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.

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

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 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.