Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2 Arrive Beijing,
China - Tour
Begins
Join us on a tour of one of the
world’s most fascinating countries: The People’s Republic of China. You’ll
experience the ancient splendor of Xian, the traditional bustle of Beijing, and the modern cityscape of Shanghai. Your adventure begins in Beijing, the vibrant
capital city.
Day 3: Beijing
A sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to the expansive and historic Tiananmen Square. Continue to the Forbidden
City, a vast network of palaces, including five halls, seventeen
palaces and numerous other buildings. It was once reserved for China’s most powerful rulers and was the Chinese Imperial Palace
during the mid-Ming and Qing dynasties. Cap off the day with a Peking duck
dinner, a specialty in this part of the country.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: The Great Wall
*China’s
legendary landmark, the Great Wall, is yours to discover today. * During
your visit, you’ll have a chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile
marvel! Follow this famous path and take in incredible views of the surrounding
countryside. Then continue on through the valley of the Ming Tombs where you
will visit the extensive Sacred
Way burial site, commissioned by Emperor Yongle in
the 15th century. You will have time to experience a time-honored
and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying! *After a day filled with discovery, enjoy a
traditional Peking opera show. You will be
delighted by the colorful costumes and interesting music. *
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Beijing
This morning visit the Summer Palace,
which is ranked amongst the most noted classical gardens in the world. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO. After lunch, the
remainder of your day is at leisure. (B,
L)
Day 6: Beijing - Xian
Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven,
an ornate sanctuary where Chinese
Emperors worshiped their gods. *Enjoy
a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of
ancient Beijing.
Along the way, visit a local home where you will share a simple lunch and learn
the art of dumpling making. * Then,
continue your journey with a short flight to China’s
interior city of Xian. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Xian
Today you will lay eyes on one of
the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda.
The impressive structure was built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist
treasures. *For lunch you will savor a local specialty, Xian dumplings, before
traveling to the excavation site of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors. * This
army of men and horse was buried with the first Emperor of Qin to protect him
in the afterlife. You will be amazed by
the sheer numbers of them and their detailed features! This evening, you may choose an optional
dinner and entertainment at the Tang Dynasty show. (B, L)
Day 8: Xian - Guilin
An early morning flight whisks
you from Xian to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Here you’ll find mystical landscapes of limestone karst pinnacles covered with
lush vegetation….it truly is a sight to behold. After a casual lunch, visit the
legendary Reed Flute Caves.
Enjoy a guided tour showcasing the spectacular underground scenery. You’ll also
stop to take in the view of Elephant Trunk Hill, located on the western bank of
Li River. The hill is named for its curious shape, which resembles an enormous
elephant drinking water from the placid river. Finally, return to your hotel
for an evening at leisure. (B,
L, D)
Day 9: Guilin
Today is a day to remember.
You’ll begin with a scenic cruise along the Li River where you’ll admire the
landscapes that have been inspiring Chinese artists and poets for centuries.
With its unique landforms and swirling mist, it is the classic Chinese scenery
you have always imagined. And be sure to keep on the lookout for water buffalo.
*Visit the Guilin Tea Institute, learn
the art of tea leaf picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. * (B, L, D)
Day 10: Guilin
- Shanghai
*Start the day with a private Tai Chi lesson, a highly-revered Chinese
martial art that is both invigorating and relaxing. * After your session, depart Guilin
for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the
economic heart of China. The sight of the city’s futuristic
skyline will leave you speechless. After lunch, enjoy a locally-guided tour of
the waterfront district known as the Bund. This area runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River
and is famous for its gorgeous colonial buildings. You’ll feel as though
you’ve stepped back into 19th century Europe
as you wander among the impressive Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance
architecture. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Shanghai
*This morning is highlighted by a visit to the Children’s Palace, an
ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including
calligraphy, piano and dance. * Delight in the sight of children at work
and play as you tour the palace. Next, visit the Old Town
and walk its winding, narrow lanes. You’ll pass traditional Chinese buildings
as you make your way to the once-private Yu Yuan Gardens.
Then leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you wander
through this 400-year-old oasis. Admire the classical design as you wander
among the flowering trees and quiet ponds. End your full-day sightseeing tour
with a stop at the beautiful Temple of the Jade Buddha. *Tonight, take in the energy and excitement
of a Chinese acrobatics show. * (B, L, D)
Day 12: Shanghai
- Suzhou - Shanghai
*Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village
of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East." *
Enjoy a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, which is over 1,500 years old and
connects Beijing to the rich coastal areas
around Shanghai.
Next, take a relaxing stroll through one of the beautiful gardens. See the artistry of the students at the Institute of Silk Embroidery and experience an
educational visit to a silk spinning factory.
This evening you may choose an optional cruise on the Huangpu River
to enjoy the Shanghai
skyline by night, followed by a western dinner.
(B, L)
Day 13: Shanghai
*Today you will discover the treasures of the Shanghai National
History Museum.
* Here you will admire priceless
artifacts that span the length of China’s rich history and enliven
its cultural traditions. The remainder
of the day is at leisure for you to explore more of the city on your own or
revisit some of your favorite locales. Snap just a few more photographs, enjoy
another steaming bowl of noodles, or shop for a few last-minute souvenirs. Later this evening, bid farewell to China at an
indulgent farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 14: Shanghai - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Shanghai but you will carry your memories of China with you
as you make the journey home. (B)
2 Night Optional Hong Kong
Post Tour Extension
Rate: $599 - 799 USD Double, Land Only, Air add-ons apply.
Your Hotel: Harbour
Plaza Hotel, Kowloon, Hong
Kong
3 Meals:
2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Day 14: Shanghai
- Hong Kong
This afternoon you arrive
in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan
and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong
Kong’s bustling shopping district.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Perhaps you will purchase custom-made clothing sewn by some of the most
talented tailors in the world. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewelry, silk,
and leather products. (B from base tour)
Day 15: Hong Kong - Aberdeen
Later today, enjoy a tour
of Hong Kong’s business district and the fishing village of Aberdeen where you will enjoy a sampan
ride. Time is available for more bargain
hunting at the Stanley Market. Next, you are whisked by tram to Victoria Peak for a
spectacular view of Hong Kong and its harbor.
Tonight's farewell dinner is atop Victoria
Peak with incredible
views of the city and harbor below. (B,
D)
Day 16: Hong Kong - Extension Ends
You will board your flight
home, crossing the International Dateline.
(B)
Day 16: Arrive USA
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
The Upper Class
