Explore Worldwide launches solar eclipse trips for 2023

Escorted tour operator Explore Worldwide is offering special training for agents after unveiling six US departures to see the solar eclipse in October 2023.

All the tours will be accompanied by local astronomers and offer the chance to view the ‘ring of fire’ around the moon during the annular eclipse.

Ben Ittensohn, Explore’s global sales director, said the “epic” tours take in “some of the most spectacular natural sites of North America”.

“Seeing an annular eclipse is a really memorable, often once-in-a-lifetime experience for our agent partners to be able to offer to their customers,” he said.

“Enabling travellers to be able to witness this from the outstanding red-rock Capitol Reef or among the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley (pictured), with a professional astronomer, is something really very special.

“If we’ve realised anything in the last two years, it’s just how precious these rare moments and memory-making are.

“Demand is anticipated to be strong… so we are encouraging agents to get in touch with our agency sales team to arrange specialised training on these new trips.”

There are three itineraries, with additional ‘in-reverse’ options.

The 10-day Best of the American West & Eclipse trip departs on October 8 and October 10, 2023, and costs from £2,499.

Walking the US Western National Parks & Eclipse is a 12-day itinerary, departing October 7 and October 10, 2023, and costing from £2,999.

A 15-day itinerary departs on October 3 and October 10, 2023. Called US National Parks Explorer & Eclipse, it costs from £3,745.

The prices do not include flights.