FGCU Renaissance Academy Travel Abroad Program - China & Tibet

China, Tibet & The Yangtze River 2012 May 30—June 17, 2012 19 days from $5,395 — Air, Land & Cruise;

presents...

Land Only $4,995

This distinctive small group journey combines a special visit to remote, spiritual Tibet with a memorable cruise on the Yangtze, China’s fabled “long river.” Adding grace notes to this highly popular itinerary: intriguing Beijing, the extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai. East meets West in a joyful convergence.

Itinerary — May 30 — June 17, 2012 Discover the classical highlights of this East Asian country including a special excursion to mystical Tibet. Starting in Beijing, savor the capital’s legendary sites: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. A tour highlight is a special inside look at communal life along Beijing’s ancient alleyways or hutongs, fast disappearing as the city rushes to modernize. View the famed life-size army constructed of terra cotta in Xian. Spend three days in Lhasa, high in the Himalayas, exploring sacred temples and vast Potala Palace. Cruise along the Yangtze River, one of the world’s longest and busiest rivers, aboard our Victoria Cruises ship. Witness daily life along its shores and see the spectacular Three Gorges and the much-heralded new dam. Our tour concludes in Shanghai, a city that epitomizes 21st century China. A 3-day/2-night “On Your Own” post-tour extension in Shanghai is also available.

Wednesday, May 30 — Depart U.S. for Beijing, China (Departures available from Ft. Myers, San Francisco, New York & Chicago) Thursday, May 31: Arrive Beijing We arrive in the Chinese capital and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax, we embark on a brief walking tour. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Friday, June 1: Beijing After this morning’s briefing about the journey ahead, we begin our discovery of this 2,000-year-old city at vast Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power from 1368-1911. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant. B,D Saturday, June 2: Beijing/Great Wall This morning we tour the splendid Temple of Heaven complex, where China’s rulers once worshipped. After lunch we visit the Great Wall, the network of ancient defense installations that stretches almost 4,000 miles from the East China Sea to Central Asia. B,L,D

Sunday, June 3: Beijing This morning we enjoy a small group highlight, as we ride rickshaws through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) and enjoy a home visit, giving us a glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle. Then we visit the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat that is now a lovely park. B,L

Monday, June 4: Beijing/Xian We fly this morning to Xian, a provincial backwater until the accidental discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors in 1974.

Upon arrival we tour the impressive nine-mile city wall and moat, then enjoy a special dumpling lunch. In the afternoon, Shanxi Provincial History Museum, with an acclaimed collection of historic and cultural artifacts. Tonight we attend a Tang Dynasty show and dinner. B,L,D Tuesday, June 5: Xian Our day begins with a visit to the revered Wild Goose Pagoda (circa 652 ce). After lunch we tour the museum housing the army of 7,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors that had lain buried and forgotten for more than two millennia.

B,L,D Wednesday, June 6: Xian/Chengdu We fly this morning to Chengdu, where we visit the renowned Giant Panda Protection & Research Center, the only such panda refuge in the world. B,L,D Thursday, June 7: Chengdu/Lhasa Early today we fly to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital and only major city. Sitting on a plateau between two Himalayan ridges, the Chinese province of Tibet covers an area as large as Western Europe. On the way to our hotel we stop to visit with a Tibetan family in their home. Since the altitude here is approximately 12,000 feet above sea level, we spend the remainder of the day acclimating. B,L,D Friday, June 8: Lhasa Our tour begins in the heart of the old city at Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple. Built in 647ce, Jokhang is an intriguing complex that attracts pilgrims day and night. Surrounding Jokhang is Barkhor, a plaza lined with chanting monks, street performers, and vendors. Later we tour the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas at Norbulinka; tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. B,L,D

Saturday, June 9: Lhasa Opened to foreigners only since 1984, Tibet is a profoundly spiritual place where Buddhism has infused all aspects of life for 13 centuries. We see evidence of this at 17th-century Potala Palace, with 200,000 Buddha images and 1,000 rooms, some of which we explore this morning. This afternoon we visit the vast Sera Monastery. B,L,D

Sunday, June 10: Lhasa/Chongqing We depart for the flight to Chongqing, where we visit the Stilwell Museum commemorating WWII General Joseph Stilwell. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. B,L,D

Monday, June 11: Chongqing/Dazu/Board Ship Today’s excursion features the Dazu Rock Carvings dating back more than a millennium – and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. These cliffside carvings reflect Buddhist teachings, tenets of Confucianism, and local folklore. Tonight we board our river ship and set sail downstream. B,L,D Tuesday, June 12: Yangtze Cruising – Shibaozhai or Fengdu Prized for its haunting natural beauty, the Yangtze is one of the world’s longest (3,600 miles) and busiest rivers. This afternoon we visit either the Red Pagoda in Shibaozhai, or the “ghost city” of Fengdu. B,L,D

Vitoria Cruises Premier Ships

Launched/Rebuilt: 2001-2011 Registry: Chinese Passenger Capacity: 193-308

Decks: 5 A/C: Yes Crew:112-125

Wednesday, June 13: Yangtze Cruising – Qutang Gorge/Small Three Gorges/Wu Gorge/Xiling Gorge Today we pass through narrow Qutang Gorge then board a small sampan for a cruise through the stunning Small Three Gorges, among the most spectacular sights of our trip. Back aboard our Victoria Cruises ship this afternoon we enter tranquil Wu Gorge then cruise 42-mile Xiling Gorge.

B,L,D

All Cabins: Private balcony; satellite TV w/HBO

Thursday, June 14: Yangtze Cruising – Three Gorges Dam/Shanghai After visiting the site of the immense Three Gorges Dam we continue on to Yichang, where we disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Shanghai, the “Paris of the East.”

B,L Friday, June 15: Shanghai Our day begins with a visit to the Children’s Palace, where adolescents learn traditional Chinese arts. We continue on to beloved 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens, whose plantings, courtyards, and pavilions create the illusion of mountains, caverns, and lakes. Then after lunch together we tour the acclaimed Shanghai Museum of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.

Tonight we dine on our own then attend a lively acrobatics show. B,L

Optional Post-Tour Extension

SHANGHAI—ON YOUR OWN 3 days/2 nights for $195 Single Supplement: $145 Spend additional time exploring dynamic Shanghai, China’s most prosperous vibrant, & cosmopolitan city.

Your Tour Price Includes  2 nights accommodations at Shanghai Hilton (Deluxe)  2 breakfasts  Transfer to the airport for your departure

Saturday, June 16: Shanghai This morning we visit the Bund, the milelong riverside embankment where foreign investors – and their buildings – once held sway. Then the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight we toast our China adventure at a farewell dinner. B,D Sunday, June 17: Depart for U.S. We depart Shanghai for our return flight to the U.S. B

Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on uneven terrain, with as much as two to three miles on touring days. Be prepared for many stairs, as ramps are not common in China. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour. Lhasa’s altitude (12,090 feet) could pose problems for travelers with certain health conditions.

Tour Highlights Beijing touring, including Tiananmen Square; Temple of Heaven; Great Wall; Beijing hutong tour and home visit; Giant Panda Protection & Research Center, Chengdu; Dazu Rock Carvings; Three-night visit to fascinating Tibet; Lhasa’s 1,000-room Potala Palace; Visit with a Tibetan family; Three-night Yangtze River cruise including Three Gorges; Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian; and Shanghai touring Accommodations include: Superior First Class — Sheraton Xian Hotel, Victoria Cruises First Class — Xin Ding, Lhasa, Tibet Deluxe — Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Crowne Plaza Chengdu, JW Marriott Chongqing, Hilton Shanghai Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, a travel industry standard reference.

Your Tour Price Includes 

Round-trip air from RSW; JFK; ORD; MIA

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17 nights’ accommodations: 3 nights aboard Superior First Class ship of Victoria Cruises; 14 nights in Deluxe, Superior First Class and First Class hotels

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44 meals: 17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 13 dinners

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Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees

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Services of a private Tour Director

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Private motor coach transportation throughout your trip, including on shore excursions

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Luggage handling for one bag per person

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Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Questions? Contact us at: Excursion is limited to 24 travelers.

Reserve Early!

The Renaissance Academy 1010 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 239-434-4838 E-mail: jguerra@fgcu.edu

CHINA, TIBET & THE YANGTZE RIVER 2012 Accommodations Sofitel Wanda Beijing www.accorhotels.com Close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the Sofitel Wanda Beijing was designed to display the strong cultural links between France and China. Hotel amenities include four restaurants, bar, and lounge; Internet access; Fitness Center with massage and spa; and indoor pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Sheraton Xian www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton This high-rise hotel is located close to the city’s major attractions. In the hotel you’ll find several restaurants and lounges; Fitness Center with indoor pool, sauna, massage treatments, and Jacuzzi; hair salon; gift shop; Internet access; and laundry services. Air-conditioned rooms feature private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Crowne Plaza ww.crowneplaza.com A modern hotel in the center of Chengdu, the Crowne Plaza has several restaurants and lounges; Health and Fitness Center with indoor swimming pool, gym, massage, and hair salon; spa with sauna; Internet access; and dry cleaning services. Your room is equipped with private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Xin Ding Hotel www.xddjd.com Within walking distance of Jokhang Monastery, this recently opened 132-room hotel offers two restaurants, a chess and card room, and Internet access. Well-appointed guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, Internet access, TV, and phone. Please note that while this is one of the best hotels in Lhasa, you will find the quality here significantly lower than elsewhere on your tour.

JW Marriott Chongqing www.marriott.com This modern hotel in the center of Chongqing has several restaurants and cafes; Fitness Center; sauna; indoor pool; and Internet access. Each room is equipped with private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Victoria Cruises Premier Ships www.victoriacruises.com With the largest fleet to ply the Yangtze, Victoria Cruises is the leader in Yangtze River cruising. All premier ships that we use are air-conditioned and carry 198-308 passengers. All cabins are outside, non-smoking, and 155 square feet with private bathroom with bathtub and shower, balcony, and satellite TV. Hair dryers are available upon request. The ships offer breakfast and lunch buffets and classic Chinese dinner banquets, reading room, fitness area, gift shop, and beauty salon. On-board activities include lectures on Chinese history and culture, Tai Chi lessons, calligraphy demonstrations, and traditional entertainment in the evening. Victoria Cruises offers a comprehensive Yangtze experience, with multi-lingual cruise directors and informative river guides.

Hilton Shanghai www.hilton.com This 43-story hotel in Shanghai’s commercial district offers a variety of amenities, including laundry/valet service, barbershop and beauty salon, gift shop, elevators, Internet access, several restaurants and lounges, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel also has a health club with Fitness Center, indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam bath, and massage service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, sitting area, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

China a, Tibe et and d the Yangt Y tze Riv ver Encloosed is my/ou ur non-refund dable deposit for f $_______ ____($750 perr person) for _____ persoon/people on the “China, Tibet T & Yangttze River” tou ur departing tthe USA on M May 30, 20122. I/we undersstand the finaal payment is due on or beffore Februaryy 25, 2012. Y Your deposit may be paid by American Exprress, Discover, MasterCard d, VISA, or ppersonal checkk. This excurrsion is limiteed to 24 partiicipants. Plea ase mail this completed fo orm as soon as a possible to:: The Renaiss ssance Academ my of FGCU U, Attention: th John n Guerra, 101 10 5 Ave Sou uth, Naples, FL F 34102.

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 II/We wish too reserve an AIR, A LAND D & CRUISE E Package foor $5,895 pp (Roundtrip air ffrom Ft. Myers;; excludes taxes) )  II/We wish too reserve an AIR, A LAND D & CRUISE E Package foor $5,795 pp (Roundtrip air ffrom NYC or Chhicago; excludess taxes)  II/We wish too reserve an AIR, A LAND D & CRUISE E Package foor $5,395 pp (Roundtrip air ffrom San Franciisco; excludes taxes)  II/We wish too reserve a LAND/CRUIISE-ONLY Package P for $4,995 per pperson  I prefer singlle accommoddations for an a additionall cost of $1,5595 (Single acccommodations are limited)  II/We wish too reserve the Post-Tour Shanghai S Exttension for $$195 per perrson (plus $1445 single suppleement)  I have the folllowing speccial requirem ments (includiing dietary):

 I am travellinng alone but will share a room with __________ _ ______________________________________  II/We wish too reserve a Trans-Pacific Business Cllass upgradee (price availaable upon reqquest and subjject to changee) I/Wee have read an nd understoo od this brochu ure and agreee to be boundd by its terms,, policies andd conditions:

Signnature:_____ ___________ __________ ___________ __

Date:___________________________________________

Signnature:_____ ___________ __________ ___________ __

Date:___________________________________________

PLEEASE ENCLOSE A PHO OTOCOPY OF YOUR P PASSPORTT WITH YO OUR DEPOSSIT IMPO ORTANT: TH HIS IS A MOD DERATE EXER ERTION TOUR R. PARTICIPA PANTS MUST T BE ABLE TO O WALK, STAN ND AND CLIM MB STAIIRS WITHOU UT DIFFICULTY. I understaand that The Reenaissance Acaademy of FGC CU is unable to accept any person as a tour passeenger who may y require speciaal attention beccause of a mediical condition uunless they havve a companion traveling witth them who caan provide whatever seervices and asssistance is neceessary. I furtherr understand thhat The Renaissance Academ my of FGCU caannot accept or retain h or generaal deportment impedes i the op peration of the tour or affectss the rights, welfare or enjoym ment of other to our any pperson whose health passeengers. I accep pt sole responsiibility for deterrmining that I am a in good phyysical and menntal health and am able to parrticipate in grou up tourinng. I further ceertify that I hav ve read and agrree with the Geeneral Terms aand Conditions associated witth this excursioon.

Method off Payment (C Circle One) – Make Check ks Payable too Odysseys U Unlimited Check

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___________ ____________ ____________ Exp. Date_______________________ Card/Account #______ O Card:_____ ___________ ____________ _________________________________ Name As It Appears On ___________ ___________ ____________ _______________________ ______________________ Signature_

The Renaissance Academy of FGCU China, Tibet and the Yangtze River May 30 (Depart USA) – June 17, 2012 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.

Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air, cruise and land from Ft. Myers, FL airport is $5,895 per person; $5,395 from San Francisco; and $5,795 from NYC or Chicago (excluding taxes and other costs listed below). Land/Cruise‐only cost is $4,995 per person. A non‐refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due on or before February 25, 2012. The single supplement is $1,595 per person. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a minimum group size of 20 participants, are subject to change.

Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

Luggage: Only one carry‐on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.

Documents: U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport and visa for entry into China.

Cost of Tour Includes: Round‐trip airfare; 17 nights' accommodations in Superior First Class, First Class, and Deluxe hotels and Victoria Cruises; 44 meals: 17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 13 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtrip airfare from any departure point other than those listed herein; costs of passports, visas, airport, port, and airline departure taxes (departure taxes are currently estimated at $493 per person and will be listed as separate items on your invoice and are subject to change); personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not specified; excess baggage fees; communication charges; gratuities to your Tour Director, which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing or shore excursions; and travel protection insurance.

Cancellations: All deposits are non‐refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94‐65 days prior to departure ‐ 65% of the tour cost per person; 64‐30 days prior to departure ‐ 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post‐tour extension, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.

Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Compare and purchase insurance at www.squaremouth.com

Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your party suffer from any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.

Smoking: Smoking is NOT permitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of transport used by the group.

Responsibility‐Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not provide travel services or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour.

Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled

by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies.

The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure.

For Land‐Only Guests: When you purchase China, Tibet and the Yangtze River as “land only,” airport transfers and luggage handling at the arrival and departure airports at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. However, should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving.