NORTH KOREA - KIM IL SUNG 100TH BIRTHDAY
A cultural tour of North Korea

April 15th 2012 is the biggest occasion in decades in North Korea – the 100th anniversary of the birth of national founder and eternal President Kim Il Sung. This will be a day celebrated in style and on a massive scale in the capital and this long weekend break to Pyongyang will put you right on the ground in the middle of the action. We’ll see a great deal in the time available including a Mass Games performance, the Kimilsungia flower show, as much mingling with the local citizenry as possible, as well as all the highlights of a regular DPRK tour.

Day 01 April 14 Saturday: 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), expected Mass Games.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (2 nights) (D)
 
Day 02 April 15 Sunday: Pyongyang
Today is the national holiday and the 100th Birthday of President Kim Il Sung.  Visits will be made to Kumsusan Memorial Palace (Mausoleum where President King Il Sung lies in state), Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery – bronze busts of the Koreans who died fighting the Japanese occupation, Kim Il Sung Square – Pyongyang’s largest square in the heart of the city.  Mansudae Grand Monument (Giant Statue of President Kim Il Sung), Foundation Park, Moranbong Park to mingle with the locals on this most important of national holidays, Kimilsungia Festival (exhibition of flowers named after the late leader).  Evening events including a Mass Dance, which is expected to mark the occasion. (B, L, D)

Day 03 April 16 Monday: Pyongyang/Kaesong (Drive)
After breakfast we head out to visit Mangyongdae Native House (birthplace of Kim Il Sung), Pyongyang Metro (extended ride on the world’s deepest underground system), Juche Tower (panoramic views of Pyongyang from 150m up), Monument to Party Foundation - commemorates the 50 years of Workers' Party rule. Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Korean War Museum), Pyongyang Golden Lane (ten pin bowling alley, great for mixing with the citizenry), Foreign Languages Bookshop, walking in the city centre to soak up the holiday atmosphere.   Drive to Kaesong.
Overnight: Minsok Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04 April 17 Tuesday: Kaesong/Pyongyang (Drive)
Another exciting day awaits us as we visit Panmunjom/DMZ (the demarcation line between North and South Korea), Koryo Museum (relics of the ancient city), a local park and pavilions, Tomb of King Kongmin (dynastic king of Korea).  Concrete Wall (observation post deep in the DMZ where you can view South Korean positions and see the anti-tank barrier which stretches across the peninsular).  Late afternoon we return to Pyongyang to visit Kaeson Youth funfair (best evening entertainment in the city!)
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 05 April 18 Wednesday: Pyongyang/Nampo (Drive)
Today’s tour includes Museum of Metro Construction (enormous museum showing the efforts to build the underground, contains amazing panoramas and much more). Mansudae Art Studio (where posters, statues, and propaganda are produced), USS Pueblo (American spy ship captured in 1968).  Afternoon departs for Nampo (major port city on the West coast of the DPRK) where our hot spa resort is located.
Overnight: Ryanggang Hot Spa Resort (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 06 April 19 Thursday: Nampo/Mt. Myohyang (Drive)
After breakfast we depart to visit West Sea Barrage (8km long land reclamation project), Mt. Kuwol, Woljong Buddhist Temple, Sinchon Town, Atrocities Museum (museum detailing alleged massacre in this area during the Korean War), picnic in Sinchon before driving to Sariwon (city in the centre of the country) to visit Sariwon Folk Village.  Late afternoon head for Mt. Myohyang via Ryongmun Caves (underground grottoes)
Overnight: Chongchon Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 07 April 20 Friday: Mt. Myohyang/Pyongyang (Drive)
This morning’s tour starts with International Friendship Exhibition (subterranean halls of gifts from around the world to the DPRK’s leaders), Pohyon Buddhist Temple (ancient temple in the mountain). Return to Pyongyang via Paradise brewery (try the local brew!)
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
 
Day 08 April 21 Saturday: 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 do not allow US passport holders to take this overnight train. As such USA 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 09 April 22 Friday:  Arrive Beijing
At approximately 0835hrs we are scheduled to arrive at Beijing Central Railway Station.

This is where our tour ends.

Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Apr 14
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) Train ticket Pyongyang-Beijing Tip for the guides (approx USD 100.00) Meals as mentioned (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) Meals on the train Accommodation as mentioned or similar Entry tickets for Mass Games Entrance fees Lift up the Juche Tower USD 15.00 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 2012 US $ 3660 US $ 660 IMPORTANT NOTES: The program is subject to change without prior notice. Pre-tour meeting on Friday 13 April, 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
Please call for details....
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.