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

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

Day 01 August 09 Tuesday: Beijing/Pyongyang (Flight)
This afternoon we take JS152 flight Beijing to Pyongyang which departs at 1300 hrs from Beijing International Airport (PEK, Terminal 2). Arrival at Pyongyang where we meet our North Korean guides who will accompany us during your entire stay.  On the way to the hotel, we will be passing through Arch of Triumph – similar to the French version (but bigger). 
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (D)
 
Day 02 August 10 Wednesday: Pyongyang/Mt. Myohyang (Drive)
Morning’s tour includes Grand People’s Study House, Museum of Korean Revolution, boat cruise to Mangyongdae along Taedong river, Pyongyang Film Studios.  Afternoon we drive to Mt. Myohyang via Ryongmun caves. The view enroute shows us the rural side of North Korea with people working in the fields with very little use of modern machinery
Overnight: Chongchon Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 03 August 11 Thursday: Mt. Myohyang/Pyongyang (Drive)
The insight to the last bastion of communism continues with a visit to the International Friendship Exhibition - a series of enormous subterranean exhibition rooms housing gifts given to the DPRK’s leaders by foreign political figures, notable figures, politicians & organizations.  Next stop is the Pyohon Buddhist Temple, which is the historical holy temple that originates from 1042.  Afternoon return to Pyongyang we visit the Revolutions Exhibition, School-Children’s Palace tour and performance.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04 August 12 Friday: Pyongyang/Mt. Paekdu/(Flight)/Samjiyon (Drive)
A one-hour flight to Mt. Paekdu, where, upon arrival, we drive to the mountain and ascend to the top by funicular railway (highest peak in Korea), picnic lunch at crater lake (highest in the world). Afternoon we visit the Paekdusan Secret Camp (official birthplace of Kim Jong Il), Simyongsu waterfalls, Samjiyon Town.
Overnight: Pegaebong Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 05 August 13 Saturday: Samjiyon/Mt. Paekdu (Drive)/Pyongyang (Flight)
Morning we visit the local Samjiyon School followed by the Samjiyon Grand Monument and then drive to Pochonbo (site of the significant battle between Korean guerilla army and Japanese forces) with a picnic lunch at the battle monument. Afternoon, we return to Samjiyon for the return flight to Pyongyang.  A stop will be made at the Paradise Micro-Brewery & Bar before checking in the hotel.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 06 August 14 Sunday: Pyongyang/Kaesong (Drive)
Morning tour of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace - Mausoleum where President Kim Il Sung lies in state, Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery - bronze busts of the Koreans who died fighting the Japanese occupation, Foreign Language Bookshop to read up on what you are seeing here and buy your souvenirs & etc.   Afternoon we take a 2-3 hours drive to Kaesong - a historical city near the DMZ (de militarized zone)  which escaped being destroyed during the Korean War.  Here we visit the Tomb of King Kongmin - a beautiful twin-domed tomb of the 31st King of the Koryo Dynasty and his Mongolian wife, the local park and pavilion, Koryo Museum – the well preserved Confucian museum in the old part of town.  We experience the traditional Korean style of sleeping, which is on the floor.
Overnight: Minsok Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 07 August 15 Monday: Kaesong/Pyongyang (Drive)
This morning’s tour includes the Panmunjom/DMZ boundary between North and South Korea. Return to Pyongyang to visit Moranbong Park - where the people of Pyongyang go to enjoy their holiday, Juche Tower - 150m stone tower to get with panoramic views of the city. Then we have free time for an option visit to the incredible Mass Dance at the Kim Il Sung Square - Pyongyang’s largest square in the heart of the city. This will be a rare viewing rivaling any of its kind anywhere in the world.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08 August 16 Tuesday: Pyongyang
Today’s visit includes the Fountain Park, Mansudae Grand Monument statue of DPRK President Kim Il Sung. Museum of Metro Construction (shows the efforts of the builders of the Pyongyang Metro “under the guidance of President Kim Il Sung”).  Afternoon visit the Mangyongdae Native House - birthplace of the DPRK founder Kim Il Sung, Mansudae Art Studio - Pyongyang’s centre of artistic excellence. We take a ride on the pride of North Korea the Pyongyang Metro said to be the deepest in the world. Here we get a good opportunity to meet the local folks.  (B, L, D)
 
Day 09 August 17 Wednesday: Pyongyang
Head out to Mt. Ryonggak for a panoramic view of Pyongyang.   Afternoon return to Pyongyang to visit the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Korean War Museum), War Victory Monument Park, Korean Central Art Gallery, Youth Hotel.
(B, L, D)
 
Day 10 August 18 Thursday: Pyongyang/Beijing (Train)
Our North Korean experience comes to an end as we are transferred to the railway station for our overnight train to Beijing. Trains are always a very good way to experience the local culture and get the opportunity to interact with the people. The train departs at 1010 hrs from Pyongyang for China. Afternoon you cross the border at Sinuiju/Dandong and then continue to Beijing.  Be advised that the current rules donot allow US passport holders to take this overnight train. As such US passport holders will be transferred to the airport for flight to Beijing at a cost of $ 250 per person for the airfare. This flight arrives Beijing the same day. Rest of the passengers will overnight in the train.
Overnight: On Train (1 night) (B)

Day 11 August 19 Friday:  Arrive Beijing
At approximately 0835hrs we are scheduled to arrive at Beijing Central Railway Station. This is where our tour ends.

Departure Dates
2011 English Speaking Departures Aug 09
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Air ticket Beijing-Pyongyang (one way) Visa fees (visa for North Korea currently at USD 80.00 payable at the pre tour meeting on August 08. Train ticket Pyongyang-Beijing Tip for the guides (approx USD 100.00) Domestic fights as mentioned in the itinerary Meals on the train Accommodation as mentioned or similar Entry tickets for Mass Games Meals as mentioned (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) Lift up the Juche Tower USD 10.00 Entrance fees   All transfers and sightseeing with English speaking guide.
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 2011 US $ 3995 US $ 880 IMPORTANT NOTES: The program is subject to change without prior notice. Pre-tour meeting on Monday 08 August, 1600 hrs, at our representative office in Beijing, where visas will be picked up plus the air/train tickets, vouchers & etc. Meals will have one complimentary beer. If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements please inform us beforehand. Customize/private programs or other group tour departures are also available. Please contact us for details.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1200 Canada - East Coast US $ 1300 USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 04 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.