International Orientation Tour: Beijing - EF College Study Tours

International Orientation Tour: Beijing“I can’t imagine running a tour without the EF International OrientationTour experience. I believe our tour will be successful and run muchmore smoothly because of all the great tips I’ve amassed as a result ofthis experience.”Margaret Roman, English Literature professor,College of St. Elizabeth, Morristown, NJThis was a traveling experience that no group leader should miss!What better way to ‘initiate’ a group leader than to have themexperience firsthand what their students will experience?I learned invaluable travel knowledge and made new friends.”Katherine Venemon, Spanish teacher,Century High School, Pocatello, ID

International Orientation Tour:BeijingDay 1Overnight flight • Relax and enjoy the services of a leading airline asyou soar across the Pacific, bound for Beijing.Day 2Arrival in Beijing • Welcome to Beijing, the city that Chairman Maoproclaimed the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Meet your bilingualtour director, who will remain with you throughout your stay,then transfer to your hotel.Welcome dinner • This evening, be our guest at a special welcomedinner. Enjoy dining and conversation as you become acquaintedwith your fellow delegates and EF staff members. (D)Day 3Guided sightseeing of Beijing • An expert local guide introducesyou to the Chinese capital, a treasure chest of imperial monuments.This ancient city first received its modern name when it became thecapital for the second time in Chinese history in 1402 (“Beijing”means “Northern Capital”). See Tiananmen Square (the Gate ofHeavenly Peace), the largest public square in the world. Visit theForbidden City (Gugong), once accessible only to the Emperor.Get a close-up look at the golden-roofed Imperial Palace, one of theworld’s greatest architectural achievements. Hundreds of thousandsof workers labored on the construction of this palatial complex duringthe Ming Dynasty. It was later removed during the 18th century(Qing Dynasty). Although situated in the very heart of Beijing, theForbidden City is surrounded by both a moat and a protective wall.The emperors who once resided here often spent their entire liveswithin the complex — it was not until 1949 that a “commoner” setfoot inside the area. Visit to the Summer Palace Formerly a summerpalace for feudal Emperors, the Summer Palace is a magnificentexample of China’s classical garden architecture. The Palace groundswere originally divided into three sections, one for court activities,one for imperial residence and one for sight-seeing. The Long Corridor,the Paiyun (Cloud-Dispelling) Hall, the Temple of BuddhistVirtue, the Marble Boat, the Xiequ (Harmonious -Interest) Garden,the Zhichun (Spring-Heralding) Pavilion, and the Seventeen-ArchBridge are the palace’s main attractions. (B,D)Day 4EF School Visit • Visit a local school where you will gain insightinto the Chinese educational system. Learn about teaching practicesin China while meeting teachers and students.EF Touring 101 • We kick off the meeting with a keynote address bya representative of EF College Study Tours. During this full-day informationalmeeting, delegates will participate in “EF Touring 101,”an informative workshop featuring discussions with experienced EFGroup Leaders and EF staff. Discover firsthand the nature of EFtours from the people who know them best. Learn practical detailsabout international flights, food and hotels while gaining insightsinto the unique dynamics of group travel. Enjoy an included lunchduring the workshop.Free time in Beijing • Relax this afternoon, as you enjoy some shopping.You may wish to go to the Silk Alley and Friendship Store,where you can get all types of handicrafts and clothes.Kung Fu show • After dinner, prepare to be amazed as you takein this dance spectacular. Telling a story though a mixture of KungFu, dance and acrobatics, this show combines ornate costumes, vibrantset design and gravity-defying Kung Fu moves sure to impress.(B,L,D)Day 5Temple of Heaven Park • Make an early morning visit to the Templeof Heaven Park. Built between 1606 and 1420, the complex ofbuildings that make up the Temple of Heaven cover 273 hectaresand represent the pinnacle of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.In early morning when the air is filled with the fragrance of old cypresses,the temple grounds are full of people practicing a dozen ormore forms of exercise, from qigong of martial arts, opera singing todisco. This is one of the best places in Beijing for people-watching.Excursion to the Great Wall of China • Travel north to Mutianyuto view one of the wonders of the world: the Great Wall of China.Its construction began in the 5th century B.C. as a defense againstthe Mongols: 300,000 people (many of whom are buried in the wall)labored on it over several centuries. Extending across mountains andvalleys for more than 3,000 miles — perhaps only a tenth of itsformer length — the wall is visible from outer space! In fact, if onewere to take all of the stone used in the Great Wall’s construction,one could build another wall — 8 feet high — around the entireglobe.Peking duck farewell dinner • Tonight you will be treated to thesumptuous dish that northern China is famous for: Peking duck!During this special feast, learn about the ritual preparation and savoryside dishes that accompany this regional specialty. (B,D)Day 6Departure • Your tour director assists with your transfer to the airportfor your return flight home. (B)Itinerary is subject to change.Included in the itinerary:• Round-trip airfare on a scheduled airline• All transfers to and from the airport and hotel• Twin room hotel accommodations• Breakfast and dinner daily (lunch on Day 4)• Full time EF Tour DirectorNot included:• Insurance, beverages and lunch (Lunch is included on Day 4 only.)• Customary gratuities for your tour director and driver• Public transportation to free-time activities• Travel visasCNV0210BEI.ORI