Solar Eclipse Overview
Your exclusive front-row seat for one of nature’s most spectacular occurrences awaits! Join us for Total Solar Eclipse: Texas—a curated experience designed to give you an extraordinary total eclipse viewing location and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Join us April 5–9 for a 4-night adventure through Texas—one of the few locations on Earth where the eclipse shadow will be cast. Over the course of your journey, you’ll witness the lively city center and tranquil rural landscapes during one of the most favorable months to visit Texas throughout the year. You will be in great company, as the trip will be guided by Courtney Dressing, Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley and recipient of the 2021 Newton Lacy Pierce Prize in Astronomy from the American Astronomical Society. Dr. Dressing received a PhD and A.M. in astronomy and astrophysics from Harvard University and an A.B. in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University.
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable spectacle with you. Reservations are limited, so we encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 | April 5
- Arrive into Texas and check-in to our group accommodations, The Worthington Renaissance Hotel.
- Settle in before joining us at your welcome reception in the hotel. Beginning at 5pm in The Loft, a buffet dinner, drinks and canapés will be served while you mix and mingle with your fellow alumni! Be sure to wear your name badge for the duration of the trip.
- 7:15pm: Meet in front of the hotel to board our coach bus, and then depart for a private viewing and lecture at UTA Planetarium.
- 9:00pm: Depart for our hotel.
Day 2 | April 6
- Please have your bags ready to load onto our coach bus by 7:50am as we will not be retuning to this hotel until the trip is complete, on April 9th.
- 8:00am: A private group breakfast will be held in The Dome of the beautiful Reata Restaurant, just a 2 min walk from The Worthington Hotel.
- During breakfast, you will receive an introduction and your first lecture by our expert host, Courtney Dressing, a decorated Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley.
- 10:00am: Load coach bus and depart for The Perot Museum of Nature and Science. You will be guided directly to the Expanding Universe Hall, but please feel free to branch off once you have taken in the solar exhibit.
- 12:00pm: Meet at the front door of museum, then head outside to board our coach bus.
- pm: Group lunch
- pm: Board coach bus and drive to Rough Creek Lodge, our home for the next 3 nights!
- 4:00pm – 12:00am: FREE TIME
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm: Dinner at leisure.
Day 3 | April 7
- 8:00am – 11:00am: Enjoy breakfast at leisure.
- 8:00am – 2:00pm: FREE TIME. Explore a variety of exciting activities at the lodge today, including to zip-lining, swimming, archery and much more! The ranch staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch at leisure.
- 2:00pm – 3:00pm: Join us for a talk by Astronaut, Dr. Ed Lu, Co-Founder of The B612 Foundation, an organization that helps protect our planet from asteroids!
- 4:00pm – 5:00pm: Presentation by Robert A. Freling, Executive Director of SELF.ORG, an organization that helps deploy solar-powered solutions for people living in energy poverty.
- 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Learn about the innovative devices Harvard students have invented for the visually impaired, THE LIGHTSOUND PROJECT.
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm: Meet the rest of the alumni group for dinner and listen to our expert take a deep dive into solar eclipses and explain what we will all witness tomorrow!
Day 4 | April 8
- 8:00am – 10:00am : Breakfast at leisure.
- Today’s the day! After breakfast, we’ll have an eclipse party ready for you. Join us on the lawn for music, games, drinks, lunch and solar eclipse info, hosted by Dr. Courtney Dressing, with totality occurring at 1:38pm and ending at 1:42pm.
- 2:30pm – 6:30pm: FREE TIME. Partake in the many optional activities and games on the property before dinner.
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm : Group farewell dinner and final lecture.
Day 5 | April 9
- 8:00am – 10:00am: Breakfast at leisure. Please pay any incidentals or individually accumulated activity fees before 10:30am.
- 11:45am: All luggage should be at the coach buses ready to be loaded.
- 12:00pm: Board coach buses and depart
– 1st stop: Worthington Renaissance Hotel ~ 1:20pm
– 2nd stop: Dallas Fort Worth Airport ~ 2:00pm
– 3rd stop: Dallas Love Field Airport ~ 2:45pm
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE!
Note: Itinerary is subject to change
Accommodation
THE WORTHINGTON RENAISSANCE FORT WORTH HOTEL
Night 1
Fairmont Dallas
Night 2-3
A retreat in the heart of the city, each of the elegant guestrooms and suites enjoy sweeping views of downtown Dallas and are adorned with modern conveniences. Cosmopolitan pleasures, gracious service, and authentic Texas flair provide a luxurious experience.
Rough Creek Lodge & Resort
Nights 2, 3 & 4
Rough Creek Lodge & Resort is a stunning luxury getaway that goes beyond mere accommodation—it’s an immersive experience with activities for everyone and imaginative, delicious cuisine. Situated on a sprawling 11,000-acre property, the lodge provides a taste of Texas’ natural beauty and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From relaxation to exciting adventures, Rough Creek offers an unforgettable retreat!
What's Included
Inclusions
- Accommodations for 4 nights
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- All listed activities and excursions
- Group transfer from Worthington to Rough Creek Lodge
- Group transfer from Rough Creek Lodge to Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Worthington and Dallas Love Field Airport
- Gratuities
- Specially designed eclipse viewing glasses
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers outside of those specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Any meals/drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional gratuities
- Expenses of a purely personal nature
3 NIGHTS AT ROUGH CREEK LODGE & RESORT!
FAMILY KING WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,698.00 Features:- 1 KING BED, 1 TWIN MURPHY BED
- vanity table
- refrigerator
- armoire
- LED HDTV
- over-sized leather chairs
- lavish bathroom featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate marble shower
FAMILY QUEEN WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM : 2+) $3,699.00 Features:- 2 QUEEN BEDS, 1 TWIN MURPHY BED
- vanity table
- refrigerator
- armoire
- LED HDTV
- over-sized leather chairs
- lavish bathroom featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate marble shower
JR BEDROOM KING WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM (SOLD OUT)
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) Features:- 1 KING BED, 1 TWIN MURPHY BUNK BED
- vanity table
- refrigerator
- armoire
- LED HDTV
- over-sized leather chairs
- lavish bathroom featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate marble shower
FAMILY QUEEN
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,899.00 Features:- 2 KING BEDS WITH BUNK
- vanity table
- refrigerator
- armoire
- LED HDTV
- over-sized leather chairs
- lavish bathroom featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate marble shower
DELUXE FAMILY ONE BEDROOM WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM : 2+) 3,798.00 Features:- 1 KING BED, 1 QUEEN PULL OUT SOFA, 1 TWIN MURPHY BUNK BED
- sofa in the living room
- fireplace
- vanity table
- refrigerator
- armoire
- LED HDTV
- over-sized leather chairs
- lavish bathroom featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate marble shower
DELUXE FAMILY TWO BEDROOM WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM : 3+) $3,898.00 Features:- 1 KING BED, 1 QUEEN BED, 1 QUEEN PULL OUT SOFA
- private access elevator
- two full bathrooms
- fully equipped kitchen
- living area
- dining room
- fireplace
- LED HDTV
- spa tub and stone shower
FAMILY SUITE WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM FOR 2 ADJOINING ROOMS
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM : 3+) $3,898.00 Features:- 1 KING BED (1ST ROOM), 1 TWIN MURPHY BED (1ST ROOM), 1 QUEEN BED (2ND ROOM)
- living area
- 1 ½ bathrooms
- soaking tub and large stone shower
- dining area that features a billiards table
- LED HDTV
2 BEDROOM CABIN WITH 2 PRIVATE BATHROOMS
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 4+) $3,589.00 Features:- 1 KING BED, 2 TWIN BUNK BEDS, 1 TWIN MURPHY BUNK BEDS or
- 1 KING BED, 2-3 TWIN BUNK BEDS, 3 CAMP COTS IN LOFT
- the cabin area features a playground, horseshoes, and washer toss games
- hammocks
- two bathrooms with showers
- Texas-sized rocking chairs
KING EXECUTIVE SUITE WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,989.00 Features:- 2 KING BED WITH BUNKS (ACCESSIBLE)
- Vanity table
- refrigerator
- LED TV
- lavish bathroom
- 2 oversized rocking chairs
EXECUTIVE SUITE WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,989.00 Features:- 2 KING BED WITH TWIN MURPHY BUNKS
- Vanity table
- refrigerator
- LED TV
- lavish bathroom
- 2 oversized rocking chairs
FAMILY EXECUTIVE SUITE WITH 1 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 3+) $3,989.00 Features:- 1 KING BED, 1 QUEEN BED WITH TWIN MURPHY BUNKS
- Vanity table
- refrigerator
- LED TV
- lavish bathroom
- 2 oversized rocking chairs
3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE W/ 3 PRIVATE BATHROOMS
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 6+) $3,989.00 Features:- 3 KING BEDS, 2 QUEEN BEDS, 2 TWIN BUNK BEDS or 4 TWIN BUNK BEDS 2 MURPHY BUNK BEDS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED
1 KING BED WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,989.00
2 QUEEN BEDS AND TWIN BUNK BEDS WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,989.00
8 TWIN BEDS (SETUP IS 4 BUNK BEDS) PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 5+) $3,689.00
4 TWIN BEDS (SETUP IS 2 BUNK BEDS) PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 3+) $3,689.00
3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH 3 PRIVATE BATHROOM
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 6+) $3,889
1 KING BED WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,889
1 QUEEN BED WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,889
1 QUEEN BED AND AND 1 TWIN BED WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,889
2 QUEEN BEDS WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,889
2 FULL BEDS LOFT WITH 4 TWIN BUNK BEDS (8 TOTAL) - SHARED COMMON AREA IN LUXURY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE
(MIN. REQUIREMENT OF GUEST PER ROOM: 2+) $3,889PRE-TRIP HOTEL NIGHT IN DALLAS:
We're delighted to offer you the flexibility of arriving a day early, allowing you to settle in, relax, and begin your journey at a leisurely place.
Cal Almuni Association
Activity-Level Rating: 2
What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last two to four hours most days.
Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.
2024 Solar Eclipse
TEXAS
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