Graceland University: China - Alumni & Friends Trip

Beijing, China

sL
smarTours LLC
  • Email address verified
28 reviews
May 7 - 21, 2018
Group size: 15 - 40
Graceland University: China - Alumni & Friends Trip
Beijing, China

smarTours LLC
  • Email address verified
28 reviews

May 7 - 21, 2018
Group size: 15 - 40

About this trip

 

With a population over one billion people and one of four ancient civilizations at some 5,000 years old, I have always been fascinated with China. That's why we're excited to announce this travel opportunity for Graceland Alumni to go to China!


 

The Alumni Programs office is contracting with smarTours to create both an affordable and memorable experience. We are planning a 15-day trip, May 7-21, 2018 to Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshou and Shanghai. It will include stops at The Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Yuyuan Garden and The Bund to name a few. We will also experience riding the bullet train and a leisurely cruise down the Li River.

Hotels

* Beiing: Penta Hotel

* Xian: Grand Mercure on Renmin Square

* Guilin: Sheraton Guilin Hotel

* Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel

* Hangzho: Goethe Hotel

* Shanghai: Fudan Crowne Plaza Hotel

Insurance

smarTours offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan for $179 per person regardless of age or medical history. Please click on the link below for more information.


http://www.tripmate.com/wpf394H 


You may purchase the insurance any time up until or along with your final payment.

Passport & Visa Information

 

Travel to China requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require visa to enter China. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Passengers traveling to China need to have individual visas stamped in their passports. To obtain an individual visa for China, please follow one of the following:

  1. If you prefer to apply for your visa directly with the Chinese Consulate, you will have to apply in person.   Chinese Consulates do not accept mailed-in visa applications.  Please contact the Chinese Consulate nearest your area for visa requirements and application forms and fees.
  2. If you do not reside close to a consulate, we suggest that you use a visa service to facilitate the processing of the visa.  We recommend using CIBT.  Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002
  3. If you do not have access to a computer, and you are not able to apply for your visa in person, please contact CIBT to have a form mailed to you.  If you plan to use the services of CIBT and have any questions regarding the application please call them directly at 800-406-1523.
  4. We recommend that you apply for the visa in-person or through CIBT, at least 45-50 days before your scheduled departure to China. If you apply earlier, your visa may expire by the time you are scheduled to take your trip!

PLEASE NOTE:  An invitation letter addressed to the Chinese Consulate will be e-mailed to you approximately 50 days prior to your departure date.  This invitation letter will include the addresses and telephone numbers of the hotels and land operator in China.  You will need to print this invitation and present it with your China visa application.  When you send us your final payment, please make sure you provide us with your correct e-mail address on your tour registration form.  Also please note that visa procedures may change at any time.  You should check directly with the consulate, or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions before submitting your paperwork.  Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

Other Details

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Air China does not assign seats in advance. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline! Seat assignment can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport.

 

TICKETS & FINAL DOCUMENTSS

Your airline tickets along with final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.


HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.


NON-INCLUDED MEALS

The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $15-20 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.


CREDIT CARDS & LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards.  However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations. 


BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (maximum 44 pounds), one carry-on piece, and one personal item. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.


Terms & Conditions

Deposit of $300 is required to reserve your spot on this trip. The deposit is non-refundable, except in the event that the trip is cancelled by smarTours for any reason, including insufficient number of travelers.

Full Payment due 90 days before departure. Failure to make final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation of reservation and loss of deposit.
Changes to the original reservation will result in a $150 change fee per person per change. No changes allowed within 90 days of departure.
Cancellation charges per person are:
Up to 90 days before departure: $300
89-60 days before departure: $1000
59-45 days before departure: $1500
44-30 days before departure: $2000
29 days or less before departure: No refund.
All cancellations must be received in writing.
We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Insurance premium is non-refundable and cannot be transferred from one departure to another in the event of a reservation change.

For all other Terms & Conditions, please refer to our website -- https://www.smartours.com/terms/. 

 

What’s included

  • International Airfare
    from Los Angeles (LAX) or New York (JFK) on Air China
  • 38 Meals
    13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches & 13 Dinners
  • Ground Transportation
    Airport Transfers, Bus Transportation & Bullet Trains
  • Sightseeing
    Comprehensive sightseeing with privte coch, driver and English-speaking guide
  • Cultural Performances

What’s not included

  • Gratuities
  • China Visa
  • Personal Shopping

Available Packages

China Trip Including Airfare from LAX

Including airfare from Los Angeles (LAX)

$3,899
Deposit: $300
China Trip Including Airfare from JFK
$3,899
Deposit: $300
Land Only (Excluding International Air)
$3,000
Deposit: $300

Available options



Itinerary

May 7th
Depart USA

Your Organizer


sL
smarTours LLC
28 reviews
Joined in November 2016
See profile

Reviews

We had a great overall experience - very knowledgeable guides, organized planning, and fellow travelers were friendly & easy to get along with. Hotel accommodations & transport we're good. The itinerary was a bit intense - especially in the beginning due to early wake-up calls.
By Sharon C for World Next Door to Greece on Sep 29, 2019
I had a very nice time. I met some really interesting people. The food was outstanding. The scenery was beautiful. Overall, I’d say It was an incredible experience.
By Arnella T for World Next Door to Greece on Sep 20, 2019
NA
This was the best trip of my life. If I could log off my computer and leave right now, I would go again. With the EXACT same itinerary! What made the trip most amazing was our tour guide Ahmed Hashem. He was knowledgeable, engaging and you can tell that he cares about and loves Egypt. We were treated like royalty the entire time and I truly believe it was due to the way Ahmed handled everything. Best tour guide ever! When he left us at the airport in Cairo (after he made sure we were all checked in and through security - we were VIP all the way), we all teared up as we hugged him, thanked him and watched him disappear into the crowd. We didn't want to let him go - He will always be a part of our "family". From beginning to end, the trip was set up to only get better. It was an amazing orchestra that ended with an stunning crescendo. The timing and down time was set strategically, so that we could actually enjoy the trip without being overwhelmed with a bustle of activity. Additional excursions were offered timely and with great coordination. I'm not sure you can top it, but I'm looking forward to our next trip! Thanks!
By Natasha A for NOLA Krewe visits Egypt on Jun 25, 2019
EO
. It was a wonderful trip. The tours were high quality. The tour guide really dd a fantastic job of meeting our needs before we knew that we would have that need. The food was delectable. I highly recommend this trip to everyone.
By Elizabeth O for Majestic Morocco - Mable Jones Group on May 15, 2019
We had a wonderful time. Both my aunt and I enjoyed everyone and every stop. Well planned
By Sharon M for Majestic Morocco - Mable Jones Group on May 15, 2019
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