TRAVELS CHINA FOR FAMILIES: A TOUR OF CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS, PANDAS AND YANGZI RIVER. with Erez Manela, Professor of History

Transcription

1 TRAVELS 2013 CHINA FOR FAMILIES: A TOUR OF CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS, PANDAS AND YANGZI RIVER with Erez Manela, Professor of History June 26, July 7, 2013

2 CHINA FOR FAMILIES TRIP OVERVIEW A TOUR OF CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS, PANDAS AND YANGZI RIVER June 26, July 7, 2013 DISCOVER THE PAST AND PRESENT OF CLASSICAL CHINA... On this specially-designed family program, join fellow Harvard alumni and professor of history, Erez Manela on an exploration of China s magnificent civilization. With a view to amaze travelers young and old, this tour places you right in the middle of effusive Chinese charm. Each day you ll enjoy activities that bring out the local color of Chinese life, especially tailored for families who enjoy learning new things. In Beijing, witness the spectacular imperial architecture of the Forbidden City and visit the renowned Great Wall of China. Children will fly kites at the Temple of Heaven and observe the dedicated students at the Beijing Martial Arts Academy. In Xian, the Qin dynasty emerges before your eyes with Emperor Qin Shi Huang s Terracotta Warriors. A tour highlight will certainly be at the Chongqing Zoo and interacting with the lovable giant pandas, an unforgettable experience for everyone. During your 3-night cruise, the carved valleys and towering mountains of the Yangzi River will leave you speechless. And in Shanghai witness the marvelous dynamism of the city as it pursues world-class status. All along the way, Professor Manela and your resourceful local guides will provide insightful commentary that gives context to the China you will see. This is a special opportunity to see the marvels of this great civilization through your children s eyes and create family memories for a lifetime. TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

3 HARVARD STUDY LEADER PROFESSOR EREZ MANELA Professor Manela is a historian of the United States in the world and of modern international history. His research has spanned much of the twentieth century, from World War I and its aftermath to the late Cold War, and his publications include The Wilsonian Moment (2007) and The Shock of the Global (2010). At Harvard he directs the Program on Global Society and Security at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and also co-chairs the International & Global History program in the History Department. His most recent research seeks to reexamine the Sino-American alliance in World War II, and what it meant to both Americans and Chinese. Manela has lectured across the U.S. and elsewhere, including in Australia, China, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and the U.K. He has spent time in recent summers teaching and conducting research in China, sometimes with his family in tow. FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

4 SCHEDULE BY DAY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 THURSDAY, JUNE 27 U.S. BEIJING Depart the U.S. on flights to Beijing, arriving in China the next day. Transfer to the hotel, located in the heart of Beijing. (MEALS ALOFT) Overnight: Grand Hotel FRIDAY JUNE 28 BEIJING After breakfast, visit the National Museum by Tiananmen Square. The largest museum in the world today, it houses the finest art and antiquities of China. Next, explore Beijing s picturesque Houhai district, where well-preserved courtyard homes and narrow hutong alleys border tree-lined lakes. Tour the district by pedicab for a closer and more engaging experience of traditional Chinese life. Later, divide into smaller groups to enjoy a lunch at the private homes of local families. In the afternoon, tour the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest cultural expressions of the Ming dynasty. Then fly kites in the open temple grounds with a Chinese kite master. This evening, savor the imperial city s most famous delicacy, Peking duck, at the China Lounge Restaurant. (B,L,D) Overnight: Grand Hotel SATURDAY, JUNE 29 BEIJING In the morning, visit the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of Imperial China. One of the great achievements of civilization, its construction employed hundreds of thousands of workers between 1406 and Marvel at its expansive architecture, magnificent imperial gardens, and many museums of Chinese antiquities and treasures. Enjoy Sichuan cuisine at lunch. In the afternoon visit the beautiful grounds of the Summer Palace. Saunter through the exquisite royal gardens and cruise on lovely Kunming Lake. Also walk the Painted Gallery, the longest garden walkway in China, famous for its lake views. Tonight is free and dinner is on your own. You may consider going to a performance at the new National Grand Theatre. Designed by the French architect Paul Andreau, the Big Egg took ten years to construct and is the most expensive theatre ever built in the world. (B,L) Overnight: Grand Hotel SUNDAY JUNE 30 BEIJING In the morning, drive to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a rugged section of the Wall that offers less crowded access and a more striking perspective of the surrounding hills. You may take the chairlift up to the summit. Scholars estimate that the Wallonce stretched for 3,700 miles, passing through sixteen provinces. Children and adults alike may enjoy an Alpine Slide coming downhill after hiking the Wall. Lunch is at a nearby restaurant famous for farmers fresh produce and local flavors. Dinner is at the newly opened Ken de Rouge restaurant, beautifully designed by Chinese architect, Gu Peng and featuring fine fusion cuisine. (B,L,D) Overnight: Grand Hotel MONDAY JULY 1 BEIJING/XIAN This morning fly to the ancient Tang dynasty capital of Xian. Upon arrival, tour the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta warriors, the tomb of China s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The warriors still stand on the original site of the emperor s burial complex, where peasants discovered them in Before dinner, stroll Xian's Muslim Street and visit its Grand Mosque. Chinese Muslim culture traces its heritage from the once flourishing Silk Road culture of the Tang dynasty. The day concludes with a Dumpling Banquet, featuring 20 varieties of traditional Chinese dumplings. (B,L,D) Overnight: Hilton Hotel TUESDAY, JULY 2 XIAN/CHONGQING Fly to Chongqing. After lunch, visit the pandas at Chongqing Zoo. Placed amid rolling hills and beautiful natural scenery, the zoo houses more than 2,000 animals of over 200 different species. The Panda House covers two hectares with a large open den for pandas to roam around. Other rare animals such as golden monkeys and South China tigers find their homes here. Following dinner, board the Yangzi cruise ship. (B,L,D) Aboard Victoria Anna WEDNESDAY, JULY 3- THURSDAY, JULY 4 YANGZI RIVER CRUISE The main focus of the cruise is the extraordinary Three Gorges -- the deep valleys and towering mountains carved by the Yangzi River. Each day enjoy special excursions on shore, including visits to the Fengdu Ghost City and the Lesser Gorge Daninghe. Tour the immense Three Gorges Dam FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

5 French Concession with European style villas and church. Stop by the lively Taikang Market Street with boutique shops, galleries and cafes. Visit the Silk Factory where you will see the old silk production. The silk shop features fine silk garment, ties, dresses and souvenirs. Lunch is at the popular Lv Bo Lang Restaurant featuring Shanghai Dim Sum. Then immerse yourself in the wonderful collections of the Shanghai Museum, including its world-class displays of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Later, ride on the magnetic levitation train, or Maglev, that reaches 260 miles an hour, arriving at Pudong Airport in eight minutes (normally an hour s drive by car!) This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Dingxiang Restaurant. Here, Shanghai cuisine is the specialty. (B,L,D) Overnight: Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel SUNDAY, JULY 7 SHANGHAI U.S. After breakfast, transfer to the Shanghai airport for flight home. Arrive at the U.S. the same day. (B, MEALS ALOFT) construction site at Sandouping and sail through the new ship-locks. (B,L,D - both days) Aboard Victoria Anna FRIDAY, JULY 5 YICHANG/SHANGHAI Disembark the ship in Yichang after lunch. Then fly to Shanghai in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for you and your family to enjoy. You have the option to explore Xintiandi in downtown Shanghai. Designed by MIT architect Ben Wood, Xintiandi is a $200 million two-block entertainment environment with modern restaurants, clubs, cafes and boutiques. (B,L) Overnight: Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel SATURDAY, JULY 6 SHANGHAI In the morning, tour Yuyuan Gardens, an elegant southern literati garden. Enjoy the Chinese love of porous rockeries and zigzag bridges. Walk the historic HIGHLIGHTS Walk on top of the world famous Great Wall of China, and then take the Alpine slide down! Fly kites with a Chinese kite master and have lunch at the home of a local family in the Hutong District. Tour the ancient burial complex where the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta warriors still stand today. Watch the playful antics of pandas at the Chongqing Zoo. Cruise the Yangzi through the spectacular Three Gorges. Marvel at the world-class displays of Chinese bronze, jade, pottery, ceramics, painting, and calligraphy at the Shanghai Museum. Ride on the cutting-edge German technology magnetic levitation train.

6 OPTIONAL EXTENSION TOURS CHENGDE JUNE Arrive in China a few days early and experience the grandeur of one of China s greatest cultural landmarks, the Qing dynasty Summer Palace at Chengde. The garden complex includes imperial halls, southern-style lake gardens, Mongolian yurts and a wooded hillside with numerous pavilions. Eight Tibetan Buddhist temples, each one architecturally unique, were built just beyond the palace; five of the temples remain. Price: $1,155 per person based on double occupancy, $495 for single supplement HUANG MOUNTAINS & HUIZHOU CULTURE JULY 7 11 This five-day extension focuses on Anhui Province and its idyllic landscape of rice paddies, Ming and Qing dynasty villages and old town centers. Discover traditional Anhui life, regional architecture and museums and the crown jewels of the region, the Huang Mountains. The beauty of granite precipices towering above the morning valley clouds has provided inspiration for Chinese artists for centuries. On foot and by cable car, explore the mountains gorgeous views. Price: $1,995 per person based on double occupancy, $895 for single supplement GUILIN, YANGSHUO, AND LONGSHENG JULY 7 11 This five-day exploration focuses on the sublime scenery of Guilin, Longsheng and the famous Li River. Known for rice terraces cut into precipitous hills since the Yuan dynasty, Longsheng s beauty is awe-inspiring. Take in the famous spectacular karst limestone formations of Guilin, vertical mountains thrust up from the seabed some 300 million years ago. Cruise down the Li River, winding past the ancient villages at Mural Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, Crescent Moon Hill, and many more. Price: $2,095 per person based on double occupancy, $995 for single supplement PRICING: MAIN TOUR Adult, double occupancy: $6,195 Single Supplement: $1,585 Children under 17, double occupancy: $5,795 Children under 17, triple rate: $5,695 (rate applies to third child in room) GENERAL INFORMATION TRAVEL IN CHINA: The schedule will be demanding with moderate physical activities. Travel in China will require good physical condition and health (special needs must be pre-arranged and may result in additional cost), a spirit of adventure, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor. TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Double occupancy accommodations in centrally located, first class hotels; Double occupancy accomodations on deluxe Victoria Cruise ship-victoria Anna; All meals listed in the itinerary, at fine Chinese restaurants specializing in regional cuisines or in private homes; All sightseeing, entertainment, and cultural activities listed in the itinerary; All air and ground transportation within China; Chinese airport taxes; English-speaking Chinese National and local tour guides; Harvard Study Leader; $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance; Gratuities to National guides, local guides and drivers; Preparatory material. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: Domestic U.S. and international airfare; Airport transfers and porterage; Gratuities on extension tours; Visa processing; Meals not listed in the itinerary; Excess baggage charges; Travel insurance; Items of a personal nature; RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, and must be paid in check. Payment terms will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation from our partner tour operator. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be made in writing to the Harvard Alumni Association. Cancellation penalties based on the date of receipt of written notice are as follows: 91 or more days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of $500 per person is retained; days prior to departure, $1,500 per person; days prior to departure, $2,500 per person; 30-0 days prior to departure, no refund is made. Cancellation fees increase as the trip departure date approaches. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at INTERNATIONAL AIR ARRANGEMENTS: Roundtrip International Air is available through AirTreks. For pricing, please contact AirTreks directly at or at china-advocates@airtreks.com. Air cancellations and penalities are based on each carrier and ticket. Be sure to review these policies before purchasing air via AirTreks. CHANGES IN ITINERARY AND COSTS: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of HAA Travels and the tour operator. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfare and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change. While the tour operator will do everything possible to maintain the published trip price, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge. INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by the HAA upon confirmation. RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at family-china If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at or DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. HAA Travels nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to change. QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at or , haatravels@harvard.edu. TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

7 HAA TRIPS REGISTRATION FORM LAND & RAIL: THE BEST OF PATAGONIA, BUENOS AIRES AND SANTIAGO NOV 2-16, 2012 MARK VAN BAALEN MYSTICAL INDIA JAN 3-20, 2013 SUE SCHOPF EXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODA FEB 22-MAR 7, 2013 THE LANDSCAPES OF ARGENTINA: BUENOS AIRES, MENDOZA AND THE LAKE DISTRICT MAR 12-23, 2013 DIANA SORENSEN BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE APR 14-27, 2013 JONATHAN LOSOS THE BEST OF BOTSWANA: HARVARD UNIVERSITY ACCESSIBLE PROGRAM APR 19-MAY 5, 2013 THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ROMANOVS: FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF DYNASTY MAY 2-14, 2013 MOROCCAN DISCOVERY MAY 11-24, 2013 CHARLES COGAN SILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE STANS, KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, UZBEKISTAN, TAJIKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN MAY 25-JUN 12, 2013 LAURA ADAMS HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS MAY 31-JUN 14, 2013 MONGOLIA JUN 1-14, 2013 MARK ELLIOTT THE BALKANS UNVEILED JUN 4-19, 2013 DAVID ELMER EXPLORING ICELAND JUN 8-18, 2013 TANZANIA SAFARI & RWANDA GORILLA TREKKING JUN 11-27, 2013 DANIEL LIEBERMAN CRUISES: SPLENDORS OF INDIA WITH SRI LANKA & MALDIVES ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY NOV 18-DEC 5, 2012 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA ON CORINTHIAN II DEC 30, JAN 11, 2013 MICHAEL MCELROY BELIZE & GUATEMALA ON YORKTOWN JAN 12-19, 2013 BRIAN FARRELL HISTORY & GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN: ROUND-TRIP ANTIGUA ON SEA CLOUD II JAN 13-20, 2013 JOYCE CHAPLIN & DAVID ARMITAGE BRUNEI TO BALI ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY FEB 11-27, 2013 MARK VAN BAALEN AFRICA GRAND VOYAGE FROM CAPE TOWN TO CASABLANCA ON CORINTHIAN FEB 17-MAR 24, 2013 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND FEB 24-MAR 10, 2013 JOCK PHILIPS DUTCH & FLEMISH LANDSCAPES: THE NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM ON ALMALYRA APR 13-23, 2013 ROBERT KIELY PAPUA NEW GUINEA, YAP & PALAU ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY APR 16-MAY 2, 2013 SCOTT EDWARDS UNDISCOVERED LANDSCAPES AND ANCIENT CITIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ON CORINTHIAN APR 20-30, 2013 ROGER OWEN ECHOES OF THE PAST: REMEMBERING THE CIVIL WAR, A VOYAGE BETWEEN SAVANNAH AND RICHMOND ON YORKTOWN MAY 5-15, 2013 AMANDA CLAYBAUGH THE BRITISH ISLES ON ISLAND SKY MAY 11-24, 2013 DANIEL ALBRIGHT ARTISTIC TRADITIONS OF KOREA & JAPAN ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY MAY 13-26, 2013 THEODORE & VICTORIA BESTOR TREASURES OF CATALONIA: ROUSILLON, LANGUEDOC AND PROVENCE ON CORINTHIAN MAY 23-JUN 2, 2013 PATRICE HIGONNET SPAIN & PORTUGAL: SHORES OF IBERIA (MALAGA TO BILBAO) ON SEA CLOUD II JUN 2-14, 2013 VERENA & TOM CONLEY CROATIA S IDYLLIC IS- LANDS & DALMATIAN COAST ON CORINTHIAN JUN 19-27, 2013 PETER GALBRAITH SICILY BY SEA ON SEA CLOUD II SEP 21-29, 2013 RIVERS & LAKES: THE ONCE AND FUTURE EGYPT ON SUN BOAT III MAR 12-25, 2013 TAREK SWELIM TREASURES OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND GULF COAST ON YORKTOWN MAR 29-APR 8, 2013 GREAT LAKES GRAND DISCOVERY: A VOYAGE TO THE FIVE INLAND SEAS ON YORKTOWN JUL 29-AUG 8, 2013 PRAGUE TO PARIS WITH A MAIN AND RHINE RIVERS CRUISE ON RIVER CLOUD II OCT 9-22, 2013 INDIA S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGA DEC 30, JAN 17, 2014 DIANA ECK FAMILY ADVENTURES: FAMILY TANZANIA SAFARI DEC 26, 2012 JAN 7, 2013 KAREN KRAMER SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI MAR 15-23, 2013 GREGORY NAGY WINTER IN THE WEST: A COLORADO FAMILY GETAWAY MAR 16-23, 2013 FAMILY TURKEY JUN 22- JUL 4, 2013 JOHN JAY ELLISON SPORTS EVENTS: THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT APR 10-13, 2013 THE 139TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 2-5, 2013 To register, fill out this form and return to HAA travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAATravels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA Or by FAX: Please call with any questions: or I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE EXTENSIONS PRE-CHENGDE POST-HUANG MNTS POST-GUILIN

8 HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR CAMBRIDGE, MA BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH THE HAA TODAY! Call or visit us at alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Oakland, CA Permit No. 379