Unlike Bonnie Tyler's 1980s song 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', the total solar eclipse is a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural showpiece, worthy of everyone's attention. At this time of year, when the moon completely obscures the sun, a small region of the earth will be able to bear witness to the moment when it is plunged into darkness. If you fancy a bit of eclipse-chasing, you will need to be at your 'post' on the 1st August 2008.
Adventure specialist Explore! have a number of exciting 2008 astronomy and total solar eclipse tours in China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, with the majority of trips based in China. These destinations, say Explore!, have been chosen due to their proximity to the path of the eclipse and the best likely weather conditions.
A limited number of places are still available on some of these exciting trips, ranging from 18-25 days in length. Prices for the 2008 solar eclipse holidays start at £2,295 per person for the 19-day Imperial Journey & Eclipse trip to China departing 19th July 2008, including flights, transfers, 17 nights’ hotel, camping & sleeper train accommodation with breakfast, some other meals and the services of an Explore tour leader.
You can call us on 0845 475 0342 if you would like to book a 2008 eclipse tour with Explore.
If you are not able to book a 2008 tour, you can always plan ahead for 2009, of course.
The solar eclipse will then be on 22nd July 2009 and is expected to be the longest for a century. The eclipse will be best viewed close to Shanghai, where the cloud cover is expected to be at its lowest and the eclipse expected to last the longest throughout China. Fifteen tours have been planned with Explore! to China and Japan ranging from 6 to 27 days, some of which will be accompanied by an astronomy expert. There are also two tours in Japan, and a family-friendly eclipse-viewing tour in China which will take in highlights such as The Forbidden City, plus options to combine eclipse-viewing with travel on the Trans Siberian Railway or The Tibet Railroad.
Several expert astronomers will lead tours in 2009. Dr Francisco Diego - who is also leading a tour that’s already fully booked this year - will head up the 2009 Cultural Treasures & Eclipse Tour in China and two additional tours to China are being individually fronted by the expert astronomers Andrew Green and Professor Paul Murdin respectively.
Call on 0845 475 0342 if you would like to book a 2009 eclipse tour.
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