-
Day 1
DEPART USA
Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Beijing.
Day 2
ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers at 8 p.m.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
-
Day 3
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING
Begin your visit to one of the world’s great capital cities by exploring one of the world’s largest public areas—Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the great Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes. Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens, which served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years. Continue to the stunning Temple of Heaven visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven. Later, indulge in a relaxing foot massage, a Local Speciality, at the Foot Reflexology Centre. This evening, enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Highlight Dinner—a must during any visit to Beijing.
Day 4
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING AND THE GREAT WALL
Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch on top of 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. Walk the Sacred Way home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once-lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Later this evening back in Beijing, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theatre.
-
Day 5
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)
Begin your day by greeting the famed Chinese Giant Pandas at the Beijing Zoo before embarking on a unique tour by rickshaw around the ancient alleyways of the traditional courtyard Hutong residence. Visit the home of a local family for a Be My Guest lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine. This afternoon, bid farewell to Beijing and fly to the city of Xi’an. Arrive at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 6
XI'AN SIGHTSEEING
Venture out with a Local Guide starting with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the legendary army of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb. Later, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the old city wall, which protected Xi’an’s inhabitants from its invaders. This evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner and cultural performance featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes with a special backstage visit.
-
Day 7
XI'AN - SHANGHAI (3 NIGHTS)
Try a morning Tai Chi Class, a Local Speciality, and learn the basic principles of Tai Chi as well as some of the basic movements. Continue to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi’an today. In the afternoon, visit the ancient City Wall, the most complete city wall that has survived in China. Experience a Highlight Lunch where you can try your hand at making traditional dumplings at a local restaurant before enjoying the fruits of your labour. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel before a relaxing evening cruise along the Huangpu River.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 8
SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Drive to the suburbs of Shanghai City with a Local Guide to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1700 years ago. In its heyday, it was a bustling market town well known throughout the country. The town’s many attractions can be found by strolling down the ancient streets and exploring the many bridges that crisscross its canals. Return to the city for a Highlight Lunch featuring Dim Sum, followed by a visit to a local tea house. The afternoon is at leisure for you to visit the city’s museums, have time to go shopping or relax at your hotel. This evening, enjoy a performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
-
Day 9
SHANGHAI AT LEISURE
Today is yours to explore Shanghai as you wish. Take an optional trip to the stunning Yuyuan gardens to see the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum, explore the bustling streets filled with character or relax and enjoy the atmosphere. This evening, gather with your newfound friends for a lively Farewell Dinner toasting to a great trip and an unforgettable adventure.
Day 10
DEPART SHANGHAI
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your holiday with one of the many popular optional extensions.