The Best of China

Day 1: En Route

Depart the U.S.A. on your flight to Beijing, China.

Day 2:  Arrive Beijing

Welcome to China! Arrival Beijing – the capital of China; meeting, assistance and private transfer to your hotel for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Beijing

Morning sightseeing begins at Tian’anmen Square; an iconic cultural symbol. Enter the Forbidden City, a World Cultural Heritage Site, built in 1420, was home to 24 emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasties and is now the Palace Museum. After lunch, visit the Empress Dowager’s Summer Palace. It is the largest imperial garden in the world. The landscape architect utilized Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake to create a paradise of hills and waters. This evening, enjoy a festive Peking Duck banquet dinner.  (B.L.D)

Day 4:  Beijing

This morning depart for an excursion to the 2,000 year-old Great Wall of China, one of the Greatest Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the longest man-made structure in the world stretching approximately 4,163 miles from east to west of China. After lunch, proceed to the Ming Tombs; the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644); and visit the Changling Tomb. Return to the hotel late afternoon. (B.L)

Day 5:  Beijing / Xi’an

Morning tour of the Temple of Heaven – an architectural masterpiece and also a World Heritage Site. The Temple of Heaven covers an area of 273 hectares, which is four times larger than the Forbidden city. It was used to hold a memorial ceremony for the God in Winter Solstice Festival and to pray for harvest in the first month of the lunar year by the emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties.  After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Xi’an – home of China’s most important archeological site. Upon arrival; meeting, assistance and transfer to the hotel in Xi’an. (B.L)

Day 6: Xi’an

Travel through the scenic countryside to the extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. It is the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. In 1974, while digging a well, a farmer stumbled upon the third century B.C. burial grounds of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. An archaeological dig has uncovered an army of more than 8,000 life-sized terracotta statues, each with distinctive physical features. These soldiers have been guarding their emperor’s tomb, under-ground for over 2,000 years. After lunch, visit the City Wall before returning to the hotel to refresh. This evening, enjoy a splendid Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner. (B.L.D)

Day 7: Xi’an / Guilin

Morning depart to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda; a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Continue to the Great Mosque built in Tang Dynasty. It is still used by Chinese Muslims today as a place of worship. After lunch, spend some free time in the surrounding narrow alleys packed with vendors of souvenirs and local flavor delicacies, which makes a very popular bazaar in Xi’an.  Transfer to airport for an evening flight to Guilin; arrive and transfer to the hotel in Guilin for overnight. (B.L)

Day 8: Guilin

This morning, relax and enjoy a cruise down the scenic Li River; sailing along the lush green countryside. Thousands of poets have composed couplets and poems praising the breathtaking scenes that you can witness through the journey. Lunch is served on board. Disembark in the picturesque Yangshuo and explore the local market.  Return to Guilin in the evening. (B.L)

Day 9: Guilin / Shanghai

Morning tour of Reed Flute Cave with fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations artfully illuminated by multi-colored lights.  Continue visit to the Elephant Trunk Hill located at the west bank of the southeast Li River. After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel in Shanghai. (B.L)

Day 10: Shanghai

Today, a full day tour of Shanghai starts with a visit to the popular Bund, where the waterfront promenade has dozens of historical buildings built during 1920s and 1930s. Continue to the Yu Garden in the Old Quarter. After lunch, drive to the Pudong side and visit the Oriental Pearl Tower – the 6^th highest tower in the world, for a bird’s eye view of the Bund.  Proceed to the Propaganda Museum before returning to your hotel. (B.L)

Optional: Evening enjoy the world famous Acrobatic Show; please inquire.

 Day 11: Shanghai / En Route

Transfer to Shanghai Airport for your departure; or extend your journey to Hong Kong. (B)

HONG KONG EXTENSION by Private Car

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 11:  Shanghai / Hong Kong

Welcome to the buzzing Hong Kong!  Upon arrival; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. (B)

(NOTE: Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong NOT included and must be added)

Day 12: Hong Kong

Morning private car tour of Hong Kong Island includes the Wanchai district, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Hong Kong with some of the most interesting architecture, top restaurants, hidden shops and cultural spots. Ascend Victoria Peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of Hong Kong. Drive to the southern coast of Hong Kong Island to Repulse Bay, continue to Stanley Market for some great bargains. Return to your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 13: Hong Kong

Today is free at leisure to explore Hong Kong’s fabulous shopping and culinary journey like no other. (B)

Day 14: Depart Hong Kong

Transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for your departure flight home; or extend your journey to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.  (B)

These are sample itineraries which can be further customized to suit your preference. Prices will be quoted upon request according to the date of travel and the number of  passengers in your vehicle.

(B) Breakfast            (L) Lunch        (D) Dinner

VISA REQUIRED FOR CHINA