For agents seeking a rare travel opportunity to Asia for their
clients, Universal Travel System is offering eight-day tours this
fall that take in Beijing as well as the capital of the Democratic
People’s Republic of North Korea.
The Santa Monica, Calif.-based tour operator has led previous
tours to the region in June 2002 and September 2005 and in August
and September has obtained the rights to offer four departures for
an eight-day, six-night adventure departing from Los Angeles via
Asiana Airlines.
Travelers first stop in Beijing for two nights, where a city tour
includes the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square, as
well as free time to explore.
The next morning, the group will fly to Pyongyang North Korea’s
capital and the political, economic and culture center of the
country where travelers will stay at the 45-story Pyongyang Koryo
Hotel, with its twin towers, several restaurants and bars.
Pyongyang was the capital of Koguryo, the first feudal state of
Korea. While it was destroyed during the Korean War, the city has
been rebuilt and modernized with more than 70 parks and recreation
grounds, monuments, museums, cultural and art establishments.
Sightseeing in Pyongyang includes Mangyoungdae, the birthplace of
late Communist leader Kim II Sung, and Mangyong Hill, the highest
spot in the area. The tour also includes a visit to Kaesong, an
ancient Korean capital famous for its ginseng, the 14th-century
Sonjuk Bridge and the outer city walls, and the Koryo Songyumkwan
Museum.
Travelers get a half-day tour of Panmunjom, as well as a tour of
the trade port Nampo City. Activities also will include an evening
at the DPRK National Circus Performance, performances by artists
and dance ensembles and a trip to the Arirang Festival featuring
thousands of gymnasts and dancers in choreographed programs and
routines.
Land portion prices start at $3,960, sharing, and include all
transfers, hotels, sightseeing tours, local taxes and service
charges, an English-speaking guide, three meals a day in North
Korea, airfare between Beijing and Pyongyang, and a professional
tour manager.
Departures dates are Aug. 19, and Sept. 9, 23 and 30. More
information is available by calling Universal Travel System
800-255-4338
www.uts-travel.com
