Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Beijing, China - Tour Begins

Begin your journey in Beijing, one of the most fascinating cities in the world and the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Over the next several days you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient city that remains both the political and cultural heart of the country.

Day 3: Beijing

Ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, delve into China’s history with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring palace complex that was the home to 24 Chinese Emperors over the course of almost 500 years. Take a special tour of the Treasure Hall, a section normally not open to the general public. Pause to savor a traditional dim sum lunch. Visit a silk factory and explore how traditional artisans create the luxurious fabric. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a world-famous Peking Duck restaurant.

Day 4: The Great Wall

No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall. Visit the picturesque Juyongguan section and walk along the wall to take in the sweeping vistas. Next, visit jade and cloisonné workshops and learn how local artists create these ancient masterpieces. Tonight, have fun with a traditional Beijing hot pot dinner.

Day 5: Beijing

Today is at your leisure to explore this fascinating, constantly changing city independently. Perhaps visit a local market in the morning and participate in a cooking class. In the afternoon, you have the option to explore the 798 Dashanzi Art District. This evening, you can even choose to experience a traditional Peking Opera and explore the Donghuamen night market. Your tour manager will be available to offer suggestions on how best to spend your free time.

Day 6: Beijing

Begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Visit a pearl factory and learn about the different varieties of these underwater gems. Next, marvel at the intricate design of the Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Tonight, enjoy a breathtaking acrobatics show.

Day 7: Beijing

Enjoy a day of leisure to relax or independently explore this wonderful city. You may take an optional tour to Xian*, which includes a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Day 8: Beijing

This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to pray for the new season. Learn tai chi amidst the locals doing their morning exercises. Soak in the culture of this communal space while other citizens of the city play cards or board games nearby. Afterwards, experience ancient Beijing on a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making. Next, visit a Chinese calligraphy master and learn how to write in this ancient art. Complete your visit with a traditional tea ceremony. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner with Imperial cuisine at a courtyard restaurant.

Day 9: Beijing - Tour Ends

Your tour ends in Beijing. On your return flight home, you will cross the International Dateline.