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Total solar eclipse 2024: San Antonio to San Marcos, Texas: USA - SOLD OUT

This trip is now sold out. Please contact us if you want to be added to the waitlist.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

6 April 2024 - 7 days for £4,149 per person - SOLD OUT

This once-in-a-lifetime tour offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the universe and witness one of nature's most magnificent events, a rare total eclipse of the sun visible across North and Central America on 8 April 2024. We have chosen an exclusive ranch in Texas as the perfect spot to witness this total eclipse, in addition, you will also visit several interesting sites and observatories enroute. 

You will be joined throughout by astronomer, Martin Griffiths, as well as renowned astronomer Dr John Mason will join you for three days and will lead the eclipse experience at Broken Bow Ranch Eagle Pass, our exclusive viewing location. In addition, Dr John Mason will be giving seminars on his eclipse-chasing adventures and Abigail will give talks on astronomy.

During your tour, you will also visit several astronomical and historically interesting sites along the way as you travel from San Antonio to San Marcos, Texas. Including the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory, Texas Natural Science Center, Texas State Observatory and LBJ Ranch. 

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.


DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO SAN ANTONIO, MEET THE GROUP

Welcome to Texas! After checking into the Hilton San Antonio Hotel, you will join your group, tour leader and Martin Griffiths for a welcome dinner and introduction to the tour. 

Throughout the tour, Martin will give briefings and informal lectures in the evenings, during the coach journeys and whilst walking around the many amazing sites on the tour. The lectures will cover eclipses, black holes and astronomy. Plus Abigail will guide you on the stargazing opportunities, both in observatories and with the naked eye.

After the welcome meeting, enjoy dinner with the group and Martin. 

DAY 2: CURTIS VAUGHAN JR. OBSERVATORY AND PRE-ECLIPSE BRIEFING

This morning, you will visit the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory, home to a research grade 16" Meade LX200 Advanced Coma Free telescope that was donated to UTSA for scientific research for physics and astronomy students. Currently, it is being used in tracking asteroids and minor orbiting bodies within our solar system for orbital tracking. 

In the afternoon, there will be a short eclipse briefing from astronomer and eclipse chaser Dr John Mason to cover the schedule for the eclipse day. This will be followed by a talk from Martin.

DAY 3: ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE AT BROKEN BOW RANCH EAGLE PASS

Today is the big day!

We have worked closely with Dr John Mason to secure the perfect location for you to witness the eclipse, an have chosen, Broken Bow Ranch Eagle Pass. The site has been chosen due to its expansive landscape and isolation, the best way to enjoy an eclipse.

On the day, we will transport you to the private site well in advance of the eclipse, so you can get set up and comfortable. The team will provide refreshments and snacks throughout the day, as well as a picnic lunch and viewing glasses.

The experience will be led by Dr John who will provide commentary and guidance throughout the day plus Martin will be on hand to answer any questions. Please note that along with 2 other New Scientist groups, there will be a third group of Dr John’s guests meeting at the Eclipse site.

DAY 4: POST ECLIPSE EVENT WITH ECLIPSE CLOSING TALKS

In the late morning, you will enjoy a post-Eclipse brunch event where Dr John Mason will speak about the incredible event that you experienced the previous day.

Afterwards, you will have time at leisure. There is plenty to do nearby including the marine mammal oceanarium Sea Park or your tour leader can arrange an excursion for you (payable locally), such as a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Antonio Missions which includes the famous Texan site, the Alamo.

Later that evening, enjoy dinner in San Antonio.  

DAY 5: TEXAS NATURAL SCIENCE CENTRE AND TEXAS STATE OBSERVATORY

Today, you will depart San Antonio after breakfast and travel to the Texas Natural Science Centre which is a research unit of the college of Natural Sciences. The centre is a research unit of the Texas State College of Natural Sciences and the home of the college’s ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, and paleontology collections. The centre is dedicated to encouraging awareness and appreciation of the interplay of biological, geological, and environmental forces as they affect our world. Most specimens in the collections are from Texas, and many are unique and irreplaceable.

Afterwards, continue to San Marcos. In the evening, visit the Texas State Observatory. The Observatory is located on the roof of the Supple Science building of Texas State University and houses a 16-inch telescope making our galaxies visible from both near and far.

DAY 6: LYNDON B JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, LBJ RANCH AND NAKED EYE STARGAZING IN WIMBERLY

Today, you will travel to LBJ Ranch, the 36th president’s childhood home at the Lyndon B.Johnson National Historical Park. President Johnson had a deep attachment for this place and heritage. The LBJ Ranch was where he was born, lived, died, and was buried. After the President's death in 1973, Mrs. Johnson continued to live at the Ranch part time until her death in 2007. Lyndon B Johnson National Historic park is considered the ‘Texas White House’.

Enjoy lunch at Salt Lick BBQ & Salt Lick Cellars, an iconic Texas restaurant, the salt lick serves some of the best barbecue in the world. Afterwards, continue to San Marcos and check in to Hampton Inn & Suites.

In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the city further.

In the evening, head to Wimberly Texas for Naked Eye Star Gazing accompanied by Martin. Through a community effort, a group of volunteers from the town formed the Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee (WVDSC). In 2018, the town earnt the distinction of being a Dark Skies Community, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for its efforts to reduce light pollution and promote the appreciation of the night sky. The area is now home to three International Dark Sky Parks and three International Dark Sky Communities, and additional designations expected in coming years, the Texas Hill Country is a wonderful success story in the protection of dark night skies. In 2023, Wimberly was also named as the Dark Sky Place of the Year by global nonprofit DarkSky International.

DAY 7: SAN MARCOS DEPARTURE

Your trip comes to an and today. After breakfast, you are free to start your journey home or continue your own adventures.

This trip is now sold out. Please contact us if you want to be added to the waitlist.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

This trip is now sold out. Please contact us if you want to be added to the waitlist.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Highlights

  • A private viewing site for the eclipse with expansive scenic views, refreshments and commentary throughout from Dr John Mason.
  • Stargaze in Wimberly Texas, named as the Dark Sky Place of the Year in 2023 by global nonprofit DarkSky International
  • Evening talks from Dr John Mason 
  • Accompanied throughout by astronomer, Martin Griffiths 
  • Visit Texas Natural Science Center and Texas State Observatory
  • Explore LBJ Ranch, the former home of Lyndon B Johnson
  • Explore the cities of San Antonio and San Marcos

Meet the expert

New Scientist Default Image

Martin Griffiths

Martin is a senior lecturer in space science at the University of South Wales. He has been an astronomer for over 40 years and is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Martin previously worked for NASA’s Astrobiology Institute, which looked at the origins, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. He is currently the director of the Brecon Beacons Observatory and has written six books and published more than 100 papers.

Dr John Mason

Dr John is an astronomy expert and veteran eclipse chaser.  Past President of the British Astronomical Association and Acting Director of the BAA's Meteor Section. He is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television and has appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's The Sky at Night. For over 25 years he has been leading overseas expeditions to observe and record annular and total solar eclipses, the polar aurora and major meteor showers. He was made an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours List for his services to science education.

John will offer talks on days two and four, and be on site will the group all day on day three. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Eclipse experience at private viewing site.
  • Eclipse viewing glasses.
  • Entry to all sites and attractions
  • All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • Two dinners, Light Hors d'Oeuvres at Eclipse Briefing, one lunch and breakfast each day.
  • English-speaking tour leader throughout.
  • Talks from Martin Griffiths and Dr John Mason.
  • All transport by air-conditioned coach.
  • 24-hour support.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance.
  • Flights/transport to join the tour.
  • Arrival/departure airport transfers.
  • Single supplement £740

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

Whilst this tour visits many exciting sites, we have built in plenty of relaxation time. You will be travelling between sites on a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

There will be walking for up to 3 hours at a slow pace around museums, observatories and when visiting the two state parks. At the observatories, you may have to climb stairs and the walking in the state parks may be on rough tracks. So, robust footwear is recommended. No activity is mandatory, so you can let the group go ahead whilst you spend time at your own pace.

Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio, Hill Country Resort

Nestled among the rolling hills of San Antonio, this four-star resort hotel has three swimming pools, outdoor firepits and an excellent gym. It’s a five-minute drive from Seaworld, an oceanarium and marine mammal park.

Hampton Inn & Suites

Well located in the city of San Marcos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas. This hotel offers standard room amenities including a coffee maker, desk and cable tv as well as an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site fitness centre. It’s a five-minute drive from Texas State University and the Lyndon B Johnson Museum.