THE WORLD’S BEST ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR
Ice & Snow Festival
Harbin
OPTIONAL SNOW MONKEYS EXTENSION IN JAPAN
A TRULY UNIQUE & SPECIAL ESCORTED PACKAGE
14 January 2019 7 Days
HARBIN
NORTHERN CHINA
“
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE VERY SPECIAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES THAT STAY WITH YOU FOREVER. IT IS SENSATIONAL!
“
SUN ISLAND SNOW SCULPTURES
Sun Island, in the middle of the frozen Songhua River, is home to incredible snow sculptures created by international competitors representing Russia, Japan, Canada, France, South Africa and many more. The intricacy and detail of the exhibits are outstanding. Some are huge, but the quality and creativity of the work is what leaves you enthralled. We access the island itself by cable car (weather permitting), high above the frozen river with wonderful views of the waterfront, river activity and the city. We’ll also take the opportunity to watch a private demonstration of ice carving to see for ourselves the personalised skill involved.
2
ICE & SNOW WORLD
You see pictures of this amazing spectacle on TV news broadcasts every January. There is nothing else like it on earth! A large area is dedicated to half size reproductions of world icons, famous palaces, and huge sculptures. They are built from blocks of ice carved from the Songhua River, and highlighted at night by fluorescent lighting from inside.
T
Harbin
he Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is a totally unique artistic and cultural event, originally started in 1963. Interrupted for several years by China’s Cultural Revolution, the Festival then recommenced in its current format in 1985 and has run annually ever since. The festival now attracts a million visitors to Harbin over its approximately six weeks duration, and is recognised as the most outstanding of the four major ice and snow festivals in the world.
T
he best shopping area is also here, focused around Asia’s longest pedistrian mall and its cobbled side streets. In the 1930’s, 16 countries maintained consulates in Harbin, with over 160,000 foreigners from 33 different countries calling Harbin home. The waterfront promenade (Stalin Park) along the banks of the Songhua River is a great winter veiwing platform for activity on the frozen river. In summer, Harbin is an important Chinese port city but in winter the river completely freezes. Remaining boats are locked in frozen ice and the river itself hosts ice skating, husky sleigh rides, horse drawn carriages on sled runners, ice fishing, slippery slides made entirely from ice and even a swimming pool cut from the river ice!
Harbin sits on the same latitude in the northern hemisphere as Dunedin NZ in the southern hemisphere but is much colder. Temperatures can reach as low as -35°C, meaning the warmth and comforts of a good base hotel are essential. Harbin will surprise you! It is one of China’s largest cities, growing over 100 years from a base camp for Russian engineers surveying for construction of the eastern end extension of the Trans Siberian rail line. It was also home for up to 25,000 Jews fleeing persecution in the early 1900’s. Prior to the Second World War, this area was considered (along with Palestine and Morocco) as a possible permanent home for the Jews. In 1945 most Jews departed for Israel and Japan, but a significant Jewish presence still remains, The historic influence of foreign cultures can best be found in Daoli District, the oldest and most interesting part of town.
ICE SWIMMING
The Songhua River is frozen solid in winter, but a swimming pool is cut into the river ice to allow locals to swim in the freezing water flowing under the thick surface ice cover. It’s quite a spectacle, and of course we’ll be there to see it all.
Visitors to Harbin in winter are treated to this especially unique Ice and Snow experience. It is visually unforgettable, photographically magnificent, and culturally unique. Like everything else, the food is a product of Harbin’s cultural mix and its cold weather. Atmospheric Russian, Chinese and Western restaurants serve appropriate fare.. Wonderful Chinese dumplings, Mongolian lamb hotpots, and a range of other appetizing specialities, washed down with the local Hapi beer or chilled vodka. In fact China’s first brewery was built in Harbin by the Russians in 1906.
ICE & SNOW SCULPTURE SHOW
There are ice sculptures decorating the local streets and parks, but the best competitive exhibition is in Zhaolin Park. These are smaller sculptures carved with incredible skill into creative shapes that leave you speechless. The Park is also lit in the evening, so we’ll be taking the best opportunities to see these works of art at the very best time of the day.
SIBERIAN TIGER PARK
The endangered Siberian Tiger, ancestor of all tiger species, has less than 700 remaining in the wild. They can grow up to 4 metres long and up to 300kg in weight. The Park is just 15kms from Harbin. It started with just 8 tigers in 1986, but now houses about 50 tigers and several hundred other animals. Tigers are bred at the Park and protected. We see them close
Harbin
Highlights
ST SOPHIA CHURCH - This magnificent Russian Orthodox Church
is Harbin’s most famous landmark, and the largest of its kind in the Far East. Originally built in 1907 by the Russian Army, its Byzantine architecture and 52 metre spire, now houses the excellent Architecture and Art Exhibition, tracing the historic Russian influence and architecture of Harbin.
CENTRAL STREET PRECINCT - Harbin’s major shopping area is
1½km long pedestrian mall, the longest in Asia, with atmospheric cobbled side streets showcasing the architecture and cultures of historic foreign influences. It runs at a right angle to the waterfront, through the oldest part of the city. The frozen waterfront and river are alive with activity - horse and husky sleigh rides, local ice games, ice fishing etc.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE - Once the centre of Harbin’s vibrant Jewish
community, this three story temple proudly displays the Jewish history and culture of Harbin, and the outstanding contribution the early Jewish community made to the social development of the city. We have a private visit and hear from a local about this quite amazing and dynamic contribution.
NIGHT LIGHTS Harbin also celebrates its Winter Festival with a wonderful array of night lights where the main avenues are ablaze with colour. All the major round-abouts and many buildings are showcased with carved ice displays highlighted by special lighting.
JAPANESE GERM WARFARE EXPERIMENTAL BASE 731
Prior to WW2, the Japanese Army operated a number of germ warfare experimental bases around the world, but the most notorious was operated by the Japanese Army Medical Unit 731 just 30kms from Harbin. It was a top secret base only exposed in the 1980’s by a Japanese journalist. Up to 10,000 POW’s were used for experimentation - mainly Chinese, Russian, Korean, British and American. We make a visit to the Centre which today portrays the graphic story, in what is left of the original buildings.
4 4
INCLUSIONS • • • • •
1 night Pullman Guangzhou (5-Star) 5 Night’s accommodation at Shangri-la Hotel (5-Star), Harbin/Riverview rooms Return flights Brisbane, Guangzhou, Harbin with China Southern Airlines Breakfast, lunches and dinners included (as per itinerary) Entrance fees: Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Sculptures, Zhaolin Park Ice Sculptures, Ice Swimming, Siberian Tiger Park, Germ Warfare Base, St Sophia Church, Buddhist Temple, Cable Car Private Ice Carving Demonstration Transfers and land travel in and around Harbin by coach with English speaking guide Full time services of an experienced English speaking guide in Harbin and Tour Escort ex Australia All tipping related to everything included in this package
• • • •
TOUR ITINERARY Monday 14 Jan
Depart Brisbane 9.55am. Arrive Guangzhou 5.00pm. O/N Pullman Guangzhou (5 Star)
Tuesday 15 Jan Guangzhou to Harbin. Depart Guangzhou 8.15am. Arrive Harbin 12.30pm. Transfer to Shangri-la Hotel (5 star) (Breakfast/Dinner)
Located in the Daoli district and on the river, the 5-star Shangri-la is recognised as the best hotel in Harbin. It lies across the river from the famous Ice and Snow World, and features two restaurants offering a hearty international breakfast buffet. The Lobby Lounge has a full service bar and light snacks. There is a fitness centre, heated indoor swimming pool, spa tub, steam room and sauna.
“
Wednesday 16 Jan St Sophia Church, Buddhist Temple, Flood Control Monument & Stalin Park. Evening tour to Zhaolin Park Ice Sculpture Show (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) Thursday 17 Jan Morning visit to Songhua River to watch ice swimming. Horse ride possible. Afternoon tour to Sun Island by Cable Car. Visit Snow Sculptures, with Ice Sculpture demo. Dinner at Russian restaurant. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner). Friday 18 Jan
Morning - Germ Warfare Museum. Afternoon - Siberian Tiger Park and tiger feeding. Evening - Ice and Snow World
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
IT IS OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN THIS WINTER WONDERLAND!
“
Saturday 19 Jan
Morning - Visit to Jewish Synagogue & Afternoon - Visit to Academy of Agricultural Sciences
& Greenhouses. (Breakfast/Lunch). Sunday 20 Jan
Depart Harbin 1.20pm. Arrive Guangzhou 6.00pm. Depart Guangzhou 9.10pm. (Breakfast)
Monday 21 Jan
Arrive Brisbane 8.30am
Meet Your Tour Escort The tour will be escorted by Neil Kirby, Managing Director of Travel Masters. Neil will travel with you on this outstanding itinerary, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and travel experience - and a passion for people, places and different cultures. You will find that Neil will take every opportunity to make this tour one of life’s most outstanding memories. We hope you can join this exciting tour in 2019.
Package Price 7 Days - $4,995 per person ex Brisbane Departing Brisbane: 14 Jan 2019 Returning Brisbane: 21 Jan 2019 Single Supplement $895
The Snow Monkeys of Nagano
Stunning Extension of Travel Masters’
HARBIN ICE & SNOW FESTIVAL Escorted Tour 2019
The Snow Monkeys of Nagano Located in Japan’s Nagano prefecture, Jigokudani Monkey Park was established in 1964. Jigokudani translates to ‘Hell Valley’, and was named in reference to the ominous white steam that emerges from bubbling hot springs in winter. It is the best place to view snow monkeys in Japan. Snow monkeys live further north than any other non-human primate. You can watch at close range as the snow monkeys go about their daily business. In and around the onsen, you might see monkeys grooming each other, mothers nursing babies, alpha males tending to security, or youngsters rolling snowballs. But many of the troop simply want to bask in the steaming hot water. And who can blame them? You’re bound to witness something unique. Capable of an extraordinary range of facial expressions and playful antics, snow monkeys are fascinating to photograph. Monkey Park draws shutter-happy visitors from all corners of the globe.
Nagano
Nagano is located basically in the center of Japan and is surrounded on all four sides by 3000-meter tall mountains, earning it the nickname ‘Roof of Japan’. In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The world-class snow resorts continue to attract winter sports enthusiasts every year. Approximately 20% of the area is designated as Natural Parks. Besides being a treasure trove of nature, history and culture. Nagano is bursting with natural hot springs, making it the ‘King of Onsens’ (Japanese hot spring resort).
Matsumoto Castle
Located in Nagano, Matsumoto Castle is a very special place - a place with the power to evoke passion in people. Visually, the castle is simply stunning. Its stately black wainscoting and roof tiles on the white façade form a stunning contrast, vividly accented by the red bridge across the moat. Architecturally, the castle is unique for having a main keep flanked by a secondary keep on one side, and a moon-viewing tower on the other. Historically, the castle is fortunate to have its original wood construction and stonework, and its keep is the oldest in all of Japan, reasons behind its designation as a National Treasure. Combined with the backdrop of the Northern Alps in the distance and the immaculate garden and dignified outer gates and walls of the castle grounds, Matsumoto Castle is designed to inspire you.
Snow Monkeys
Obuse
Obuse is a small town about 20km north-east of Nagano City, that has transformed itself into an artistic and happening place. As well as its many art galleries, this town of about 12,000 people has sake breweries and craft shops, and the surrounding countryside is full of orchards and vineyards. Obuse’s climate also favours the growth of chestnut trees, a local delicacy made into sweets, and the wood from old chestnut trees has been used to create the town’s pretty sidewalks. The town also has a strong tradition of sake brewing which has recently been revived by the increasing popularity of Japan’s national drink.
Tokyo
Japan’s capital is the world’s most populous metropolis. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan’s political centre in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu (first Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, 1600) established his feudal government there. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Today, the city offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens.
Harbin CHINA
JAPAN Obuse
Nagano
Guangzhou CHINA
Tokyo
Shinkansen Rail (Bullet Train)
The Snow Monkeys of Nagano (Harbin Ice & Snow Escorted Extension) Sun 20 Jan 2019 Harbin-Narita CZ 6085 0805-1150 Transfer to the airport for flight to Japan Fly China Southern Airlines from Harbin to Tokyo (Narita) On arrival transfer to the hotel for check in Tokyo Orientation tour in the afternoon Visit Imperial Palace/Asakusa Area including the scenic Senso-ji Temple. (B L)
Wed 23 Jan 2019 Shinkansen Rail (Bullet train) to Tokyo Remainder of the day at Leisure in Tokyo (B)
Mon 21 Jan 2019 Shinkansen Rail (Bullet train) to Nagano Lunch at local restaurant in Nagano In the afternoon, visit Mastumoto castle (B L D)
$2,995 per person Single Supplement $395
Tue 22 Jan 2019 Morning visit to Monkey Park & The Snow Monkeys Lunch at local restaurant in Nagano Afternoon walking tour of Obuse Old Town and visit a sake brewery. (B L)
Thu 24 Jan 2019 Fly China Southern Airlines from Tokyo (Haneda) to Australia via Guangzhou (B)
This tour is only available to passengers confirmed on Travel Masters/The Travel Studio’s Harbin Ice & Snow Festival Escorted Tour departing on 14th January 2019. Extension is subject to minimum participation numbers. A deposit of $500 per person will be required by the 1st August 2018 to confirm your place on this extension. The final balance will be due 10th November 2018.
Accommodation The New Otani Hotel Tokyo Surrounded by 400-year old Japanese gardens, Hotel New Otani Tokyo is situated in central Tokyo, just a short walk to the closest Subway Station. From this station, the Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku areas can all be reached in less than a 10-minute subway ride. Elegant rooms all include flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. Many have views of the hotel's Japanese garden or the Tokyo skyline. Hotel New Otani features an incredible 32 dining options, ranging from international cuisine to authentic Japanese dishes – everything from French and Italian to tempura and teppanyaki.
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano Hotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms throughout, and is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms are ensuite and feature flat-screen TV and complimentary WiFi. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while the Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of you. Restaurant Fan-Fahr serves the best in Sichuan cuisine. The Apollo bar is located on the top floor providing panoramic views over Nagano as you enjoy a cocktail or two.
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
BOOKING FORM 2019
FIRST PASSENGER Title: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): ____________________________________________________________ First Name(as shown on passport):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:_______________________________ If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO (Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you) Do you require Premium Economy upgrade? ($450pp) YES / NO Do you require Business Class upgrade? ($2500pp) YES / NO Are you a China Southern Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: _____________________________________________ Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ______________________________________________________________________ Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ___________________________________ Passport Number: ______________________________________Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______ Date of Birth: ______/______/______
Place of Issue: __________________________Occupation: __________________________
SECOND PASSENGER Title:_____________________________ Surname (as shown on passport):_______________________________ First Name(as shown on passport):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:_______________________________ Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO (Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you) Do you require Premium Economy upgrade? ($450pp) YES / NO Do you require Business Class upgrade? ($2500pp) YES / NO Are you a China Southern Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: _____________________________________________ Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ______________________________________________________________________ Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ___________________________________ Passport Number: ______________________________________Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______ Date of Birth: ______/______/______
Place of Issue: __________________________Occupation: __________________________
PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different) Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb: ___________________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: __________________ Postal Address (If different from Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Suburb: _____________________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: ________________ Home Tel: _________________________Work Tel: _______________________Fax: ____________________ Mobile No: ______________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________ TRAVEL INSURANCE It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation. Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NO I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed below on this form and the General Information and Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice. Signature: __________________________________________________
Date: ______/______/______
Please also complete the reverse side of this form and return it to one of our Travel Consultants, or to: Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218 YOUR CONSULTANT__________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas) Complete Name:------------------------------------------- Relationship:--------------------------------------------------------------------------Street Address:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Suburb:------------------------------------------------------------ State:--------------------------------Postcode:-----------------------------------Home Tel:--------------------------------------------------------- Work Tel:---------------------------Mobile No:----------------------------------Payment Options 1. Mail – Enclosed is a cheque / money order as a deposit (Please make payable to Mistvale Pty Ltd) 2. Credit Card – Please debit my: Visa / Mastercard Card No: ______________________________________________________ Expiry: ______/______/______ Cardholder’s Name: __________________________________________________ Cardholder’s Signature: _______________________________________________ (Payments by credit card will be subject to a 1.5% Merchant Administration fee) 3. Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account. Please call for bank details. DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT The deposit ($500pp) is accepted as a first instalment of the tour cost and will be fully refunded if the arrangements cannot be confirmed or the tour is cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice is sent out to all passengers booked on the tour, approximately two weeks prior to due date of the final payment. Final payment for the tour needs to be received by 10 November 2018. CANCELLATION FEES If it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday, notification of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges will apply: up to 8 weeks prior to departure loss of deposit; 7-4 weeks prior - up to 50% of tour cost; and less than 4 weeks - up to full tour cost. No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or any service not used after commencement of the tour. Deposits are nontransferable. PASSPORT AND VISAS It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they possess the necessary travel documentation for the tour, such as a valid passport and any required visas. In general, a passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end of your journey and have two clear pages to allow for entry and exit stamps en-route or for any visas applicable for countries in your journey. At the time of making your booking you will be given information about the China Visa required for the tour. Our agency will assist you with the Visa process, Visa fee additional. PRICES Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on the basis of exchange rates and tariffs valid at time of print and are subject to change up until final payment for the tour has been received. Once final payment is received, no surcharges will apply. Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change of price, then normal cancellation charges will apply. TRAVEL MASTERS Group (Travel Masters & The Travel Studio) Julie Marshall Co-Managing Director The Travel Studio Ph: 07 55 72 72 72. lifestyle@thetravelstudio.com.au
Neil Kirby Co-Managing Director Travel Masters Ph: 55960511/1800 672988 sales@travelmasters.com.au
Visit our website: www.travelmasters.com.au
RESPONSIBILITY Mistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its associated Companies or Agents, act only in the capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters of transportation, tour operation and other services. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and other services are provided. Travel Masters and/or its associated companies or Agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused to person or property, however caused arising before commencement and/or during any tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she is in possession of the proper visas and other travel documents and that they are in compliance with current government and transportation companies’ regulations. The right is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way considered necessary or desirable, or to change any reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any) resulting therefrom must be paid by the passenger. The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or withdraw any booking made for a passenger, or to decline to accept any person as a member of a tour. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever caused and of whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms. The contract of passage in use by the transportation companies or firms concerned shall constitute the sole contract between transportation companies or firms, and the purchase of these tours and/or passenger. All tickets, deposit tickets, coupons or orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided there by are offered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or managing agents. The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the above conditions. The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary, however any other IATA or non-IATA carrier may be used for tour co-ordination.
CHECK OUT SOME OTHER EXCLUSIVE SMALL-GROUP ESCORTED TOURS
CALL FOR A BROCHURE TODAY Ice & Snow Festival - Harbin
A Travel Masters Escorted Tour available exclusively through