CLASSIC
CHINA 9 DAYS FROM $2,599 US Details below or
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Take a rickshaw ride along ancient laneways and see the imperial gardens, sacred structures and Olympic sites of Beijing before standing in awe of the view from the famous Great Wall. Visit the rural city of Hangzhou, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and cultural heritage such as the ancient Buddist temple of Linyin. Explore the fascinating excavation at Xi’an, home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and stroll the cosmopolitan streets of Shanghai, all in time to catch a stunning Chinese acrobatics
Highlights Beijing,
Xi an,
Hangzhou,
Wuzhen,
Shanghai
Day 1 DEPART USA Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Beijing.
Day 2 ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken directly to your luxurious hotel. Your Tour Director will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.
Hotel: Ritz-Carlton Beijing (Deluxe)
Day 3 BEIJING SIGHTSEEING
Begin your visit to one of the world’s great capital cities with an exploration of the world’s largest public area—Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the soaring Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes. Pass through the famed south gate to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace for more than 500 years. Continue your contemplation of Chinese culture in the splendid Summer Palace and its lovely gardens. This evening, savor a traditional Welcome Dinner of Peking duck.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Welcome Dinner)
Day 4 BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - THE GREAT WALL
Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch atop the Great Wall, which is actually a collection of fortifications built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century to repulse nomadic invaders like the Mongols. Then walk the Sacred Way past the tombs and memorials of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Back in Beijing, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theater.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)
Begin your day by greeting the famed Chinese pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Then embark on a unique tour by rickshaw through the old section of the city (the Hutongs). In one of these atmospheric neighborhoods, join a local family for a Be My Guest Lunch in their home. This afternoon, depart Beijing and fly to the city of Xi’an. Upon arrival, check in to your stylish hotel and enjoy a sumptuous Highlight Dinner of traditional dumplings at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square (Deluxe)
Day 6 XI'AN SIGHTSEEING
The legendary army (nearly 7,000 strong) of Emperor Qin Shi Huang awaits you in his subterranean tomb. Marvel at the meticulously sculpted Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then get a panoramic view of the city from the old city wall, which protected Xi’an’s inhabitants from marauding invaders. This evening, step back in time at a special Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner, complete with local delicacies, music and dancing.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 7 XI'AN - HANGZHOU (2 NIGHTS)
This morning depart Xi’an for gorgeous Hangzhou, which Marco Polo praised as being “the most charming and splendid city in the world.” Savor the charms of Lingyin Temple, the largest Buddhist monastery in the country, which at its peak in the 10th century housed more than 3,000 monks. On a guided tour, examine the temple’s collection of intricately carved statues, graceful architecture and lovely paintings.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake (Deluxe)
Day 8 HANGZHOU SIGHTSEEING
Rise early to watch the mist hovering over the watery expanses of West Lake, which measures nearly four square miles and is surrounded by forested mountains. This morning, head out on the water for a cruise of one of China’s natural treasures, marveling at the views of mountains, temples and islands. Later, visit a local Chinese tea plantation to learn about the importance of this traditional beverage in Chinese society. Then relax, sip a cup of fresh tea and soak up the atmosphere. This evening, you'll be mesmerized by “Impression West Lake,” a spectacular show of light, water and dance created by the choreographer of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 HANGZHOU - WUZHEN - SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS)
Make your way by motorcoach to Shanghai by way of the port of Wuzhen, nicknamed the “Venice of the East” for its elaborate system of canals. As you travel through town, you may see one of the traditional rice wine distilleries, colorful blue silk drying in the sun and the picturesque covered boats that ply the waterways of this ancient town. Continue to China’s window to the future, the vibrant city of Shanghai, where you check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy dinner.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai (Deluxe)
Day 10 SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING
Spend the day exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world. Your tour begins in the former international settlement of the Bund on the banks of the Huangpu River. Get a taste of Old Shanghai at the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, dedicated to preserving some of the rich traditions of the past. And rise above it all for a panoramic view of the city from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest building in Asia. Enjoy a traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, celebrate your last night in China with a performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)
Day 11 DEPART SHANGHAI
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your travelers with one of our popular optional extensions.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Continental Breakfast)
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights Beijing Visit Tiananmen Square. Tour the Forbidden City. Explore the Summer Palace, China's best example of imperial garden design. Walk the Great Wall, wonder of the ancient world. Travel the Sacred Way. Experience an evening of kung fu, dance and acrobatics at the Red Theater. See the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Explore the Hutongs by rickshaw. Xian Explore the excavations of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Visit the City Wall. Attend a Tang Dynasty cultural show. Hangzhou Take a leisurely cruise on beautiful West Lake. Visit a tea plantation and learn about the significance of tea drinking in Chinese society. Enjoy the spectacular “Impression West Lake” show. Wuzhen Discover why this Chinese port is nicknamed “Venice of the East.” Shanghai Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. Tour Old Town. Stroll the famed Bund waterfront promenade.
Insider Highlights
Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
Be My Guest Get a glimpse into Chinese life during a visit and lunch with a family in Beijing.
Local Specialty Learn about the importance of tea in Chinese society at a local tea plantation.
Dining Highlights
9 buffet breakfasts.
6 lunches.
5 dinners.
Traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch in Shanghai.
2 Highlight Dinners in Xi'an.
Welcome Dinner with wine in Beijing.
Be My Guest Lunch in Beijing.
First Class Travel Highlights
The services of top professional Tour Directors.
Qualified local English-speaking guides in each city.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Audio Headsets are provided for all guided visits and included sightseeeing.
DEPARTURE DATES: March - October
PRICES: Approx $2,599 US per person double occupancy
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