Best of China (13 Days) 

     Board your overnight flight to Beijing.

     Your tour of China, one of the most fascinating countries in the world, begins in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China.

     Your sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square. While here, experience a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying in Tiananmen Square! Continue to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Your evening features a special Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)

     No visit to China would be complete without seeing the Great Wall. Today you have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel! Travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, where you will visit the Sacred Way burial site. This evening, a special treat is in store for you - a Peking opera show. (B, L, D)

     Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets of ancient Beijing before visiting the Temple of Heaven, an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshiped their gods. Next, you fly to China’s interior and the city of Xian. (B, L, D)

     Begin the day with a visit to one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. Next you will visit the Great Mosque, a haven of tranquility tucked into the bustling market areas of Xian. See skilled artisans at work and learn about one of the local handicrafts at a jade carving factory. For lunch you will savor a local specialty, Xian dumplings, before traveling to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. Dinner and entertainment are included at the Tang Dynasty show. (B, L, D)

     A morning flight brings you to the beautiful city of Guilin with its mystical landscape of limestone karst pinnacles covered with lush vegetation. An introduction to the city includes views of Elephant Trunk Hill and a visit to the Reed Flute Caves featuring wonderful underground scenery. (B, L, D)

     Today enjoy a cruise along the Li River and behold the beauty of Guilin's unique scenery which has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries. Visit the fascinating Chinese Art Institute in Guilin for an informative artisan demonstration. (B, L, D)

     This morning, participate in one of the oldest and most revered Chinese traditions - Tai Chi. Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. Later, depart Guilin for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the economic heart of China. After lunch you will make a visit to the Bund. Along the waterfront you will see the European-style architecture of the buildings that once housed the institutions of the colonial powers in the 19th century. (B, L)

     Begin your day with a visit to the Children’s Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Visit the Old Town and walk down its narrow lanes past traditional buildings to the once private Yu Yuan Gardens. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you wander through this island of tranquility. You end your full-day sightseeing tour with a stop at the Temple of the Jade Buddha. Tonight, you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatics Show. (B, L, D)

     Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Zhujiajiao, an ancient city located on the banks of Dianshan Lake, at the foot of Dianshan Hill. After more than one thousand years, Ming & Qing dynasty buildings still stand, and 36 ancient stone bridges cross the canal that runs through the center of town. Places of historical interest and scenic beauty surround you. You will visit the museums, enjoy a boat ride on the canal and have time to shop on BeiDa Street, which is famous for its 1,000 shops! (B, L, D)

     This morning you visit the Shanghai National History Museum. There you will find artifacts that span the length of China’s history, and enliven its cultural traditions. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore more of the city on your own or revisit some of your favorite locales. Later this evening, bid farewell to your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. (B, D)

     Your tour ends in Shanghai. (B)