CHINA Senior Immersion Tour April 14-24, 2017 Tour from Beijing to Xian Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on this 11 day, 10 night trip to China. This special trip, custom designed by Milne Travel for the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, will provide you with interactive opportunities to understand and learn about Chinese medicine and senior life in China while exploring the nation’s rich history and modern transformation. 11 Days / 10 Nights $3,950* per person Trip highlights: Climb the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City Price includes: International airfare, daily breakfast, 7 and Tianamen Square, and see the ancient Terracotta lunches, and 5 dinners, 4-star accommodations, pri- Warriors in Xian. vate tours and transfers with English speaking guides, Experience a full-day traditional Chinese medicine high speed rail, all gratuity and tips. workshop and tour. Learn about Chinese herbal A deposit of $350 per person is due by December 15 medicine, acupuncture, qigong, and more. to reserve a spot. Half payment due Jan. 13 & Full Learn tai chi from a tai chi master. payment due Feb. 14. A minimum of 10 people is required, so tell your friends, including non-MSAC Visit a local senior center, experience local senior members. Make checks payable to Milne Travel. activities, interact with local seniors, watch their *$3,950 per person double occupancy. $495 per performances, and learn Chinese folk dance. person single-room supplement. Rates subject to Visit a local family in a traditional residential area of change until group air is confirmed. Air tax subject to Beijing and learn how to make Chinese dumplings. change until ticketed. Does not include Visa fee and non-included meals estimated at $350. Visit a rural ancient village outside Xian, where you will Contact: have an opportunity to visit local children and teach them English. In addition, you will meet local seniors in Montpelier Senior Activity Center the village. A great opportunity to compare senior life in 58 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 urban and rural areas. 802-223-2518 Enjoy delicious traditional cuisine, including a Peking ASK ABOUT CHINESE LANGUAGE, FILM & TAI CHI Duck welcome dinner and a special dumpling lunch. CLASSES FOR PREPARATION! Itinerary on reverse CHINA TOUR ITINERARY April 14, Travel to Boston, MA for your International flight to Beijing. April 15, Arrive in Beijing. The capital of China, with its rich history, dates back more than 3,000 years. Upon your arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore. April 16, Beijing. Full day private tour of Beijing. Today’s highlights include tai chi exercise, Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City. Learn tai chi from a tai chi master. Your master will explain the foundation of tai chi, a Chinese martial art that is said to benefit the body’s overall health. Hear about the philosophy of Taoism, and yin and yang, then practice some slow deliberate movements combined with deep breathing and focus, the essence of tai chi. Continue to Temple of Heaven. Visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1 million people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. April 17, Beijing. A full day private tour of Beijing. Today’s highlights include the Great Wall, a Jade Carving Workshop and the 2008 Olympic Site. Climb the Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world. This 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifica- tions was built and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th cen- tury AD, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic views from its ramparts. At the Jade Carving Workshop, see the unique jade carving technique and learn how to select the beautiful jade products. April 18, Beijing. Full day Traditional Chinese Medicine Tour. Opportunity to learn about Chinese herbal medicine. Discover how Chinese herbs benefit your health. Visit a Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Get an Introduction to Traditional Chinese medicine, the techniques of acupuncture, and learn about Chinese Medical Qigong and some clinical topics. April 19, Beijing. Full day private tour of Beijing. Today's highlights include the hutong alleys (lines of siheyuan, traditional court- yard residences), a family visit, dumpling making, fresh food market and market shopping. Beijing's hutongs are a glimpse - fast disappearing - of what the city used to look like before skyscrapers started dominating the skyline. Learn how to make Chinese dumplings and enjoy a delicious dumpling meal with a local family. April 20, Beijing to Xian. Morning at leisure, then travel by high speed train to Xian. Evening free to explore Xian. (transfers included) April 21, Xian. Full day visit to a local senior center. Interact with the local seniors, learning their activities such as fan dance, qigong, Chinese chess etc. Experience the local senior lifestyle and enjoy their performances. You may perform with them and share American culture with them. April 22, Xian. Today's highlights include the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, the Muslim Quarter and the City Wall. The Terra Cotta Warriors Museum is the Eighth Wonder of the World. It held more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in the pits nearby Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. It is a must-see when visiting China. April 23, Xian. Today, explore an ancient village, Huxian, which is famous for its peasant art. You will meet the local seniors and experience village senior life. You will discover the 2500-year-old history of China and witness how the local peasants make a living from their fantastic paintings. They originated from traditional folk arts such as paper cutting, embroidering, calligraphy, etc. and many of them have been collected by national and international art museums, galleries and individuals. April 24, Xian to Boston, MA. International flight home to Boston. .