Tripology

Commercial Flight

Depart USA for Beijing, China.

Your tour of one of the most fascinating countries in the world begins in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. An English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport, drive you to your hotel, and help you check in.

Hotel

Stay at Best Western Premier.

Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to join the group for a full day city tour. Your adventure begins in Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space on earth. Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens. You’ll stroll down cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate advisors, visit the private chambers of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry.

Sightseeing

After lunch you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. You will stroll along the Liulichang Culture Street where the shops in the architectural style of the late Qing Dynasty stand side by side, selling an enormous variety of goods, such as pottery and porcelain, carved lacquer wares and jewels.

Shopping

After dinner, take a night tour to the colorful Wang Fu Jing Street.

Sightseeing

Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700 mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past.

Sightseeing

After lunch you’ll visit the massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where you’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures.

Sightseeing

This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. This ornate wooden structure was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshiped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. Forget about the skyscrapers and construction cranes of modern Beijing as you explore a Hutong neighborhood, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on.

Shopping

You’ll bicycle or ride rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, past vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops and tiny, wooden teahouses.

Cooking Classes

Learn how to make dumpling from the locals and join them for lunch.

Food and Dining

This evening you’ll enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking Duck Dinner Party – then attend a special cultural performance – Legend of Kung Fu.

Commercial Flight

Take a short, two-hour flight to Xi'an, Imperial Capital of the Tang Dynasty and eastern border of the fabled Silk Road, a city with a long tradition of welcoming foreign visitors.

Sightseeing

You’ll begin your visit with a tour of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures from India, and then visit an Ancient Wall. B,L,D.

Hotel

Stay at Grand New World.

Sightseeing

Today you’ll visit what for many is the high point of their trip to China: the excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. More than 6000 soldiers, ministers, and horses, each individually sculpted from a real life model, stand guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s still unopened tomb. You’ll have plentyof time to explore the site, get a good look at the warriors from various vantage points and visit this excellent museum.

Performing Arts

Tonight you’ll celebrate Xi'an’s rich history with dinner and entertainment; enjoy the magnificent Tang Dynasty Show while sampling the regional specialty – Xi'an dumplings. B,L,SD

Commercial Flight

Fly to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city and the most dynamic city in Asia.

Hotel

An English-speaking tour guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Stay at Best Western Longmen.

Shopping

The rest of the day is free. Indulge in a shopping spree along Nanjing Road.

Sightseeing

Walk down the avenues and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere. Stop for a cup of tea or a beer in a small café and chat with locals.

Hotel

This evening, experience Shanghai’s world-famous nightclubs or simply enjoy the hotel’s amenities and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Sightseeing

Today you’ll travel to the Bund, the city’s lively waterfront, and see the remains of the banks and other colonial institutions of the 19th century. You’ll visit the Jade Buddha Temple with its fine collection of carved jade statues. Revisit Shanghai’s past as you walk into Shikumen, stone-framed gated houses. In addition, you'll tour a carpet factory.

Performing Arts

After dinner, you’ll attend a thrilling acrobatic show. B,L,D

Ocean Cruise

Day excursion to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East.” You will visit the Lingering Garden and a silk embroidery institute. You will also visit the ancient Panmen Gate and cruise on the world famous ancient Grand Canal of more then 2400 years. B,L,D.

Commercial Flight

Today you will bid farewell to Shanghai and fly to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.

Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Stay at Grand Palace or similar.

Sightseeing

In the morning, you will visit Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and and Nakamise Shopping Arcade.

Sightseeing

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Tower Observatory. Tour finishes after visiting Tasaki Pearl Gallery.

Sightseeing

Today you will take a deluxe motorcoach to the foot of the Mt. Fuji. Then drive halfway up Japan's highest mountain to enjoy a spectacular view.

Food and Dining

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will cruise on Lake Ashi.

Train

Ride on the Mt. Komagatake Aaerial Cableway and view Owakudani Valley.

Train

Be motorcoach will take you to Odawara Station for you to take your train to Kyoto.

Hotel

Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. Stay at Kaasuma Kyoto of similar.

Sightseeing

Today you will visit Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. You will also visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, where the imperial family lived here until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868. After lunch, you will visit Todaiji Temple with Japan's National Treasure - Great Buddha. Todaiji was completed in 752 with one of the largest bronze statues in the world.

Sightseeing

Then you will tour Nara Park, known as “Deer Park”. It is a natural woodland of fine turf and has various kinds of trees including Japanese cedar, Wisteria, Japanese yew trees, etc. There are about 1,100 tame deer roaming about the park, they are regarded as divine messengers of the Kasuga Shrine which is located in a forest and produces an atmosphere of peace and holiness unmatched by any other shrines.

Hotel

Transfer back to your hotel in Kyoto. L

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight return home.