Easter Island Eclipse Tour Via Tahiti
Polynesian Islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Easter Island
July 9 - 14, 2010

ALL SALES CLOSE JULY 3, 2010

Day 1, July 9 Tahiti

Arrive in Tahiti transfer to Radisson Hotel, Tahiti. Enjoy the best that French Polynesia has to offer at our exclusive five-star beachfront resort in Tahiti. Interact with local craftsmen as they create their wares, or shop for Tahitian black pearls. Stop by the water sports center and spend the afternoon snorkeling, or head to the tour desk to arrange an excursion on the island. Tonight, we meet for our welcome dinner at the Radisson.
Overnight: Radisson Tahiti - D

Day 2, 10 July Tahiti
Located on beautiful Lafayette Beach, our Tahiti accommodations boast unique direct access to the tropical ocean waters of Tahiti. Guests at our oceanfront Tahiti resort can water ski, snorkel or simply enjoy the beach. The Radisson Plaza hotel on Lafayette Beach is also ideally situated for exploring the beautiful island of Tahiti. Our accommodations in Tahiti provide convenient access to some of the best Tahiti attractions, including the shopping and port districts of Papeete, the capital city. For added convenience, our hotel near Papeete provides complimentary shuttle service to the city, so guests can enjoy the sights without worrying about getting lost. This evening, hear a lecture about what to expect about the coming eclipse. Later this evening, depart by chartered Air Tahiti Nui A340-300 Aircraft for overnight flight to Easter Island. Our flight is 5.5 hours long. Addition of 4 hours due to time zone difference causes us to arrive the following morning. D.
Overnight: inflight

Day 3, 11 July Easter Island
Welcome to Rapa Nui, Easter Island!
Our specially chartered flight will touch down at dawn directly in the path of totality. Guests will visit Easter Island and its famous and enigmatic Moai of Easter Island for the eclipse. Easter Island's Rapa Nui State Park are recognized and protected as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Rapa Nui, the indigenous name of Easter Island, bears witness to a unique cultural phenomenon. A society of Polynesian origin that settled there c. A.D. 300 established a powerful, imaginative and original tradition of monumental sculpture and architecture, free from any external influence. From the 10th to the 16th century this society built shrines and erected enormous stone figures known as moai, which created an unrivalled cultural landscape that continues to fascinate people throughout the world. Our supported viewing site and eclipse camp offers 4:57 duration; with first contact at 12:40pm, totality at 2:08pm, and 4th contact at 3:34pm. We visit well known Rano Raraku, Tongariki, Tahai sectors. Then, as the As the sun sets, so does our time on Rapa Nui. After a long eclipse day, guests return to their hotel on Tahiti with a 6 hour flight, arriving in time for a welcome sleep in Tahiti.
Overnight: Radisson Tahiti - B, L, D

Day 4, 12 July Moorea
This afternoon, we leave the Radisson and transfer by intra-island ferry to the island of Moorea and to our hotel. Due to the secluded nature of resorts on Tahiti, our groups will be stationed at 2 hotels on Moorea. Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort is settled on the edge of a magnificent lagoon, with views over the island of Tahiti. The Moorea Pearl Resort is situated on 7.5 acres of white sand beachfront, a short drive from arrival points on the island (5 min. from the airport). Moorea has one of the world's most beautiful beaches and a variety of complimentary non-motorized or optional motorized water activities can be arranged for guests.
Overnight: Moorea Pearl Resort or Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort

Day 5, 13 July Moorea
Full day free on Moorea. Many visitors say it is worth the airfare to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons. The dive center is full service and for those who forgot their snorkel, they have complimentary equipment for guests to use. Tonight, we have organized a special star party for the group. We can set up our scopes and enjoy some southern sky stargazing to give you a proper tour. From here we will be able to see the LMC, Crux, Omega Centauri, Eta Carinae and 47 Tucane.
Overnight: Intercontinental Moorea or Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort

Day 6, 14 July Moorea home or onward
Today, transfer by ferry back to Papeete in time for your return flight home. Others taking the optional Bora Bora extension will transfer by plane to Bora Bora for 2 more nights at Intercontinental La Moana Bora Bora.

*As of February 15th, 2010, our remaining seats on our Easter Island Via Tahiti program are still in good supply. However several room options are dwindling. Tahiti has a limited number of hotel rooms which can accommodate a group our size, so we are now currently limited in our bookings based on available room categories.