July 13—26, 2009

The longest totalities of the twentieth century have been brought to us by Saros 136. Who can forget the 6:59 totality of July 11, 1991? On July 22, 2009 totality crosses China and shadows eclipse chasers along the ancient Yangtze River. We invite you to join us as we celebrate over five minutes of totality and the ebb and flow of Chinese life in the 21st Century.

The cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai offers seven days aboard the 200 passenger, All-balcony Victoria Prince and includes the shore excursions, lectures, meals, and shipboard gratuities.

View Deck Plan

Before the cruise we will fly to Beijing and tour the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Afterwards the flight takes us to Xian for the noble warriors before continuing on the Chongqing to board the vessel. Options to extend in Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong are available.

Our distinguished astronomical enrichment program will offer the finest lectures and activities in astronomy. Everyone is welcome to participate and no background in science is expected.

Suggested Books and Films

Your China Eclipse Adventure Includes...

Special Cultural Highlights Included...

Your Itinerary...

July 13/14, 2009 U.S.A. – Beijing, China

Board the flight to the People’s Republic of China and the Saros 136 Total Eclipse cruise tour.
Arrive Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 1,000 years before Christ.

July 15, 2009 Beijing

This morning visit Tiananmen Square, built to accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Later tour Beijing’s mysterious Forbidden City. Once the home to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was completed in 1520 and was off limits to visitors for 500 years. Explore the elegant palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens within its walls.

After lunch, tour the 700 acre complex, Summer Palace. Walk among its elegant buildings and landscaped grounds, considered among the finest Chinese gardens. Tonight features China’s Peking Duck dinner followed by a performance of the world renowned Peking Opera. B/L/D

July 16, 2009 Beijing

After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to see one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, recently voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions, and camels. B/L/D

July 17, 2009 Beijing – Xian

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Xian, the key city of the Tang Dynasty where we will tour the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. B/L/D

July 18, 2009 Xian

Today our tour takes us to the Xian City Wall and the Terra cotta Warriors, where there are more than 6,000 life-sized warriors, archers, and infantrymen that were buried with China’s first Emperor in 209 B.C. Each man and horse is molded with their own distinct features. Tonight we are treated to the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. B/L/D

July 19, 2009 Xian - Chongqing

After Breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Chongqing and overnight before Yangtze River Cruise. Astronomical enrichment activities tonight. B, L, D

July 20, 2009 Chongqing – Board Vessel

Morning transfer to the Victoria Prince and sail from Chongqing. This afternoon explore Fengdu, the City of Ghosts. Tonight gather for a welcome cocktail reception. B,L,D

July 21, 2009 Dining River and Lesser Three Gorges

Board smaller boats for the Daning River, which winds through the beautiful Lesser Gorges. Birds and monkeys can be seen on both banks. A variety of terraced fields grow year round. This evening we will sail through the Three Gorges Dam locks. Tonight the astronomical enrichment activities will prepare everyone for tomorrow’s eclipse. B,L,D

July 22, 2009 Eclipse Total & Three Gorges Dam

The excitement mounts as the Saros 136 eclipse approaches. After the eclipse excitement, an excursion to the $25 billion Three Gorges Dam is planned. With an installed generating capacity of 18,200 MW, the dam spans more than two kilometers across, and tower 185 meters above, the world’s third longest river. B,L,D

July 23, 2009 Wuhan

Our astronomical enrichment program continues this morning before an afternoon excursion in Wuhan. Tour the Hubei Museum with its many historic artifacts including a collection of ancient bells. B,L,D

July 24, 2009 Huangshan

Today’s excursion takes us to the beautiful Yellow Mountains, which were formed over a hundred million years ago of thirty-two peaks of red crags and rock columns which change color with the light. The pinnacles are magnificent and imposing beauties of mystery which have inspired artists, photographers and poets for centuries. B,L,D

July 25, 2009 Nanjing

The walled city of Nanjing was built between 25 – 220 AD and eight dynasties established their capitals in the city. In 1842 the British forced the Qing government to sign the Treaty of Nanking to end the opium war. China was forced to cede the territory of Hong Kong to Britain and open four Chinese ports to foreign trade. Following the 1911 revolution, Nanjing was declared the capital of the Republic of China. Nanjing’s most famous landmark is the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Tonight enjoy our Captain’s Farewell Banquet. B,L,D

July 26, 2009 Shanghai

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward journey or extend your stay in Shanghai or to Cambodia & Thailand or Hong Kong & Guilin. B

Extend Your China Adventure, Pre or Post...

Post

1-night Shanghai. This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the Bund, an elegant riverfront promenade. Visit the Children’s Palace, housed in a grand, early 10th century building. We will dine in a restaurant tonight, followed by a Chinese acrobatic performance.

Post

Hong Kong        July 26 – 28, 2009
2-nights

Shanghai           July 26 – 29, 2009
3-nights

Thailand & Cambodia     July 26 – August 2, 2009
6-Nights

How to Prepare for this Trip

Click on the following link for a detailed list of preparations: Preparing for this Trip

Interested? Request a Brochure