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SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR, 2008
(Tour # 1 via Beijing)

A cultural tour of
China

Viewing a solar eclipse is an experience that lasts forever. The next Total Solar Eclipse will take place on Friday August 01, 2008 and the best viewing will be in a unique and historical part of the world. Right in the heart of the Gobi Desert in Western China, on the famous Silk Road, at 10:21 UT the Greatest Eclipse will take place. With the location being where it is, there are a few exciting ways to take advantage of seeing both the eclipse and experience the Silk Road. We are offering three possibilities. This tour #1, is ideal for those who would like to see the eclipse in the shortest duration and for anybody who may want to combine with the Olympics which starts in Beijing on 08 August, 2008.


DATES PRICES INCLUSIONS AIRFARE

Tour Summary
Map
Day
Place
01
Arrive Beijing
02
Beijing / Urumqi / Turpan
03 Turpan / Hami
04
Hami - ECLIPSE VIEWING
05
Hami / Urumqi
06
Urumqi / Beijing
Detailed Itinerary


Day 01:
Jul 29, 2008 TUE: Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival at Beijing airport we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Toronto Hotel, Beijing (1 night)

Day 02: Jul 30, 2008 WED: Beijing / Urumqi (flight). Drive to Turpan (200 km)
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Urumqi (China). Upon arrival at Xinjiang’s capital, we are welcomed and taken on a scenic drive to “the lowest place on earth”, Turpan. Turpan is an oasis famous for its hot and dry climate as well as for its grapes, which are grown in abundance.
Overnight: Oasis Hotel, Turpan (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Jul 31, 2008 THU: Turpan / Hami drive (400 km)
Another interesting day or rural China with the drive to Hami. Enroute we visit the famous Flaming Mountain that stretches for a 100km/62m. This will be followed by the Bezkilik Thousand Buddha Caves. This evening we join other eclipse enthusiasts at Hami.
Overnight: Jiageda Hotel, Hami (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Aug 01, 2008 FRI: Hami
Hami was one of the trading halts on the Silk Road so we take the opportunity of visiting the well managed Hami Museum followed by the Mausoleums of the Hui Kings. Afternoon we drive to Xiamaya village – the Eclipse viewing site. The first contact will be at 1809 hrs and the last and fourth contact ends around 2005 hrs – total duration of totality is around 1min 54 sec. After an exciting viewing of the eclipse we return to Hami for our overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Aug 02, 2008 SAT: Hami / Urumqi (drive)
Early morning drive to Urumqi, upon arrival we check in at our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Balance of the day is free.
Overnight: Xinjiang Grand Hotel, Urumqi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Aug 03, 2008 SUN: Urumqi / Beijing (flight)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. For those wishing to take extensions within China or combine this with the Olympics or visit other countries in the region, please let us know. (B)




Departure Dates

2008
English Speaking Departures

July 29, 2008

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
  • All transfers and sightseeing as the itinerary.
  • Services of local English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
  • Air tickets Beijing / Urumqi / Beijing
  • International airfares
  • Insurance & Visa fees
  • Drinks/Beverages with meals
  • Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).

Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate.

For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure
Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement
2008
US $ 2005 • CA $ 2005
US $ 215 • CA $ 215

Estimated International Airfare - International Airfare is NOT Included

Canada - West Coast 1600 USA - West Coast 1400
Canada - East Coast 1400 USA - East Coast 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Foreign Language Departures

Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures.


You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.

© Copyright 1999-2008 Bestway Tours & Safaris
Site last updated May 02, 2008
Photographs by Peter Langer & Mahmood Poonja Site by antoinette

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