Group Size: 25 to 60 participants
Price: Starting from $5,690 per person double occupancy / $8,190 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: This program is exclusive to Harvard alumni travelers and their guests. The accommodations and some limited excursions will be shared with the UCLA Alumni Association. HAA will have its own tour director, buses, lecture space, and eclipse viewing site.
Trip Overview
View a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 at one of the premier viewing locations in the country: the Hill Country of central Texas. Harvard Alumni Travels has found an exclusive viewing site to maximize your enjoyment, comfort, and convenience. In the path of totality, observe the eclipse as the bright disk of the Sun becomes entirely hidden behind the Moon, the sky becomes dark, and the Sun's corona flashes into view. The duration of totality for this eclipse will be around four minutes. During this time it is safe to look directly at the sun (protective glasses will be provided for safely viewing before and after totality). Bright stars and planets shine forth, and the air temperature drops noticeably. This is one of the most beautiful astronomical events, worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
Leading up to the eclipse, explore the Texas Hill Country area. First, gather in Austin and visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas, home to more than 900 species of native plants. Journey on the scenic Hill Country when bluebonnets will be in full bloom. Arrive in time for cocktails and a dinner reception at Tapatio Springs located on 220 acres in the Hill Country. Visit an authentic ranch for a private rodeo demonstration and tour the highlights of San Antonio, including a VIP tour of the Alamo (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and a chartered cruise along the San Antonio River and its famous Riverwalk.
The next total solar eclipse will not cross the United States until 2044, so make the most of your time in totality by securing your space on this unique tour to witness a spectacular total solar eclipse in the scenic Texas Hill Country with fellow Harvard alumni and friends.
Schedule by Day
- Apr 5: Independent flights to Austin, TX / Welcome Dinner
- Apr 6: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center / Transfer to Tapatio Springs
- Apr 7: Rodeo demonstration / Alamo / San Antonio Riverwalk
- Apr 8: Total Solar Eclipse (1:32.47 pm)
- Apr 9: Independent departures (group airport transfer)
Pricing
$5,690 per person double occupancy / $8,190 single occupancy
Limited Triple & Quad occupancy available. Please call for a quote.
Accommodations
- One night at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Austin
- Three nights at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort
Optional Pre-Tour Extension
Austin, Texas
April 4–5, 2024
$585 per person double / $765 single occupancy
Please note: Optional extension information will be confirmed by the Operator after registration.
What to Expect
This expedition is designed for Harvard Alumni Travels alumni and friends who are interested in learning and experiencing a total solar eclipse, as well as the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country and history and culture of San Antonio Texas. The pace of walks will be leisurely. Average temperatures in Austin and the Texas Hill Country will be approximately between 80° and 59° F. The accommodations and some excursions in this departure will be shared with UCLA Alumni Association. HAA will have its own tour director, buses, and eclipse viewing site. Since some travel will be in remote areas, everyone must be flexible concerning time schedules, weather, and dust. To enjoy this trip, a spirit of adventure and anticipation and the desire to explore spectacular natural areas as well as urban areas are a must. There are a couple of relatively long drives in the Texas Hill Country (approximately 2 hours and a half), which are necessary for the chance to explore the superb wildflowers of Texas and for a visit to a Texas Ranch. There are no altitude issues on this trip. Travel is by boat (on San Antonio river cruise) and by motor coach.
Because viewing the total solar eclipse will be weather dependent, there is always a chance that passengers will not be able to view it or view it only for a short period of time. Neither HAA nor the tour operator makes any guarantees as to the viewing of the total solar eclipse.
