Betchart Adventures!

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1 Betchart Adventures! Fall Summer 2019 AAAS Travels Sigma Xi Expeditions ACS Expeditions Planetary Society Betchart Expeditions Inc. Here are Wonderful Travel Opportunities for You & Your Friends! (With more posted on our web site!) See the Total Eclipse with Betchart & The Planetary Society! Tahiti Total Solar Eclipse 2019 June 25- July 4, With Optional Bora Bora Extension to July 7 Dear Members & Friends: We invite you to explore Tahiti with us in 2019 and see the Total Solar Eclipse July 2, Captain Cook and Robert Louis Stephenson fell in love with Tahiti for good reason. It is really one of the most beautiful places on earth, with jagged volcanic peaks, a profusion of flowers, fringing coral reefs, fascinating cultural sites of early Polynesia, and a bounty of coral and tropical fish. During this Tahiti Eclipse adventure, we will discover the magic of French Polynesia and see the Total Solar Eclipse from our chartered aircraft near the remote Gambier Islands. Our trip will begin with the legendary island of Tahiti. Here we will visit historical sites, museums, and spectacular coastal waterfalls and beaches. This will include Point Venus where Captain Cook first landed to observe the Transit of Venus in The next day we will take a ferry from Papeete to Moorea, certainly one of the most spectacular islands in the world. Here we will visit the UC-Berkeley Gump Research Station, take a walk through an ancient village site, and enjoy the coral reef. A special highlight will be joining Dr. Michael Poole to learn about the spinner dolphins. He is a world s expert on these marine mammals. With a bit of luck, we will be enter tained by schools of acrobatic dolphins, as we learn about their life and habits. We will then fly to the remote Gambier Islands, our staging ground to see the Total Solar Eclipse the next day. The Gambier Islands are a marine wonderland of coral reefs, lagoons, exquisite islands, and a hardy Polynesian people who have learned to exist in this ruggedly beautiful environment. It is one of the most remote locations on earth. We will be hosted by the islanders, and have accommodations in the school or meeting house (there are no hotels on the island). This will create a house party atmosphere which will be a highlight of our trip! (In 2010, we saw the Tahiti Eclipse at Anaa atoll hosted by the locals, and it was the trip of a lifetime!) On the day of the Total Solar Eclipse, we will board our charter aircraft, and fly to the center line of the Total Solar Eclipse! This will be a wonderful adventure with shared viewing out the airplane windows, similar to the Iceland Eclipse in 2015! We hope you will join us to explore Tahiti and see the 2019 Total Solar Eclipse! TAHITI Bora Bora Huahine Raiatea Moorea Papeete Path of the Total Solar Eclipse Gambier Islands TAHITI Eclipse 2019 Pitcairn Islands Betchart Expeditions Inc. 2018

2 Adventures in Alaska, Asia & Peru, 2018 & 2019! Heritage of SRI LANKA AlaskaAurora Borealis March 7-13, 2019! Come discover the great beauty of Alaska in winter, and see the greatest light show on earth! Also see Alaskan wildlife in winter near Seward, and then take the train from Talkeetna to Fairbanks, passing lofty 20,310 foot Denali (Mt. McKinley) en route. See the Ice Festival in Fairbanks and learn about the Aurora at the Geophysical Institute. Watch a local sled dog team, and see the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky. $2,995 pp twin + air. January 25 - February 7, 2019! Visit the Jewel of the Indian Ocean We invite you to join this natural history and cultural adventure of discovery to the lush tropical isle of Sri Lanka! Discover many of the scenic, natural and botanic wonders including orchids and fruit bats, a virgin rainforest with an abundance of endemic flora, birds and butterflies, and tea plantations of the highlands. Learn about the rich cultural heritage in this land of serendipity. $4,995 pp twin + air. DISCOVER PERU! Including Machu Picchu Armenia & the Republic of Georgia May 28 - June 12, 2019 October15-20, 2018, December 1-7, 2018 or February 2-8, 2019 Discover the extraordinary cultural and archaeological wonders of Peru. Visit the heart of the Inca Empire at Cuzco and explore spectacular landscapes in the Andes. See the crown jewel of archaeology in the Americas, Machu Picchu, as well as the Inca sites of Maras, Moray, Sacsayhuaman and more. Visit the village of Chinchero and enjoy a festive folkloric show and dinner in Cuzco. $1,995 pp twin + air. Join Betchart naturalist Ted Elliman on this extraordinary trip to Armenia and the Republic of Georgia on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Armenia is nestled in the Caucasus Mountains beneath the gaze of 16,854 ft biblical Mt. Ararat and 12,782 foot Little Ararat. We ll take a special look at the natural world of Armenia and Georgia, and will also see cultural sites, including the Amberd fortress, Noravank monastery, and Areni-1 Cave archaeological site, the world s oldest winery. Learn about the early Christian heritage of Armenia, and discover the delights of Tibilisi in Georgia, the National Botanic Garden in Georgia, Kazbegi Mountain, and more!

3 Spring and Summer Adventures 2019! Botanical HAWAII April 1-11, 2019 A Pacific Horticulture Tour! Join us as we discover the botanical wonders of Hawaii. Explore the finest botanical gardens on the island of Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, and the Garden Island of Kauai, plus the geological wonders and native Hawaiian trees, plants, and birds at Hawaii Volcano National Park, and majestic Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. From the brilliant red i iwi bird to the Koa and Kukui trees, Hawaii is a natural gem just waiting to be discovered! $4,345 pp twin + air. Wild Iceland! June 13-22, 2019 Iceland has a proud heritage and truly magical wildlife and natural wonders! Visit Pingveiller Plain, birthplace of democracy in Iceland, and Gullfoss Falls, Iceland s most notable landmark. See the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its fantastic glacier, birds, seals, orcas, and minke whales. Then drive to Stykkisholmur and Breidafjordur Bay to see millions of seabirds. See the magnificent Latrabjarg seabird rookery, and pass through spectacular fjords and past thundering waterfalls to Lake Myvatn. $3,995 pp twin + air. Heritage of Japan! May 12-24, 2019 Explore the heritage and delights of the amazing country of Japan! Visit World Heritage Sites, National Treasures, palaces, and gardens. Venture up Mt. Fuji and ferry across the Inland Sea to the Itsukushima Shrine on the little island of Miyajima. Take the Express Train to Nagoya and Kyoto and the Komagatake Ropeway cable car to the summit of Mt. Komagatake. Discover the ancient heritage of Takayama in the Japanese Alps! $5,695 pp twin + air. Botanical Alaska A Pacific Horticulture Tour! July 10-20, 2019 Join us and traverse Alaska from Anchorage to Seward, traveling along the scenic Cook Inlet and spectacular Chugach Mountains, and then up the Denali Highway to Denali National Park. Hike on Hatcher Pass, and enjoy stately forests, botanic gardens, scenic streamside walks teeming with flowers, and dwarf tundra plants on the mountain tops. Explore Denali National Park, the finest park and wildlife preserve in Alaska, and then visit Fairbanks in the interior of Alaska. $4,995 pp twin + air.

4 Discover the Heritage of the Egyptian Civilization! Discovering EGYPT Including Alexandria December 4-15, 2018 A Special Expedition for Members and Friends of AAAS, Sigma Xi & ACS LIBYA Mediterranean Sea Alexandria Cairo Suez Giza Bawiti Bahariya Farafra Oasis Oasis EGYPT Abu Simbel Hurghada JORDAN Valley of Red the Kings Luxor Sea Esna Edfu Aswan Lake Nasser Dear Travelers: Join us!... as we discover the extraordinary antiquities and colossal monuments of Egypt, December 4-15, This program will include exciting recent discoveries in Egypt in addition to the wonders of the pyramids and ancient Egypt. Visits will include the fabulous new Alexandria Library (once the site of the greatest library in antiquity) and the new Alexandria National Museum which includes artifacts from Cleopatra s Palace beneath the waters of Alexandria Harbor. The expedition offers an excellent introduction to the land and life of ancient Egypt, from the great stone ramparts of the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, built during the New Kingdom, to the ultimate monuments of the Old Kingdom, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx! Led by an excellent Egyptologist and author, Dr. Bojana Mojsov, learn about the history of ancient Egypt as you explore the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens at FREE IN-TOUR AIR Cairo/Luxor, Aswan/Cairo for bookings by July 1, 2018 Thebes, where tombs of more than 60 pharaohs and 80 queens have been discovered, all plundered by grave robbers except for the rich discoveries in King Tutankhamun s tomb and a tomb discovered in Dr. Mojsov s recent book, Alexandria Lost, tells the extraordinary story of ancient Alexandria. On the opposite bank of the Nile at Luxor and Karnak, see the splendor and glory of Egypt during the finest hour of the New Kingdom. There will also be opportunities to learn about contemporary Egyptian life, to marvel at the grace and beauty of feluccas at sail on the Nile, and to discover the desert shores of the Red Sea on the post-trip extension. Join us!... for a treasured holiday in Egypt! $4,995 pp twin + air. Optional Red Sea Extension December 14-17, 2018 After arrival in Cairo on Day 14, you may take an afternoon flight to the Red Sea beach area of Hurghada for a three-night stay. Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, or loafing in this desert paradise, or visit Arab coffee houses, explore souks, and more! This resort area is very popular with Europeans and Egyptians, and is a quick getaway from Cairo. For more info, please call Taunya at Extension Fee: $ 695 per person twin share, including hotel, meals, and transfers. Activities additional. Air fare from Cairo $250 RT. Single supplement $ 395.

5 Join a Betchart National Geographic Adventure! British Columbia & the San Juan Islands! September 22-29, 2018 Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird. Cruise along Vancouver Island and in the San Juan Islands, look for orcas, and discover Native American highlights, and Victoria! Kayaking, birdwatching, & more! From $4,690 pp twin, $7,040 solo. Columbia & Snake Rivers! October 11-17, 2018 October 9-15, 2019 Aboard their new vessel, Nat Geo Quest, with Dr. Patrick Muffler. Sail up the historic Columbia River Gorge, of Lewis & Clark fame, passing through 7 locks. Explore wine country, and a fascinating landscape. One cabin available in Channel Islands The Upper Amazon Galapagos Islands NEW! An island wonderland minutes from the California coast. October 17-21, 2018 Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Visit the ecology-rich islands which make up Channel Islands National Park, and Catalina Island! Explore spectacular landscapes, see sea caves, and more! From $2,490 pp twin. Discover Peru s Pacaya- Samiria Reserve! October 20-29, 2018 Aboard Delfin II, with Dr. Laurie McHargue. Sail through the lush rainforest, with macaws, river otters, butterfies,and more! Well worth it! From $6,990 pp twin. WIth Free Air From Miami! December 7-16, 2018 February 8-17, 2019 Aboard the finest vessel in Galapagos, Endeavour II. With Mike Jackson, author of the Galapagos field guide. From $6,960 pp twin. GALÁPAGOS December 7-16, 2018 Free Air from Miami! Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II Galápagos is a life-list must! It is legendary for unique wildlife that has never developed an instinctive flight response to humans, making for incredible up-close encounters and fabulous photos. You will be thrilled! From $6,960 per person. UPPER AMAZON October 20-29, 2018 with Peru Pre-Trip Extension, October 15-20, 2018 Sail the headwaters of the Amazon, with panoramic windows for extravagant river views, and skiffs and kayaks for on-the-water adventures! Look for colorful macaws, caiman at the river s edge, sluggish sloths loafing overhead, and delightful little tamarin monkeys in Pacaya-Samaria National Reserve. The reserve is bordered by the Maranon and Ucayali rivers. These two powerful rivers converge to create the famed Amazon. Costa Rica & Panama WIth Free Air From Miami! December 15-22, 2018 Aboard National Geographic Quest. Sail the Canal & the Pacific Coast to Costa Rica. Explore marine reserves, a tropical botanical sanctuary, and national parks. Terrific monkeys, sloths, snorkeling, and kayaking. From $5,990 pp twin, $8,990 solo. Baja California & the Sea of Cortez Among the Great Whales! January 28 - February 6, 2019 Aboard the brand new National Geographic Venture Enjoy the finest whale adventure in Baja in a spectacular desert wilderness wonderland! From $7,530 pp twin. Belize & Tikal Reefs, Rivers, & Archaeology of the Maya World February 13-21, 2019 Aboard National Geographic Quest. A superb look at the marine world of Belize, plus a jaguar sanctuary, and the Maya wonderland at Tikal. From $5,760 pp twin. Antigua & the Guatemala Highlands NEW! An optional 6-day post trip to the Belize Voyage. February 21-26, 2019 Explore the living history of the Guatemala Highlands in Chichicastenango and Antigua, amidst scenic volcanos, and Lake Atitlan. From $2,495 pp twin, $2,945 solo. Exploring SE Alaska s Coastal Wilderness June 1-8, 2019 or July 20-27, 2019 Aboard National Geographic Quest. Discover awesome glaciers, remote islands, pods of whales, bears, bald eagles, and more. From $6,890 pp twin.

6 Betchart Adventures! Fall Summer 2019 BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. SigmaXi Planetary Society AAAS Travels ACS Expeditions For Members & Friends of AAAS, Sigma Xi, ACS & Planetary Society Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA FIRST CLASS Our May 27, 2018 Alaska group! Join us in 2018/ for Wonderful Travel Adventures! Fall & Winter Adventures, 2018! FREE group air from JFK (You just pay air taxes) Poland & the Czech Republic September 26 -October 9, 2018 View medieval castles perched on limestone cliffs, stroll through Warsaw s Old Town, be enchanted by Krakow s charm, and float down the Dunajec Gorge! In the Czech Republic, explore Prague, cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the quarter of Kafka s birthplace. Join us for a fascinating look at these charming countries with a local expert! $4,295 per person + air. Christmas in Guatemala December 18-27, 2018 Visit the Highlands of Guatemala during the festive season, explore the historic cities of Chichicastenango and Antigua, and village life around the jewel of the Americas, Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by spectacular volcanoes. Explore the finest Mayan ruins in Central America Tikal, Quirigua and Copan with fantastic archaeological sites, spider monkeys, macaws and toucans! $3,995 per person + air.