OUR STORY :

It started in 1980 when I was working in India and escorting American tours visiting India and the Subcontinent. Jay Pasachoff.,a young professor from Williams College- Hopkins Observatory, led a tour of Eclipse enthusiasts through India to view the eclipse on February 16th in Hyderabad. I got the assignment to escort the group and I saw my first ever total Solar eclipse. Jay and the group returned to the U.S. and we went on with our lives and jobs. So much so, we lost touch with each other until 1994. I immigrated to the States in 1984 but was unable to locate Jay.

Visiting Jaipur, India, in 1994, I met a professor from Williams College leading an alumni group. They were experiencing trouble in procuring rooms at the hotel at the time when I also was checking-in at the same property. I was treated like a VIP, greeted by the hotel's General Manager. For some reason, the professor approached me and asked if I could help with procuring rooms on their behalf, which I did. On returning to America, She put me back in touch with Jay, since then we have been planning and accompanying the various Solar Eclipse trips throughout the world. About 12 successful tours operated so far.

Even though, I have been in the tour business for 30 years, organizing eclipse tours has always been a challenging task either due to the location, greedy suppliers, hotels and airlines making increasing rates and even supply vs. demand situation. Every eclipse has brought in new and interesting challenges coupled with some wonderful experiences. I have some exciting events and experiences to narrate, which can be read in PAST ECLIPSE TOURS section on our website. Over the years, we have travelled to wonderful and exotic destinations such as Mongolia, Romania, Zambia, South Africa, Siberia and many more places. Through the eclipse, I had the opportunity to meet with some wonderful people, make friends all over the world and repeat guests, who have travelled with us to see 10-12 eclipses.

What began as a job is now a hobby and eventually my business. I personally accompany all Eclipse tours along with our eclipse expert, operating successful eclipse expeditions worldwide. Join us on our next eclipse tour and I can assure you will have fabulous experiences (read the testimonials) and a voyage leaving you with fond memories.

Madhukar 'Mark' Sood
CEO
A Classic Tours Collection