Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart USA for Beijing, China
Day 2: Arrive Beijing. Your tour of one of the most fascinating countries in the world begins in the capital of the People’s Republic of China. An English-speaking guide will meet your flight, drive you to your hotel and help you check in.
Day 3: Beijing. After breakfast at the hotel, join the group for a full day city tour. Your adventure begins in Tienanmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space on earth. Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens. You’ll stroll cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate advisers, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. After lunch you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. Tonight you’ll sample the delicious local cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant.
Day 4: Beijing. Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. After lunch you’ll visit the massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where you’ll walk along the "Sacred Way" passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures. Enjoy dinner tonight at a Beijing restaurant.
Day 5: Beijing. This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. This ornate wooden structure was where the "Sons of Heaven", as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshiped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. After lunch you’ll forget about the skyscrapers and construction cranes of modern Beijing as you venture into Hutong, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on. You’ll bicycle or ride rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, past vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops and tiny, wooden teahouses. This evening you’ll enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking Duck Dinner Party – then attend a special cultural performance.
Day 6: Beijing/Xian. Take the short, two-hour flight to Xian, You’ll begin our visit with a tour of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures from India. You’ll stroll through Xian’s bustling markets and visit the Provincial History Museum where you’ll see artifacts from the Paleolithic period, priceless Tang Dynasty bronzes and treasures from the Silk Road caravans. Lunch and dinner will be at local restaurants.
Day 7: Xian. Today you’ll visit what for many is the high point of their trip to China - the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. More than 6000 soldiers, ministers and horses, each individually sculpted from a real life model, stand guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s still unopened tomb. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the site, get a good look at the warriors from various vantage points and visit the excellent museum. Tonight you’ll celebrate Xian’s rich history with dinner and entertainment – enjoy the magnificent Tang Dynasty Show while sampling the regional specialty – Xian dumplings.
Day 8: Xian/Shanghai. Fly to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city and the most dynamic city in Asia. An English-speaking tour guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Indulge in a shopping spree along Nanjing Road. Stroll the avenues and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere. Stop for a cup of tea or a beer in a small café and chat with locals. This evening experience Shanghai’s world-famous nightclubs or simply enjoy the hotel’s amenities and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 9: Shanghai. Today you’ll recall Shanghai’s past as you visit the Bund, the city’s lively waterfront, and see the remains of the banks and other colonial institutions of the 19th century. You’ll visit Yuyuan Garden in the old part of the city and the Jade Buddha Temple with its fine collection of carved jade statues. You’ll also tour a carpet factory. After dinner, you’ll attend a thrilling acrobatic show.
Day 10: Suzhou. Day excursion to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East". You will visit the Lingering Garden and a silk embroidery institute. You will also visit the ancient Panmen Gate and cruise on the world famous ancient Grand Canal of more than 2400 years.
Day 11: Shanghai. Bid farewell to Shanghai. You will be driven to the airport for your flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Prices for 2008:
Air and Land LAX/SFO:
- Jul 4, 11, 18-$2599
- Jul 25-$3359
- Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17-$2299
- Oct 24, 31; Nov 7, Nov 14, 21, 28-$2099
- Dec 5, 12-$2199
- Dec 19, 26-$2459
Air and Land NYC:
- Jul 4, 11, 18-$2639
- Jul 25-$3489
- Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17-$2399
- Oct 24, 31; Nov 7, Nov 14, 21, 28-$2199
- Dec 5, 12-$2299
- Dec 19, 26-$2559
Land Only:
- Jun 13, 20, 27; Jul 4, 11, 18-$1549
- Jul 25-$1709
- Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17-$1449
- Oct 24, 31; Nov 7, Nov 14, 21, 28-$1299
- Dec 5, 12-$1349
- Dec 19, 26-$1409
Single Supplement:
- Jul 4, 11, 18-$495
- Jul 25-$495
- Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17-$495
- Oct 24, 31; Nov 7, Nov 14, 21, 28-$395
- Dec 5, 12-$395
- Dec 19, 26-$395
Prices Exclude:
- Airport taxes: $99- $299
- China Visa application fee: $180
- Fuel Surcharges for China domestic air: $35 (Fuel surcharges are subject to change)
- Gratuities to guides and drivers.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
History Whiz
Archeology/History
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