NORTH KOREA - A WORLD OF ITS OWN
A cultural tour of North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) is a world so different from not only its southern cousin, but also from any other country on our planet. A world of and on its own, North Korea offers a glimpse on the impact the governing ideology has on the lives of the people. This is a journey into a state system that is alien to most of us giving us an opportunity to appreciate what we have and what we don’t.

Day 01 September 07 Sunday: Arrive Beijing
Our journey to North Korea begins with our arrival in Beijing China, where we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Jianguo Garden Hotel, Beijing (2 nights)

Day 02 September 08 Monday: Beijing
Although Beijing is a city that has much on offer, including several World Heritage Sites, we have to keep this day free in order to get our visas to the DPRK. Our local agent may be able to do this without our personal presence, which would allow time to enjoy Beijing. (B)

Day 03 September 09 Tuesday: Beijing / Pyongyang (Flight)
Morning flight from Beijing to Pyongyang (flight time: 1.5 hours) with the delight of Air Koryo in-flight service meal (!) We will be met by our guides at the airport and taken by coach to our hotel to check in. The first stop will be at Mansudae Grand Monument to pay respects to the late President Kim il Sung at the 20 metre bronze tower of him. Good opportunity to take pictures of the city from here. We will have a drive and walk around Pyongyang to get our bearings and visit the Arch of Triumph. The evening we will have the opportunity to attend the MASS GAME (optional) – a stunning show, making the Olympic opening ceremony look like a school play.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 04 September 10 Wednesday: Pyongyang
Up early and onto the coach ride down to Panmunjom/DMZ the border with South Korea. This is one of the highlights of the tour for many people. We will go right down to the border and see the South Korean and maybe American can soldiers on the other side of the small concrete line of demarcation and even cross the border within a small building. You have freedom to take any pictures you want here and you will want to take many! After this excitement we head into the nearby city of Kaesong, an ancient and strategically important town, which somehow avoided being flattened in the Korean War. Here a visit to the Kaesong Koryo Museum will be visited. Afternoon returns to Pyonggyang to visit Mangyongdae Native House and Pyongyang Metro. (B, L, D)

Day 05 September 11 Thursday: Pyongyang/Mount Myohyang (Drive)
Up early for breakfast in the hotel and then out into the city for all the sights and sounds including: The Tower of the Juche (great views from the top), Kumsusan Memorial Palace and Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery. Afternoon visits include: Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Korean War Museum), Monument to Party Foundation, Schoolchildren’s Palace Tour and Performance. Late afternoon depart for Mount Myohang.
Overnight: Hyangsan Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06 September 12 Friday: Mount Myohyang/Pyongyang (Drive)
This morning we visit the remarkable International Friendship Exhibition, cavernous buildings with hundreds of rooms holding hundreds of thousands of gifts from world leaders and groups given to North Koreas Great Leader and Dear Leader. Including train carriages from Mao and Stalin as well as gifts from such international luminaries as Idi Amin, Enver Hoxha, and Ceaucescu, and even Jimmy Carter! After this we stop briefly at a Pohyon Buddhist Temple and then back to Pyongyang to visit the USS Pueblo. A stop will also be made at a book and stamp shop for purchase of souvenirs. This evening is the second optional visit to attend the MASS GAME.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07 September 13 Saturday: Pyongyang/Beijing (Flight)
Transfer to the airport for the return flight back to Beijing. Meet & transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Beijing.
Overnight: Jianguo Garden Hotel, Beijing (1 night) (B)

Day 08 September 14 Sunday: Depart Beijing
After this most unique journey, we bid farewell today as we are transferred to the airport for our flight. (B)

Special Note:
The itinerary as well as visa rules to North Korea can change. Dates for the Mass Games can also change.

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Sept 7, 2008

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International Airfare Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) Departure/borders/airport taxes All sightseeing and transfers with services of local English speaking guides MASS GAME ticket(s) Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary Insurance Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary Visa for China (double entry) Regional air/train tickets required Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Visa fee for North Korea Beverages

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 4385 • CA $ 4385 US $ 800 • CA $ 800

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1400 USA - West Coast US $ 1100 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1450 USA - East Coast US $ 1150

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.