ITINERARY
BASIC TOUR ITINERARY
as of MARCH 11, 2010
(Some modifications may occur due to routing and schedule changes in the region prior to the time of the tour. Prices are those in effect as of the date above and may change due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges for ground transport caused by escalating oil prices or increases mandated by ground operators. RING OF FIRE EXPEDITIONS does its best to keep prices in line as far in advance as possible. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended just in case you or a companion becomes ill or is forced by circumstance to miss the tour.)
The 'diamond ring' is one of the highlights of the total solar eclipse. One occurs at the beginning and a second one occurs at the end of 'totality'.
Important note: if you do not elect to choose our optional cost group air: a) international flight is on your own; b) transfers between airport and hotel are on your own; c) flight from Cairns to Sydney is also on your own. Tour begins in Cairns on Nov. 12 and ends on Nov. 19 but there is a domestic flight on Nov. 16 that is considered part of the extra cost air package. Estimated total air cost for 2012 at this moment is about US$1900. including taxes. This is only an estimate as of 2010.
November 12 (Monday): CAIRNS (D)
Upon arrival in Cairns, you will clear customs and immigration, be met and transferred by motor coach to your hotel.
Path of the eclipse over Cairns and vicinity. Note the location of our hotel.
Check-in at the hotel (check-in time is 3:00pm). Evening theme dinner. Join your tour at the Cairns Tropical Zoo, Captain Cook Highway Palm Cove. You will be met on arrival and welcomed in for dinner. After dinner, enjoy a guided tour by torchlight to meet the animals of the night. Also enjoy billy tea and damper around the campfire, and live entertainment. Tour concludes at approximately 10:00pm, where you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Mercure Harbourside, 209-217 The Esplenade, Cairns; phone +61 7 4051 8999
View of Mercure Harbourside Hotel (left)....View toward where the sun will be during the eclipse (right)
Mercure Cairns Harbourside is situated on the beautiful Cairns Esplanade where the city meets the sea. Rooms have spectacular sights of Cairns and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy in the tropical ambience of the far north when you step out onto your private balcony. Why not try the mouthwatering menus from the hotels tantalizing dining facilities? The Hotel is located 8 minutes from the Cairns Airport and 2 minutes from the City central business district. The hotel also has a free shuttle into the CBD and free parking.
November 13 (Tuesday): CAIRNS (B,L,D)
Full breakfast at the hotel. Following this a private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to commence your morning tour. Make your visit to Kuranda a memorable one from door to door. At 8 am(times subject to change), one of our luxury coaches will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the railway station to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail. This breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic train routes will take you through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the Falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the ‘Village in the Rainforest’. Visit the Heritage Markets, which operate daily, or perhaps visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld or the Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense). At the scheduled time, board Skyrail for the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. Glide over the Rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops enroute to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. At approximately 2pm, your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation.
Kuranda railway
This afternoon we will have a briefing and simulation in preparation for the solar eclipse tomorrow, followed by an early dinner at the hotel. Overnight Cairns.
November 14 (Wednesday): CAIRNS (B,L,D)
If you decide to stay at the hotel you can watch the 2m 04s long eclipse, then enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Here are the approximate times of the solar eclipse events. TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN EVENT TIMES:
- 5:36am Sunrise
- 5:44am Start of Partial eclipse
- 6:38:03am Start of TOTAL ECLIPSE
- 6:40:07am End of TOTAL ECLIPSE
- 7:40am End of Partial eclipse
For those travelling to our remote site, at approximately 4:00am board your private motor coach which will transport you to the eclipse viewing location for a 2m 00s solar eclipse, just 5 seconds short of the maximum possible eclipse observable on land. According to Jay Anderson, “Cloud prospects are good along the coast, especially in the region between Cairns and Port Douglas.” Our hotel in Cairns is located so close to the center that there is no requirement to leave there unless weather poses an issue. After the eclipse we will return to the hotel for breakfast.
The main event: the blackout of the sun during the Solar eclipse
Remain at the hotel post eclipse at leisure to compare experiences, have lunch. At approximately 1pm you will be transferred to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Tjapukai is located at Caravonica near Smithfield, 15 minutes north of Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway. The Park showcases the People of the Rainforest’s indigenous culture, allowing guests to watch theatrical performances and engage in interactive activities, to learn the traditional culture and customs of the Tjapukai people. Allow three to four hours for the total experience.
Tjapukai Park
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Cairns.
November 15 (Thursday): CAIRNS (B,L,D)
After an early morning pick up at 4:00am, you will drive out to the Atherton Tableands. Enjoy a balloon flight with Balloon Hot Air and experience the wonder, romance and silence of the Australian bush. Before lift off see the spectacle of how a hot air balloon inflates and then take off to gently float over gum trees. Look out for kangaroos and enjoy the balloon festival atmosphere. Includes scenic flight of 30 minutes, hot breakfast, certificate and coach transfers. (An Aviation Insurance Levy of AUD30.00 per person is payable direct.)
Port Douglas balloon
Before lift off see the spectacle of how a hot air balloon is inflated, then take off to gently float over the gum trees and look out for kangaroos. Following the flight enjoy a hot breakfast then transfer to Port Douglas and Quicksilver Cruise.
Quicksilver cruise
At around 9:30am board your vessel to commence a full day cruise to Agincourt Reef. Only Quicksilver takes you to Agincourt ribbon reef, at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef for your personal reef discovery. Travel in comfort aboard the fast air conditioned wavepiercer catamaran to the Outer reef platform with undercover seating, showers and change rooms. Ideal for both snorkellers and non-swimmers seeking the widest choice of reef experiences including snorkelling, underwater observatory and semi-submersible. All snorkelling equipment and tuition is provided. Morning and afternoon tea and tropical seafood lunch included. Optional activities include helicopter flights, Adventure Snorkeling excursions with Marine Biologists and scuba diving are all available at additional cost. Scuba diving is a once in a lifetime experience for many and introductory diving for the first time novice is on offer as well as excellent diving for certified scuba divers. Your cruise includes morning and afternoon tea, snorkelling equipment, semi-sub tours and the underwater observatory. Lunch is included. Cruise concludes at approximately 4:30pm, at which time return to your hotel.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Cairns.
Agincourt Reef
November 16 (Friday): Cairns / Sydney (B,D)
This morning is our 8th Eclipse 5K fun run/walk–an optional chance to get some excercise and participate in a RING OF FIRE EXPEDITIONS exclusive activity we have conducted since 2003. This event is never scheduled on an eclipse day unless the eclipse is in the very late afternoon. Details to be posted.
The E5K run group at the annular eclipse in French Guayana in 2006
Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel and morning at leisure. Then in late morning transfer to the Cairns airport for flight to Sydney. Arrive Sydney airport late afternoon. You will be met on arrival in Sydney by your private coach and driver and then transferred to the Grace Hotel. The landmark Grace Building is recognised as one of Sydney’s most elegantly restored Neo Gothic buildings located in the heart of Sydney. Modelled on the Chicago Tribune building and opened in 1930, the Grace Building was originally the headquarters of the Australian department store, Grace Bros. Converted into The Grace Hotel in 1997 it stands beautifully renovated with many of the original features restored and retained.
Grace hotel exterior and room
Evening: dinner at Phillip’s Foote Restaurant. Choose your own cut of prime Australian beef, chicken, pork ribs, lamb cutlets or fish. Now to the glowing hot coals of the Foote’s famous char grill barbeque where you become the chef. BBQ your meat or fish just as you want it, or make a selection from our carvery. Then to the salad bar. Complement a fine meal with your choice from a wide variety of crisp and delicious salads, vegetables, fresh bread rolls and hot potatoes.
Overnight Sydney.
November 17 (Saturday): Sydney (B,L,D)
Enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel. Then it is time for a tour of Sydney city. Your private coach will pick you up at approximately 8:30am. First stop in the Sydney Opera House. See inside the world’s most recognisable sails and experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million. Afterwards, travel through the historic Rocks area then under the Harbour Bridge for a photo stop at Mrs Macquaries Chair. Travel past historic and trendy Paddington and the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island. Visit Bondi Beach and see stunning views of the harbour entrance from the Gap. Pass through the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse as well as the Sydney ‘hot spot’ Kings Cross.
Sydney Opera House
Luncheon Cruise on board the Captain Cook vessel. Enjoy million dollar views, quality Contemporary Australian cuisine and first class service aboard the most prestigious cruise ship MV Sydney 2000.
M.V. Sydney 2000
Afternoon Visit the Old Sydney Observatory. Parramatta Observatory in Parramatta Park, was set up by Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane in 1821 to study the then little known southern stars. Brisbane was recalled to Britain four years later, but he sold the instruments to the Government and the observatory carried on as a government observatory until it closed down in 1847. The only original remnants of the observatory in Parramatta Park are the two stone piers (top photo) that once supported the observatory transit telescope, a type of telescope designed for accurate determination of the positions of stars. Next to the piers is the stone obelisk shown above that was placed there in 1880 supposedly to indicate the position of the transit telescope. It turned out later that it actually shows the location of the kitchen of the astronomer residence that was next to the observatory!
Engraved on the obelisk is the outline of a transit telescope. This instrument from Parramatta Observatory is on display at Sydney Observatory, along with the other remaining instruments from the observatory. These instruments of great historical significance were given to Sydney Observatory in 1858. Sydney Observatory is a magical place to visit. The handsome stone observatory building with its distinctive copper telescope domes is set in gardens on top of Observatory Hill. It overlooks parkland and glorious Sydney Harbour, a natural oasis not far from the centre of the city. It is only a few minutes walk from most of the highlights of the historic and charming Rocks precinct. Our programs are carefully tailored to be of interest to adults, children, keen amateur astronomers and tourists. Our astronomy educators are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject and also experienced in making their presentations entertaining and enjoyable.
The Old Sydney Observatory
Evening dinner at Nicks Bar and Grill. Nick’s Bar and Grill located at King Street Wharf continues in the tradition of its famous Cockle Bay Wharf counterpart by offering casual alfresco dining with spectacular waterfront vistas. Apart from fresh seafood for which Nick’s is renowned, the menu offers a selection of Mediterranean chargrills. Diners will delight in the theatre of the chefs cooking over the chargrills and take pleasure from the vibrancy of the harbour.
Nick's Bar and Grill
Overnight Sydney.
November 18 (Sunday): Sydney (B,D)
Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel. Then you will have the option to choose one of the following tours:
1. Full day Hunter Valley Tour: At approximately 7:30 am you will board your coach for a full day Hunter Valley Winery tour With winery tour, tasting and lunch. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and view the magnificent Hawkesbury River. Wander through historic Wollombi and browse among quaint regional shops. Then spend the rest of the day discovering the Hunter Valley and sampling regional wines. Enjoy tastings at wineries such as Lindemans and Oakvale Winery. Enjoy further wine with lunch at Wyndham Estate Winery.
Hunter Valley vineyard
2. Sydney Bridge Climb – 3 hour tour that is bookable for any time of day which allows you to set your own schedule. This is your opportunity to climb the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Each group of climbers is accompanied by a fully trained Climb Leader who will take you to the top of the bridge 134 metres above sea level. A comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration is conducted and you will be provided with bridge-suit, communications equipment and a bridge harness that is linked to a static line throughout the climb. Each climber receives a complimentary photograph of their climb group and personalised commemorative climber certificate.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Dinner this evening at the hotel. Overnight Sydney.
November 19 (Monday): Sydney / Los Angeles (B)
Breakfast at your hotel. (If you do not elect to take our optional cost group air, transfer and return flight is on your own.) Transfer to the airport for flight to the USA.
PRICING
PRICING
USD$5719.credit card price (cash price $5499.) LAND only per person from Cairns, Australia, double occupancy. Add USD$1255.credit card price (cash price $1207.) for single supplement (if available). SORRY, NO CHILDREN UNDER 12.
GROUP AIR AVAILABLE ON QANTAS at extra cost to be announced later.
BASIC TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
- airport transfers if you arrive/depart with the group and have selected our international group air
- Accommodation as indicated in itinerary with private facilities
- all tour features as listed in the itinerary
- All transfers and touring by private chartered coach with experienced driver / guide
- Airport arrival and departure assistance
- Meals only as indicated by (B) Full breakfast (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner
- Entrance fees at attractions listed in the itinerary unless otherwise noted
- Hotel Porterage
- Australian GST (Goods and Services Tax) @ 10%
- Australian ETA Electronic Visa
- bus transfers to/from solar eclipse site
- solar eclipse briefing
- beverages only where specified
BASIC TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Passport fee
- Hot air balloon insurance fee of 30AUD
- International air to Cairns (can be purchased separately) and the domestic flight Cairns to Sydney
- Meals not stated, drinks, visas,and travel insurance
- Any additional charge(s) and/or special documentations to be filled for importing/exporting telescopes (if required)
- Room use outside of normal check-in/check-out times
- travel insurance (highly recommended)
- airport transfers IF YOU DO NOT ARRIVE/DEPART WITH THE GROUP
- beverages unlesss specified
- airport departure taxes (if required)
- optional excursions
- tips and gratuities
- personal expenses and anything else not included in the ‘tour includes’ features list
OPTIONAL TOURS
POST-TOUR OPTION will be posted later on.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE (per person)
BEFORE JUNE 1, 2011……………………………..USD$525. DEPOSIT by credit card (cash price USD$500).
JUNE 1, 2011…………………………………………… USD$1050. ADDITIONAL by credit card (cash price USD$1000.) [total USD$1500]
MARCH 1, 2012…………………………………………BALANCE DUE
CANCELLATION FEES (per person)
BEFORE December 1, 2010………………………..USD$200. EXCEPT IF YOU FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR YOURSELF. THEN, NO PENALTY.
DECEMBER 1, 2010 TO JUNE 1, 2011……….USD$500.
JUNE 1, 2011 TO MARCH 1, 2012……………..USD$1000.
AFTER MARCH 1, 2012…………………………… 100% OF THE TOTAL TOUR COST
Travel Leaders/Future Travel recommends that each client purchase adequate trip cancellation insurance, medical, baggage, accident and other personal effects insurance. Trip cancellation insurance must be purchased at time of initial deposit. Clients should be aware that we cannot guarantee the weather for this astronomical event or any other. Call Travel Leaders/Future Travel for details.
