To most Westerners North Korea is a closed society, a "Hermit Kingdom" rarely visited and poorly understood. As a valued Marco Polo Club member you have the unique opportunity to visit this little-known country, meet its people and witness the Arirang Mass Games, a spectacle of athleticism and national pride unlike anything else in the world. Glimpse North Korea's daily life as you journey through Pyongyang to view the monuments and tributes to former leader Kim Il Sung. Travel to the Demilitarized Zone, the most heavily armed border in the world, and visit the site where the 1953 armistice was signed. Learn about the Korean War from a North Korean perspective when you explore the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. Begin and end your journey in exciting Beijing, a city bristling with preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Tour Director Bill Hurst accompanies you, along with Nick Bonner, an expert on North Korea and Beijing resident. Nick has produced three award-winning films about North Korea, and his other talents include experience as a painter, cartoonist and landscape artist. The combined expertise of Bonner and Hurst provides invaluable insight to this closed society.

Day 2
Arrive Beijing
An airport staff member assists you with Customs and Immigration in Beijing and stays with you until you are met by your local representative who escorts you to your hotel. Beijing is a unique reflection of the many changing facets of contemporary Chinese culture, where ancient cultural sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven vie for space alongside high-rise buildings, modern shopping malls and an intricate freeway system. A thriving commercial capital, continually developing, Beijing's 200-year-old cultural heritage is still very much in evidence, with a vast array of stunning attractions throughout the city. Your hotel is within walking distance of the historic Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and the Museum of Chinese History. Since your day is at leisure, venture out to see the impressive sights or wander through the nearby Wangfujing and Dongdan shopping districts.
The Peninsula Beijing Hotel

Day 3
Beijing
Visit the National Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the National Grand Theater. The locals refer to it as "the egg" because of its ellipsoid dome shape. Constructed of titanium and glass and surrounded by an artificial lake, the creation by French architect Paul Andreu is able to seat 6,500 people. Your insight into modern Beijing continues with a visit to the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. Exhibits here showcase the history of the city, along with the achievements in modern urban planning and ideas for future development. All eyes are focused on the 2008 Summer Olympics, as Beijing is set to host the events. Visit the new Olympic Stadium, an astounding feat of engineering and aesthetics that has come to be known as the "Bird's Nest." After lunch at the popular Jasmine restaurant, stop at the China National Aquatics Center, an imposing rectangular box, clad in a honeycomb of transparent cushions set to host the Olympics' swimming and diving events. Tonight, gather with fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
The Peninsula Beijing Hotel B, L, D

Day 4
Beijing/Pyongyang, North Korea
Board a flight to Pyongyang, where you are met by Nick Bonner and your local North Korean guides. This evening travel to May Day Stadium, the largest in the world, to witness the elaborately choreographed Arirang Mass Games, performed by thousands of skilled gymnasts. North Korea emphasizes team dynamics rather than individual prowess, and the games are a spectacle of synchronized gymnastics. Nearly as fascinating is the amazing card-turning display across the stadium, as thousands of spectators turn colored "puzzle pieces" that combine to form images of national pride.
Yanggakado Hotel B, L, D

Day 5
Pyongyang
Join the North Koreans to celebrate National Day. This morning, visit the Arch of Triumph, larger than the one in Paris. Glimpse the city from the 500-foot-high viewing platform of the Juche Tower, then visit the Mansudae Grand Monument, and the statue of Kim Il Sung. Stroll through the beautiful Moran Hill area, where you are likely to see locals celebrating this day commemorating North Korea's nationhood. Dinner tonight is at the National Restaurant.
Yanggakado Hotel B, L, D

Day 6
Pyongyang/Kaesong/Pyongyang
Travel to Kaesong, governed by South Korea before the Korean War. North Korea occupied it, keeping it safe from the heavy bombing and relatively intact. In the nearby Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), witness the site of the armistice signing in 1953. The DMZ is the most heavily armed border in the world, containing Panmunjom, home of the Joint Security Area and the only place where North and South Korea connect. After lunch in Kaesong Tong Il (reunification) Restaurant, visit the beautifully preserved tomb of King Kongmin, the last emperor of the Koryo Dynasty. On your return to Pyongyang, stop to see the Party Foundation Monument before dining at Chongryu Hotpot Restaurant.
Yanggakdo Hotel B, L, D

Day 7
Pyongyang
This morning's tour begins with a visit to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the former official residence and office of North Korea's president and founder, "Great Leader" Kim Il-sung. Following Kim's death in 1994, it is said that his son and successor, Kim Jong-il, had the building renovated and transformed into his father's final resting place. Deep inside the vast palace, the Great Leader's embalmed body lies viewable inside a clear sarcophagus. Visit the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery before pausing for lunch at the No. 1 Boat Restaurant. This afternoon visit the War Victory Monuments and the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. Stop at the Schoolchildren's Palace, where talented children receive special training in singing, dancing, painting and sports. After your tour, the children perform for you. After dinner at the Pyongyang Duck Barbecue restaurant, attend another of the thrilling Arirang Mass Games.
Yanggakdo Hotel B, L, D

Day 8
Pyongyang/Beijing
Your final morning in Pyongyang includes visits to the Grand People's Study House, Mangyongdae Native House and the USS 'Pueblo.' Sit down to lunch in the revolving restaurant of the Yangghakdo Hotel and return to the Juche Tower for a final look at the city before you board a plane bound for Beijing. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner at your hotel.
The Peninsula Beijing Hotel B, L, D

Day 9
Beijing/Departure
Board your homebound flight.
B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

9/08