China Solar Eclipse Itineraries 2009

We have put together nine outstanding guided intineraries for you to be able to witness the eclipse, the Qiantang tidal bore and take in some of the other great sights of China and southeast Asia.

Most of our itineraries will start in Shanghai (China Highlights starts in Beijing and Yunnan Explorer starts in Hong Kong) before heading south to our eclipse base, the great city of Hangzhou. Following the eclipse and the observation of the Qiantang tidal bore, our standard itinerary will take you on an interesting route back to Shanghai. For those seeking a little more adventure, we have great itinerary extensions whatever your interests. From city breaks in Hong Kong, the mystique of Tibet, the relaxation of Thai beaches or the iconic sights of China, all will provide fascinating trips.

Standard Itinerary

18 July – 26 July 2009 | 9 Days

A short trip taking in the eclipse experience, observing the Qiantang tidal bore, and taking in the countryside and great cities of the Zhejiang Province.

• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Suzhou – experience this beautiful and historic city and relax on the waters of Lake Taihu
• Shanghai – overnight and then return to London

This itinerary is now sold out

China Highlights

12 July – 25 July 2009 | 14 Days

An extended trip seeing the China's iconic sites including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the great cities of Shanghai and Beijing and much more.

• Beijing – the capital of the most populous country in the world and an epic city in its own right. Our base for visiting the most famous of China's treasures, the Great Wall
• Luoyong – Visit the Shaolin Temple and the Luoyong Longmen Grottos
• Xi'an – home of the Terracotta Warriors, considered to be the eighth wonder of the world
• Chengdu – home of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities

This itinerary is now sold out

China and Tibet

17 July to 30 July 2009 | 14 Days

Follow the experience of observing the eclipse with a trip to the 'Roofmiddle of the World'.

• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Lhasa, Tibet – home of the Dalai Lamas and a major centre of spiritual pilgrimage, we take in the wonders that the Forbidden City holds
• Shigatse, Tibet – one of the highest cities in the world and home to many Buddhist monasteries

This itinerary is now sold out

Yunnan Explorer

9 July to 24 July 2009 | 16 Days

Making the most of being in south east China, we tour around the dramatic landscapes of Yunnan, taking in the lakes, mountains and of course the mighty Yangtze.

• Hong Kong - explore the incredible contrasts of the city where east meets west
• Kunming – the capital of the province with 2,400 years of history, the gateway to the Silk Road and the home of the mysterious Stone Forest
• Dali – dramatically surrounded by mountains on three sides, this ethnic melting pot of a city is fascinating to visit
• Lijiang – An ancient city blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape, Lijiang is located at the hub of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces
• Shangri-La - in Tibetan, Shangri-La means the 'sun and moon in heart' - lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages will leave a deep impression
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities

This itinerary is now sold out

Shanghai and Hong Kong

17 July to 26 July 2009 | 10 Days

An eclipse trip that takes in two of the great modern cities of China. Spend time in Shanghai before the eclipse, then spend two to three days enjoying the spectacular landscape of Hong Kong.

• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Hong Kong – on to the metropolis of Hong Kong for several days where east meets west and modern meets ancient

This itinerary is now sold out

Shanghai and Indochina

17 July to 31 July 2009 | 15 Days

Observe the eclipse and tidal bore around China before heading off on an adventure that takes in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Saigon, Vietnam – we pass through a bustling Saigon and make a visit to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia – we make our way across the border for the picturesque journey to Cambodia
• Angkor, Cambodia – onto Angkor Wat, the highlight of our tour, we spend time at the world-famous temples
• Bangkok, Thailand – no visit to this part of the world would be complete without visiting Bangkok with its wonderful temples, frenetic pace of life and spectacular cuisines

This itinerary is now sold out

Shanghai and Thai Beaches

17 July to 30 July 2009 | 14 Days

What better way to relax after observing the longest eclipse in the 21st century than by relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches of Koh Samui.

• Shanghai – spend time in one of China's great cities
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Koh Samui, Thailand – one of Thailand's best known islands, take a few days to relax on the stunning beaches of Koh Samui with a cool Singha beer to keep you refreshed
• Bangkok, Thailand - spend an evening enjoying the sights, sounds and aromas of this exciting city

This itinerary is now sold out

Yunnan Explorer and Tibet

9 July to 30 July 2009 | 21 Days

Making the most of being in southeast China, we tour around the dramatic landscapes of Yunnan, taking in the lakes, mountains and of course the mighty Yangtze.

Following the dramatic event of the eclipse we then journey into the Himalayas to the holy city of Lhasa, the spiritual centre of Tibet.

• Hong Kong - explore the incredible contrasts of the city where east meets west
• Kunming – the capital of the province with 2,400 years of history, the gateway to the Silk Road and the home of the mysterious Stone Forest
• Dali – dramatically surrounded by mountains on three sides, this ethnic melting pot of a city is fascinating to visit
• Lijiang – an ancient city blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape, Lijiang is located at the hub of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces
• Shangri-La - in Tibetan, Shangri-La means the 'sun and moon in heart' - lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages will leave a deep impression
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Lhasa, Tibet – home of the Dalai Lamas and a major centre of spiritual pilgrimage, we take in the wonders that the Forbidden City holds
• Shigatse, Tibet – one of the highest cities in the world and home to many Buddhist monasteries

This itinerary is now sold out

Yunnan Explorer and Indochina

9 July to 31 July 2009 | 22 Days

Making the most of being in southeast China, we tour around the dramatic landscapes of Yunnan, taking in the lakes, mountains and of course the mighty Yangtze.

After viewing the eclipse we travel to the fascinating sights of Vietnam and Cambodia and then onto the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand.

• Hong Kong - explore the incredible contrasts of the city where east meets west
• Kunming – the capital of the province with 2,400 years of history, the gateway to the Silk Road and the home of the mysterious Stone Forest
• Dali – dramatically surrounded by mountains on three sides, this ethnic melting pot of a city is fascinating to visit
• Lijiang – an ancient city blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape, Lijiang is located at the hub of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces
• Shangri-La - in Tibetan, Shangri-La means the 'sun and moon in heart' - lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages will leave a deep impression
• Hangzhou – our base for the eclipse site and for viewing the Qiantang tidal bore
• Saigon, Vietnam – we depart China and head for the south of Vietnam, passing through a bustling Saigon and making a visit to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia – we make our way across the border for the picturesque journey to Cambodia
• Angkor, Cambodia – onto Angkor Wat, the highlight of our tour, we spend time at the world-famous temples
• Bangkok, Thailand – no visit to this part of the world would be complete without visiting Bangkok with its wonderful temples, frenetic pace of life and spectacular cuisines

This itinerary is now sold out