Special Events

Imagine discussing wildlife conservation issues with world-renowned experts in African game reserves, joining the world’s top Egyptologists for special access to the treasures of the Pharaohs, or watching an eclipse in an impossibly remote corner of the world with top astronomers—these are just a few of the unique experiences offered by Wilderness Travel Special Events, our annual symposiums with guest experts in combination with specially themed journeys. It’s a unique way of getting an expert’s view, and you can only find it with Wilderness Travel. Past guests have included Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hillary, Mary Leakey, wildlife biologist George Schaller, mountaineers Reinhold Messner and Conrad Anker, and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. See what we’ve got coming up this year!

Australia

Total Solar Eclipse of 2012

A Voyage from Bali to Australia
November 1-15, 2012

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Eclipse and Cruise Program aboard the Orion II with Dr. Alex Filippenko

November 14, 2012, will be marked by one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena: a total solar eclipse, when the sun, moon, and earth are perfectly aligned and darkness washes over the earth in daylight. To witness a total solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience—and when combined with one of our special travel programs, it is a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure! Our eclipse journey aboard the luxurious 100-guest Orion II offers us maximum flexibility to maneuver to the ideal viewing position near the Great Barrier Reef on Eclipse Day, the grand finale of our marvelous journey from the fascinating islands of eastern Indonesia to Australia. Astronomer Alex Filippenko, PhD, one of UC Berkeley’s most popular professors, will accompany us to share his expert knowledge—his 9th eclipse program with us!

South Pacific

Total Solar Eclipse in the South Pacific 2012

A Voyage from Fiji to New Caledonia and Vanuatu
November 10-20, 2012

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Eclipse and Cruise Program aboard the Paul Gauguin

Join us for a unique cruise departing from Fiji for a magical rendezvous with the total solar eclipse of November 2012! For this special occasion, we have chartered the M/S Paul Gauguin, a highly-rated, luxurious 332-passenger ship expressly built for sailing the South Pacific. Our eclipse-viewing location south of the seldom-visited islands of New Caledonia will provide over three minutes of “totality” (almost a full minute longer than what eclipse viewers will experience in or near Australia). A total solar eclipse is reason enough for the journey, but our voyage also features some of the South Pacific’s loveliest islands, from New Caledonia’s Ile de Pins, a snorkeler’s paradise, to Vanuatu, an archipelago of jewel-like islands. Getting to such a remote locale involves significant travel, but aboard the wonderful Paul Gauguin, we do so in the comfort of a five-star floating resort. As we travel, our expert astronomers and other guest speakers provide informative talks on eclipses, astronomy, marine biology, and the intriguing cultures of the Pacific. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting cruise!

Mexico

World Of The Maya: Cycles of Time

A Symposium and Tour Program

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Featuring Dr. Anthony Aveni, PhD, Susan Milbrath, PhD, Harvey Bricker, PhD, Victoria Bricker, PhD, Karl Taube, PhD, and Alfonso Morales

On December 21, 2012, after 13 “baktuns” (5126 years), the great cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar begins anew. The meaning of this event is widely debated, but we know that the Maya had a compelling and remarkably advanced vision of time, so this event would have had momentous significance for them. Join us in Uxmal, Mexico, for our fascinating new Special Event exploring the mysteries of the Maya.

Symposium & Travel Program

The symposium can be combined with a choice of five special journeys—call us for itinerary details!

Uxmal to Lamanai with Dr. Susan Milbrath
Highlights: Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum, Cerros, Lamanai

Uxmal to Copan with Dr. Anthony Aveni
Highlights: Palenque, Tikal, Livingston, Quirigua, Copan

Uxmal to Tikal with Drs. Harvey & Victoria Bricker
Highlights: Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilan, Tikal

Uxmal to Palenque with Alfonso Morales
Highlights: Edzna, Calakmul, Palenque, Bonampak

Uxmal to Teotihuacan with Dr. Karl Taube
Highlights: Cholula, Cacaxtla, Teotihuacan, Mexico City

Cape Verde Islands

Total Solar Eclipse of 2013

Morocco to the Cape Verde Islands
October 22-November 6, 2013

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Eclipse and Cruise Program aboard the Island Sky with Dr. Alex Filippenko

To witness a total solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience—and combined with this unique cruise, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure! Our journey offers among the best weather prospects on the entire eclipse path and a long duration of totality, in contrast to the conditions on mainland Africa, all with the safety, comfort, and reliability of a fine ship. The maneuverability of the 116-guest Island Sky further enhances our prospects on Eclipse Day, a grand finale to our fascinating voyage from Morocco to the Western Sahara and the Cape Verde Islands. Astronomer Alex Filippenko, PhD, one of UC Berkeley’s most popular professors, will join us to share his expert knowledge—his 11th eclipse with us!