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.
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 in Dallas and transfer to your 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas.
- In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with your group in town.
Day 2 | April 6
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Spend the day exploring local museums and other key sites.
- Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science where we will receive a private guided tour and discussion in “Expanding Universe” Hall.
- After our group lunch, we’ll transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington’s Planetarium, one of the three largest planetariums in Texas, where we’ll receive a private viewing of what to expect on eclipse day.
- Enjoy a dinner with local alumni tonight.
Day 3 | April 7
- After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Noble Planetarium, one of the nation’s top spots for stargazing, where we will receive a private tour and lecture within the newly renovated Noble Space Gallery.
- Enjoy lunch with the group nearby before transferring to our private eclipse-viewing accommodations, at Summers Mill Retreat, about 2 hours from Dallas.
- Free time to settle in, explore the property, and participate in some nature activities.
- In the evening, our astronomy expert will prepare us for the incredible phenomenon we’re all about to witness tomorrow. Savor a traditional Texan dinner with the group.
Day 4 | April 8
- Today’s the day! After breakfast, participate in some fun celestial games and prep activities. Enjoy an early lunch before the big moment, with totality occurring at 1:38pm.
- In the late afternoon, we’ll head over to nearby Waco to participate in some of the festivities the city is putting on in honor of the eclipse.
- Final farewell dinner with the group.
Day 5 | April 9
- After breakfast, enjoy some of the morning to soak up one more nature activity before the group transfers back to Dallas for your return flights home.
Cal Almuni Association
Activity-Level Rating: 2
Cal Discoveries Travel programs are designed for alumni and friends of UC Berkeley who enjoy traveling as part of a group. We endeavor to make our tours safe, comfortable, rewarding, and enjoyable for all our travelers by helping you choose the trip that is right for you and best fits your abilities.
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.
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.
Accommodation
Fairmont Dallas
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 Texan flairs provide a luxurious experience.
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Summers Mill Retreat Center
Summers Mill Retreat is a serene and historic getaway located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. With luxurious accommodations, scenic views, and ample amenities, Summers Mill Retreat provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Accommodations for 4 nights
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- All listed activities and excursions
- All listed transfers
- Private visit to Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Noble Space Gallery
- Gratuities
- Specially designed eclipse viewing glasses
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Travel insurance
- Any meals/drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Expenses of a purely personal nature
2024 Solar Eclipse
Totality Viewing in the Texas Countryside
Dallas | Waco
April 5-9, 2024
Contact
- Like us on Facebook @caldiscoveriestravel
- Follow us on Instagram @caldiscoveries
Expand your horizons. A time-honored tradition since 1969, Cal Discoveries Travel creates learning opportunities for thoughtful travelers. Join great minds on our world-class journeys.
CAA Donor Statement: The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) is a self-funded nonprofit organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that support students, alumni, and the University. To make a gift, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/donate. Thank you for choosing CAA as the recipient of your generosity.
CAA Membership Policy: One traveler per room, whether an alum or friend, must be a current Cal Alumni Association member at the time of departure to participate in Cal Discoveries Travel offerings. Payment of $60 for seniors 65 years and over and $75 for others establishes a membership with all other Association benefits. Memberships are for individuals only, and are non-refundable and non-transferable. A traveling pair and their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership. Please enroll online at alumni.berkeley.edu/join.
