Solar Eclipse 2024: A Journey from Austin to the Texas Hill Country

5 days from $4,995 Apr. 5–9, 2024

Head for the wildflower-filled meadows of Texas Hill Country in spring to experience wonders both celestial and earth-bound on a journey that features the total solar eclipse in April 2024. From your base in energetic Austin, set out to discover the hidden waterfalls, endangered birds, and serene native grasslands of the Hill Country. Then turn your eyes to the sky to interpret the constellations on a night visit to a state park, go stargazing with astronomers, and toast the eclipse at an idyllic vineyard that lies in the path of totality.

Highlights Include

Total Solar Eclipse: Witness the eclipse from the comfort of a Hill Country winery located in the path of totality. Take an exclusive tasting tour, enjoy panoramic views of Texas Hill Country, and then enjoy a private watch party and lunch as the total eclipse darkens the sky. After the eclipse, each of the Smithsonian Journeys experts leading a group will come together for a panel discussion.

Austin: Set out on a sunset cruise, listening to live music as you sail past Austin’s skyline and beneath the iconic “bat bridge”—one of the world’s largest colonies of urban bats. Surround yourself with bluebonnets and other flora on a guided tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and learn about efforts to conserve native species.

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center: During an exclusive visit to this fascinating nature preserve, go on a guided walk through a canyon to find a lush hidden grotto, watch for migratory and resident species from a bird blind, and see a solar observatory at the award-winning Environmental Learning Center.

Texas Hill Country: Visit the inspiring Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, where a major habitat restoration project transformed barren ranch land into a haven of native flora and fauna. Then join naturalists to go birding, hiking, and fossil-finding on a guided visit to Pedernales Falls State Park.

Astronomy: Gaze at constellations, planets, and distant galaxies during a private star party with astronomers on the rooftop of University of Texas’s astronomy building or at the Reimer Observatory. Meet with a park interpreter on a nighttime visit to Pedernales Falls State Park to hear the legends associated with the stars.

Smithsonian Journeys guests will be divided into groups of no more than 40 travelers.

Texas

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Each expert will lead one group and all will be joining the eclipse day panel discussion. Richard Miller, Michelle Thaller, and Alex Young–astrophysicists. Steven Williams–expert in solar system science.

Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands

Round-trip from St. Lucia Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

9 days from $5,010* Jan. 28–Feb. 5, 2024

From the lush rainforests of Dominica to the World Heritage-listed architecture of Barbados, discover history, culture, and natural wonders as we make our way across the eastern Caribbean. Sail by catamaran to remote islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel or dive amid colorful reefs and rich marine life.

Highlights Include

Dominica: Experience the lush beauty of the Caribbean’s “Nature Island” on a hike to spectacular viewpoints; a boat ride through enchanting, tangled forests; or a tour and tasting at a family-owned chocolate factory.

Les Saintes: In this mostly uninhabited French archipelago, go island-hopping in a local boat, watching for wildlife and swimming and snorkeling. Or visit a historic French fortress with incredible island views.

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: On a jeep tour, explore the lively town of Port Elizabeth, enjoying views of Admiralty Bay from the 18thcentury Hamilton Fort; and visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary to hear about efforts to raise and release endangered hawksbill turtles. Or set off on a catamaran cruise around Bequia and its neighboring isles, and drop anchor off a tiny island to snorkel the reefs and swim.

Grenada: Dubbed the “Spice Island,” visit this hilly island of unspoiled beauty and the southernmost isle of the Lesser Antilles. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, which you may choose to visit.

Mayreau and Tobago Cays Marine Park: During a day on tiny Mayreau, stroll along the beach, go swimming and snorkeling, and enjoy a beach barbecue. Then head for the turquoise lagoons of Tobago Cays Marine Park for excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

World Heritage sites: Experience two very different World Heritage sites—the dramatic, jungle-clad peaks of St. Lucia’s Pitons and the colonial architecture of Bridgetown in Barbados.

Add a two-night extension in St. Lucia.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise include Franklin Knight, a professor and lecturer with expertise in the Caribbean. Visit our website for the additional expert.