to see in Austin. Check in to the tour was super smooth and easy to find the busses. Tour lasted about 1.5 hours and we saw all the Austin hot spots. Doug was very knowledgeable, offered great recommendations and know the history of Austin well. Would recommend booking if you're looking to view Austin!
– vincentwU5125SZ via TripAdvisorGreat experience! Doug was knowledgeable and fun. This tour hits on so many areas and Austin sites, we were so glad we went. Our favorite was Mount Bonnell.
– T2228YBnancyt via TripAdvisorOur tour guide Doug was very engaging and entertaining while still being knowledgeable. I will recommend this tour to my future guests to Austin.
– Wendell_W via ViatorIt was a great way to get an overview of Austin. Highly recommend the tour. Joel was a great guide. I enjoyed the stops and the itinerary was perfect for a first time visit to Austin.
– Lorna_B on ViatorTime flew by during this wonderful & fun tour! Our guide was so polite and provided us great insight into all the wonderful Austin landmarks. Well alright, alright!
– Kenneth_L via ViatorThis 2 1/2 tour in a comfortable van is a MUST for an Austin visit if you are interested in the city beyond its live music and bars. Very good value. I was happy to do it on my first day of 4 so I had a greater appreciation of what I'm now seeing. I saw so much that I would never have seen, was Wowed by the Hill Country and its luxurious homes, saw Barton Springs, climbed to the highest point in Austin and walked around the storied Driscoll Hotel. I hear the company is launching an art and architecture tour and I will come back for it. I was happy I didn't sign up for the 90 minute tour because the city is spread out and there is too much to see.
– ca2018732 via TripAdvisorEverything was great, especially Doug our tour guide. He was informative, friendly and told us where to go and not to go for a super time and good food. He even told us where there was some free parking for the State Capital, which I made good use of. My only regret is that we did not take the tour when we first came to Austin as we would have enjoyed our visit much more! Mary in the office is easy to deal with and very accommodating!
– Larry342 via TripAdvisorThe best tour I did in Austin! I had originally planned to walk and explore by myself while my boyfriend was in work meetings. Unfortunately, I did not feel safe even in the daytime. By the end of the first day I had already decided I wasn't doing any more exploring unless it was on a tour. That way someone could drive me around, and I would not have to…
– Andrea L. via YelpI would recommend doing this as your first stop in Austin. We crossed so many things off of our must-see list. We learned a lot and Doug was kind and entertaining. After we got off of the bus, we went to one of his recommended restaurants and loved it. We then went back and walked some of the areas we were curious about. It was a great investment of our time for less than ride shares to all the places. Must do!
– I5345VOheatherp via TripAdvisorDoug was a great tour guide...he was knowledgeable of the area and made some great suggestions on places to go/eat.. I wish I did the tour in the beginning of my trip and not towards the end!
– jenniferkQ755NO on TripAdvisorGreat fun experience that we wouldn’t have otherwise seen on our own!!! Nice job done! Have a nice day.
– Gary_S via ViatorDoug was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide! He had lots of recommendations and suggestions on what to do to get the best Austin experience.
– mjjs2017 via TripAdvisorHad lots of fun. The guide was very knowledgeable about the Austin and its culture. Love it will do this tour again with my daughter.
– PATRICIA_S via TripAdvisorDoug was informative and fun. Great overview of the city. Saw lots and a comfortable ride.Lots of recommendations for things to do.
– LLLD via TripAdvisorViewing the city sights from the open air van was really nice. We saw unique sights plus the standard Austin highlights.
– garypC8402JM via TripAdvisorIt was a beautiful day in Austin to enjoy the windows open. Our driver always informing us of interesting views. Each place we stopped we got to walk or use the bathroom. So glad we went on the tour to see what Austin has to offer. Thanks for the great time.
– stevengU9166AS via TripAdvisorGood value. Doug was a good guide the right mix of history, culture, spots to try and and to avoid, and humor. First class bus. At about 2.5 hours a good length with several enjoyable rest stops.
– 186murrayl via TripAdvisorFrom the start of the tour to the end, this was a fantastic adventure. Our guide, Doug, was personable and on point every moment of the tour. His comedic approach was quite welcome and appreciated by all on the trip. He gave us lots of personal recommendations that turned out to be excellent. I would strongly recommend this tour and wish I had taken it earlier in my vacation. We waited for a warmer day so we could have the open air experience. I learned so much about the city which means I will need to come back to explore even further. I would definitely consider taking another tour on our next visit. There were three generations of my family on the tour and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed it!
– 203kv via TripAdvisorNicely sized and comfortable van open to the air. The hills tour was especially good. Guide was personable.
– Edward_M via ViatorI'm so glad we did this tour early on in our visit to Austin. You really get to see the many neighborhoods of Austin and helped us decide where we might want to revisit later in the week. Beauty of the Hill Country is breathtaking. Our tour guide Jack was very knowledgeable of the city and offered some good tips and recommendations. It's a must - do!
– Elizabeth F via TripAdvisorDoug was very knowledgeable and brought humor to the tour. I wish I'd done this tour the first day I was in Austin as it really helped me to gauge where things were so that I could do some exploring on my own. Definitely recommend this tour as we got to see quite a bit of Austin and learn some of it's history.
– MeschK on TripAdvisorHad a great time getting to know Austin a bit differently with Doug as an awesome tour guide. Enjoyed the convertible top on the bus!
– Alison G on Google ReviewsWhat a great way to learn about the City of Austin. We will be back. Excellent tour guide, he was very knowledgeable about the City and its people.
– Roberta_T on ViatorExcellent way to see the city. A great base from which to select where to visit for a more in depth experience. Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
– ClaireFromBoston on TripAdvisorDriver was great! Very knowledgeable about the areas and lots of fun to spend 2.5 hrs with. Would definitely recommend this tour.
– Z3991WImaryl via TripAdvisorAll places were memorable however I especially liked the hill country. Our driver Doug gave enlightening details on each area of the city where we toured.
– Susie_J via ViatorTour provides a framework for the Austin experience. Takes you through the city's main spots, up to the highest hill and through residential areas so that you get a flavor of Austins past, present and future.
– Simone_B via ViatorDoug your guide the best. Answers all questions. I would recommend to learn insights of Austin. I enjoyed the 90 minutes.
– crappieg via TripAdvisorWhat a great way to experience Austin. Tour covers a lot of ground with a mix of prerecorded information about the parts of Austin we’re traveling through, alongside the commentary from our tour guide (Doug - who was superb). Highlights for me were Mount Bonnell & Texas State Cemetery (Gene Cernan - what a hero) The tour provides great information, and I’d suggest you do it early in a visit to Austin, it’ll give great guidance on where to spend the rest of your visit.
– WanderingScott via TripAdvisorAn interesting tour of Austin with Doug, the tour guide. Knowledgeable, good personality and sense of humor. Recommend.
– gkraus1 via TripAdvisorWe had a great time on this tour. The weather didn't co-operate so we didn't get to have the top open but it was still an awesome ride. Doug, our guide was very knowledgeable and told us some very interesting stories. The views and sites were wonderful.
– jdc957 via TripAdvisorThe tour provided current and historical information about Austin and Texas. I'm glad I did the longer version. It was great to get out and experience some places.
– Karen S via TripAdvisorLoved our tour guide!! He was funny, knows how to tell a story and keep people very entertained! We had a small hiccup with the door and even then he handled it perfectly!!! Highly recommend this tour and tour guide to others.
– Lisa_S via ViatorFantastic view , beautiful houses , great restaurants .👍❤️🎸🎶🤗🥰 The people are nice , good driver and great tour guide.
– Lenilou_D via ViatorThis was a great overview of the city. Our tour guide was wonderful and answered our questions about the city & ACL. Lovely tour, would highly recommend.
– med5063 via TripAdvisorMy favorite part of the tour was Mt. Bonnell, breathtaking. Our tour guide, Doug, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Austin is a unique city with many surprises to explore.
– OnAir538478 via ViatorVery fun and informative tour! Learned a lot about Austin! Our tour guide Doug was great! Highly Recommend this tour!
– Dustin_A via ViatorI did the "Austin + Hill Country Panoramic Tour with Stops" tour, and really enjoyed it. Since I flew in and did not rent a car, this was the best way I found to see the areas outside of downtown that I could not get to on foot. Ari was an excellent guide, and it was a beautiful day for an open-air tour. It was perhaps a little on the pricier side, but when you consider it's a very small-group tour (I think the van only seated maybe 12 and there were only 4 of us on board) and the tour lasted 2.5 hours, it was a really good value.
– Amy J via Google ReviewsMy favorite part of the tour was Mt. Bonnell, breathtaking. Our tour guide, Doug, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Austin is a unique city with many surprises to explore.
– OnAir538478 via ViatorThe tour is a great way to get a feel for all the different neighborhoods and our tour guide gave us a lot of good ideas to follow up on. We swam in Barton Springs later that day after seeing it on the tour. Wonderful time.
– MaryEllen_M via ViatorVery fun and informative tour! Learned a lot about Austin! Our tour guide Doug was great! Highly Recommend this tour!
– Dustin A via ViatorWhat a great way to see the best parts of Austin on my first day in the city! I got some great ideas of places to visit over the next few days and when I visit again. Doug was great at pointing out some fun spots, as well as insights about different areas.
– tle371 via TripAdvisorI enjoyed being able to have an overview of Austin. Our driver and guide Doug was entertaining and regaled us with stories and pointed out good local places to visit. Because of the tip, I visited the Austin Central Library which was awesome.
– AdeleGee via TripAdvisorThe highest peak in Austin and going through the cemetery. Historical Building and architecture of buildings.
– Margaret_D via ViatorMy wife and I had a lot of fun. We went on the Austin + Hill Country Panoramic tour with stops. Got to know several interesting spots we wouldn't have known to visit by ourselves, and learn about the local history and recent events. We followed some of the suggestions for activities after the tour and got to enjoy a nice evening out as well :) thank you!!
– Agustina R via Google ReviewsTour was great! I think our tour guide was Carson and he was hilarious and so chill. Very knowledgeable and the route taken made a lot of sense for when I wanted to revisit many of the spots we passed. Just the right amount of time for a tour and especially in this hot weather - well air conditioned van was very much appreciated. PS - do this tour at the beginning of your trip if you were being spontaneous like I was! Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for my trip and this tour gave me some ideas
– terryestheraugustin via TripAdvisorI enjoyed the view from the hill country top,it was marvelous and the tour guide and driver was exceptional. He does his work well and knows the city around quiet well too.
– Anna_K via ViatorReally enjoyed your tour. We learned a lot about Austin. And really liked that we got to see quite a bit of Austin and some of the surrounding area. Would have liked to go down Congress St. and back around by the Austin sign, and seen a little bit of the UT campus but realized timing is everything. Thanks so much for a really good tour!
– Terry F via ViatorThis tour covers Austin well, our guide Joel was friendly and knowledgeable with great suggestions for restaurants, activities, and exploring such a great city! Please tell Joel thank you for such a great tour!
– Michael_F via ViatorOur guide Joel. He was very informative kind and thoughtful in caring for his group. He is very knowledgeable of the city and was a pleasure.
– stacysL9480HP via TripAdvisorGreat way to get your bearings around the city and to learn a lot in a short period of time. Arianna was a great tour guide. Small group and air conditioning were a plus. She knew her way around the city and we stopped at some beautiful places.
– Tracie S via ViatorOverall a great experience… Wonderful transportation, great tour guide, and a perfect amount of time to ride around the city in style.
– Josh V via Google ReviewsOutstanding tour guide Carson and exceptional tour of beautiful AUS and surroundings. Highly recommend!
– U7739RVnatashaa via ViatorGreat informative tour. Very friendly guide. My husband and I really enjoyed it and will certainly recommend it to our friends who are planning to visit Austin next month!
– Dan_H via ViatorOur tour guide was knowledgeable and pleasant. We highly recommend for someone who wants to see both downtown and the hill country. The van was very comfortable and with great views of the scenery.
– madamspagan via ViatorGreat trip with AO Tours to familiarize ourselves with the city and surrounding area. Views were great with the glass top and sides open. I would highly recommend this tour.
– kltkerrytaylor via TripAdvisorHad to make a change to plans the day before due to unforeseen circumstances, and Mary did an excellent job finding another tour that worked with our schedule. THANKS, MARY! So, i took a visiting friend and we did the 2 1/2 hour tour on Sunday with Ari as our guide. I'd done one before, and thought it was "...ok..." - but a different friend visiting brought me back to try again... AND I'M GLAD I DID! Maybe knowing what to expect helped, or maybe having a friend who enjoys history made a difference, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I love the added stop at the Driskoll, and being allowed to leave from there (our car was parked a block away, but it would have been a 4 block walk from the visitor center). The brief stops at Barton Springs, Mount Bonnell and the Driskoll were short but just right. Ari was very knowledgeable and had a few good stories to add! I will definitely do this again any time we have a visitor. And I plan on bringing my 93 year old mom on the 90 minute (non-stop) tour.
– Peggy F via YelpI took the Austin & Hill Country sightseeing tour. The stops were a good taste of places and activities that we would want to go back and visit longer. Joel, our tour guide & driver, was well informed and entertaining.
– Olivia K via Google ReviewsOur tour guide was knowledgeable friendly, humorous and easy to understand. We had head phones with some prerecorded narration plus the driver’s comments. Both were appreciated. Every stop was enjoyable and nicely timed. We were blessed with beautiful weather so the top was open. We have done city tours in many places as we travel and this was one of the best. It was nice to avoid Austin traffic!
– Vacation03184402551 via TripAdvisorJoel our Driver/ Guide was amazing. He really brought the trip to life. The time went so quickly and there did not seem to be anywhere that Joel could not go in the van. A great day.
– Antony_M via ViatorHad an awesome time exploring Austin with my tour guide Cameron. He was very knowledgeable and welcoming. Definitely recommend the 2.5 hour tour!
– Ashley S via Google ReviewsOur guide was great with tons of knowledge and facts. We wish we would of done the tour the first day in Austin to get better overview. The panoramic van was fantastic on this chilly February day.
– Krissy L via TripAdvisorGreat way to get an overview of the city. Would recommend doing the tour early in your trip so you know where you want to spend your time! Open air van was really comfortable. Prompt, well organized and fun!
– Laxmi_S via ViatorRelaxed and informative tour! It was a beautiful tour of the city and some of the hill country. Ari was informative and friendly! Highly recommend.
– AllisonB1893 via TripAdvisorThe historical parts of Austin were of most interest to us! My daughter and her boyfriend both live in Austin and there were parts they had not seen that we visited and learned about on our tour.
– Beverly_C via ViatorOur tour guide, Joel, was knowledgeable and professional. I moved to NC from Austin in 2006. I was blown away at Austin's growth. Along the way Joel gives excellent recommendations on restaurants and sights. Worth every penny.
– Jeffrey_K via ViatorHighly recommend this tour. It was a great overview of Austin in only a couple of hours. Joel, the tour guide, was engaging & gave such great info on the tour.
– RBSontheroad via TripAdvisorWe had a tour that used the open air van which was great. It happened to be a not too hot day so it was nice to ride around and see the sites without looking through a window. Our tour guide was personable and knowledgeable. He was attentive to all questions and making sure that we all got from the trip what was important to us. Overall, this is a great way to see Austin and included a couple of stops along the way to roam around a bit. Being new to the city, you can get a good overview of the neighborhoods, history, and other notable sites. This is definitely worth while to get a sense of what Austin has to offer.
– William W. via YelpOur guide was knowledgeable, friendly and relaxed. She shared historical facts as well as helpful tips. The tour vehicle was ideal for a full view. We utilized the convertible feature during the cooler part of the morning and then closed the top when the temperature increased. I recommend this tour even if you are a local.
– vharrison2013 via TripAdvisorI would definitely recommend hiring these people. Our guide was really knowledgeable. He even stopped a few times so we could get better views of the river and lakes. One stop even included a stop for a delicious dessert and bathroom break. The river break was one of the best.
– Phyllis_T via ViatorIt was a great introduction to Austin. Our tour guide was Ari and she was very informative and accommodating. She made several stops including a stop for coffee. I recommend taking the tour early in your visit so that you can know the places you want to explore in more detail later.
– Rebecca D via Google ReviewsExcellent tour with a really good tour guide. We enjoyed the experience in a super clean comfortable vehicle. The tour guide was knowledgeable and fun. Austin truly is a beautiful city. This tour shows us places we would not have got to see. Worth every penny don’t hesitate to take the tour.
– Lorraine_K via ViatorLoved our tour guide! Learned so much in an enjoyable and engaging way. A great way to get a thorough overview of Austin
– Debbie H via ViatorGuide was very knowledgeable and what a fantastic way to see Austin! Comfortable transport action, enjoyable.
– Kathy10189 via TripAdvisorI enjoyed traveling up through the hills and seeing the beautiful homes on the water. The tour offered a lot of great information about the history of Austin, current events, and informed you about the city’s culture. We made stops at some beautiful places that we later visited on our own.
– R7075JXlaurenc via TripAdvisorWhat a great time! Tour was exactly as advertised and more. Our host was very accommodating and prompt. Would easily consider taking this tour again.
– Barbara_G via ViatorIt was a great experience. The driver/tour guide was very nice and considerate of my parents (they are late 60’s-mid 70’s). Great way to see the sights and not have to personally drive around town. This was a 46th anniversary trip for my parents and they thoroughly enjoyed it and so did I. Tips: wear a hat and sunscreen due to heat and bring water/beverage. The tour we took was 2.5hr in a convertible and we loved it because we were prepared.
– leftyjessi via TripAdvisorThis tour gave us the experience of seeing an area of Austin to which we never would have ventured. The weather was hot, but the A/C was pumping and the retractable roof allowed a nice breeze to cool things off.
– Jeffrey V via TripAdvisorWe had a wonderful, knowledgeable guide and she handle the bus like a pro with all of the extra holiday traffic. Great off the beaten path sights and beautiful views. We had the top down so be sure and bring sunscreen and water to keep hydrated. Excellent trip, Thank you!!
– mfrobles via TripAdvisorThis is one of the best, if not the best, tour we have been on. Guide was fun and informative, van was immaculately clean, and took us to interesting places in Austin we would not have seen ourselves. The weather was nice so the open air part of the trip was wonderful.
– Susie via ViatorOur guide was excellent. We were a party of six sisters 5 from St. Louis MO, and a transplant from Alaska. We enjoyed the tour with Ari.
– Patricia via ViatorA very comprehensive city tour of Austin in the comfort of an open convertible Sprinter driven by Ari, our expert guide. Included landmarks, parks and architecture as well as interesting history! Nice photo ops and 2 stops to stretch our legs and do a bit of additional sightseeing. An excellent value for the experience!
– SandyandIke via TripAdvisorThe experience was awesome! Joel was very informative and personable! I've lived in Austin for 20 years and learned a lot! Will be doing it again with future out-of-town guests!
– serita2021 via TripAdvisorIt was engaging, our tour guide was great and was very informative. We'll worth a cost. If you're not sure what to do I recommend this tour. Thanks for a great after.
– Angel_A via ViatorGuide was great! The weather was great! Really cool vehicle!!! The Hill Country was particularly beautiful and so surprising that it is in Texas.
– Jerry W via ViatorExcellent views of Austin highlights. Great description by your guide.
– Linda L via Google ReviewsThis was a very comfortable and interesting tour. In the past we have always booked on the hop on/ hop off bus, this is so much better! Love the open top of the van. Love that we are able to get out and explore at different stops. Love the commentary provided both by the guide and the pre programmed audio. Loved that it was a small group with extra Covid precautions. Really loved everything about this❤️
– Venusbrandy via TripAdvisorThe entire tour was amazing. Ari was an amazing tour guide and is passionate about living in Austin. The tour is with several places to go after the tour too!
– 23adriannam via TripAdvisorLoved the views of the lake from the hilltop. Joel was a terrific driver and guide. The two snd a half hour trip allowed several opportunities to get up and walk around for a few minutes.
– Julia B via ViatorVan was very comfortable and the tour was good. Learned a lot about Austin's history. Weather was just right this weekend for being outdoors. Bonnell Park was the best part. Beautiful short hiking trail on Lake Austin.
– Julie J via Google ReviewsOur driver, Ali, was very knowledgeable about the Austin area and provided an excellent overview of the city. I would highly recommend the 2 1/2 hour tour because you have the opportunity to see some of the sites by getting off of the bus.
– MaryAnn via ViatorI really enjoyed this tour. Normally I’m not a big tour guy but this won me over. The fact that it was open air on a gorgeous day certainly helped. Ari was a great guide. She has a good knowledge of Austin and was willing to drive with the top down. She handled a couple of curve ball questions well plus she’s an excellent driver. You get to see a lot. Would definitely recommend it Thx, Ari!
– dandV9322QQ via TripAdvisor"Having Malina as our guide was my favorite aspect of the tour — she’s PHENOMENAL!!! This was my second tour with Malina; she knows the city so well that she’s able to share insights and “behind the scenes” details and history, which makes things extra interesting!"
– kimkV7144UH - Via TripAdvisor"AO Tours, an iconic company in the City of Austin. Their amazing tours are fit for any size groups. I have been many times with various clients and never disappointed. Recently, we rode in their new lux tour bus, it was so much fun, very comfortable, the glass roof was impressive and when opened you felt the awesome city. The audio explanation of the sights was on spot, including the Spanish version. AND...they are sanitizing their vehicles every day with a hospital grade product via their tech machines. Talk about a Clinically Clean touring service!"
– Exploration440169 via TripAdvisor"Our tour guide was Malina she was great! We opted for the panoramic van tour that took us to the hills of Austin. This tour provided headphones to listen to the narration of the different stops , provided hand sanitizer and is Covid Compliant. The most exciting part of the tour for me was visiting Mount Bonnel to my surprise it was a mini hike to get to the top but the views were worth the hike. I recommend this tour to all first time visitors to Austin. I learned a lot about Austin on the tour and I'm better prepared for my next trip to Austin."
– Kim T via YelpRelated Activities
- Convertible Top Sprinter
- En Español tambien
- 90 Minutes
Best For: A quick look at the best of Austin. A great introduction to the city. This is the best of Austin with even better views! Discover where the locals eat, drink, and enjoy the true Austin scene. Our custom glass-top convertible Mercedes tour bus will keep you comfortable while our expert guides keep you entertained.
Stops: 1 stop
Tour departure point: Austin Visitor Center
- Closed Top Sprinter
- Wed & Fri only (or by request)
- 2.5 Hours
Best For: This 2.5-hour tour gives you the behind-the-scenes stories on the heart and soul of Austin’s music scene; the local heroes like Janis Joplin and Matthew McConaughey; and a few of the ghosts who still roam our buildings and streets. Our 14 seater Mercedes Sprinter tour bus will keep you comfortable while our expert guides keep you entertained.
Stops: Driskill Hotel, Barton Springs, Texas State Cemetery
Tour departure point: Austin Visitor Center