This leisurely paced tour features a 7-night single hotel stay located in the heart of Beijing. Take in everything from the quiet pleasure of lunch with a local family at home in the Hutongs to the once- in-a-lifetime thrill of walking on the Great Wall. Explore historic Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and visit the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Venture to the Valley of the Ming Tombs and the 2008 Olympic Green and its famous Bird’s Nest. Experience the honored ancient alongside the visionary futuristic that can only be found in this incredible city.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Beijing, China - Tour Begins
Experience one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Beijing. Over the next several days, you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient culture.

Day 3: Beijing
Begin your journey in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the Chinese language and key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Then, depart for a morning visit to the Summer Palace, ranked among the most noted classical gardens in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your afternoon includes a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. See the new habitat that has been created for those pandas rescued from the earthquake region who are now happily residing in their new home! Tonight, a traditional dumpling dinner is included.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Beijing
Begin your day with a visit to the famous site of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other rooms and buildings which have been home to 24 Chinese Emperors over 491 years. This evening you will be treated to a dinner featuring Peking Duck, followed by a colorful performance of the Peking Opera.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Beijing
Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating, constantly changing city independently. Your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions on how best to spend your day!
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Behold this awesome site and have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs where you will walk along the Sacred Way, or Divine Road, which means “the road leading to heaven.” Feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics during a visit to the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube!
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Beijing
Enjoy a full 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 Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Beijing
This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for the good harvest and pray for the new harvest. You will also see the locals doing their morning Tai Chi exercises, playing cards or board games. 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 you’ll visit with a kite master and learn the history of the favorite pastime of many locals, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing. On your return flight home you will cross the International Dateline.
Today breakfast will be included.

INCLUSIONS HIGHLIGHTS & EXPERIENCES
9 days, 15 meals
Beijing Zoo, Peking Duck Dinner & Opera, The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Rickshaw Tour
Enjoy a tour of Beijing's Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China.
Savor traditional Chinese dinners, including a Peking Duck dinner and dumplings.
Visit the Beijing Zoo and see the famous Pandas!

Optional Excursions for Beijing City Stay
Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While we are known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation - your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!

Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Lama Temple & Beihai Park $55.00

City: Beijing
Explore the Lama Temple, a renowned temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism that is appropriately known as the “Palace of Peace and Harmony.” This glorious temple, built initially in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, was once the residence of Emperor Yongzheng at the time he was prince. The temple boasts five halls and five courtyards of beautifully-decorated archways, upturned eaves and intricately-carved details. It also showcases beautiful Tibetan-styled murals and houses a treasury of Buddhist art that includes sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas. Next, visit Beihai Park, initially built during the Liao Dynasty, which lasted from 907 to 1125. Enjoy a visit to the historic White Dagoba, the former site of the Palace of the Moon, where Kublai Khan once received Marco Polo! Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).

Jingshong Cooking School $65.00

City: Beijing
While in China, do as the Chinese do! Walk through a local market, perusing the fresh, daily produce, and see how the locals purchase all of the ingredients that make their dishes so savory, from vegetables to fish and fresh spices! When you arrive at the school, the real fun begins as you attend a demonstration that teaches you about the history and flavors of Chinese cuisine. Finally, treat your taste buds by indulging in the expertly created dish! You’ll impress your friends at home long after you return with your knowledge from this hands-on experience during your trip to China.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).

Evening Acrobatic Show $55.00

City: Beijing
This evening, experience an age-old tradition in the Chinese culture, when you attend a performance of the world-famous Beijing Acrobatic Show. Chinese acrobatics has a long history that can be traced back to Neolithic times. Today, it is considered one of the most popular art forms among Chinese people. It is believed that acrobatics developed partly from intense labor, but also from self-defense skills, which many people would practice and demonstrate during their leisure time. During the fascinating performance, see for yourself how performers today carry on this tradition and illustrate the harmonious beauty of this lovely art form.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 3 hour(s).