Brochure - Conferencing Nomads

Transcription

ITINERARIES
MAIN TOUR
Pg 01-07
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
01–14 Jan
Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Harbin
POST-TOUR 1
Pg 08-12
Trans-Siberian Train Journey [Vladivostok – Irkutsk]
13–22 Jan
Vladivostok, Ulan-Ude, Listvyanka, Irkutsk
POST-TOUR 2
Pg 13-19
Trans-Siberian Train Journey [Irkutsk – Moscow]
21–30 Jan
Yekaterinburg and Moscow
Booking Details
Pg 20
MAIN TOUR
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
1–14 January 2017
DAY 1
Arrival Guangzhou– Changsha
Mon 2 Jan
Depart Australia on Sunday 1 January for Guangzhou. On arrival the next morning, we will take a connecting
flight to Changsha. On arrival in Changsha, check in at the Sheraton Hotel for two nights.
After lunch, we will embark on a city tour by a visit to the Municipal Museum which some consider to be a shrine
to Mao Zedong. The museum also houses the former site of the Hunan CCP Committee where Mao lived from
1921 to 1923 while secretly running the local CCP. From here, we will visit the old city walls, which once stretched
for 9km around ancient Changsha. We end the tour by a visit to the Yuelu Academy established as one of
China’s four institutions of higher learning in AD976.
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel, Changsha
(L)
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/contact.html?propertyID=1705
DAY 2
Shaoshan
Tue 3 Jan
Delegates only: Morning Conference Session 1 (including morning tea)
After lunch at our hotel, we will leave for the pretty hamlet of
Shaoshan, the birthplace of Mao, where millions of people make
pilgrimage each year to pay their respects.
The first destination will be the Dripping Water Cave where Mao
secluded himself for 11 days in June 1966 to contemplate the start of
the Cultural Revolution.
1
From here, we will head to the residence of Mao Zedong. Surrounded by lotus ponds and rice paddies, this
modest mud-brick house is like millions of other country homes except that Mao was born here in 1893. Not far
away from the residence, stands the ancestral temple of Mao family where in 1925, Chairman Mao had
established an evening school during the Peasants Movement.
This evening, we will enjoy our welcome dinner at one of the largest restaurants in the world boasting a seating
capacity of 5,000! The Xihulou restaurant covers an area of about 5.8 hectares and employs 300 chefs!
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel, Changsha
DAY 3
(B L D)
Changsha– Zhangjiajie
Wed 4 Jan
After lunch at the hotel, we will transfer to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, check in at our hotel for three nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Pullman, Zhangjiajie
(B L D)
http://www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-7934-pullman-zhangjiajie/index.shtml
2
DAY 4
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Thu 5 Jan
After breakfast, we will head to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Truly one of the most remarkable
landscapes in China, the UNESCO-protected Park has a concentration of quartz-sandstone formations found
nowhere else in the world. The incredible collection of karst pinnacles in this unique Park do indeed resemble a
scene from another world making the China's tourism industry promoting its supposed connection with the
floating mountains on Pandora in the film Avatar!
Our first destination will be Huangshi Village providing the first opportunity for a birds’-eye view of the majestic
spires. From here, we will follow the Golden Whip Stream Scenic Route, a flat path meandering along its
namesake stream, famous for its exquisite forests, odd-shaped peaks and rocks, beautiful canyons, limestone
caves, and the breath-taking panoramic views.
DAY 5
(B L D)
Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve
Fri 6 Jan
After breakfast, our first destination will be the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve also known as the “Son of heaven”.
On the way back, we will visit the Ten Li Gallery, likened to a "painting" produced by the Great Nature!
(B L D)
3
DAY 6
Tianmen Mountain – Changsha – Harbin
Sat 7 Jan
After breakfast, we will visit the Tianmen Mountain or as it is fondly called the ‘Heaven's Door Mountain’on the
world’s longest aerial tramway ride taking about 30 minutes and covering over 7 km!
After lunch, we will drive to the Changhsa Airport for our flight to Harbin. On arrival late evening in Harbin, we
will transfer to the Shangri-La hotel for 6 nights.
Accommodation: Shangri-La hotel
(B L)
http://www.shangri-la.com/harbin/shangrila/
DAY 7
Harbin
Sun 8 Jan
The afternoon is at leisure.
In the evening we will have our first taste of one of the finest and largest ice festivals anywhere in the world.
Harbin’s main claim to fame these days, the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, has been held since 1963 and attracts
huge number of people from around the globe despite the freezing cold conditions and it’s well worth braving
the cold!
Carved by around 15,000 workers and designed by local engineering students, the amazing array of fanciful
and elaborate snow and ice sculptures, including re-creations of iconic buildings and structures, is sure to
mesmerize you! The festival takes place in multiple locations throughout Harbin and this evening we will visit the
Ice Lantern Fair in Zhaolin Park to admire the beautifully lit ice lanterns creating a truly magical atmosphere.
(B)
4
DAY 8
Harbin
Mon 9 Jan
After breakfast, we will visit Gogol Street to admire the beautiful Russian-style architecture. Historically, the city
has been immensely influenced by neighbouring Russia, in particular after the Russian Revolution of 1917
when the White Russians escaped the newly formed Soviet Union. This influence remains clearly visible in
Harbin’s building styles that have been left untouched since the Russians left.
From here, we will visit the Jile Temple, the largest Buddhist building complex in Harbin, with an active Buddhist
community in residence.
After lunch, we will experience the most obvious legacy of Russia’s involvement with Harbin when we visit
Zhongyang (Central Street). This cobblestone-lined street serves as a perfect remnant of the bustling business
activities at the turn of the 20th century. The street is a veritable museum of European architectural style
including Baroque and Byzantine facades and Jewish architectural wonders.
We will then visit the Church of St Sophia, one of the few still standing Russian Orthodox churches in the city.
Despite its unrestored interior, the Harbin’s most famous landmark, now converted into the Harbin Museum of
Architecture, doesn’t fail to evoke a faded glamour of days gone by.
DAY 9
(B L D)
Harbin
Tue 10 Jan
Today, we will first visit the New Synagogue, built in 1921 by the city’s Jewish community largely comprising
Russian emigrants, and later the Heilongjiang Yilan Folk Museum.
After lunch, we will visit the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. Held on Sun Island, it features a display of
high quality sculptures of intriguing designs.
(B L D)
5
DAY 10
Harbin
Wed 11 Jan
After lunch, we will visit the Japanese Germ Warfare Experimental Base (Division 731). Unit 731 was a covert
biological and chemical warfare research and development unit of the Imperial Japanese Army that
undertook lethal human experimentation during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War of World War II. It was responsible
for some of the most notorious war crimes carried out by Japan with several thousand people dying here in the
most gruesome fashion.
DAY 11
(B L D)
Harbin
Thu 12 Jan
Today’s morning will be spent by being up close with the majestic animals of the Siberian tiger park. The park
has been established with the mission to breed, release and ultimately save the world's rarest animals and
largest felines from extinction.
Afternoon is free for us to relax and explore Harbin on our own.
This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner. Following the dinner, we will leave for the Ice and Snow World
which showcases the flashiest and most neck-craning sculptures of the festival! It is a set of ice and snow
animation and show, ice acrobatics and sculpture exhibition and a perfect fusion of science, art and culture.
When night falls, the illuminated Ice and Snow World is a sight to behold.
DAY 12
(B D)
Departure
Fri 13 Jan
After breakfast, we will leave for the airport. Delegates who are heading back to Australia will fly via
Guangzhou reaching Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane on Saturday 14 January.
Delegates embarking on Post-Tour 1 Trans-Siberian Train Journey Vladivostok – Irkutsk will fly to Vladivostok.
6
COST of Main Tour and Post-Tour 1 & 2
Please visit www.conferencingnomads.com
and complete and submit the “Register your Interest” form
to receive all costs.
For any questions, please contact Dr Nighat Faruqi
[email protected]
+61 (0)422 063 743
TRIP INCLUSIONS

4 conference sessions for delegates only

11 nights’ accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned in the itinerary or similar on a twin
share basis

Economy class airfares: China Southern Airlines Sydney/Melbourne to Changsha and Harbin to
Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane via Guangzhou; and Sichuan Airlines Changsha to Harbin
(airlines/airfares/taxes subject to change)

Daily buffet breakfasts; 9 lunches and 8 dinners (including Welcome and Farewell dinners) mostly in
hotels

All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads

All sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary in air-conditioned coaches

Bilingual local guides

Accompanying Conferencing Nomad’s staff

Porterage and tips to drivers and guides.
TRIP EXCLUSIONS (ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE POST-TOURS)

Domestic airfares and accommodation within Australia, where needed (delegates from cities where
China Southern Airlines do not depart from will need to purchase domestic airfares)

Meals and drinks not indicated in the itinerary

Optional tours / activities other than those specified

Items of a personal nature, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar etc.

Travel insurance (compulsory)

Visas for China and Russia, where applicable; anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions.
For Post-Tours 1 and 2, please see Pages 8-19
For Booking details, please see Page 20
7
POST-TOUR 1
Trans-Siberian Train Journey (Vladivostok-Irkutsk)
13 – 22 January 2017
DAY 1
Harbin–Vladivostok
Fri 13 Jan
At the conclusion of the Main Tour, we will fly from Harbin to Vladivostok. A rapidly developing metropolis
combining Oriental flare with European sophistication, Vladivostok –‘The Mighty East’– is a real stunner.
Founded in 1860 as a military
outpost,
its
outstanding
natural harbour soon brought
it prosperity as a trading port
and it is now home to the
Russian Pacific fleet.
On our arrival in Vladivostok,
we will be transferred to our
hotel for two nights.
Accommodation:
Hotel
Hyundai, Vladivostok
(B)
http://www.hotelhyundai.ru/en
8
DAY 2
Vladivostok
Sat 14 Jan
After lunch, we will start our city tour with a visit to the Vladivostok Fortress museum overlooking the
Sportivnaya Harbour. We will continue to the Eagle’s Nest Mount – the highest point of the old city which
offers a magnificent bird’s eye-view over the entire city and the Golden Horn Bay. We will walk along the
central streets absorbing the beautiful architecture of churches and other historic buildings including The
Triumphal Gates of Nikolai built in honour of Crown Prince Nikolay Romano’s visit to Vladivostok. In 1927, the
arch was blown up destroying any reminder of the tsarist regime and today, its replica decorates the square
next to the submarine.
In the evening, we will enjoy a colourful Russian folklore performance showcasing the traditional lady dress of
old Russia – Sarafan, followed by dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Hyundai, Vladivostok
DAY 3
(B L D)
On board the train to Ulan-Ude
Sun 15 Jan
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the Vladivostok train station for the start of our epic westward TransSiberian journey covering more than 9,000 km of track affording us with an experience of a lifetime!
We will board our train and for the next 60 hours, this will be our home. We will settle into life on the train
amongst our fellow travellers as we watch, through the windows of our comfortable train, the grand snowcovered Siberian land glide by and locals going about their everyday lives….
Accommodation: Trans-Siberian train
(B)
9
DAY 4
On board the train to Ulan-Ude
Mon 16 Jan
DAY 5
Ulan-Ude
Tue 17 Jan
Late evening we arrive in Ulan-Ude. Along the eastern shore of Lake Baikal, the charming capital of the
Republic of Buryatia, home to Russia’s largest Buddhist population, offers a fascinating Mongol-Buddhist
culture and is easily one of Eastern Siberia’s most likeable cities.
Accommodation: Mergen Bator hotel, Ulan-Ude
http://mergenbator.ru/eng/index.wbp
DAY 6
Ulan-Ude
Wed 18 Jan
After breakfast, we will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region! We will visit the indigenous people, the
Buryats, learning about their culture and how they survive in such a harsh environment.
We will visit the Ivolginsky Datsan (Buddhist temple) which nowadays houses the residence of the Head of
Russian Buddhist church.
On our return to Ulan-Ude in the evening, we will have a leisurely dinner and later transfer to the station for our
overnight train to Irkutsk.
DAY 7
(B L D)
Irkutsk – Listvyanka
Thu 19 Jan
Early in the morning we arrive in Irkutsk, the de facto pleasantly historic capital of Eastern Siberia. We will
check-in at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and have a relaxing breakfast before our morning conference.
After lunch, we will tour Irkutsk, renowned for its ornately carved wooden house, with a visit to the historic city
centre. Later, we will drive to the neighbouring lakeside village of Listvyanka stopping en route at the open air
Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture, a unique storage of history and culture of the peoples of Eastern
Siberia.
Accommodation: Krestovaya pad Hotel, Listvyanka
http://en.krestovayapad.ru/
(B L D)
10
DAY 8
Listvyanka – Irkutsk
Fri 20 Jan
Listvyanka is where we will be having fun on top of the frozen Lake Baikal – The Pearl of Siberia. UNESCO-listed
Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake on earth and in the winter, it can freeze to a depth of six feet,
making it possible to walk and drive on it! This morning, we will have the opportunity to board a hovercraft for
an adventurous tour along the lake’s frozen shore and do thrilling dog sledding on forest tracks.
After lunch, we will return to Irkutsk and continue with the city tour including a visit to the Volkonsky Mansion.
Home of Decembrist Count Sergei Volkonsky, the house is now a museum telling the story of the family's exile in
Irkutsk.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Irkutsk
(B L)
http://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/iktcy-courtyard-irkutsk-city-center/
11
DAY 9
Departure
Sat 21 Jan
After breakfast, delegates returning to Australia will be transferred to the Irkutsk airport for their flight home via
Moscow and Singapore reaching Australia on Sunday 22 January.
Early in the morning, delegates undertaking Post-Tour 2 Trans-Siberian Train Journey Irkutsk – Moscow will
depart to the Irkutsk railway station for their train to Yekaterinburg. (B)
TRIP INCLUSIONS

5 nights’ accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned in the itinerary or similar on a twin share
basis; 3 nights’ accommodation aboard the trans-Siberian train on quad-share basis

Economy class airfares: China Southern Airlines Harbin to Vladivostok; Siberian Airlines Irkutsk to Moscow
and Singapore Airlines Moscow to Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Adelaide/Perth via Singapore
(airlines/airfares/taxes subject to change)

Daily breakfasts only in hotels, 4 lunches and 3 dinners

All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads, sightseeing
and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary

Bilingual train escort and local guides

Accompanying Conferencing Nomad’s staff

Porterage at hotels, where available

Tips to drivers and guides.
12
POST-TOUR 2
Trans-Siberian Train Journey (Irkutsk-Moscow)
21 – 30 January 2017
DAY 1
On board the train to Yekaterinburg
Sat 21 Jan
Today, we will have an early morning departure to the Irkutsk railway station for the beginning of another
thrilling train journey adventure! We will settle into life on board on our way to Yekaterinburg witnessing Russia’s
great diversity as town after town and the seemingly endless Siberian ‘taiga’ pass us by.
(B)
13
DAY 2
On board the train to Yekaterinburg
Sun 22 Jan
Today, we spend another relaxing day on the train enjoying the beautiful Siberian village scenery outside.
DAY 3
Yekaterinburg
Mon 23 Jan
Early morning arrival in Yekaterinburg and transfer to our hotel for an early check-in. After a short rest and
breakfast, we will start exploring the political capital of the Ural Mountains named after Yekaterina, the wife of
Peter the Great.
Simply overflowing with history and culture, Yekaterinburg offers many delightful sights. The morning tour will
include many such sights at the historical city square as well as the Merchant Agafurov mansion, Opera and
Ballet Theatre and Sevastyanov’s Estate. Being unarguably the most beautiful building in the city, the
Sevastyanov’s Estate served as President Medvedev's residence until summer 2010.
After lunch, we will visit the Byzantine-style Church upon the Blood built on the spot where the Ipatiev House
once stood in which Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra and their children were executed by the Bolsheviks on
the night of 16 July 1918.
14
Later, we will drive out of Yekaterinburg to visit the Monastery of the Holy Martyrs that now stands on the site
where the bodies of the Romanov family were dumped into a mine shaft. Finally, we visit the monument
marking the Europe and Asia border where you can happily put one foot in Europe and the other in Asia!
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel, Yekaterinburg
(B L D)
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-6152-novotel-yekaterinburg-centre/index.shtml
DAY 4
Yekaterinburg
Tue 24 Jan
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Yekaterinburg on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel, Yekaterinburg
DAY 5
(B)
On board the train to Moscow
Wed 25 Jan
After breakfast, we will check out and transfer to the train station for the final leg of our Trans-Siberian journey
to Moscow.
DAY 6
(B)
Moscow
Thu 26 Jan
This morning, we arrive in vibrant Moscow! Moscow can be considered the very heart and soul of Russia —
and with good cause. Despite its old age, the city is eternally youthful, multifaceted yet holistic and during any
season, any hour of day, Moscow thrills visitors with its artistry, majesty and stretching back almost a thousand
years its history reflected in its rich architecture, crowned by the magnificent Kremlin!
We begin our Moscow tour by visiting the State Tretyakov Gallery, a unique museum where one has a perfect
chance to get acquainted with the extraordinary collection of Russian art. The Gallery houses the world’s best
collection of Russian icons, as well as a fantastic collection of works from the pre-Revolutionary Russian realists
– the Wanderers.
15
At the conclusion of the tour, we will attend a private concert in the nearby beautiful Church of St. Nicholas,
the Miracle Worker in Tolmachi. The Church houses icons from the Gallery’s reserve, among them Russia’s most
sacred object, the Icon of our Lady of Vladimir.
After lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is at
leisure or you may decide to further discover the beauty of Moscow and join us on an optional tour.
Optional Activity
Tour of Arbat and Underground Metro Stations
We first visit Arbat, the most famous and one of the oldest avenues in Moscow, justly revered
by many Muscovites. The area is an attractive, cobbled pedestrian precinct lined with gift
shops and cafés and a carnival of portrait artists, poets, and musicians, as well as the
enthusiastic admirers of their work.
Later, we visit the jewels of underground architecture – Moscow Metro Stations! Built in 1930s,
the stations look like palaces richly decorated with ornate chandeliers, beautifully colored
marble, mosaics, stained glass and semi-precious stones. During the tour, we will visit the oldest
and the most beautiful Metro stations with the guide giving thrilling facts of these
“underground palaces”.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropol, Moscow
http://metropol-moscow.ru/en/
(L)
16
DAY 7
Moscow
Fri 27 Jan
After breakfast, we begin the tour in the heart of the city – Red Square. Originally a commercial centre, Red
Square has been at the very centre of Russian history since the 15 th century.
At the southern end of Red Square is the almost fairy-tale like spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, commissioned in
the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate a military victory. From here, we will get to admire the
Kremlin’s majestic ensemble created by the genius of Italian architects and devoted labour of unknown
Russian craftsmen including the Armoury Chamber, Cathedrals of the Annunciation, Archangel, and
Assumption, Grand Kremlin Palace, Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon.
Delegates only: Afternoon Conference Session 2 (including afternoon tea)
After the conference session, evening is at leisure.
DAY 8
(B L)
Moscow
Sat 28 Jan
Moscow’s oldest and most famous theatre – The Bolshoi – has recently opened its doors after six years of major
renovations. During the tour this morning, we will see Bolshoi’s fabulous halls with restored 19th century interiors,
learn about the advanced technologies used in the theatre today and go behind the scenes to watch a
rehearsal if there is one during our visit.
17
Later on, we will tour the refined New Maiden’s Convent founded by Tsar Vasily III in 1524. Due to the Tsar's
initiative it enjoyed an elevated position amongst the many monasteries and convents of Moscow and
became a convent primarily for noblewomen. Located on the Moscow River, the Convent is a peaceful
retreat from the bustling city of Moscow and includes an atmospheric cemetery where many of Russia's most
famous writers, poets, politicians and public figures are buried.
We return to the city centre to visit the Trinity Church in Nikitniki. This little gem of a church, hidden in the maze
of Kitay-gorod lanes, is an exquisite example of Russian baroque with its onion domes and tiers of red and
white spade gables rising from a square tower.
At the conclusion of touring, we will have our lunch at the GlavPivTorg Restaurant designed to look like an elite
Soviet restaurant from the 1960s, the sort of place where the high-level Soviet apparatchik would dine. The
location is also well-chosen; this was formerly the Soviet Foreign Ministry and the notorious Nazi-Soviet pact of
1939 was signed here. After our lunch, we will have an enlightening talk with a former KGB officer in the work of
the secret service in days gone by.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to shop and experience Moscow on your own.
In the evening, we will enjoy our Farewell dinner at our hotel as we prepare to bid goodbye to majestic Russia.
(B L D)
18
DAY 9
Departure
Sun 29 Jan
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our afternoon flight home via Singapore arriving
Australia on Monday 30 January.
(B)
TRIP INCLUSIONS

5 nights’ accommodation at well-appointed hotels as mentioned in the itinerary or similar on a twin share
basis; 3 nights’ accommodation aboard the Trans-Siberian train on quad-share basis

Economy class airfares: Singapore Airlines Moscow to Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Adelaide/Perth via
Singapore (airline/airfares/taxes subject to change)

Daily breakfasts only in hotels, 4 lunches and 2 dinners

All group transfers in conjunction with airfares purchased through Conferencing Nomads, sightseeing
and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary

Bilingual train escort and local guides

Accompanying Conferencing Nomads staff

Porterage at hotels

Tips to drivers and guides.
19
BOOKING DETAILS
Early Bird Registration: A saving for delegates and non-delegates!
Please send your completed form and applicable
Registration and Deposit fees by Friday, 29 January 2016
To book, please send the completed Registration Form with the applicable Registration and
Deposit fees by Thursday, 31 March 2016.
Registration and Deposit fees payable to Conferencing Nomads
For payment details, please see Page 2 and 3 of the attached Registration Form.
Payments can be made by one of the following ways:
(i) Cheque (payable to Conferencing Nomads)
(ii) Bank transfer
(iii) Credit Card (payment by American Express/Diners not accepted)
Note: All reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Enquiries
Dr Nighat Faruqi
+61 (0) 422 063 743
[email protected]
www.conferencingnomads.com
20

Brochure - Conferencing Nomads

Transcription

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