TOTAL ECLIPSE [SOLD OUT]
Join UVA Alumni & Parent Travel and astronomer Professor Ed Murphy to view the Great American Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. The next total solar eclipse will not cross the United States until 2044. I will be 75 years old. One of my favorite travelers likes to say that “there are three phases to retirement: Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go.” The weather prospects are excellent in the Texas Hill Country, (a rarity for a total eclipse opportunity), where we will have an exclusive eclipse viewing site to maximize our enjoyment, comfort, and convenience.
We’ll travel to the path of totality to observe a total eclipse when the Sun becomes entirely hidden behind the Moon, the sky becomes dark, and the Sun’s corona flashes into view. During this brief time of the full eclipse, it becomes safe to look directly at the sun. Bright stars and planets shine forth, and the air temperature drops noticeably. Birds and other animals, thinking dusk has settled, return to their nests and evening shelters. This is one of the most beautiful astronomical events, worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
Edward Murphy is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia, where he has been a faculty member for 22 years. He is also a graduate of UVA (GSAS 1994, 1996). He teaches introductory astronomy to non-science majors and seminars for graduate students and first-year undergraduates. Prof. Murphy was awarded the Office of Engagement’s Outstanding Faculty Speaker Award in 2012 and Alumni Association’s Distinguished Professor Award in 2014. He is the professor for the best-selling course “Our Night Sky” from the Great Courses and his YouTube lecture on The Origin of the Elements has over 2 million views. As the coordinator for the education and public outreach program in the Department of Astronomy, he runs summer programs for middle and high school students and coordinates the public night program at McCormick Observatory, where he can be found at almost every public night. He has traveled to see an annular solar eclipse in 1994, and total solar eclipses in 2006, 2009, and 2017. He has spent a total of 12 minutes, 08 seconds inside the shadow of the Moon!
Fly independently to Austin, Texas, and transfer to your hotel overlooking Lady Bird Lake with close access to downtown Austin. Gather this evening for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Hyatt Regency Austin D
DAY 2 - Saturday, April 6
Austin/Boerne
This morning we’ll take a short walk on an urban path that meanders along the Lady Bird Lake’s edge and passes by skyscrapers and cultural attractions. We’ll cross the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge over to the $120 million Austin Central Library overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Designed by the leading architectural firm of Lake Flato, the library includes a six-level atrium and rooftop terraces with a dramatic view of Austin’s downtown. Here we’ll have a lecture on the Total Solar Eclipse from our study leader as well as an informational talk about the library.
Embark on an late morning cruise and lunch aboard a private boat on the tranquil waters of Lady Bird Lake, nestled in the heart of downtown Austin. After our cruise, we’ll continue our journey to the Texas Hill Country along highways lined with stunning springtime bluebonnets and other wildflowers that stretch for miles. Gather for welcome cocktails and dinner at our Hill Country accommodations and eclipse site.
Kendall Inn B, L, D
DAY 3 - Sunday, April 7
Boerne/San Antonio
Depart for an authentic Texas Ranch tucked away in the corner of Bulverde, Texas to provide a true taste of Texas and its Western heritage. Attend a private rodeo demonstration with the grand entry of Texas Longhorns as well as barrel racing and an award-winning Texas Drill team performing on horses. Enjoy a catered Texas barbecue lunch with a full bar. After lunch head to San Antonio and a city tour of its landmarks and cultural hotspots. Take a VIP tour of the Alamo to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn of the heroic battle of 1836 for Texas’ independence from Mexico. After touring the Alamo, embark on a privately chartered river barge along San Antonio’s famous riverwalk. Finally, we’ll head out to El Mercado to experience some of San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage and Mexican food and spices, jewelry, clothing, and other crafts.
Kendall Inn B, L, D
DAY 4 - Monday, April 8
Boerne (TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE)
This morning our study leader will walk us through the rare total solar eclipse we will be seeing. Enjoy a buffet lunch at our private eclipse site. The partial eclipse will begin around 12:41 PM and culminate with the beginning of the Full or Total Solar Eclipse at approximately 1:32.47 PM. Once the celestial excitement abates imbibe in a celebratory glass of champagne. We’ll have an opportunity to explore the historic town of Boerne, followed by a festive farewell dinner.
Kendall Inn B, L, D
DAY 5 - Tuesday, April 9
Boerne/Austin
After breakfast, morning transfers back to Austin Airport for flights home. B
Optional Pre-Trip Extension - April 4 - 5, 2024
Austin, Texas
Arrive a day early and discover Austin on a city tour that will give you a snapshot of Austin from its Capitol dome, the UT campus and downtown to its funky neighborhoods only a local would know about. This tour is jam-packed with history and information on the people, music, culture, and food of Austin. Lunch will be at one of Austin’s iconic eateries. After lunch we’ll head out to a local brewery for a tasting of some of Austin artisan beers. Includes lunch, transportation, tour guide, and one extra night at the Austin Hyatt Regency.
Per person double occupancy $585. Single occupancy $765. Prices based on a minimum of 10 participants.
HYATT REGENCY AUSTIN (1 night)
Located in downtown Austin on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the Hyatt Regency Austin is a full-service hotel that offers cool, contemporary new guest rooms. Situated along the Hike & Bike trail, this luxury hotel is within walking distance to all of downtown Austin's major entertainment districts, and 7 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Take a five-minute walk to Congress Ave Bridge near sunset in the summer to catch Austin’s famous bat show, featuring more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Austin Hyatt Regency has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck overlooking the lake. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
KENDALL INN, BOERNE, TEXAS (3 nights)
Opening its doors in 1859, just ten years after the City of Boerne was founded in 1849, The Kendall has continually greeted customers for over 160 years and has become a part of its local culture and history. It is both a Texas and national landmark and has hosted many prominent historical figures including Jefferson Davis, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Robert E. Lee. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this historic inn features a selection of cottages, cabins, and guest rooms. The uniquely decorated accommodations at The Kendall feature free wireless internet and a cable TV. Tea and coffee-making facilities are also provided. The inn overlooks Cibolo Creek and Boerne Town Square.
Meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests and we will do our best to accommodate.
Prices are based on choice of accommodation categories at the Kendall Inn at the Eclipse site.
ROOM CATEGORIES KENDALL INN
Rates are Per Person
STANDARD QUEEN
$5,625 - Double Occupancy
$7,625 - Single Occupancy
STANDARD KING
$5,725 - Double Occupancy
$7,795 - Single Occupancy
STANDARD DOUBLE
$5,725 - Double Occupancy
$7,795 - Single Occupancy
DELUXE QUEEN
$5,795 - Double Occupancy
$7,875 - Single Occupancy
DELUXE KING
$5,825 - Double Occupancy
$7,905 - Single Occupancy
HISTORIC SUITES & COTTAGES
$5,925 - Double Occupancy
$8,195 - Single Occupancy
GRAND SUITES KING
$6,015 - Double Occupancy
$8,405 - Single Occupancy
ST. JOHNS SUITE KING
$6,175 - Double Occupancy only
Limited Triple & Quad Occupancy Available; price and availability dependent on room category. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
*Upgrade to River View Room at Austin Hyatt Regency for $35, subject to availability
AIR ARRANGEMENTS Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. is the preferred provider for airline arrangements for this trip and can help with domestic air arrangements for this trip and can be reached at 800-447-3560. You are welcome to book your air transportation through your local travel agent, an online travel site, or the airline of your choice.
Price includes:
Welcome dinner in Austin · Professional Tour Director · Transportation by private motorcoach while on tour · Entrance fees · Cruise on Lady Bird Lake in Austin · Welcome cocktail reception at Kendall Inn and wine or beer included with all dinners · Rodeo and catered lunch with a full bar · VIP Alamo Tour and Private chartered river barge in San Antonio · Entrance fees · Eclipse viewing site · Eclipse viewing glasses · Sparkling wine after eclipse · Airport transfers for group flights · Gratuities to waitstaff, local guides, tour director and drivers · Service charges and taxes · Baggage handling · Accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary ·
Price does not include:
Domestic Airfare to and from Austin · Meals not specified in the itinerary · Personal items such as laundry, fax, e-mail, or telephone calls · Alcohol except as stated in the itinerary or what is included · Room service · Private transfers · Fuel Surcharges · Medical expenses · COVID-19 testing and immunizations or quarantine expenses · Travel insurance · Any other items not specifically mentioned as included · Deviations from the scheduled tour.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or, e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your spot. A second deposit of $1,500 per passenger will be due on or before March 7, 2023. Final payment is due December 7, 2023, 120 days prior to departure. The final mailing will be done approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.
The initial deposit can be made via check or credit card.
The second deposit and final payment must be paid by check.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations received on or before January 2, 2023, will receive a full refund of deposits made. No refunds of deposits or payments will be made after January 2, 2023. Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features.
PROGRAM NOTE:
The Texas Hill Country will be a prime location to experience the Great American Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. We will provide an optimal viewing location to experience this phenomenon. Please keep in mind that because viewing the total solar eclipse will be weather dependent, there is always a chance that passengers will not be able to view it or view it only for a short period of time. Neither Royal Adventures nor the University of Virginia makes any guarantees as to the viewing of the total solar eclipse. Keep in mind that unexpected schedule changes could affect the program. Your Tour Director will keep you fully informed of any changes to planned activities. A sense of humor, flexibility, and patience will be greatly appreciated during this program and especially on eclipse day!
Trip Insurance: Your tour operator will include information on obtaining trip insurance in your confirmation letter including “Cancel for Any Reason Insurance.” Please note that there is a time frame for securing “Cancel for any Reason” or securing a “waiver” for pre-existing health conditions insurance which must be purchased within 14 days from your deposit being made. The University of Virginia may in its discretion cancel its endorsement of and faculty and staff participation in any program destination for which a Travel Warning is issued by the U.S. Department of State. Vendor Terms of Agreement will specify under what circumstances the vendor will cancel a program and/or under what circumstances participants might receive some reimbursement if they cancel their travel with the vendor themselves. The University of Virginia strongly recommends that all participants purchase trip cancellation insurance which includes protection in the face of political unrest, natural disasters, and personal emergencies and participants should discuss this insurance directly with the vendor or other travel services with whom they deal. You will find more useful travel information by going to the Travel Resources link on this website.
Responsibilities: Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40), its owners and employees, act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided, and the University of Virginia and Royal Adventures and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefor. The University of Virginia and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, epidemics, pandemics, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, animal or insect bites, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. The University of Virginia and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. The University of Virginia and/or Royal Adventures shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, and shall not provide any refund, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of our obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure Event. A Force Majeure Event, in relation to this tour, shall mean any circumstances beyond our control, including, but without limitation, to acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, government intervention or other unforeseeable events. Limitations on travel arising from the COVID-19 pandemic shall be considered a Force Majeure Event. If this tour is affected by a Force Majeure Event, the University of Virginia and Royal Adventures shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, cancel, or postpone any itinerary or arrangement in relation to this trip. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and fuel charges and is subject to change. Any tariff, sales tax, security surcharge or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Neither the University of Virginia nor Royal Adventures accepts the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned.
COVID Protocols: All passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate on this tour. I will not hold Royal Adventures or University of Virginia and/or its employees or agents responsible for any expense or loss caused by my/our failure to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Neither Royal Adventures nor the University of Virginia make any guarantees as to the viewing of the total solar eclipse As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release.