Total Eclipse(Trip #59902)

Tour Overview

With a strong focus on the total eclipse as it passes through China's western regions, this tour also offers excursions to some relevant tourist highlights. The tour can be extended at either end for a more in-depth experience of the country. Some participants may wish to stay on for the Beijing Olympics.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, BEIJING
Arrival day

Day 2, BEIJING
A full day guided excursion to the Temple of Azure Clouds up in the Western Hills, including a stop at a less-visited section of the Great Wall. (BLD)

Day 3, BEIJING
A guided excursion to the Ancient Observatory. This structure dates back to 1442 and houses an eclectic collection of Chinese and Western instruments. Look out for the stone tablet explaining how an eclipse is caused by a giant toad covering up a golden bird. We catch an overnight train to Xi'an. (BL)

Day 4, XI'AN
Morning guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Free afternoon to explore the Great Mosque and other sights.

Day 5, DUNHUANG
We fly to Dunhuang in the far west of China. The rest of the day is free. (B)

Day 6, DUNHUANG
A guided excursion to the famous Mogao Grottoes. We continue to the Crescent Moon Lake and 'singing sands'. (BL)

Day 7, JIAYUGUAN
We transfer to Jiayuguan. Late afternoon excursion to the 'Overhanging Wall'. (BD)

Day 8, ECLIPSE SITE - JIAYUGUAN
We transfer to our eclipse site north of Jiayuguan in plenty of time to ensure all is ready for the main event. We actually have a preferred site and a contingency in case cloud cover is an issue. The preferred site gives us 100% coverage of the eclipse and we should be able to watch this amazing event for nearly two minutes. We plan on celebrating success with a BBQ after returning to Jiayuguan. (BLD)

Day 9, JIAYUGUAN
Guided excursion to the end of the Great Wall and the Fort. (BL)

Day 10, SHANGHAI
Fly to Shanghai, an ideal venue for sharing photos and saying goodbyes. (BD)

Day 11, SHANGHAI
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Note: There will also be a total eclipse in China in 2009 and Imaginative Traveller plan on offering a special departure to make the most of this amazing event. Please see website for details.