If you could take one astronomy-related vacation in the next few years, what would it be? How about a cruise through the Arctic Sea to witness the northern lights or an adventure in Indonesia to experience a total solar eclipse? And what if you could be guided by local experts as well as editors from Astronomy?
Thanks to the magazine’s new partnership with TravelQuest International, a top-rated travel company dedicated to astronomy-themed trips, you can start your vacation planning now. We already have two excellent opportunities lined up: chasing the aurora borealis along the Norwegian coast in October 2015 and witnessing the March 9, 2016, total solar eclipse from the exotic islands of Indonesia. Each tour features five-star amenities, insights into local cultures, exciting and educational excursions, information from local experts, and astronomical guidance from one of Astronomy’s editors.
NORWAY
From pristine landscapes of extraordinary beauty to the proud legacy of Nordic history and culture — plus six nights of ideal opportunities to witness the dramatic spectacle of the northern lights — this Scandinavian adventure promises to create a lifetime of memories.
Setting out from the west coast port of Trondheim, enjoy four days of cruising Norway’s magnificent fjords aboard a vessel of the celebrated Hurtigruten line. You'll sail up the coast to Nordkapp (North Cape) — at 71°N, the most northerly point in continental Europe — then carry on to Kirkenes near the Norway-Russia border. Then you’re immersed in the indigenous culture of the Scandinavian Arctic as the group uses remote Karasjok as a base for exploring the Laplander way of life, past and present. And after days spent viewing reindeer on the tundra, followed by evenings of traditional feasts, songs, and storytelling with our Sami hosts, you'll have the ideal vantage point for taking in the breathtaking light show overhead.
BALI
Your journey starts in Bali, which easily fulfills a lifetime of imagining: pristine beaches lined with swaying palms — and beneath them, friendly, gracious people welcoming you to luxury retreats by the Bali Sea. Then local guides take you deeper into the heartland to discover Bali asli, the real Bali: emerald hills with terraced rice paddies descending to whitewater rivers; hidden streams winding through dense bamboo groves dotted with colorful birds; jungle trails overlooked by chattering monkeys as they swing through the high canopy; village men performing the kecak, or fire dance, against the stunning backdrop of the Mother Mountain; and well-worn paths among the towering coconut palms, leading to temples whose serenity seems untouched by modern times.
And for the March 9, 2016, eclipse, TravelQuest has found an island whose surroundings provide the ideal site for experiencing 2 minutes and 45 seconds of totality.
Find detailed itineraries and book your spot today at www.Astronomy.com/magazine/trips-tours. We hope you’ll join us on one of these amazing adventures!