Day 1 - Arrival in San Antonio, Texas

Arrive in San Antonio and transfer independently to your hotel, set on the San Antonio River Walk, a 15-mile path that follows the San Antonio River through the heart of the city. Late this afternoon, join scientists from the Southwest Research Institute for a private preview of the eclipse at the Scobee Planetarium. Attend a lecture and reception on the Powell Star Deck at sunset followed by dinner. As darkness settles in, take in 360-degree views of the night sky from the planetarium’s rooftop Scanlan observatory, which features a refractor telescope and rotating dome. (R,D)

Day 2 - Hill Country Habitats

Travel west through fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers to Roberts Ranch, a nature preserve in the heart of Texas Hill Country that is home to a wealth of fossils as well as the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. In the company of master naturalists, discover the Lower Cretaceous Period limestone crust that has yielded fossils of sea creatures that inhabited the area more than 100 million years ago. Listen for the warbler’s song and, with luck, catch a glimpse of these delightful birds, which can be prolific in the spring. Hear the history of the land’s inhabitants, from prehistoric peoples to the German Freethinkers who helped establish the local town. Lunch will be served on site.

Return to San Antonio for an evening at leisure, consider gathering in the city’s Plaza to witness a unique sound and light installation that illustrates San Antonio’s history. (L)

Day 3 - Historic San Antonio

Set out with an astronomy ranger on a tour of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only World Heritage site in Texas. The park is home to four Spanish missions—most dating to the 18th century. Visit three of the historic mission structures, and view the nation’s oldest unrestored church, a water-powered gristmill built around 1794, and the largest mission church in San Antonio. Your ranger will explain how Mission Concepción was designed in accordance with the sun’s orbit, so that sunlight illuminates a sacred space within each summer. At the Mission San Juan Farm, the only mission farm still in use, learn how volunteers from the San Antonio Food Bank cultivate this historic land to help alleviate food insecurity in the city.

Continue to the San Antonio Botanical Garden and enjoy lunch at the café’s private loft above the gardens. On a guided tour of the gardens, learn about the importance of drought-tolerant plants in creating water-wise landscapes in arid environments.

Finish your day with an after-hours visit to 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. Then gather beneath a rock shelter overlooking the museum’s impressive paleontology collection for a private, catered dinner. 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. (L,D)

Day 4 - A Toast to Totality: Eclipse Day

Head into the heart of Texas Hill Country to Becker Vineyards, a premier winery located in the path of totality for today’s solar eclipse. During a day-long celebration exclusive to Smithsonian guests, tour the vineyards, and learn how the property’s lavender is transformed into fragrant products. Take part in a custom wine blending, and savor local wine and cheese while taking in panoramic views of the vineyards. Sit down to lunch as the moon begins to pass in front of the sun, then gather in the garden to experience four and a half minutes of eerie darkness during the total eclipse. Your Smithsonian Journeys Expert and other experts will share insights throughout the day.  This evening, toast your journey during a chartered riverboat dinner cruise along the San Antonio River. (L,R,D)

Day 5 - Departure

Depart any time for your individual flights home.