China Sampler - Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to China begins this evening as you check-in for your flight bound for Beijing. Your flight departs late tonight.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Date Line and lose one day en route. You’ll regain this day on the return.

Day 3: Arrive Beijing. Late morning arrival in Beijing, China’s lively capital and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. On arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of downtown Beijing and visit the vast Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments. It is also an excellent spot for people watching! Later, arrive at your deluxe, centrally located hotel. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing. Marriott Courtyard Beijing Hotel (D)

Day 4: On today’s exhilarating included excursion venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. Time to view and mount the well-preserved ramparts of this ancient wonder before proceeding to the Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (B,L)

Day 5: A day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Your hotel is ideally located for independent exploration. We suggest an optional ($60) full day excursion with lunch to the Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. On this optional excursion you’ll also visit the Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas, before proceeding to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat and now a lovely park. Here, enjoy a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake. This evening, delight in an optional banquet ($45) featuring the famous “Peking Duck” and make a brief visit to a traditional performance of the renowned Beijing Opera. (B)

Day 6: Beijing/Xian: Morning at leisure. You may join an optional excursion ($40) to Beijing's ancient back alleys (Hutong) by rickshaw and witness the way the Chinese have lived for centuries. You’ll also visit a home of a local family and have lunch with them. Later today, fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route. Grand New World Hotel (B)

Day 7: On a guided morning excursion visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terra Cotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries! The afternoon is at leisure to discover independently. Your hotel enjoys a superb location and you may wish to explore on foot and visit the intriguing Shanxi Museum to view stone carvings and precious art treasures from the ancient Han and Tang Dynasties. On this evening’s optional outing ($45), savor a delicious dumpling dinner, a local specialty, and delight in a Tang Dynasty spectacular folklore show. (B,L)

Day 8: Xian/Shanghai. Today, fly to Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, embark on a guided orientation drive and stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River. Crown Plaza Shanghai Hotel (B)

Day 9: Start your day with a guided walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may join an optional excursion with lunch ($35) to discover the acclaimed Shanghai Museum displaying exquisite ancient Chinese art and artifacts followed by a visit to the famous Jade Buddha Temple which houses exceptional Buddha statues carved of a single piece of white jade. This evening you may join an optional ($35) dinner followed by a mesmerizing acrobatic show. (B)

Day 10: Optional Suzhou Excursion. A full day at leisure to explore Shanghai as you wish. We recommend an exciting optional ($60) excursion with lunch to the charming, canal laced Suzhou, often called "Paradise on Earth". Here you embark on a boat ride on the ancient "Grand Canal" and visit two of Suzhou's most famous gardens as well as other city highlights. Return to Shanghai later this afternoon. This evening join your fellow travelers for an included festive farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 11: Shanghai/USA. Today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)