US Observatories & Eclipse - Annular Solar Eclipse US 2011 - The Adventure Company Astronomy Tours 2012/3

US Observatories & Eclipse USA � 18 days Trip Code EXUO Kitt Peak Observatory Arizona and California are the traditional home to astronomy in the US and many world class observatories lie within their borders. This tour combines beautiful national parks, the eclipse and Meteor Crater with several observatories both historic and modern. In Los Angeles we'll see JPL, the nerve centre of all the planetary missions. This all encompassing tour visits some of America's most beautiful landscapes in which to enjoy the eclipse. Insider's view You really have to witness this part of the USA first hand to be able to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon and the colourful scenery of the surrounding areas. But if the natural splendour of this part of Arizona isn't enough, for those interested in astronomy the region is full of treats. The historic Lowell Observatory with its connections with the discovery of Pluto is well worth a visit, as is the ultra modern facility at Kitt Peak. The clear and dark night skies here are perfect for stargazing and as a bonus, there is the magnificent Barringer Crater, caused by an impact from space 50,000 years ago. Dr John Mason - Astronomy Expert Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Las Vegas, your evening at leisure. Day 2 Drive to Zion National Park; choose from a range of walks. Time at your leisure in the afternoon to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. Day 8 Morning drive to Flagstaff. You have a guided tour of Lowell Observatory and viewing time with the Alvan Clark Telescope. Day 9 Visit Meteor Crater; optional walks along the rim. Day 10-12 Travel to Tucson, your base for three nights. Over the next two days you'll visit Pima Air & Space Museum and Kitt Peak Observatory. Day 13-14 Drive to Palm Springs and explore at your leisure. Day 15 Visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a private tour before continuing on to Griffith Observatory finishing in Los Angeles. Day 16 Private morning visit of Mt Wilson Observatory. Travel back to Los Angeles via Californian Science Centre; see the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Day 17-18 Depart Los Angeles early afternoon; overnight flight home. Day 6-7 Onwards to the Grand Canyon with optional canyon canyon walks to explore the area's natural beauty. Day 3 Drive to Bryce Canyon with optional canyon walks. Enjoy an evening Eclipse presententation preparing you for following day. Day 4 Eclipse Day - Free time in the morning to discover Bryce Canyon. Early afternoon you transfer to the hand-picked observation point to view the eclipse. Return to the hotel to enjoy a celebratory meal and to discuss the day's events. Day 5 Drive to Page; afternoon free for optional excursions on Lake Powell. N E VA D A U TA H C ALIFORNIA Hawaii Extension Prices & Departures Visit our website or call our Travel Consultants for the latest prices. Alternatively scan your smart phone over this barcode. Departures With Without flights flights Zion Canyon Bryce Canyon Page Meteor Crater Phoenix Tuscon Essentials An intersting trip taking you behind the scenes of observatories and revealing magnificent natural wonders of the world. Climate Regions visited are dry year round. Temperatures vary at altitude so you can expect it to be hot in Las Vegas with cooler evening temperatures in the canyons. Transport Coach, on foot Accommodation Hotel (16 nights). Hotel standards are good throughout, all with en suite facilities Meals included 16 breakfasts & 1 dinner Las Vegas Grand Canyon NP Flagstaff Palm Springs ARIZONA Los Angeles 17 May - 3 Jun 2012 �2,669 �2,049 Prices are per person and subject to change (see Booking Conditions p49) All elements in the itinerary are included unless otherwise stated. Single room option �710. Flights are indirect with Virgin Atlantic via Los Angeles. 16 Call one of our helpful Travel Consultants on 0845 287 6121 for further assistance

Annular Solar Eclipse US 2011 contd… US Observatories & Eclipse