11 Day China Odyssey from $2,989

Travel Team > Asia Vacations > 11 Day China Odyssey from $2,989

Day 1: Arrive Beijing

Welcome to China. You will be met by a local representative and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Relax at the hotel, take a stroll through the bustling capital city of China or enjoy some early shopping at the Wan Tong Shopping Mall just minutes away.

New Otani Chang Fu Gong Hotel; 3 nights

Day 2: Beijing Sightseeing

You will begin today’s touring by visiting Tian An Men Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Later, visit the Forbidden City, whose acres of splendid 15th century halls and pavilions, graced with imperial treasures, now comprise the Palace Museum, Treasure Gallery and Imperial Garden. Enjoy a Chinese lunch in a beautiful setting at near Tian An men Square. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience the back streets of Beijing – known as the Hutong – on a pedicab (rickshaw) ride.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: The Great Wall

A day you will never forget! Today you will travel approximately 70/km/44 miles north to the easy-to traverse Badaling section of the Great Wall. This portion of the wall was built in 1505 during the Ming Dynasty, along with a military outpost reflecting the location’s strategic importance in ancient times. The highest point of Badaling is approximately 1,015 metres (3,330 ft) above sea level. The Badaling section has undergone heavy restoration, and in 1957 it was the first section of the wall to open to the public. It is one of the best preserved and most visited areas of the Great Wall. Here, you will enjoy stunning views as you stroll along this seemingly endless piece of history, which winds its way into the far distance. We provide you with extended time here to savour the memory forever. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a rest – or dash off and do some shopping to Wan Fu Jing – Beijing’s famous walking street. Tonight dine on an authentic Peking Duck dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Beijing to Xian

This morning, visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. There are usually many locals practicing Tai Chi here and you will get a chance to practice Tai Chi with a Tai Chi master yourself! After lunch, visit the prestigious Summer Palace where past emperors and empresses spent their time enjoying the vast gardens and man-made lake. This afternoon fly to the ancient capital of Xian (included), a veritable treasure trove of Chinese culture.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Titan Central Park Hotel Xian;  2 nights

Day 5: Xian Sightseeing

Visit the thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors which have been on guard for 2,000 years. The incredible individually sculpted warriors, discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers, have been touted as the archaeological find of the century. This afternoon you will visit the Grand Mosque, one of the most renowned mosques in the country, and the Muslim quarter. Tonight enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner followed by the Tang Opera Show.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Xian to Guilin

This morning, embark on a tour to the Huxian Village, famous for the Huxian’s farmers’ paintings. You will be greeted by a traditional Lion Dance and from there visit the famous Farmer’s Painting and a chance to learn more about China’s countryside. Afterwards travel to the airport for a short flight to Guilin (included), one of China’s most picturesque cities. The landscape has been the subject of Chinese painters for centuries with its breathtaking limestone mountains, tree-lined streets, rice paddies and the meandering Li River.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Guilin Bravo Hotel; 2 nights

Day 7: Li River Cruise

Today cruise the Li River, one of the most mystical landscapes in the world. The river meanders through steep hills and green fields offering spectacular views. Lunch is served on board. After the Li River, you will have several hours to shop, stroll, bicycle or people-watch in the many cafes in the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Depart Yangshuo and return to Guilin for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Guilin to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai (included), the largest city in China. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore and shop around Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Vista; 3 nights

Day 9: Shanghai Sightseeing

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to the elegant Yu Yuan Garden, a famous classical garden, the bustling Nanjing Road, the legendary Bund, or riverfront esplanade and the Shanghai museum. There will be time here to explore on your own before Chinese Acrobatic show. The acrobat performance is one of China’s oldest arts and you will be amazed by the performers’ marvelous acts of strength, flexibility and gravity-defiance.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Suzhou

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Suzhou. Suzhou is called the “Venice of the East” and here you will be given a calligraphy lesson from a calligraphy master, enjoy a Grand Canal cruise through old Suzhou. You will also visit the fascinating Silk Embroidery Institute, to see how silk is woven into beautiful fabric from moth cocoons. Lunch is included at a local restaurant and this evening, back in Shanghai, you’ll have a farewell dinner in an upscale Chinese restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Depart Shanghai

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the terminal of the Magnetic Line in Pudong, where you will board the high-speed Maglev train to the airport. The principal of a magnetic train is that it floats on a magnetic field and is propelled by a linear induction motor hitting speeds of over 300kms per hour – it’s a great experience. The tour concludes upon your arrival at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast