Committed umbraphiles or curious observers?

The next total solar eclipse will occur on 22nd July 2009 and will exhibit the longest period of totality ever witnessed in the 21st century, casting a shadow across areas of India, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Wildlife Worldwide offers a unique opportunity to view this remarkable natural phenomenon, from a vantage-point near China’s city of Hangzhou close to the centre line (the point at which the event’s length is greatest).

Accompanying the tour is Britain’s top eclipse authority and Professor of Astrophysics, John Parkinson. Wildlife Worldwide’s 13-day tour combines eclipse-viewing with visits to many of China’s other major wildlife and historic attractions. Tour departs London 17th July 2009.

Spend the first two nights in Beijing and experience authentic ‘old Beijing’, with its teahouses and temples. Visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and one of Beijing’s newest structures, the Olympic National Stadium or ‘Bird’s Nest’ as it has been nicknamed. Transfer to Hangzhou, located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in the Yangtze Delta. Take a city tour to the museum, Lingyin Temple, and visit a tea plantation.

Rising early on 22nd July, Wildlife Worldwide’s guests are transported to the eclipse site, from where they will witness this special event. China has always been regarded as the home of solar eclipses as Chinese astronomers were first to systematically observe, record and predict their occurance. This is just one of many reasons why the 2009 total solar eclipse has been eagerly awaited for years. With good access to the centre line, a maximum period of totality of around 5mins 45secs, the longest available to land-based viewers, is expected.

Once experienced, eclipse observers are in danger of becoming umbraphiles (the solar equivalent to trainspotters!) – don’t worry, the next eclipse tour with Wildlife Worldwide is scheduled for July 2010 to Easter Island. Once the excitement of the eclipse is over, further highlights of the tour include Chengdu Panda Research Centre and Jiuzhaigou National Park, plus a full day’s sightseeing in Xian, home of China’s famous Terracotta Warriors.

The tour costs £3,595 p/p (based on twin share), scheduled flights with Air China, transfers, full board accommodation, expertly-guided eclipse viewing and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary.

For more information, see Wildlifeworldwide.com.