2010 solar eclipse tour II - from A Classic Tour Collection
Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when contacting eclipse tour
operators.
2010 SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR II –Chile including Easter
Island
11 days visiting; Santiago, Valparaiso, La Serena- Elqui valley
& Easter Island
DAY 1- JUL. 04: SAN- DEPART NEW YORK
Board LAN Airlines flight late this evening for Chile.
DAY 2- JUL. 05: SUN – ARRIVE SANTIAGO -
Chile
On arrival at Santiago, we will be met and assisted with our
transfer to the SHERATON HOTEL.
Rest of the day is at leisure. B
Day 3- JUL. 06: TUE – CITY TOUR & VALPARAISO
Today’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 18th 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. This afternoon travel to Valparaíso. Drink
in the varied scenery in the Curacaví and Casablanca valleys, and
the Coastal mountain range. Arriving at Valparaíso, the main
seaport of Chile, we will see clusters of houses built along the hills.
On one of the hills is “La Sebastiana”- the former home of
the Nobel Prize winning poet- Pablo Neruda, which houses a wide
collection of his possessions. We will pass the National Congress
building and drive along Pedro Montt Avenue to see the Italian Park,
Victoria Square and the Cathedral. On Brasil Avenue, we will view the
British Arch, Regional Government Building and Lord Cochrane’s
statue. Pass through the Chinese Quarter, monument to the heroes of
Iquique, Prat Quay, historic elevators of the Port of Valparaíso,
former Customs House and the El Membrillo cove. After the tour, you will
dine at a local restaurant. Return to Santiago and overnight at the
hotel. BD
Day 04- JUL 07:
SANTIAGO/LA SERENA- ELQUI VALLEY
Fly to La Serena. Travel overland to Granja Asis, located a few
minutes from La Serena at the beginning of Elqui Valley. You will have a
chance to ride horses or walk to view the natural landscape and crops on
the hillside of the Elqui River. Continue towards the Distilling Plant
of Pisco located in Vicuña’s surroundings: guided tour and
tasting. Stop at Vicuna downtown to see the main square, Bauer Tower and
Cathedral. Depart Vicuña for Elqui Valley, home to many
international observatories. After settling in at our unique
astronomical hotel - ELQUI DOMOS, where the rooms consist of geodesic
domes in a two storey plan. On the first floor is a living room and
bathroom. Upstairs is a bedroom with a detachable roof to view the night
sky. We will visit one of the world's major astronomical observatories,
probably the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, where the
telescopes are 4 meters in diameter. The Cerro Pachon site with the
Gemini South Observatory's 8 meter telescope is also possible. This is
subject to availability and confirmation. Alternate observatories visits
will be arranged. BLD
NOTE: ELQUI DOMOS has total of 7 rooms (singles and
doubles) and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Once
the 7 rooms are booked, the remaining participants will be accommodated
at MISTEROS DE ELQUI HOTEL (Cabins)
Day 5- JUL. 08: THU - ELQUI VALLEY
EXCURSION/SANTIAGO
Visit Pisco Elqui downtown and Gabriela Mistral Museum in
Montegrande. One of the most important areas of Chile called
“Norte Chico” (little North). Blue skies, clean air, wide
prairies cultivated with local fruits such as papayas, cherimoyas and
vine grapes. After Lunch, return to La Serena to tour Coquimbo City,
visiting Guayacan, La Herradura Bay, English neighborhood, La Recova
Market. At La Serena stop at the Monumental Lighthouse, a 28 meters high
structure built in 1951 as the city’s symbol. The city has 3
architectural periods: Colonial (some churches and the traditional
Spanish way: Main Plaza on the heart and squares around), Mining
(started in 1825 with the discovery of silver mines and later with
copper, houses and churches with neo-classical style and Italian and
north American influence) and the Neo-colonial period started in 1948 by
Republican President Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, you will mainly
find the latter style today at La Serena’s gardens, avenues and
houses, replicas of Californian colonial style. Proceed to La Recova,
popular market where local vegetables and fruits are sold also find
restaurants and handicrafts shops. On the return, we will drive through
the beautiful Francisco de Aguirre Boulevard to see reproductions of
historical marble statues between the trees of this popular park. Fly to
Santiago and overnight at the airport. HOLIDAY INN HOTEL. BL
Day 6- 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 7- 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 8- 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 9- 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 10- JUL. 13: TUE – EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO/NEW
YORK
Fly to Santiago and connect with your flight to New York.
Day 11- JUL. 14: WED – ARRIVE NEW YORK
LAND TOUR COST
(Based on a minimum of 10 participants)
$ 4590.00 per person sharing, Single room supplement- $ 2170.00
Includes:
Hotel accommodations as listed or similar with private
bath/shower
Meals as listed- American Breakfast daily + 2 Lunch and 6 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- $ 3,490.00 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- $ 750.00 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. Higher costs for Internal Chile will apply
if not flying internationally on LAN. Check at the time of booking.
Deposits are due at time of booking. (Prefer by Jul. 10 to
guarantee airspace)
$ 1000.00 due by Dec. 15, 2009 (for Air)
$ 1500.00 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- $ 500.00 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 worldwide for its “lunar”
appearance, salt caves, the Tres Marías (Three Mary’s)
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.
2010 solar eclipse tour II - from A Classic Tour Collection
Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when contacting eclipse tour operators.
2010 SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR II –Chile including Easter Island
11 days visiting; Santiago, Valparaiso, La Serena- Elqui valley & Easter Island
DAY 1- JUL. 04: SAN- DEPART NEW YORK
Board LAN Airlines flight late this evening for Chile.
DAY 2- JUL. 05: SUN – ARRIVE SANTIAGO - Chile
On arrival at Santiago, we will be met and assisted with our transfer to the SHERATON HOTEL.
Rest of the day is at leisure. B
Day 3- JUL. 06: TUE – CITY TOUR & VALPARAISO
Today’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 18th 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. This afternoon travel to Valparaíso. Drink in the varied scenery in the Curacaví and Casablanca valleys, and the Coastal mountain range. Arriving at Valparaíso, the main seaport of Chile, we will see clusters of houses built along the hills. On one of the hills is “La Sebastiana”- the former home of the Nobel Prize winning poet- Pablo Neruda, which houses a wide collection of his possessions. We will pass the National Congress building and drive along Pedro Montt Avenue to see the Italian Park, Victoria Square and the Cathedral. On Brasil Avenue, we will view the British Arch, Regional Government Building and Lord Cochrane’s statue. Pass through the Chinese Quarter, monument to the heroes of Iquique, Prat Quay, historic elevators of the Port of Valparaíso, former Customs House and the El Membrillo cove. After the tour, you will dine at a local restaurant. Return to Santiago and overnight at the hotel. BD
Day 04- JUL 07: SANTIAGO/LA SERENA- ELQUI VALLEY
Fly to La Serena. Travel overland to Granja Asis, located a few minutes from La Serena at the beginning of Elqui Valley. You will have a chance to ride horses or walk to view the natural landscape and crops on the hillside of the Elqui River. Continue towards the Distilling Plant of Pisco located in Vicuña’s surroundings: guided tour and tasting. Stop at Vicuna downtown to see the main square, Bauer Tower and Cathedral. Depart Vicuña for Elqui Valley, home to many international observatories. After settling in at our unique astronomical hotel - ELQUI DOMOS, where the rooms consist of geodesic domes in a two storey plan. On the first floor is a living room and bathroom. Upstairs is a bedroom with a detachable roof to view the night sky. We will visit one of the world's major astronomical observatories, probably the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, where the telescopes are 4 meters in diameter. The Cerro Pachon site with the Gemini South Observatory's 8 meter telescope is also possible. This is subject to availability and confirmation. Alternate observatories visits will be arranged. BLD
NOTE: ELQUI DOMOS has total of 7 rooms (singles and doubles) and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Once the 7 rooms are booked, the remaining participants will be accommodated at MISTEROS DE ELQUI HOTEL (Cabins)
Day 5- JUL. 08: THU - ELQUI VALLEY EXCURSION/SANTIAGO
Visit Pisco Elqui downtown and Gabriela Mistral Museum in Montegrande. One of the most important areas of Chile called “Norte Chico” (little North). Blue skies, clean air, wide prairies cultivated with local fruits such as papayas, cherimoyas and vine grapes. After Lunch, return to La Serena to tour Coquimbo City, visiting Guayacan, La Herradura Bay, English neighborhood, La Recova Market. At La Serena stop at the Monumental Lighthouse, a 28 meters high structure built in 1951 as the city’s symbol. The city has 3 architectural periods: Colonial (some churches and the traditional Spanish way: Main Plaza on the heart and squares around), Mining (started in 1825 with the discovery of silver mines and later with copper, houses and churches with neo-classical style and Italian and north American influence) and the Neo-colonial period started in 1948 by Republican President Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, you will mainly find the latter style today at La Serena’s gardens, avenues and houses, replicas of Californian colonial style. Proceed to La Recova, popular market where local vegetables and fruits are sold also find restaurants and handicrafts shops. On the return, we will drive through the beautiful Francisco de Aguirre Boulevard to see reproductions of historical marble statues between the trees of this popular park. Fly to Santiago and overnight at the airport. HOLIDAY INN HOTEL. BL
Day 6- 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 7- 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 8- 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 9- 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 10- JUL. 13: TUE – EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO/NEW YORK
Fly to Santiago and connect with your flight to New York.
Day 11- JUL. 14: WED – ARRIVE NEW YORK
LAND TOUR COST
(Based on a minimum of 10 participants)
$ 4590.00 per person sharing, Single room supplement- $ 2170.00
Includes:
Hotel accommodations as listed or similar with private bath/shower
Meals as listed- American Breakfast daily + 2 Lunch and 6 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- $ 3,490.00 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- $ 750.00 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. Higher costs for Internal Chile will apply if not flying internationally on LAN. Check at the time of booking.
Deposits are due at time of booking. (Prefer by Jul. 10 to guarantee airspace)
$ 1000.00 due by Dec. 15, 2009 (for Air)
$ 1500.00 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- $ 500.00 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 worldwide for its “lunar” appearance, salt caves, the Tres Marías (Three Mary’s) 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.
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