Science and Splendor in Chapel Hill & Durham

Chapel Hill, NC, USA

P
Patty
  • Email address verified
448 reviews
May 7, 2024
Group size: 30 - 47
Science and Splendor in Chapel Hill & Durham
Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Patty
  • Email address verified
448 reviews

May 7, 2024
Group size: 30 - 47

About this trip

This trip exposes you to Science in Chapel Hill at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, splendor with a guided tour of the Duke Chapel, an awe inspiring gothic style towering church and a walk through the historic Sara P Duke Gardens.   Both experiences take place in the heart of each campus, UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University so that by the end of the day you will really have an appreciation of the famous rivalry between the UNC Tarheels and Duke Blue Devils.  You might even be tempted to become a fan of one of these teams!  

We begin the day by joining the millions who have experienced the Carolina Skies Planetarium show. 

“Carolina Skies” will take us on a guided tour of the nighttime sky as it appears on that very night above North Carolina. We learn how to identify celestial objects visible to the naked eye and learn about the legends and myths created by ancient cultures to explain the astronomical phenomena observed by those cultures.  Currently, “Carolina Skies” shows also include an exciting “fly-out” experience that travels beyond our Solar System into the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond into our universe!


Scroll down to get the itinerary detail and consider joining this fun and stimulating trip!  




Cancellation Policy

It is the responsibility of each passenger to find a replacement for their trip if they need to cancel and wish to receive a refund.  Patty will maintain a "wait list" to assist with this.  

Activity Level

This trip involves a little bit of walking and standing at the Duke Chapel and in the Duke Gardens.  

What’s included

  • Transportation
    On a modern, luxury motorcoach
  • Admission
    Admission to the Planetarium and Carolina Skies Show
  • Tour
    Donation to Duke Chapel for the Guided Tour
  • Trip Host
  • Extras
    Snacks and bottled water on the bus

What’s not included

  • Driver gratuity
  • Lunch
    BYOL en route to Chapel Hill OR enjoy a late lunch at Duke's Brodhead Center, a multi-million dollar food court featuring local and ethnically diverse choices.

Available Packages

Trip Per Person Price
$93

Itinerary

Science and Splendor
Chapel Hill & Durham Day Trip

8:45am- Departure from the Compass Pointe Wellness Center - There will be one rest stop break en route.

11:15am - Arrive at Morehead Planetarium.  Enjoy exhibits followed by the "Carolina Skies" show.  

2:30pm - Guided tour of Duke Chapel - following the tour, take a walk through the Duke Gardens or get a bite to eat at the Brohead Center.

4:30pm - Depart Duke Campus for Leland

7pm - Approximate arrival time at Compass Pointe



Your Organizer


P
Patty
448 reviews
I love to travel so in my partially retired life I decided to adapt my passion for travel along with 25 years of experience in Travel & Tourism to create Trips by Patty. I received a BA in American History from UNC-Chapel Hill. Not knowing what I was going to do with that degree, I started working as a desk clerk at a hotel in Raleigh. I enjoyed the hotel business and the career path began. Hotel operations and sales, Convention Center operations and marketing, destination marketing with a Convention Visitors Bureau and even a stint as a tour guide. What happened to the history degree? Well, many times when I am escorting my trips I share the history of the destinations we visit. It's a great feeling to take your career skills and adapt them to your own small business. I love what I do and hope you'll join me on a trip one day!

Reviews

We had a great time on excursion to Charlottesville. We packed a lot into our 3-day trip. Patty Rogers and the Waterford Travel group did a great job organizing the trip! Would definitely do it again.
By Kenneth D for Experience Charlottesville on Jun 13, 2025
We had a wonderful time. The "excursions" were varied and we left with a ton of information re: President Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia as well as the home of President James Monroe. The last stop at the Virginia winery was perfect. Patty always "delivers"! She is organized and everything runs smoothly. She also has as excellent assistant and Donnie, our driver, is fantastic. My husband and I highly recommend Trips by Patty for those short get aways that you didn't know you needed until you experienced them!
By Patricia M for Experience Charlottesville on Jun 12, 2025
Well organized, just right for planned activities and free time.
By Anna B for Asheville and Winston Salem - Treasures & Blooms on Jun 02, 2025
Patty does a great job organizing and filling our days with great things to do and keeping everyone apprised of what's coming next and what time, etc. I only wish we had more free time to leisurely browse shops in Asheville. Thank you, Patty
By Dana M for Asheville and Winston Salem - Treasures & Blooms on Jun 01, 2025
This was a lot packed into 3 days but Patty managed to make it all work. King Tut, Andrew Wyeth, and gardens galore- a great trip.
By Barbara H for Asheville and Winston Salem - Treasures & Blooms on Jun 01, 2025
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