CAREY BAPTIST GRAMMAR PERFORMING ARTS TOUR TO CHINA AND HONG KONG 2019

Transcription

1 CAREY BAPTIST GRAMMAR PERFORMING ARTS TOUR TO CHINA AND HONG KONG 2019 Proposed itinerary and costing Saturday 14 September Depart Melbourne/Arrive Beijing (D) Proposed flights are with Cathay Pacific, via Hong Kong, departing Melbourne at 7.25am and arriving in Beijing at 8.25pm. Meet local guide and transfer by private coach from airport to hotel (6 nights). Welcome dinner. Hotel: Mercure Beijing Downtown (Superior Room) or similar Sunday 15 September In the morning, take a stroll around Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and among the most well-known historical sites in China. Continue on to the Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese political power for almost 500 years and once home to China s last ruling dynasties. Explore its serene courtyards and stately rooms before climbing the artificial coal hill behind it for spectacular views of Beijing s sprawling skyline. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, built by Emperor Qi-anlong as a gift to his mother in the 18th century. Wander through the tranquil grounds where imperial staff would flee from the stifling rooms of the Forbidden City during summer. Grab a refreshing beverage in the shady grounds before wandering through its famous pavilions and scenic lakes. Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. Monday 16 September Full-day exchange activities with partner school (details tbc) including return transfers. In the evening, head out to the Beijing Opera at the Liyuan Theatre, located inside the historical Qianmen Jinguo Hotel, arriving in time to see the performers getting their makeup done and preparing to go onstage.

2 Tuesday 17 September Wednesday 18 September Thursday 19 September Full-day excursion to visit the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China to experience one of the world s most spectacular sights. (possible performance here). After lunch, wander along the Sacred Road and visit the Ming Tombs Beijing Tianjin This morning, travel by bullet train to Tianjin (Melbourne s Sister City) for cultural exchange and performance (tbc). Return to Beijing. This morning, head to the 798 Art District, one of the most popular cultural sites among the youth of Beijing. Once an industrial factory centre, this landmark area has been gentrified and become a place to stroll amongst the art galleries, design shops and western-style cafes. It may be possible to do a performance here (tbc). After spending some time browsing 798, you will go to the Olympic site to view the magnificent architecture created for the 2008 Beijing Olympics before returning to the hotel. (You can take some photo outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube). Then you will be transfer to visit the warren-like Hutongs. You will enjoy a fascinating rickshaw ride to meet a local family for dinner in their home. In this half day tour you will fully experience the daily life of the local people and gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs. Return to hotel after dinner at a local restaurant. Friday 20 September Beijing to Xian (B,L,D) After breakfast today, check out and take a stroll around the Temple of Heaven while learning about its fascinating history as an imperial temple used to pray for good luck for the annual harvest. Learn the philosophy behind its striking architectural design and explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at the temple to take photos or join the locals in an exercise class. Transfer to the airport for flight to Xian (3 nights). In the evening, delve into the rich history of Xi an, once the imperial capital for 13 dynasties by attending the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a spectacular show of ancient music and dance whilst feasting on a delicious dinner. Hotel: Lanxi International Hotel (Standard Room ) or similar

3 Saturday 21 September Xian (B,L,D) Start your day amongst the famous Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. These 6,000 life-size painted terracotta warriors and horses - -individually sculpted from real-life models and arranged in battle formation have been protecting the mausoleum of the first emperor in Chinese history-emperor QinShihuang since 2,200 years ago. Later, pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall. After that take a stroll around the Muslim district of the city and browse its eclectic boutiques and butcher shops. Then wander through the bustling night market and get a taste of hearty local cuisine, feasting on spiced lamb kebabs, flat bread and mutton soup. Sunday 22 September Monday 23 September Xian (B,L,D) Full-day visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (Or musical exchange activity with a local university to be arranged by Shanghai CITS) Xian to Shanghai (B,L,D) Morning flight to Shanghai (4 nights). Check in to the hotel before an afternoon orientation tour to the Bund, Yuyuan Garden and the Old Town. Hotel: Jinjiang Hua Ting Hotel and Towers (Standard Room) Tuesday 24 September Shanghai (B,L,D) Full-day exchange activities with partner school (as arranged by CBGS) including return transfers. In the evening, meet with your guide in the lobby of your hotel before making your way to the Shanghai Circus World, located within the impressive Shanghai International Culture City. Witness spectacular acts, including dancing, martial arts and precision acrobatics, combined into one multi-million dollar extravaganza. Afterwards, meet your guide at the exit before making your way back to the hotel. Wednesday 25 September Shanghai (B,L,D) Full-day exchange activities with partner school. (as arranged by CBGS) including return transfers

4 Thursday 26 September Shanghai (B,L,D) A full sightseeing day with possible performances (tbc) Spend this morning amongst the locals in Shanghai s historic French Concession district, a charming residential enclave with the city s most distinctive architecture. Start your day in Xiangyang Park, one of the many public areas in the French Concession where locals gather for their morning exercise, including Tai Chi. Weave through the chattering crowds of early-risers with your guide, and learn about how parks like this one play an important role in the social lives of Shanghai s retired population. Then, embark on foot down Xiangyang Lu Street toward a nearby crossroads and explore a Russian Orthodox Church and the Mansion Hotel, a building which was once owned by Shanghai s biggest crime boss in the early 20th Century. Afterwards, continue down Xiangyang Lu to sample some fried dumplings at a collection of food stalls before turning the corner into a labyrinth of narrow housing estate alleyways. Along the way, learn about how the establishment of China s Communist era led to the division of these estates floors between families, and see how these ever-growing family units have led to as many as three generations now living in a single room! Then, pass a local wet market and watch as locals bargain for their morning groceries before wrapping up your journey a local bakery s iconic treat - lovingly known as probably the best egg tart in Shanghai. After lunch, we will admire the collections of the Shanghai Museum before wandering around the People s Square. After dinner at a local restaurant, return to your hotel. Friday 27 September Saturday 28 September Shanghai to Hong Kong (B,L,D) Free day in Shanghai before late afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Hong Kong (5 nights). Proposed flight is with Cathay Pacific, departing at 5.45pm and arriving at 8.30pm. Upon arrival in Hong Kong transfer by private coach to accommodation. Hotel: Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees (Standard Room) or similar Hong Kong (B,L,D) Start the day with a half-day orientation tour of Hong Kong. Highlights include the Peak for stunning views of the city and outlying islands; a chance to barter at Stanley Market; and tours of Repulse Bay and Aberdeen. Afternoon possible public performance (details tbc)

5 Sunday 29 September Monday 30 September Tuesday 01 October Wednesday 02 October Hong Kong (B,L,D) Full day Lantao Island Tour to include Tsing-Ma Bridge, Po Lin Monastery, Bronze Giant Buddha and Tai-O Village. Hong Kong (B, L,D) Full day school exchange (as arranged by CBGS) including return transfers Hong Kong (B,L,D) Full day school exchange (as arranged by CBGS) including return transfers Hong Kong (B,L) Morning Half Day Kowloon sightseeing tour to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, Nan Lian Garden and Kowloon Walled City Park (or Jade Market, or Bird Garden, or Avenue of Stars). In the afternoon, visit a street market for some last minute shopping before transferring to Hong Kong International Airport for the overnight flight to Melbourne. Proposed flight is with Cathay Pacific at 7.05pm and arriving in Melbourne at 6.15am next day. Thursday 03 October Arrival in Melbourne.

6 Tour Price based on 45 students in twin/triple-share rooms. AUD 6,285 per student Tour Price Includes : Economy class flights from Melbourne to Beijing, Shanghai to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Melbourne, including taxes (based on 2018 fares and therefore subject to change) Internal flights in China Beijing to Xian and Xian to Shanghai 18 Nights hotel accommodation (4 star) with daily breakfast as per the itinerary Meals B, L & D as per the itinerary All entrance fees English speaking guide throughout Tours and transfers as mentioned in air conditioned vehicles Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time Government taxes and VAT Package Excludes : Musical performances: School Exchange performances & public performances are subject to availability & confirmation. Any applicable costs associated with these are not included. Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary Travel insurance (Carey provides travel insurance up to $20,000 and $5,000 per individual item) Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature Early/late check in/out at Hotel Tips and gratuities Visa fees China and Hong Kong visas must be arranged for non-asean citizens Visa stamp fee at the arrival airport IMPORTANT NOTES (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) : This is a quotation only and no services have been reserved. Pricing and availability of services is subject to change and cannot be confirmed until booked. Costs are based on the current exchange rate of 1AUD = 0.70 USD Postal: PO Box 7457, Hutt Street, South Australia /154 Fullarton Road, Rose Park, SA 5067 t: +61 (08) f: +61 (08) toll free: e: jackie@angastravel.com.au w: abn: licence no: TTA238641