Day 1: Arrival in San Antonio, Texas

Arrive in San Antonio and join a group transfer to your hotel, set in the heart of Texas Hill Country, approximately one hour from the San Antonio International Airport. After a welcome reception and presentation from your Smithsonian Journey expert, kick up your heels – and kick off your journey – with private line-dancing lessons and live music.  (R,D)

Day 2: San Antonio in Bloom

Leave your resort hotel for a full-day field trip in San Antonio. Your day begins with a private preview of the eclipse and an exclusive screening of the film, “Secrets of the Sun” at the Scobee Planetarium. Continue to the San Antonio Botanical Garden for lunch and a guided tour of the gardens where you will learn about the importance of drought-tolerant plants in creating water-wise landscapes in arid environments. Then meet a curator at the Witte Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate that showcases the natural and cultural history of Texas. Delve into the daily life and spiritual world of the People of Pecos, who have inhabited Texas for more than 9,000 years. Your visit also includes a tour of “Surviving Space,” a special exhibition that examines the challenges of living in microgravity and the technology needed to complete a mission to space. Return to your Hill Country resort late this afternoon for a cooking demonstration and seafood boil. Then sit back and listen to live music from regional entertainers—part of the Rhythm on the Vine™ concert series. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Hill Country Habitats

Travel west through fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers to Roberts Ranch, a nature preserve with beautiful vistas of the hill country. In the company of Texas Master Naturalists, discover the Lower Cretaceous Period limestone crust that covers the ranch, which has yielded fossils of sea creatures that inhabited the area more than 100 million years ago. The property is home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, which is prolific in the spring. Listen for the warbler’s song with naturalists and, with luck, catch a glimpse of these delightful birds. Hear the history of the land’s inhabitants, from prehistoric peoples to the German Freethinkers who helped establish the local town. Learn about the importance of protecting dark skies and the rigorous process for becoming a certified International Dark Sky Park during a picnic lunch. Return to your hotel this afternoon for a spirited interactive dinner with Carter Creek’s Head Brewer and a member of the resort’s wine team. Cap off the day watching a movie under the stars while enjoying savory and sweet treats. (B, L, D)

Day 4: A Toast to Totality - Eclipse Day

Skip the traffic and spend Eclipse Day in the comfort of your lovely hotel property—located in the center of NASA’s band of totality. Take part in a full day of activities, including a private reception, a vineyard tour and wine and beer tastings with Carter Creek’s sommeliers and brewmaster, lawn games, live music, and panoramic views. Your Smithsonian Journeys Expert will offer insights and enrichment through informal talks and discussions throughout the day. At 1:33 the eclipse begins, leading to four otherworldly minutes of total darkness. This evening, reflect on your experience around a cozy firepit with s’mores and port-style wine. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Departure

Depart for the airport by group transfer this morning and connect to your individual flights home. (B)