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Explore our Heritage Summer 2016!

FIRSTCLASS AAASTravels • SigmaXiExpeditions • ACSExpeditions • PlanetarySociety

Great Travel Adventures!January 2016 – February 2017

Great Travel Adventures! January 2016–February 2017Nature, Botanical & Cultural Adventures!

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

AAASTravels•SigmaXiExpeditionsACSExpeditions•PlanetarySociety

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

Travel with Dr.ChrisCarpenterand explore the scenic paradise of Kashmir and remote Ladakh, a “little Tibet,” surrounded by 5,000 meter peaks. Kashmir has long been legendary as a destination of travelers from India and beyond. Ladakh is a trans-Himalayan kingdom that retains a strong Tibetan Buddhist identity with alpine desert valleys, watered by glacial melt where surrounding peaks display an astonishing geology. Join us for an amazing adventure! $5,495 + air.

Kashmir & LadakhSeptember11-23,2016 Botanical CUBA!

APeople-to-PeopleProgramWithPacificHorticulture • March4-14,2016

On this unique and inspiring program explore Cuba from a botanical prespective with Dr.CarlosSanchez, a Cuban botanist! Begin in Old Havana, then continue to the Escambray Mountains, the former Harvard Botanic Garden, historic Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Zapata National Park! The Cuban natural world is reflected in their national symbols: Roystonea regia, the royal palm with its swollen

upper trunk; the white mariposa, a species of ginger and the national flower; and the national bird, the tocororo. Come see the delights of Cuba before everything changes! $3,995 + air.

ABackroadsJourneytoFascinatingCultures&SpectacularLandscapes!

More Adventures for Eclipse Travelers!

MADAGASCARAugust20–September4,2016SeetheAnnularSolarEclipse

September1,2016!

See the Annular Solar Eclipse while exploring the natural heritage and unique wildlife of Madagascar on this 16-day expedition! Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, isolated from the African continent for 80 million years. It is home to thousands of unique species including lemurs and reptiles, flowering plants, palms, and many birds! Adding to the delight of this natural wealth will be the Annular Eclipse on September 1, 2016 as it passes across Madagascar and heads to the Indian Ocean! We will be directly on the line of Totality and will have the best possible viewing location on the dry side of Madagascar! $4,995 +air.

MONGOLIAFromGenghisKhantotheGobiDesert!

June30–July13,2016

Explore the vast landscapes of Mongolia, from the Gobi Desert to the granite mountains of Khogno Khan National Park. See the Nadaam Festival in Karakorum and visit Okhon Valley World Heritage Site. Look for wild horses at Hustai National Park. With Chris Carpenter! $3,995 + air.

Please CALL with Questions!Taunya • Debbie • Terri • Marisa(408) 252-4910 • (800) 252-4910email: [email protected]

Botanical Iceland LandofFire&Ice&Nature’sParadise!

July2-11,2016

Come discover Iceland in all of its great natural beauty with Betchart guide JonasHelgason and botanical expert Dr.StarriHeidmarsson! Enjoy special visits to the Reykjavik and Akureyri botanic gardens, and discover fascinating sites with a top landscape architect! Explore the country and learn about the natural world of Iceland! $4,295 + air.

Join TedElliman from the New England Wild Flower Society, on this delightful adventure into the mountains west of Chengdu to explore wildflower meadows, stunning mountain peaks, villages, and spectacular landscapes. A labyrinth of gorges and snow-clad peaks create a powerfully scenic and ecologically significant natural world. Alpine plant diversity is tremendous, with gentians, primrose, rhododendron, and ground orchids in full flower at the time of our visit! Includes Chengdu, a panda reserve, ancient trade routes, and more! $3,995 + air.

JustaFew

Spaces

Available!

Antarctica! & the Annular Solar Eclipse

February23–March9,2017

Discover

We invite you to join our voyage to Antarctica in February 2017! It will include the Annular Solar Eclipse south of Trelew, Argentina February 26, 2017! This will be the only Antarctica voyage in memory that includes an accessible Eclipse! Come join us and discover the stunning land-scapes and wildlife in Antarctica and delight in the Eclipse!From $8,695 quad ($8,995 twin) + air.

Explore the two finest natural areas in Russia, the Kamchatka Peninsula and Lake Baikal, and take the Trans Siberian Express from the Russian Far East across the vast taiga of Russia to Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Baikal is the richest single location in Russia for endemism, a fabulous reservoir of unique flora and fauna. It is the oldest and deepest lake in the world, storing nearly 20% of the fresh water on earth! Travel with our long-time colleague Dr.VictorKuzevanov, who will enchant you! You will return home with a rich perspective on Siberia and Kamchatka. $5,995 + air.

Discover

KAMCHATKA& Lake Baikal!

IncludingtheTrans-SiberianExpressJuly22–August6,2016

DiscovertheDelightsofYunnanincluding

The Torch Festival!July21–August6,2016

In 2016, we will travel to China to see the spectacular Torch Festival and explore Yunnan Province! A traditional festival of the Yi, Naxi, and Bai peoples in southwestern China, the Torch Festival is an extravaganza of flaming torches, bonfires, parades, bull fights, singing, and dancing—all in this most scenic part of China! We will also explore cultural highlights from Dian Chi Lake, the Nationalities Museum, Stone Forest, and Chuxiong to Weishan, Dali & Lijiang, including two World Heritage Sites! $4,595 + air.

DiscoverChina!ExploretheTibetan

HighlandsofSichuanJuly8-21,2016

Botanical BHUTANMay22–June6,2016

ExploretheMagnificenceofthisHimalayanKingdominSpringbloom!

Join us as we explore Bhutan, led by Dr.ChrisCarpenter and one of Bhutan’s foremost ethno-botanists, Mr.RalingDrukdra.Visit the National Museum, take a short walk to Tango Monastery, cross Dochu La Pass for views of the Bhutanese Himalaya. Explore Lamperi Botanical Park (which has 46 species of rhododendrons!). Continue to Tashithang, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and Bumthang. Then explore Chelela Pass for alpine species and hike to “Tiger’s Nest” (pictured). An amazing adventure! $5,495 + air.

ComeseetheTransitofMercury&

Discover CUBA!May4-10,2016

Join us to see the TransitofMercuryonMay9,2016 on this people-to-people, astro-nomical exploration of Cuba! For the Transit of Mercury, we will be hosted by members of the Arroyo Naranjo Observatory outside of Havana. As the planet Mercury passes between the Earth and Sun, it

will appear as a slow moving black dot crossing the face of the Sun. In addition to the Transit of Mercury we visit visit observatories and a planetarium in Havana. We will also explore the picturesque Vinales Valley and Sierra del Rosario. See Hemingway’s house, explore historic Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and visit fascinating museums. This is a wonderful opportunity to put Cuba in your sights and learn the history, traditions, politics, and astronomy of our island neighbor, with leadership by Bob Nansen and Cuban astronomers. $3,595 + air + visaPhoto Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons (NASA)

Fun&ExhilaratingTravelAdventuresforYou!

SeetheTransitofMercuryinCuba•May4-10,2016

Come with us and discover Tuscany, where the Etruscans lived and traded over 2,000 years ago! In medieval Tarquinia and Cerveteri, see remarkable archaeological finds. Continue to the charming Italian hilltown of Orvieto and Siena, with an incomparable pedigree in medieval art and architecture! Also visit the lowland Maremma, famed

for its wetlands and nature preserves, and explore the Tuscan archipelago! Sample fine Tuscan cuisine: polenta, focaccia, rich bean soup, and wild boar, as well as splendid local cheeses and local Chianti wine! $3,850 + air.

Great Getaways Spring & Summer 2016! So Where Can You Go in 2016? Trips for Travel & Wildlife Enthusiasts!

For detailed brochures and more information, please contact: BetchartExpeditionsInc.,17050MontebelloRoad

Cupertino,California95014-5435Telephone:(800)252-4910 or (408)252-4910Fax:(408)252-1444Email: [email protected]

Seepdf’sofbrochuresonourwebsite: www.betchartexpeditions.comIf you cannot travel and wish to be removed from the mailing list, please let us know. Please give this brochure to a friend!Prices are per person based on twin share + air.©2015 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. CST# 2036304-40

Contacts & Questions!

AUGUST–SEPTEMBERMadagascarAnnularSolarEclipse........Aug20–Sept4The extra special natural world of Madagascar from lemurs to the spiny forest, and the Annular Eclipse!TanzaniaAnnularSolarEclipse . . . . . . . . . Aug23–Sept3Wildlife & the Eclipse with Dr. David Bygott!Kashmir&Ladakh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept11-23A wonderful opportunity with Dr. Chris Carpenter!Istanbul&Cappadocia .....Sept22–Oct8Discover the rich heritage of western culture in Turkey!

JANUARY–FEBRUARY2016DiscoverCuba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan8-18With UC Botanic Garden, Katherine Greenberg, and our terrific naturalists!IndiaWildlifeSafari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jan16-30From tigers to the Taj Mahal, with our outstanding safari leader, Cynthia Gould!GalapagosIslands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb5-14On board National Geographic Endeavour!Bali&SulawesiTotalSolarEclipse . . . . . Feb25–Mar10Discover cultural highlights of Bali and Java, the Borneo orangutans, and the Eclipse with Dr. Chris Carpenter!

JUNEAlaskaCruise..........SOLDOUT. . . . . . . . . . June4-11On board National Geographic Sea Bird!ChinabyHighSpeedRail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June7-21With Optional Yangtze River Extension to June 26!WildIceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June13-22Explore the heritage and natural world of Iceland with Oskar Halldorsson!DiscoverMongolia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June30-July13From the Gobi Desert to the Naadam Festival with Dr. Chris Carpenter!

MARCH–APRILAlaskaAuroraBorealis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar3-9Come see the greatest light show on earth!DiscoverCuba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar4-14With Pacific Horticulture and our terrific Cuban leader!CopperCanyonatEaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar21-28Travel by train and see the amazing Easter festivities!Morocco&AndaluciabySea. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar23–Apr3On board M/V L’Austral. A superb experience!PanamaCanaltoSt.Lucia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr6-14A springtime musical odyssey on board Le Boreal!DiscoverMorocco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr15-27A terrific adventure with Morocco expert Dr. Susan Davis!

Trips for Aurora & Eclipse Enthusiasts!

MAYCubaTransitofMercury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May4-10Visit Havana, Cuban observatories, and join Cuban astronomers to see the Transit of Mercury!IntheFootstepsoftheEtruscans . . . . . . . . . . . May13-25An adventure in Tuscany with Mark Walters!BotanicalBhutan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May22–June6An extraordinary adventure with Chris Carpenter and the finest botanist in Bhutan!Croatia&Montenegro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May23-31See idyllic islands and majestic shores on board Le Lyrial!DiscoverAlaska!......SOLDOUT . . . . . May29–June4A 7-day adventure from Anchorage to Denali & Fairbanks!

JULYBotanicalIceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July2-11With Pacific Horticulture, Jonas Helgason and Dr. Starri Heidmarsson!DiscoverChina! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July8-21Discover the Tibetan Highlands of Sichuan with Ted Elliman and New England Wild Flower Society!Kamchatka&LakeBaikal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July22–Aug6Discover Kamchatka, the Trans Siberian Express, and Lake Baikal with Dr. Victor Kuzevanov!YunnanTorchFestival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July21–Aug6An extraordinary adventure in the most scenic part of China! With Dr. Chris Carpenter & David HuangIcelandbyLand&Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July27–Aug2On board National Geographic Explorer! See Reykjavik and explore the west fjords by sea!

COPPER CANYON,MEXICO

In 2016, we will explore Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre, on a memorable Easter adventure that will bring you dramatic scenery, natural history and the Tarahumara Indians on one of the most unique adventures in the Americas! This Easter expedition

offers you a special oppor-tunity to be in Copper Canyon at the time of the Tarahumara Indian Easter celebrations. Join Betchart leader

CathyWaterman as we explore Copper Canyon—one of the world’s biggest canyon systems. The striking

volcanic scenery, bridges, tunnels, and villages will be seen from the “train in the sky” and on the new tram! $2,995 + air.

March21-28,2016AnEasterAdventure!

DiscovertheMystiqueofMOROCCO!April15-27,2016

With Morocco expert Dr.SusanDavis, enjoy the rich cultural experiences and spectacular scenery of Morocco! Explore Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. Visit kasbahs, medinas, and souks. Ride camels in the Sahara desert, cross the high Atlas Mountains, and learn about a heritage important to all of Western civilization! $4,295 + air

ALASKA Aurora BorealisCome see the Greatest Light Show on Earth!

March3-9,2016

TANZANIA Wildlife & Eclipse Safari August23–September3,2016SeetheAnnularSolarEclipse,September1,2016! Join us on Safari in Tanzania to see the Annular Solar Eclipse as it passes over Africa on September 1, 2016! Enjoy splendid days looking for lions, leopards, and other wildlife in the finest wildlife parks in East Africa. $5,295 + air + optional Ruaha ext.

Our ever popular March Aurora Borealis trip includes Talkeetna (inspiration for the town in “Northern Exposure”), plus take the train from Talkeetna past Mt. McKinley (Denali) to Fairbanks. Enjoy Aurora viewing, lectures, sled dogs, the ice festival, Poker Flat, and much more! $2,795 + air.

TUSCANY

andtheTuscan

Archipelago

In the Footsteps of the

ETRUSCANSWithMarkWalters • May13-25,2016

Iceland has captured the imagination of people all over the world since Jules Verne wrote “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in 1871. Iceland has a proud heritage—it is the world’s oldest democracy. Its wildlife and natural wonders are truly magical! Experience Iceland, from geology to history, and fabulous wildlife! $3,995 pp + air.

LandofFire&Ice&Nature’sParadise!

Wild Iceland June13-22,2016 INDIA

WildlifeSafari!•January16-30,2016Adelightfulwildlife&culturalextravaganza!

Please CALL with Questions! Taunya • Debbie • Terri • MarisaFor detailed brochures and more information, please contact:

BetchartExpeditionsInc.,17050MontebelloRoad,Cupertino,California95014-5435Telephone:(800)252-4910 or (408)252-4910 Fax:(408)252-1444 Email: [email protected]

SeetheTotalSolarEclipse,March9,2016!

BALI & SULAWESI Indonesia Total Solar Eclipse

Indonesia is a nation of thousands of islands with a fascinating, rich cultural heritage! Combine Eclipse viewing on Sulawesi with sites on other islands that are biologically and culturally world class. On Borneo explore the world’s finest oran gutan reserve. See Bali and the World Heritage Site of Borobudur on Java. $5,895 pp + air, + Togian Ext.

With top quality naturalists, underwater cameras, kayaks, nature walks, and much more!

GalápagosIslandsExpeditionOn board National Geographic Endeavour February5-14,2016From $6,590 + air.

ALASKA On board National Geographic Sea Bird June4-11,2016optional Denali Pre-Trip May 29–June 4, 2016From $6,490 + air + ext.

IcelandbyLandandSea On board National Geographic Explorer July27–August2,2016 From Reykjavik to the seabird cliffs of the west fjords, and more. From $4,990 + air.

Whydon’tyoutryatripthisyear?

2016VoyagesonNationalGeographicVessels!

MOROCCO

5spaces

available!

AnAdventurebyHighSpeedRailtoSacredMountains,theGrandCanal&AncientCities

CHINA by Rail

Including Seven World Heritage Sites!

June7-21,2016withOptionalYangtzeRiver

Ext.toJune26

Justafewspaces

available!

8spaces

available! OCTOBER–DECEMBER2016–MARCH2017SouthAfrica.........Oct1-14Spectacular landscapes, extraordinary flora, and wildlife with Pacific Horticulture!Sicily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct11-23Explore Sicily’s fascinating Greek and Roman sites with Mark Walters!NewZealand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nov18–Dec3Discover the special natural world with Lloyd Esler!AntarcticaAnnularSolarEclipse..Feb23–Mar9,2017Explore Antarctica and see the Annular Eclipse in southern Argentina!

New ZealandNovember18–December3,2016

TravelwithasuperbNewZealandnaturalistLloydEsler!

From kiwis to kakas, temperate rainforests to glacial valleys, New Zealand possesses a rich heritage. Discover the fasci-nating geyserfields in Rotorua, the plunging cliffs at Milford Sound, the spec tacular peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps including remote Stewart Island! $4,995 + air.

SOLDOUT!

March3-9,2016

TUSCANY

andtheTuscan

Archipelago

MOROCCO

5spaces

available!

CHINA by Rail

Ext.toJune26

Justafewspaces

available!

8spaces

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March3-9,2016

TUSCANY

andtheTuscan

Archipelago

MOROCCO

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available!

CHINA by Rail

Ext.toJune26

Justafewspaces

available!

8spaces

SOLDOUT!

March3-9,2016

TUSCANY

andtheTuscan

Archipelago

MOROCCO

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available!

CHINA by Rail

Ext.toJune26

Justafewspaces

available!

8spaces

SOLDOUT!

September1,2016!

July2-11,2016

JustaFew

Spaces

Available!

Discover

September1,2016!

July2-11,2016

JustaFew

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Available!

Discover

September1,2016!

July2-11,2016

JustaFew

Spaces

Available!

Discover

discoverthedelights discover china! botanical iceland b ... · ladakh is a trans-himalayan kingdom...

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