Classic China

Tour Duration: 10 days

Day 2 – Arrive Beijing (3 nights) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your deluxe hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy this city once known to the Western world as Peking. Nowhere else can you get a more concentrated impression of old and new China than in Beijing. While ancient treasures abound, Beijing is a thriving, modern metropolis, offering world–class amenities, connected by an intricate system of freeways and subways. Enjoy this fascinating city.

Hotel: Tianlun Dynasty (3 nights)

Day 3 – Beijing Visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, Gate of Heavenly Peace, and the entranceway to the Forbidden City. Tour the Forbidden City, a 250–acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. Its the most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Continue on to another Beijing gem, the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and best–preserved imperial gardens. At the end of the day, indulge in a succulent Peking Duck dinner. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4 – Beijing In the morning, travel 40 miles north of Beijing to the Great Wall. To walk this wonder of the ancient world is truly memorable. The original construction began in the 7th century B.C. as a way to keep out the warring invaders. Additional sections were extended over the centuries for nearly 4,000 miles. The construction ended finally in the 16th century A.D. Before your return to Beijing, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the Peking Opera. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 5 – Beijing Xian (2 nights) Spend the morning exploring the Temple of Heaven. Your journey continues with a flight to Xian. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Sheraton (2 nights)

Day 6 – Xian Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the site of one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. After your amazing exploration of these fabulous sculptures, enjoy a delicious dumpling lunch before meeting a local farmer and seeing his cave home along the Yellow River. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7 – Xian Shanghai Tongli Suzhou 7 Xian Shanghai Tongli Suzhou Fly to Shanghai and travel to Tongli enroute to Suzhou. A charming town, Tongli boasts a picturesque collection of ancient bridges crisscrossing meandering rivers. This is the China of picture books, complete with narrow streets, simple and elegant homes, teahouses and intriguing shops. Visit the market and mingle with the locals. After lunch, travel to Suzhou and cruise the 1,000–year–old city canal. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Sheraton

Days 8 – Suzhou Shanghai (2 nights) Suzhou is known for its embroidery, silk and gardens. The gardens exemplify delicate designs, containing hills and ponds, terraces, corridors and towers. Wander through the Garden of the Humble Administrator, learn about silk manufacturing and visit the Embroidery Institute before returning to Shanghai. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: JC Mandarin (2 nights)

Day 9 – Shanghai Shanghai is a striking blend of eastern and western cultures. European–style buildings stand alongside typical Chinese structures and ancient temples. Today, youll havethe opportunity to stroll the Bund, Shanghais famed waterfront promenade and enjoy the peaceful Yu Yuan Garden. Youll also stop at the Childrens Palace where young people will impress you with their advanced skills and dedication in the areas of music and art. And on your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled as the amazing Shanghai Acrobats entertain you. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10 – Shanghai North America Transfer to the airport for your return flight to North America. (Breakfast)