TREASURES OF JAPAN &
CHINA
16 DAYS FROM $4,949 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Your Treasures of Japan & China
vacation begins in Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, with wonders that
include the Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument set in a
man-made forest, Imperial Palace Plaza, and Asakusa Kannon Temple.
Also, enjoy a walking tour among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo.
From Tokyo, your tour heads south for Hakone and a cable car ride with panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Then, a thrilling ride on Japan’s bullet train delivers you to Kyoto. Established in 1964, Japan’s bullet trains were the world’s first high-speed trains and now travel in excess of 185 miles per hour. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, visit Nijo Castle, completed in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You also visit Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, and the Heian Shrine & Garden. A full day of leisure in Kyoto gives you time to enjoy the many temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas at your own pace. In Japan, you not only visit the famous sights, you also have an opportunity to try on a traditional kimono and enjoy a tea ceremony.
The next part of your trip takes you to China. Fly to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. On your Shanghai sightseeing tour, experience the Shanghai Museum; Yu Yuan Gardens, built in the Ming Dynasty; and the Children’s Palace, one of China’s famous kindergartens. Then travel to Guilin for vistas of unique limestone mountains during a leisurely Li River cruise. After a short flight to Xi’an, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” dinner show and see the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor with its legion of Terracotta Warriors.
Finally, fly to Beijing, China’s capital. Enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes the Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors, and Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Your sightseeing tour also includes the Beijing Zoo to see pandas and the former Imperial Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. No vacation to China is complete without seeing the Great Wall of China, and on this tour, you get a chance to walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. Your adventurous vacation to China and Japan concludes with a delightful Peking duck dinner in Beijing.
Day 1 (Fri.)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan (Sat.)
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Tokyo (Sun.)
Meet your traveling companions prior to a sightseeing tour of Japan’s capital city, home to more than 8 million people. A Local Guide takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations of a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. You’ll also have an opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and enjoy a TEA CEREMONY. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE, where you can sample some local delicacies. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)
Day 4 Tokyo–Hakone–Odawara (Mon.)
This morning, head south for Hakone via Kamakura to see the Great Buddha. Upon arrival, take a CABLE CAR RIDE for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Continue on to Odawara. This evening, enjoy a special Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)
Day 5 Odawara–Kyoto (Tue.)
Today, enjoy a thrilling ride on a BULLET TRAIN to Kyoto. Established in 1964, Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen) were the world’s first high-speed trains and now travel at speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour. Upon arrival in Kyoto, visit YUZEN HANDMADE CORNER to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on cloth. You will be invited to participate in making your own souvenir using this traditional technique. Next, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, and the HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN. (B,L)
Day 6 Kyoto (Wed.)
This morning’s city tour features the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make a popular Japanese dish. Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with its Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Kofukuji Temple with its 5-story pagoda. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Kyoto (Thu.)
A full day at leisure to enjoy this historically rich city at your own pace. You may want to consider a full-day tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, for an authentic taste of Japan, visit a sake brewery for a tasting and to learn about the brewing tradition that has been passed down through the generations. (B)
Day 8 Kyoto–Shanghai (Fri.)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Tonight there will be plenty of time to enjoy the city and to shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road. (B,D)
Day 9 Shanghai (Sat.)
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings housing banks and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B,L)
Day 10 Shanghai–Guilin (Sun.)
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas. (B)
Day 11 Guilin (Mon.)
Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that artists have tried to capture for centuries. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Guilin–Xi’an (Tue.)
A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China for an overnight stay. This evening, enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
Day 13 Xi’an–Beijing (Wed.)
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Later, fly to Beijing. (B,L)
Day 14 Beijing (Thu.)
Your full-day sightseeing includes a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. You’ll visit the BEIJING ZOO to see pandas, and will discover the former Imperial SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the 13th century. (B,L)
Day 15 Beijing (Fri.)
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. This evening is the perfect finale to a great adventure as you’re hosted to a special PEKING DUCK FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 16 Beijing (Sat.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Tokyo: City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine, calligraphy demonstration, kimono fitting, tea ceremony, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade; night walking tour; welcome dinner
Hakone: Cable car ride to view Mount Fuji (weather permitting)
Odawara–Kyoto: By high-speed bullet train
Kyoto: Visit Yuzen Handmade Corner, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine & Garden, and Nijo Castle; Japanese cooking class
Shanghai: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children’s Palace; stroll along the Bund
Guilin: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; Li River cruise
Xi’an: Enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration
Beijing: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Beijing Zoo, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Duck farewell dinner
All Intra-Tour Flights
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
Departure Dates:
April - June
August - September
16 DAYS FROM $4,949 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Your Treasures of Japan & China
vacation begins in Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, with wonders that
include the Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument set in a
man-made forest, Imperial Palace Plaza, and Asakusa Kannon Temple.
Also, enjoy a walking tour among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. From Tokyo, your tour heads south for Hakone and a cable car ride with panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Then, a thrilling ride on Japan’s bullet train delivers you to Kyoto. Established in 1964, Japan’s bullet trains were the world’s first high-speed trains and now travel in excess of 185 miles per hour. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, visit Nijo Castle, completed in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You also visit Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, and the Heian Shrine & Garden. A full day of leisure in Kyoto gives you time to enjoy the many temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas at your own pace. In Japan, you not only visit the famous sights, you also have an opportunity to try on a traditional kimono and enjoy a tea ceremony.
The next part of your trip takes you to China. Fly to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. On your Shanghai sightseeing tour, experience the Shanghai Museum; Yu Yuan Gardens, built in the Ming Dynasty; and the Children’s Palace, one of China’s famous kindergartens. Then travel to Guilin for vistas of unique limestone mountains during a leisurely Li River cruise. After a short flight to Xi’an, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” dinner show and see the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor with its legion of Terracotta Warriors.
Finally, fly to Beijing, China’s capital. Enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes the Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors, and Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Your sightseeing tour also includes the Beijing Zoo to see pandas and the former Imperial Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. No vacation to China is complete without seeing the Great Wall of China, and on this tour, you get a chance to walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. Your adventurous vacation to China and Japan concludes with a delightful Peking duck dinner in Beijing.
Day 1 (Fri.)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan (Sat.)
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Tokyo (Sun.)
Meet your traveling companions prior to a sightseeing tour of Japan’s capital city, home to more than 8 million people. A Local Guide takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations of a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. You’ll also have an opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and enjoy a TEA CEREMONY. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE, where you can sample some local delicacies. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)
Day 4 Tokyo–Hakone–Odawara (Mon.)
This morning, head south for Hakone via Kamakura to see the Great Buddha. Upon arrival, take a CABLE CAR RIDE for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Continue on to Odawara. This evening, enjoy a special Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)
Day 5 Odawara–Kyoto (Tue.)
Today, enjoy a thrilling ride on a BULLET TRAIN to Kyoto. Established in 1964, Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen) were the world’s first high-speed trains and now travel at speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour. Upon arrival in Kyoto, visit YUZEN HANDMADE CORNER to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on cloth. You will be invited to participate in making your own souvenir using this traditional technique. Next, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, and the HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN. (B,L)
Day 6 Kyoto (Wed.)
This morning’s city tour features the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make a popular Japanese dish. Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with its Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Kofukuji Temple with its 5-story pagoda. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Kyoto (Thu.)
A full day at leisure to enjoy this historically rich city at your own pace. You may want to consider a full-day tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, for an authentic taste of Japan, visit a sake brewery for a tasting and to learn about the brewing tradition that has been passed down through the generations. (B)
Day 8 Kyoto–Shanghai (Fri.)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Tonight there will be plenty of time to enjoy the city and to shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road. (B,D)
Day 9 Shanghai (Sat.)
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings housing banks and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B,L)
Day 10 Shanghai–Guilin (Sun.)
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas. (B)
Day 11 Guilin (Mon.)
Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that artists have tried to capture for centuries. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Guilin–Xi’an (Tue.)
A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China for an overnight stay. This evening, enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
Day 13 Xi’an–Beijing (Wed.)
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Later, fly to Beijing. (B,L)
Day 14 Beijing (Thu.)
Your full-day sightseeing includes a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. You’ll visit the BEIJING ZOO to see pandas, and will discover the former Imperial SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the 13th century. (B,L)
Day 15 Beijing (Fri.)
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. This evening is the perfect finale to a great adventure as you’re hosted to a special PEKING DUCK FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 16 Beijing (Sat.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Tokyo: City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine, calligraphy demonstration, kimono fitting, tea ceremony, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade; night walking tour; welcome dinner
Hakone: Cable car ride to view Mount Fuji (weather permitting)
Odawara–Kyoto: By high-speed bullet train
Kyoto: Visit Yuzen Handmade Corner, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine & Garden, and Nijo Castle; Japanese cooking class
Shanghai: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children’s Palace; stroll along the Bund
Guilin: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; Li River cruise
Xi’an: Enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration
Beijing: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Beijing Zoo, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Duck farewell dinner
All Intra-Tour Flights
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
American breakfast daily (B), 7 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Tokyo and a special Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Tokyo Hilton Tokyo (D), Odawara Hilton Resort & Spa (F), Kyoto ANA Hotel Kyoto (F), Shanghai Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F), Guilin Sheraton Guilin (F), Xi’an Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F), Beijing Traders Hotel (F)
American breakfast daily (B), 7 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Tokyo and a special Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Tokyo Hilton Tokyo (D), Odawara Hilton Resort & Spa (F), Kyoto ANA Hotel Kyoto (F), Shanghai Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F), Guilin Sheraton Guilin (F), Xi’an Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F), Beijing Traders Hotel (F)
Departure Dates:
April - June
August - September
Prices:
from $4,949 US per person double
occupancy
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A-Z Tours International - Company Profile
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com