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Best of China
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From the mystical landscapes of Guilin to the culture-filled metropolis of Shanghai, our Best of China tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure. In fabled Beijing, home to such historic structures as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, you will experience a time-honored Chinese pastime, kite-flying at the Temple of Heaven! During your stay, you'll walk a portion of the 3,700 mile Great Wall of China, enjoy a rickshaw tour and experience a show at the world-famous Peking Opera. In Xian, you'll take in such legendary sights as the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in the world; and the wondrous excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. In Guilin, experience tranquility when you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson before cruising the Li River, and shopping the local markets for souvenirs. A three-night stay in Shanghai includes a visit to the YuYuan Gardens; the Temple of the Jade Buddha; and an amazing Acrobatics Show. Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Zhujiajiao, an ancient city located on the banks of beautiful Dianshan Lake.
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| Call for more information or to book today! Mention code 6806929 | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 5/31/2008 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Overnight Flight | | | Day 2 | Beijing | Arrive Beijing, China - Tour Begins : Join us on a tour of one of the world's most fascinating countries: The People's Republic of China. You'll experience the ancient splendor of Xian, the traditional bustle of Beijing, and the modern cityscape of Shanghai. Your adventure begins in Beijing, the vibrant capital city. | | Day 3 | Beijing | Beijing : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to historic Tiananmen Square. Continue to the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces and courtyards that was once reserved for China's most powerful rulers. Continue on to the Summer Palace, where you can take in the graceful beauty of a typical Chinese garden. Cap off the day with a Peking duck dinner, a true local specialty. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 4 | The Great Wall | The Great Wall : China's legendary landmark, the Great Wall, is yours to discover today. During your visit, you'll have a chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel! Follow this famous path and take in incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Then continue on through the valley of the Ming Tombs where you will visit the extensive Sacred Way burial site, commissioned by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century. You will have time to experience a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying! After a day filled with discovery, enjoy a traditional Peking opera show. You will be delighted by the colorful costumes and interesting music. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 5 | Beijing | Beijing : This morning visit the Summer Palace, which is ranked amongst the most noted classical gardens in the world. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After lunch, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch are included. | | Day 6 | Xi'an | Beijing - Xian : Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven, an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshiped their gods. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of ancient Beijing. Along the way, visit a local home where you will share a simple lunch and learn the art of dumpling making. Then, continue your journey with a short flight to China's interior city of Xian. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 7 | Xi'an | Xian : Today you will lay eyes on one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. The impressive structure was built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist treasures. For lunch you will savor a local specialty, Xian dumplings, before traveling to the excavation site of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors. This army of men and horses was buried with the first Emperor of Qin to protect him in the afterlife. You will be amazed by the sheer numbers of them and their detailed features! This evening, you may choose an optional dinner and entertainment at the Tang Dynasty show. Today breakfast and lunch are included. | | Day 8 | Guilin | Xian - Guilin : An early morning flight whisks you from Xian to the beautiful city of Guilin. Here you'll find mystical landscapes of limestone karst pinnacles covered with lush vegetation...it truly is a sight to behold. After a casual lunch, visit the legendary Reed Flute Caves. Enjoy a guided tour showcasing the spectacular underground scenery. You'll also stop to take in the view of Elephant Trunk Hill, located on the western bank of Li River. The hill is named for its curious shape, which resembles an enormous elephant drinking water from the placid river. Finally, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 9 | Guilin | Guilin : Today is a day to remember. You'll begin with a scenic cruise along the Li River where you'll admire the landscapes that have been inspiring Chinese artists and poets for centuries. With its unique landforms and swirling mist, it is the classic Chinese scenery you have always imagined. And be sure to keep on the lookout for water buffalo. Visit the Guilin Tea Institute, learn the art of tea leaf picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 10 | Shanghai | Guilin - Shanghai : Start the day with a private Tai Chi lesson, a highly-revered Chinese martial art that is both invigorating and relaxing. After your session, depart Guilin for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the economic heart of China. The sight of the city's futuristic skyline will leave you speechless. After lunch, enjoy a locally-guided tour of the waterfront district known as the Bund. This area runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River and is famous for its gorgeous colonial buildings. You'll feel as though you've stepped back into 19th century Europe as you wander among the impressive Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 11 | Shanghai | Shanghai : This morning is highlighted by a visit to the Children's Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Delight in the sight of children at work and play as you tour the palace. Next, visit the Old Town and walk its winding, narrow lanes. You'll pass traditional Chinese buildings as you make your way to the once-private Yu Yuan Gardens. Then leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you wander through this 400-year-old oasis. Admire the classical design as you wander among the flowering trees and quiet ponds. End your full-day sightseeing tour with a stop at the beautiful Temple of the Jade Buddha. Tonight, take in the energy and excitement of a Chinese acrobatics show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 12 | Shanghai | Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai : Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East." Enjoy a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, which is over 1,500 years old and connects Beijing to the rich coastal areas around Shanghai. Next, take a relaxing stroll through one of the beautiful gardens. See the artistry of the students at the Institute of Silk Embroidery and experience an educational visit to a silk spinning factory. This evening you may choose an optional cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the Shanghai skyline by night, followed by a western dinner. Today breakfast and lunch are included. | | Day 13 | Shanghai | Shanghai : Today you will discover the treasures of the Shanghai National History Museum. Here you will admire priceless artifacts that span the length of China's rich history and enliven its cultural traditions. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore more of the city on your own or revisit some of your favorite locales. Snap just a few more photographs, enjoy another steaming bowl of noodles, or shop for a few last-minute souvenirs. Later this evening, bid farewell to China at an indulgent farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 14 | Shanghai | Shanghai - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Shanghai but you will carry your memories of China with you as you make the journey home. Today breakfast is included. |
| | | Total meals - 30 | Breakfasts - 12 | | Lunches - 10 | Dinners - 8 |
| Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: San Francisco Intl Airport
Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.
*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts. |
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