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.
* 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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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/.