Total Eclipse and Highlights of China

July 15–27, 2009

Join Caltech Alumni Travelers and faculty leader Andrew Ingersoll on this 13-day tour to witness the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century in southern China. We'll also experience some of China's most beautiful regions and delve into China's past and present through immersion in its unique culture.

The eclipse will take place on July 22, 2009. Join us and witness the eclipse from Anji, considered by the Chinese Academy of Sciences to be one of the best viewing sites available. The eclipse is projected to last 5 minutes and 47 seconds, making this the longest solar phenomenon to be seen in the 21st century.

Accompanying us throughout our journey will be Caltech's Andrew P. Ingersoll. Dr. Ingersoll, the Earle C. Anthony Professor of Planetary Science at Caltech, is an expert on the weather and climate of Earth and the other planets. Dr. Ingersoll led the alumni eclipse viewing to the Mediterranean in March 2006, and says he is delighted to lead the 2009 excursion.

Optional Extensions (additional information will be available in the coming weeks):

• Pre-trip: Chengde Summer Palace, July 12 – 16, 2009
• Post-trip: Yangzi River Cruise, July 27 – 31, 2009

Download the full brochure (PDF) >>

Pricing, Terms & Conditions >>

Itinerary at a Glance
[Note: This itinerary is subject to change]

July 15-16
Depart the U.S. from San Francisco for Beijing. Accommodations for this night are at the Grand Hotel, located in the heart of Beijing near Tiananmen Square (meals aloft).

July 17
Enjoy a private tour of the Beijing Planetarium. Visit the Summer Palace, take a cruise on Kunming Lake and stroll through the royal gardens. Tour the Painted Gallery, the longest covered walkway in China, and stop by the Olympic Village to marvel at the new stadiums. Dinner includes a special Peking duck banquet. (b,l,d)

July 18
Visit the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The evening includes a Peking Opera performance.(b,l)

July 19
Spend the day at the Great Wall of China, with the afternoon free for independent exploration. Enjoy dinner at the Shanglinyuan Restaurant. (b,l,d)

July 20
Fly to Xian. Upon arrival, tour the 2,300-year-old terra-cotta warriors at the tomb of China's first emperor, Qinshihuang. Later, transfer to the Sofitel Hotel downtown. Conclude the day with a dumpling banquet. (b,l,d)



July 21
Visit the Yangling Museum, then fly to Hangzhou and check into the Shangri-la Hotel by the West Lake. Explore Guo Zhuang Garden and later, take a leisurely walk from Quyuanfenghe to Su Causeway. (b,l)

July 22: Eclipse
This event is projected to last 5 minutes and 47 seconds at Anji. After the eclipse, we return to visit the Meijiawu Tea Plantation, then tour Lingying Temple. At sunset, we cruise the West Lake. Dinner is served at Hu Xue Yan Mansion. (b,l,d)

July 23
Drive to Tunxiand check into the International Hotel. In the afternoon, explore the World Heritage Sites of Hong Village and Xidi Village. (b,l,d)

July 24
See the breathtaking Huang Mountains, then travel to the summit via cable car for scenic views. Overnight at West Sea Hotel on the summit. (b,l,d)

July 25
In the afternoon, tour Chenkan Village. After dinner, fly to Shanghai and transfer to the Royal Le Meridian Hotel located downtown. (b,l,d)

July 26
Spend the morning at the Shanghai Museum. At lunchtime we explore Xintiandi and tour the French Concession area. The afternoon is free for exploration and last minute shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell banquet at the Dingxiang Garden Restaurant, famous for Shanghai cuisine. After dinner stroll the Bund along the Huangpu River. (b,d)

July 27
Depart for San Francisco. (b,meals aloft)

For more information call us at 626/395-6592, or email travel@alumni.caltech.edu and ask for information about our China Eclipse Tour.

Photos and map courtesy China Advocates.

 

 

Caltech Alumni Association 345 S. Hill Ave. Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-6592