• China

Overview

This tour is the perfect combination of the majesty & artistry of China & the hidden wonders of Tibet, including its people. Begin your journey in Beijing, the capital of China, & travel on through Xian. You'll explore beautiful palaces & ancient sites as well as experience a bit of the culture along the way. Fly on to Lhasa, Tibet, & become one of the few who can check this mystical land off their travel wish list, before returning to Shanghai. 

This program is only available for groups of 10 or more at this time.    

Highlights

  • Beijing - See Tian'anmen Square, the Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven, then visit the Summer Palace & the Panda House at the Beijing Zoo, as well as the Great Wall of China.
  • Xian - Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then enjoy a music & dance show.
  • Lhasa - Enjoy the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple & see a Tibetan dance & fashion show.
  • Shanghai - Look through the Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, the site of the First National Congress & the Xin Tian Di (a newly developed recreation area in Shanghai with old-style buildings).

Itinerary

Day 1: USA to Beijing

Depart the USA via the Pacific.

Day 2: Beijing

You will be greeted by your guide upon arrival at Beijing airport & transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Beijing

Enjoy breakfast prior to a tour of Beijing. Our first stop is the impressive Tian'anmen Square. From there, you will enter the Imperial Palace, known as the Forbidden City, to explore its many fascinating halls & pavilions. Next, visit the Temple of Heaven, the place where the emperors prayed to Heaven for good harvests. This evening, enjoy a traditional Beijing Duck Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Beijing

After breakfast, take a day trip to Badaling where you will visit the only man-made structure visible from outer space, the Great Wall. After lunch, enjoy a stop at the Ming Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain. Tonight, enjoy a special cultural event.  

Day 5: Beijing & Xian

This morning, visit the Summer Palace and the Panda House at the Beijing Zoo. Take an afternoon flight to Xian. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for dinner & overnight.  

Day 6: Xian

Today includes a visit to the majestic Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening you will be entertained at the Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show while enjoying the famous Dumpling Banquet Dinner.

Day 7: Xian & Lhasa

Today, the adventure continues as you board your flight to Lhasa, a town nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. Upon landing in Lhasa, you will be transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, we will have an orientation lecture on the region including such topics as Tibetan religion, festivals, marriage & customs.

Day 8: Lhasa

This morning, you will visit the vast & magnificent Potala Palace. After lunch, visit the Sera Monastery & a typical Tibetan family. Enjoy an unforgettable Tibetan dance & fashion show performed by a small group of Tibetan people during dinner.

Day 9: Lhasa

Your exploration of Lhasa continues this morning as you visit the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, where you will meet many pilgrims in procession through the streets. Continue on to the Tibetan Traditional Medicine Hospital and Norbulingka Park, which is the Summer Place of Dalai Lamas.

Day 10: Lhasa & Shanghai

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast & free morning before departing by air for Shanghai. After lunch, you will visit an old town near Shanghai, Qibao. The Ming - Qing style architecture, traditional snacks, small bridges, rivers and teahouses might make you forget you are in Shanghai in modern times! You will be free to shop at the abundance of local stores along the Shanghai riverfront area known as the Bund.

Day 11: Shanghai

Today you will see the Shanghai Museum, the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, & the Xin Tian Di (a newly developed recreation area in Shanghai with old-style buildings). Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner followed by a fascinating Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Center Theatre.

Day 12: Return to the US

After breakfast, we transfer to Shanghai airport for our return flight to the USA or continue our adventure with many optional extensions.  

Optional Add Ons

Available upon request.

Includes

  • International flights
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Meeting & assistance upon arrival
  • Porterage at hotels
  • 10 Nights hotel accommodations
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Meals are indicated by (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
  • Local taxes & service charges
  • Sightseeing with licensed tour guides
  • Touring with air conditioned deluxe motor coach