A selection of escorted tours
YOUR EXPERT ASTRONOMER | PETE LAWRENCE
Pete Lawrence has been a presenter on the long running BBC Sky at Night television programme since 2005. He has been an astronomical consultant for the popular BBC Stargazing Live television series since it began, and appeared on the programme in 2014 as an aurora expert. Pete also writes many of the guides used by the BBC to support the programme. He compiles and writes the monthly Star Guide for the Sky at Night Magazine as well as carrying out equipment reviews on their behalf and acting as their resident imaging expert.
Future Total Eclipse Tours
29 March 2025 - Canada
12 August 2026 - Spain
2 August 2027 - Egypt
22 July 2028 - New Zealand
Email us now to register for priority notification
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ECLIPSE 2024 - THE BEST OF TEXAS
5 April 2024
6 Days from just £2499pp
Join us to witness the grandeur of a total solar eclipse in the southern state of Texas, USA which promises to be a truly special experience.
This unique tour will be accompanied by an expert astronomer and we’ll also be joined by astronomer, astrophotographer and Sky at Night TV presenter Pete Lawrence for the latter part of the tour. Of course the main event and focus of this trip is the magnificent solar eclipse and on the day of this phenomenon, with Pete’s expert advice, we are taken into the path of ‘totality’, close to the centre line of the eclipse shadow track. This will be at a location chosen to give us a good chance of clear skies. Pete will give various presentations and advice too.
During this wonderful tour we also visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to learn more about space exploration.
Trip Highlights
Flight to Houston and return from Dallas*
Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
Airport transfers in Texas
2 nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks Hotel with breakfast
2 nights at the 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Waxahachie with breakfast
Porterage at the Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks Hotel
Admission to the Space Center Houston
Excursion to Ennis for the eclipse (includes safety viewing glasses)
Pre & post-eclipse presentations at the Waxahachie Civic Center with Pete Lawrence
Tour accompanied throughout by an expert astronomer
Part of the tour accompanied by astronomer Pete Lawrence
Local guides on excursions
Itinerary
Friday 5th April: Flight to Houston
Check in for our flight to Houston, Texas. On arrival, we are met by our local representative and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks Hotel, our base for the next two nights.
Meals: None
Saturday 6th April: Space Center Houston
After breakfast we enjoy a welcome presentation by our expert astronomer at the hotel. We then spend the day at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one of Houston’s top attractions, which boasts many interactive displays with everything from space artefacts to a full-size rocket and space shuttle. Here we can learn about space exploration from fascinating hands-on exhibits.
Later, enjoy dinner (not included) in the collection of historic Houston neighbourhoods known as the Heights, an area dotted with independent shops and trendy restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday 7th April: Houston to Waxahachie
Checking out of our Houston hotel, we head to Waxahachie. On arrival, we check in to the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Waxahachie where we stay for the last two nights of our tour.
This evening, we enjoy a pre-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence at the Waxahachie Civic Center, located next to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday 8th April: Solar Eclipse in Ennis
Following breakfast at the hotel, we head to Ennis. Here we can enjoy the total solar eclipse for the maximum duration, scheduled to start around 12.22pm. There’s plenty of time to find your own space and set up any equipment ready to take in the wonder of the eclipse.
Later we return to our Waxahachie hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th April: Post-eclipse presentation & overnight flight home
After breakfast we return to the Waxahachie Civic Center for a post-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence which also gives us a chance to share our eclipse experiences with our fellow travellers. Afterwards, we transfer to Dallas airport for our flight home, arriving back in the UK the following day.
Meals: Breakfast (Tuesday)
Please note: as the tour has been planned far in advance, the itinerary and price are subject to change.
Accommodation
Located in the centre of Houston, the 4-star Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks Hotel is ideally situated to enjoy the many shops, restaurants and attractions of the city. All the air-conditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, cable TV, microwave and fridge. Hotel amenities include Reeds Restaurant and Bar & Lounge, an outdoor pool (seasonal) and 24-hour fitness centre.
The 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Waxahachie is located just beyond the southern suburbs of Dallas in Waxahachie. The hotel features an outdoor pool (seasonal), fitness centre, lounge and free Wi-Fi and all rooms offer a seating area, satellite TV and air-conditioning.
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Eclipse 2024 – The Best of Texas
2 April 2024
9 Days from just £3299pp SOLD OUT
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ECLIPSE 2024 - A TEXAN ADVENTURE
28 March 2024
14 Days from just £3999pp
Join us to witness the grandeur of a total solar eclipse in the southern state of Texas, USA which promises to be a truly special experience.
This unique tour will be accompanied by astronomer, astrophotographer and Sky at Night TV presenter Pete Lawrence. Of course the main event and focus of this trip is the magnificent solar eclipse and on the day of this phenomenon, with Pete’s expert advice, we are taken into the path of ‘totality’, close to the centre line of the eclipse shadow track. This will be at a location chosen to give us a good chance of clear skies. Pete will give various presentations and advice during the trip too.
During this wonderful tour we also visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, discover the vibrant cities of San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, visit the famous Alamo and fascinating McDonald Observatory as well as enjoy a cattle drive and championship rodeo for an authentic taste of the ‘Lone Star State’.
Trip Highlights
Flight to Houston and return from Dallas*
Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
Airport transfers in Texas
12 nights at selected 2, 3 or 4-star hotels in Texas with breakfast
Porterage at hotels in Houston, San Antonio, San Angelo & Waxahachie ONLY
Admission to the Space Center Houston & the Stockyards Championship Rodeo
San Antonio River Cruise
Visits to the Alamo, Dallas Sixth Floor Museum, Paint Rock & McDonald Observatory
Guided tours of Austin & Dallas
Watch the cattle drive at Fort Worth Stockyards
Excursion to Ennis for the eclipse (includes safety viewing glasses)
Pre & post-eclipse presentations at the Waxahachie Civic Center with Pete Lawrence
Tour accompanied throughout by astronomer Pete Lawrence
Local guides on excursions
Services of a tour manager
Itinerary
Thursday 28th March: Flight to Houston
Check in for our flight to Houston, Texas. On arrival, we are met by our local representative and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks Hotel, our base for the next two nights.
Meals: None
Friday 29th March: Space Center Houston
After breakfast we enjoy a welcome presentation at the hotel. We then spend the day at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one of Houston’s top attractions, which boasts many interactive displays with everything from space artefacts to a full-size rocket and space shuttle. Here we can learn about space exploration from fascinating hands-on exhibits.
Later, enjoy dinner (not included) in the collection of historic Houston neighbourhoods known as the Heights, an area dotted with independent shops and trendy restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday 30th March: San Antonio & River Cruise
Checking out of our Houston hotel this morning, we travel to San Antonio. On arrival there’s the chance to enjoy lunch along the San Antonio River Walk (not included). This afternoon we board our boat for a relaxing river cruise along the San Antonio River. The boat’s captain shares fascinating stories about the city’s culture, history and architecture during this 35-minute cruise.
Later we transfer to the Hampton Inn San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday 31st March: The Alamo & Austin
After checking out of our hotel this morning we visit the Alamo, site of the famous, pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution in 1836. Next, we depart for Austin, the capital of Texas, where we stay at the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake for two nights.
This afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Austin with a local guide. Known as the Live-Music Capital, the city has managed to retain a small-town charm and is home to unique attractions, a vibrant arts scene and beautiful outdoor spaces, from the shores of Lady Bird Lake to the city’s highest vantage point on Mount Bonnell.
In the evening there’s the option to visit the Continental Club, a retro Austin venue that opened in 1957 and is a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country and swing music.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday 1st April: Austin & ACL Live at the Moody Theater
We begin the day with an orientation tour of downtown Austin to see such sites as the University of Texas, the Capitol Building and 360 Bridge. You may then wish to stop for lunch at one of Austin’s famous Food Trucks.
This afternoon, we enjoy a tour of ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the permanent home of Austin City Limits, the longest running music series in American television history. There’s also time to visit SoCo, a vibrant neighbourhood that oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin’s yesteryear with its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues.
In the evening we enjoy a presentation with Pete Lawrence at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday 2nd April: Fredericksburg & San Angelo
We check out of our Austin hotel and head to San Angelo, driving through the hill country and stopping en-route in Fredericksburg, a charming town that proudly embraces its extensive German heritage. Walk the town's streets and pass Gothic-style churches with pointed archways and vaulted ceilings. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants serving savoury schnitzels and tall pints of dunkelweizen.
Continuing on to San Angelo we check in to the Pearl on the Concho Hotel where we stay overnight. There’s time to explore the historic downtown, where a mix of modern art and Western heritage create a unique experience.
We enjoy another interesting presentation with Pete Lawrence at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday 3rd April: Paint Rock & Pecos
Before departing for Pecos, we visit Paint Rock. Texas hosts a number of premier rock art sites, shelters and rock faces painted by history’s Native Americans as well as the prehistoric peoples who came before them. The pictographs reveal clues about the inhabitants who occupied the country up to the arrival of Europeans. The Paint Rock site is considered one of the state’s major pictograph collections.
We continue to Pecos and check in to Best Western Swiss Clock Inn, our base for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Thursday 4th April: McDonald Observatory
Today we travel to the McDonald Observatory, an astronomical observatory that is part of the University of Texas, located on Mount Locke in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. Visit the exhibit gallery inside the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center, the Solar Viewing Program in the theatre, and tour the 433-inch Hobby-Eberly Telescope. We also take a private viewing tour of the research area.
Meals: Breakfast
Friday 5th April: Abilene
Leaving Pecos, we head to Abilene and check in to the Courtyard by Marriott Southwest/Abilene Mall South where we stay overnight.
This evening we enjoy a presentation with Pete Lawrence at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday 6th April: Fort Worth Stockyards, Championship Rodeo & Waxahachie
We check out of our Abilene hotel and head to Fort Worth, arriving at Fort Worth Stockyards in time to watch the late afternoon cattle drive. There’s then time for dinner (not included) before gathering to attend the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum.
Afterwards you may choose to cap off the night at Billy Bob’s for a drink, listening to country music and dancing the Texas Two-Step, or try riding a mechanical bull! Later we transfer to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Waxahachie where we stay for the remainder of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday 7th April: Dallas
This morning we enjoy an orientation tour of Dallas, a city that offers a unique blend of South-western warmth, cosmopolitan flair, old west charm and modern sophistication. We then visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The museum, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
In the evening, we enjoy a pre-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence at the Waxahachie Civic Center.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday 8th April: Solar Eclipse in Ennis
Following breakfast at the hotel, we head to Ennis. Here we can enjoy the total solar eclipse for the maximum duration, scheduled to start around 12.22pm. There’s plenty of time to find your own space and set up any equipment ready to take in the wonder of the eclipse.
Later we head back to our Waxahachie hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th April: Post-eclipse presentation & overnight flight home
After breakfast we return to the Waxahachie Civic Center for a post-eclipse presentation with Pete Lawrence which also gives us a chance to share our eclipse experiences with our fellow travellers. Afterwards, we transfer to Dallas airport for our flight home, arriving back in the UK the following day.
Meals: Breakfast (Tuesday)
Please note: as the tour has been planned far in advance, the itinerary and price are subject to change.
Accommodation
We’ll stay at a selection of 2, 3 or 4-star hotels in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, San Angelo, Pecos, Abilene and Waxahachie.
Helpful Information
Regrettably, Omega Breaks cannot be held responsible for the non-appearance of any named astronomers and no refunds will be given in this event. However, a suitably qualified astronomer will be provided as a replacement in such circumstances.
*Air package holiday prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to fluctuation and availability. The final price will depend on your chosen airport, airline and flight time. Terms and conditions apply. Errors and omissions excepted. Please visit our website for details.
Operated by Just Go! Holidays Ltd trading as Omega Breaks, ATOL No.10889
Westoe Travel act as agents for Omega Breaks
Tour Operator's Terms and Conditions apply
Omega Breaks Terms and Conditions apply
https://www.omegabreaks.com/about-us/terms?linksource=footer
Passport & visa information
A full UK passport is required with at least 6 months validity from your return date.
British Citizens need a visa to enter Australia. You can apply at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651#Overview
For further advice on travel and current information, please refer to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/australia
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We advise customers take travel insurance for all bookings
Call Just Travel Cover 0800 2942972 quoting reference L4746 for best prices or
Click here for Holiday Insurance or
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All passengers must have a valid passport for this tour. Depending on the country issuing your passport, a visa may also be required. More information can be found at the Identity & Passport Service
Identity and Passport service
Customers should ensure that they are fit enough to travel, please check with your General Practitioner and www.fco.gov.uk/travel and www.nathnac.org
The latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office about travelling abroad
Foreign and commonwealth office
We strongly advise that you check the latest advice from the Foreign and commonwealth office about travelling abroad both before booking and before travelling
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