Tuesday 2nd April: Flight to Houston
Check in for our flight to Houston, Texas. On arrival, we are met by our local representative and transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Galleria, our base for the next two nights.
Meals: None
Wednesday 3rd April: Space Center Houston
After breakfast we enjoy a welcome presentation by our expert astronomer at the hotel. We then spend the day at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one of Houston’s top attractions, which boasts many interactive displays with everything from space artefacts to a full-size rocket and space shuttle. Here we can learn about space exploration from fascinating hands-on exhibits.
Later, enjoy dinner (not included) in the collection of historic Houston neighbourhoods known as the Heights, an area dotted with independent shops and trendy restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Thursday 4th April: San Antonio & River Cruise
Checking out of our Houston hotel this morning, we travel to San Antonio. On arrival there’s the chance to enjoy lunch along the San Antonio River Walk (not included). This afternoon we board our boat for a relaxing river cruise along the San Antonio River. The boat’s captain shares fascinating stories about the city’s culture, history and architecture during this 35-minute cruise.
Later we transfer to the Hampton Inn San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk where we stay overnight. This evening we enjoy a presentation with an expert astronomer at the San Antonio Meeting Center.
Meals: Breakfast
Friday 5th April: The Alamo & Austin
After checking out of our hotel this morning we visit the Alamo, site of the famous, pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution in 1836. Next, we depart for Austin, the capital of Texas, where we stay overnight at the Element Austin at the Domain.
This afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Austin with a local guide. Known as the Live-Music Capital, the city has managed to retain a small-town charm and is home to unique attractions, a vibrant arts scene and beautiful outdoor spaces, from the shores of Lady Bird Lake to the city’s highest vantage point on Mount Bonnell.
In the evening there’s the option to visit the Continental Club, a retro Austin venue that opened in 1957 and is a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country and swing music.
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday 6th April: Fort Worth Stockyards, Championship Rodeo & Waxahachie/Cedar Hill
We check out of our Austin hotel and head to Fort Worth, arriving at Fort Worth Stockyards in time to watch the late afternoon cattle drive. There’s then time for dinner (not included) before gathering to attend the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum.
Afterwards you may choose to cap off the night at Billy Bob’s for a drink, listening to country music and dancing the Texas Two-Step, or try riding a mechanical bull! Later we transfer to the Hampton Inn & Suites in Waxahachie or the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cedar Hill where we stay for the remainder of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday 7th April: Dallas
This morning we enjoy an orientation tour of Dallas, a city that offers a unique blend of South-western warmth, cosmopolitan flair, old west charm and modern sophistication. We then visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The museum, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
In the evening, we enjoy a pre-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence at the Waxahachie Civic Center.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday 8th April: Solar Eclipse in Waxahachie
Following breakfast at the hotel, we head to our dedicated viewing site in Waxahachie. Here we can enjoy the total solar eclipse, scheduled to start around 12.22pm. There’s plenty of time to find your own space and set up any equipment ready to take in the wonder of the eclipse.
Later we head back to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th April: Post-eclipse presentation & overnight flight home
After breakfast we return to the Waxahachie Civic Center for a post-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence which also gives us a chance to share our eclipse experiences with our fellow travellers. Afterwards, we transfer to Dallas airport for our flight home, arriving back in the UK the following day.
Meals: Breakfast (Tuesday)
Please note: as the tour has been planned far in advance, the itinerary and price are subject to change.