2010 solar eclipse tour III - from A Classic Tour Collection

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Eclipse tour III - 8 days visiting; Santiago & Easter Island.

DAY 1- JUL. 07: WED- DEPART NEW YORK

Board LAN Airlines flight late this evening for Chile.

DAY 2- JUL. 08: THU – ARRIVE SANTIAGO - CHILE

On arrival at Santiago, we will be met and assisted with our transfer to the SHERATON HOTEL. Rest of the morning is at leisure. Afternoon’s tour takes us through the main streets of Santiago's civic center with its varied architectural styles. Pass the neoclassical Moneda Palace, built in the 18^th century and current seat of the Government; Plaza de Armas or Main Square, with its cathedral; Museum of National History; and the Central Post Office. Proceed to Parque Forestal, based on Paris's Champs-Elysees, Fine Arts Museum and Santa Lucia Hill, where Santiago was founded in 1541. Continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista to climb San Cristobel hill for a panoramic view of the city with the Andes Mountains in the background. End the day’s tour visiting the handicraft village of Los Graneros del Alba. B

Day 3- JUL. 09: FRI – SANTIAGO/EASTER ISLAND

Morning fly to Easter Island. In 1996 UNESCO declared the island as `Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad’, home to old culture of Rapa Nui. Meeting assistance and transfer to the hotel. Evening, walk though the town and dine at a local restaurant. VAI MOANA HOTEL BD

Day 4- JUL. 10: SAT – RANO KAO/ORONGO/ANA KAI TANGATA/VINAPU

After breakfast, travel to Rano Kao volcano bordering the coast. The route ascends its slopes to the summit, to see the impressive crater 1.6 kilometers across and more than 200 meters deep. Along the crater is Orongo, a majestic ceremonial city, a major focus of enigmatic petro-glyphs depicting ancient deities of Easter Island’s culture. Overview of the 3 islets: Motu Nui, Motu Iti, Motu Kao Kao and sea birds. Visit Vinapu, noted for its stone carvings, similar to those found in the American Andean cultures. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. The recently discovered dwarf planet Makemake (a plutoid along with Pluto, Eris and Haumea) derives its name from a Rapa Nui deity. Our lecturer will describe his studies of Pluto and Haumea and will present an eclipse orientation with a survey of past eclipse observations. This evening climb a nearby hill or horse ride (optional: additional cost) to view the sunset followed by a BBQ dinner.BD

Day 5- JUL. 11: SUN – ECLIPSE DAY

Visit the ruins of Vaihu Temple; preserved as it was left after the ancient wars. The highlights are the red hats of the Moais thrown to the sea. Continue to the abandoned quarry of the Rano Raraku Volcano, construction site for all the Moais on the island. Proceed to the recently restored Ahu Tongariki including the largest group of Maois destroyed by tsunami in 1960. Prepare for eclipse viewing. Return to the hotel for a Polynesian Luau Dinner. BD

Day 6- JUL. 12: MON – AHU AKIVI/ANA TEPAHU/PUNA PAU

Morning visit Ahu Akivi (7 Moai), Ana Tepahu caves and Puna Pau. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own or do more sightseeing.BD

Day 7- JUL. 13: TUE – EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO/NEW YORK

Fly to Santiago and connect with your flight to New York.

Day 8- JUL. 14: WED – ARRIVE NEW YORK

LAND TOUR COST- (Based on a minimum of 10 participants)

$ 3595.00 per person sharing

Single room supplement- $ 1790.00

Includes: Hotel accommodations as listed or similar with private bath/shower

Meals as listed- American Breakfast daily and 4 Dinners

Accompanied by professional tour Director & Professor of Astronomy

Transfers and sightseeing tours as listed

Local English speaking guide

Entrance fees, guide fees, driver allowances etc.

Specialty restaurants, enjoy local cuisines & more

Exclusive Eclipse viewing site, entertainment and much more

SUPPLEMENT COSTS:

Easter Island- Horse ride and sunset - $ 250.00 Per Person

AIRFARES: From New York – JFK

Economy- Including internal Chile flights- $ 3,160.00 Per Person

Call for Business and First class fares.

NOTE: Airfares are based on current tariffs and subject to change by the airlines without notice. Taxes and fuel surcharge is extra- currently at (Jun. 2009). $ 250.00

TOUR DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS-

DEPOSITS

Land- $ 500.00 per person

Airfare - $ 1000.00 per person if buying International air on LAN. Or $2000.00 per person for those making their own international air or flying on other airlines.

Deposits are due at time of booking. (Prefer by Jul. 10 to guarantee airspace)

$ 1000.00 due by Dec. 15, 2009 (for Air)

$ 1000.00 due by Feb. 15, 2010

Balance/Final payment due on or before Mar. 15, 2010

Airfare deposits/payments are non refundable.

Cancellation Policy- LAND TOUR

Upto- Dec. 14, 2009 – Land- $ 350.00 per person

Upto Mar. 14, 2010- $2500.00

Mar. 15 or later- 100%

Note: Easter Island prices are subject to change.

EXTENSION - 3 nights/ 4 days- San Pedro de Altacama- $ 794.00 per person sharing. Single room supplement- $ 650.00. Airfare Roundtrip from Santiago- appox. $350.00 per person. Includes- Seat in bus transfers and tours, Hotel with Breakfast & 2 box lunches.

DAY 01 CALAMA-SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA	Arrive Calama airport, meeting assistance and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Enroute you will see the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) and the Licancabur Volcano in the background. Arrival to the hotel San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.
DAY 02 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA-VALLE DE LA LUNA (MOON VALLEY)-SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA	Tour the Archaeological Museum Padre Le Paige, with studies of Atacamenian Culture over the last 11.000 years. Afterwards visits to the town church, the Main Square, the house of Pedro de Valdivia (conqueror and founder of Santiago), and Pukará de Quitor. In the afternoon, excursion to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), famous world wide for its “lunar” appearance, salt caves, the Tres Marías (Three Marys) rock formations, and dunes that will grant the chance of witnessing a spectacular sunset. Overnight at the hotel. B
DAY 03 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA-SALAR DE ATACAMA-ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS-SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA	Full day excursion visiting the village of Toconao with its interesting liparita stone buildings, continue on to the Atacama Salt Flat where the Los Flamencos National Reserve is located, and three of the most beautiful flamingo species live. Visit the Altiplanic lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques located over 4.000 meters (over 13.000 feet) above sea level. Return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight at Hotel. BL
DAY 04 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA- TATIO GEYSERS-PUEBLOS ALTIPLÁNICOS-CALAMA	Early morning departure to the Tatio Geysers to experience this spectacular demonstration of volcanic activity. Visit to the village of Caspana with its fertile terraces, architecture in liparita stone and characteristic mud-roofs. The trip continues to Lasana Pukará, testimony of the native culture; passing through Chiu-Chiu, with its important historical legacies, including one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Chile. Arrival to Calama in the afternoon. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.