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Tour Date: 17 Jan 2013 - 07 Feb 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,947.00
We proudly present another unique Travel Directors' itinerary combining two magnificent winter festivals: the Harbin Ice Festival in China and the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. Though undoubtedly a feast for all the senses, this new tour is more than just a tale of two cities. 'Festivals of Snow and Ice' features China's most exciting two cities and all they have to offer. Meanwhile, in Japan we visit the great cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. We'll also take the bullet train to beautiful Mount Fuji. We think it will be the perfect way to start the new year and we invite you to join us on this stunning tour.
17/01/2013 Australia - Singapore - Shanghai
Ice carving, Harbin
Depart from your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Singapore. On arrival in Singapore we connect with the flight to Shanghai.
Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines SQ 836, 17.25
Arrive Shanghai 22.35
On arrival in Shanghai we transfer to our hotel.
Peninsula Heng Sheng
205 Wu Song Road
Shanghai
Ph: 0011-86-21-61205888
Fx: 61205000
18/01/2013 Shanghai (BLD)
Shanghai skyline
After breakfast we explore Shanghai, China's most exciting city. We begin in the Old Town, visiting the Shanghai Museum, and the Silk Markets, where you can stock up on very cheap winter jackets in preparation for Harbin. After lunch we visit the Yuyuan Garden.
19/01/2013 Shanghai (BLD)
Shanghai by night
In the morning we travel to the new Pudong development area of the city. We travel by high-speed lift to the top of the extraordinary Oriental Pearl Tower for unparalleled views of Shanghai. We then have the opportunity to ride on one of the world's fastest trains the 'Maglev'. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
20/01/2013 Suzhou (BLD)
The ancient canals of Suzhou
Today we drive to Suzhou, a delightful town popularly known as the 'Garden City'. Here, a total of 170 bridges span 30 km of narrow waterways. The interlocking canals, classical gardens and superb embroidery studios are surviving elements of an ancient cultural capital that once dominated China's artistic scene. In the morning we explore the labyrinthine canal system by boat and in the afternoon visit a silk factory and the famous Garden of the Humble Administrator.
21/01/2013 Shanghai - Beijing (BLD)
The Olympic Stadium, Beijing
Depart Shanghai China Eastern MU 5129, 09.20
Arrive Beijing 11.45
Todays activities include a visit to 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 which provides essential sunlight for the grass below. This evening we attend an acrobatic show.
Beijing International Hotel
No 5 Jian Guo men Wei Avenue
Beijing
Ph: 0011-86-10-65126688
Fx: 65129972
22/01/2013 Beijing (BLD)
The Great Wall of China
A very special day's sightseeing as we head for 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 kilometres. We have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this wonder of the world. We enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Returning to Beijing, we attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show while dining on Peking Roast Duck.
23/01/2013 Beijing (BLD)
The Forbidden City
This morning we take a stroll in the world's biggest public plaza, Tiananmen Square. Covering 100 acres and dating back to 1420, the square has witnessed many of China's most historic events. Afterwards we visit the extraordinary Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient palace structure. Covering an astonishing 72 hectares and containing no fewer than 9,999 rooms, this incredible complex was built between 1407 and 1420 by an estimated one million labourers. Until 1924 it was the Imperial Palace for China's emperors, and in 1987 was World Heritage listed by UNESCO. A visit here is never to be forgotten. The afternoon is at leisure and dinner is in a local restaurant, located near our hotel.
24/01/2013 Beijing - Harbin (BD)
Dianne Kuhrer with an arctic fox, Harbin
Depart Beijing China Air CA 1623, 12.05
Arrive Harbin 13.40
On arrival in Harbin we transfer to our hotel.
Shangri-La Hotel
555 You Yi Road
Harbin 150018
Ph: 0011-86-451-8485 8888
Fx: 8462 1777
25/01/2013 Harbin Ice Festival (BLD)
Ice carving of the Forbidden City
This morning we begin a city tour of Harbin. After we explore the attractions that make Harbin the most famous ice festival in the world, including Stalin Park, which is located on the south bank of the Singhua River. It was established in 1953 after the death of the Soviet leader, Josef Stalin. Tonight we head to the Ice Lantern Festival.
26/01/2013 Harbin (BLD)
Siberian tigers
After breakfast we visit the Siberian Tiger Park. The park was built to protect this endangered species and is now home to some 500 tigers. After lunch we experience the Snow Carving Festival on Sun Island. The island is a well-known resort and one of China's most scenic spots. In winter the island is at its most beautiful and the snow carvings are magical as they sparkle in the sun. At night multicoloured lights set underground illuminate the huge sculptures and make the works look all the more spectacular.
27/01/2013 Harbin - Osaka - Kyoto (B)
Geisha, central Kyoto
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Osaka.
Depart Harbin China Southern CZ 631, 17.00
Arrive Osaka 21.00
On arrival in Osaka's Kansai airport, we transfer to our hotel in Kyoto.
Westin Miyako Hotel
Sanjo-Keage, Higashiyama
Kyoto 605-0052
Ph: 0011-81-75-771 7111
Fx: 751 2490
28/01/2013 Kyoto (BLD)
The Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for 1,000 years before Tokyo became the capital in 1867. Surrounded by mountains, Kyoto is the city that touches the heart of the Japanese in a way that no other place can. Ancient customs and heritage have continued here as Geisha and Maiko scurry between appointments in tiny alleys lit by traditional lanterns. After breakfast we spend the full day exploring beautiful Kyoto.
29/01/2013 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (BLD)
Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto
Today we visit the western historical area of Arashiyama, an hour from Kyoto centre. We meander through the famous Bamboo forest which is home to the wonderful Nonomiya Shrine.
30/01/2013 Kyoto (BLD)
Deer in Nara Park
After breakfast we head to nearby Nara, the former capital (AD710-784). A serene place of natural beauty and infinite treasures, Nara Park, famous for its 1200 deer, engulfs its guests with impressive World Heritage sights. These include Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure, which houses the 'Giant Buddha' that soars 16 metres in height.
31/01/2013 Kyoto - Mt Fuji (BLD)
Shinkansen bullet train at the foot of Mount Fuji
This morning we take the Shinkansen bullet train to Mount Fuji (3776m). Here we transfer by bus to the magnificent Yamanaka lake . Here at the base of the sacred Mt Fuji we find the most beautiful scenery in all of Japan.
Mt Fuji Hotel
Yamanaka Village
Yamanaka
Mt Fuji
Ph: 0011-81-555-622111
Fx:: 623177
01/02/2013 Mt Fuji - Tokyo (BLD)
Yamanaka Lake at the base of Mt Fuji
This morning we transfer by bus to Tokyo. Arriving at lunch time we explore the Asakusa Shrine and market area.
Grand Pacific Le Daiba Hotel
2-6-1 Daiba
Minato-Ku
Tokyo
Ph: 0011-81-3-55006711
Fx:: 55004507
02/02/2013 Tokyo (BLD)
The neon lights of Tokyo
Visiting Japan's capital for the first time is a fascinating experience. Very different from Western cities and with an expanding population of over 12 million within 1,300 square kilometres, Tokyo is Japan’s largest and most densely populated city; a bustling marketplace full of energy, humanity and astonishing contrasts. Always safe, with little crime or violence, Tokyo is perhaps the only city in the world that could make New York look like a sleepy town! Today we spend the whole day exploring this exciting metropolis.
03/02/2013 Tokyo - Sapporo (BLD)
Snow Festival, Odori Park, Sapporo
This morning we visit the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace before catching our afternoon flight to Sapporo.
Depart Tokyo Sky Air SKY717, 14.30
Arrive Sapporo 16.00
On arrival in Sapporo we transfer 42km to our hotel in Sapporo city centre.
Sapporo Grand Hotel
Nishi-4-chome 1-jo Kita
Chuou-Ku
Sapporo
Hokkaido
Ph: 0011-81-11-2613311
Fx: 2310388
04/02/2013 Sapporo (BLD)
Olympic Ski in Sapporo
After breakfast we visit the Olympic ski site. Taking a cable car to the top of the mountain, we witness first hand the breathtaking height of the ski jump. The view from the mountains back to Sapporo provides a fantastic panorama. In the afternoon we explore the city centre of Sapporo reaching the top of the TV tower for sunset.
05/02/2013 Sapporo (BLD)
The Snow Festival
The first Sapporo Snow Festival was held in Odori Park in 1950, with only six snow statues made by local high-school students. Since then the Snow Festival has constantly expanded, gaining worldwide recognition. In 1955, five years after the first Snow Festival, the Self Defense Force joined in and built the very first massive snow sculpture, for which the Snow Festival has become famous. Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1972, and the Snow Festival was largely acknowledged around the world through international media. In 1974, the International Snow Sculpture Contest started as part of the Snow Festival. Many overseas countries, including the ones that never receive snow, now compete in the contest every year. Over the next seven days, two million people will attend the 62nd Snow Festival of Sapporo.
This afternoon we visit the wonderful attractions of the Snow Festival.
06/02/2013 Sapporo - Haneda - Singapore (BL)
This morning we visit the beautiful canal city of Otaru before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Narita and Singapore.
Depart Sapporo Japan Airlines JL 518, 17.00
Arrive Haneda 18.40
07/02/2013 Singapore - Australia
Depart Haneda Singapore Air SQ 633, 00.30
Arrive Singapore 06.55
On arrival in Singapore we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
JANUARY 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $13,947.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,195.00
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia, China and Japan
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers (coach and public transport)
* All ground transportation including trains
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* 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 escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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