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Tour Date: 05 Apr 2012 - 17 Apr 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $9,797.00
Today, in a world of flattened travel perspectives, North Korea (DPRK) is the last frontier in the search for the remarkable. Mysterious and secretive are adjectives that only scratch the surface when trying to describe the DPRK. North Koreans are proud people with great warmth and humour, which once again remind us of the common bond of humanity. We invite you to join us on an adventure to an extraordinary world!
05/04/2012 Australia - Singapore
Kim Il Sung
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Singapore. On arrival we connect with the flight to Beijing.
06/04/2012 Singapore - Beijing (LD)
The Forbidden City
Depart Singapore SQ 812, 01.10
Arrive Beijing 07.10
After completing customs and immigration formalities at Beijing airport we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the morning is at leisure. After lunch we take a city tour, including a walk in historic Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza, which also houses the remains of Mao Tse-Dong. In the evening we have dinner in a local restaurant.
Beijing International Hotel
No 5 Jian Guo men Wei Avenue
Beijing
Ph: 0011-86-10-65126688
Fx: 65129972
07/04/2012 Beijing (BLD)
The Great Wall of China
A very special day's sightseeing today. After breakfast we drive out of Beijing to the incredible Great Wall of China. We visit the beautiful section at Mutianyu, which is far less touristy than many other parts accessible from the capital. Built more than 2,000 years ago under the orders of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huamgdi, it remains one of the largest construction projects of all time and stretches an incredible 6,400 km.
We have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this Wonder of the World. We also enjoy an exclusive picnic in one of the watchtowers lining the wall. Returning to Beijing, we attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show while dining on Peking Roast Duck.
08/04/2012 Beijing (BLD)
2008 Olympic Stadium, Beijing
Today is an exciting one as we have the chance to inspect the incredible Olympic Stadium. Known as the 'Birds Nest', this extraordinary arena can accommodate 91,000 spectators. The structure is an engineering masterpiece and is also regarded as a 'green phenomenon', due to its rainwater collection system and translucent roof that provides essential sunlight for the grass below.
09/04/2012 Beijing - Pyongyang (BL)
Beijing International Railway Station
Depart Beijing Train K27, 17.30
After lunch we transfer to Beijing International Railway Station for the start of our journey to the 'Hermit Kingdom' of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (DPRK). We board the K27 Express for the thrilling journey to Pyongyang. We pass through mountainous countryside and enjoy several glimpses of the Great Wall. Arriving at Dandong, the Chinese border town, Chinese frontier officials board the train.
After a relaxed customs check the train shuffles across to the DPRK border town of Sinuiju. With border formalities over, the train makes its way into the heart of one of the world's most remarkable travel destinations.
10/04/2012 Arrive Pyongyang (D)
Pyongyang railway station
A day of relaxation on the train as it passes through typical rural countryside before arriving in the DPRK capital.
Arrive Pyongyang 19.30
Yanggakdo Hotel
Yanggakdo Island
Pyongyang
Ph 0011-850-23812134
11/04/2012 Pyongyang (BLD)
North Korean women in
the traditional Jeogori
With a history of more than 5,000 years, Pyongyang is a monumental yet surprisingly beautiful city, located on the banks of the Taedong River. With a population of more than three million, the city has numerous traffic-free boulevards and avenues surrounded by parks and gardens.
As we explore Pyongyang we see sights such as the Arch of Triumph, the Juche Tower, Moran Hill and the birthplace of Kim Il Sung. This afternoon we visit some stations on a metro system that many say rivals Moscow and Paris for its beauty.
12/04/2012 Pyongyang - Myohyang (BLD)
Myohyang Mountains
This morning we start our two-hour journey to Myohyang. Situated in the mountains of northwestern DPRK, Mt Myohyang boasts a beautiful and pristine environment, which many Koreans consider their favourite place to visit.
The area has more than 2,500 species of plants, animals, birds and fish. We visit the amazing International Friendship Exhibition, which opened in 1978 and is regarded as one of the most extraordinary museums in the world. Gifts from presidents and prime ministers from around the globe are displayed here. A visit is like stepping into the history of the 20th century!
Hyangsan Hotel
Hyangam-Ri
Myohyang
13/04/2012 Myohyang - Pyongyang (BLD)
Tower of Juche, Pyongyang
This morning we visit beautiful Pohyon Temple, one of the most famous in Korea and dating back to the 11th century. After lunch we return to Pyongyang to visit the Korean War Museum, which is dedicated to the Korean War of 1950-1953. Exhibits include weapons, captured planes, tanks and magnificent dioramas.
Yanggakdo Hotel
Yanggakdo Island
Pyongyang
Ph: 0011-850-23812134
14/04/2012 Pyongyang (BLD)
USS Pueblo
This morning we visit the captured American armed spy ship, the USS Pueblo. Constructed in 1932 and refitted as a military information-gathering ship in the US Pacific fleet, the Pueblo was captured in January 1968 with 80 sailors onboard. It caused a massive international incident, which pushed the US and North Korea to the brink of war. It ended 11 months later with the release of the sailors and an apology from the Americans. Today this fascinating ship is moored on the banks of the Taedong River.
This afternoon we visit the Children's Palace, which hosts classes for extra-curricular activities such as gymnastics, karate and various musical studies. It provides a wonderful insight into teaching methods in the DPRK.
15/04/2012 Panmunjon (BLD)
Joint Security Area, DMZ,
North Korea
Today is a major highlight on the tour as we visit the 38th Parallel, the most heavily militarised border in the world and only 68 km from Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The tension is palpable as each side photographs the other across the line.
Our visit provides a unique and rare perspective, as few westerners have ever viewed the extraordinary 'face-off' from the north side. At one of the armistice halls it is possible to walk around the conference table into South Korea!
16/04/2012 Pyongyang - Beijing - Singapore (B)
Today we transfer to Pyongyang airport for our flight to Singapore via Beijing.
Depart Pyongyang Air China CA 122, 17.20
Arrive Beijing 18.20
17/04/2012 Beijing - Singapore
Depart Beijing Singapore Air SQ 801, 00.45
Arrive Singapore 06.30
On arrival in Singapore we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian capital.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
APRIL 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $9,797
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,537
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and Beijing/Pyongyang and Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers
* Train between Beijing and Pyongyang (twin-share)
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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