zGrandeur of China & Tibet

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car into the heart of the city. Check in to the 5-star Sofitel Wanda Hotel and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Join your guide today to discover all of Beijing’s Imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Then enter within the imposing walls of the Forbidden Cityc for an extensive tour through this vast complex of palaces, pavilions and courtyardsas your engaging guide illuminates the dramatic history of the Emperor who once resided here. Continue on to the lovely Summer Palacec, erstwhile retreat of China’s royalty. Meals B,L

Travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the capital to the magnificent Great Wall. Although sections can be quite steep, the views from atop this ancient structure are magnificent and the experience of actually walking along the Great Wall is truly unforgettable. Continue with your Private Guide and stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Way to visit Changling, greatest of the Ming Tombs.  Meals B,L

Transfer to the airport for your flight across China and the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa, where we’ve made special arrangements for you to spend time with a Tibetan family. This is an extraordinary opportunity to gain insight into the modern rhythms and deep traditions which shape their daily lives.  Continue to the comfortable Four Points Sheraton Hotel, wonderfully situated close to Jokhang Monastery and the lively Barkhor Market, and settle in tor your comfortable guestroom. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner here at your hotel.  Meals B,D

In the engaging company of your private guide, today’s in-depth sightseeing explores several of the city’s highlights. The beautiful Jokhang Temple is a colorful, 4-story timber structure topped with gold. Originally founded in the 7th century, it remains an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. You’ll also explore the lively Barkhor Market and Norbulinka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Built in the 18th century, this expansive palace complex encompasses lovely garden grounds, pavilions and tranquil wooded areas.  Meals B,L

We’ve made special arrangements this morning for you to join with pilgrims who come from all across Tibet to perform kora here at a sacred mountain site; this ancient rite of walking, prayer and deep meditation is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Next you'll tour the magnificent Potala Palace c, described by British-born essayist Pico Iyer in this way: “The very center of Tibet is Lhasa and the very center of Lhasa, for more than three centuries, has been the Potala Palace. An unfathomable building erected on a rock face 13 stories high, it has golden turrets on the roof that can bee seen 12 miles away, and it stretches for more than 1,000 feet along a ridge against the snowcaps. The Potala looks and feels like no other building on the planet.” Then after lunch and some time to relax back at your hotel, you’ll visit the historic Sera Monastery before enjoying your evening at leisure.  Meals B,L

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your flight to the thriving city of Chengdu in southwestern China. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the 5-star Crowne Plaza Hotel. This evening, we’ll take you to see the celebrated Sichuan Opera, known for the artistry and amazing skill of its “face changing” actors who can subtly change their masks and make-up ten times in 30 seconds.  Meals B,D

Our specially-arranged visit this morning gives you exclusive, up-close access at the Panda Breeding & Research Station. Go behind-the-scenes with a keeper to feed and learn about the care of these amazing creatures. Then fly to Xian, China’s capital for 13 dynasties, where you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe Hilton Hotel, ideally located within the ancient walls of the city. Meals B,L

Today’s sightseeing brings you to the actual excavation site of the Terra Cotta Warriors , discovered 35 years ago by local farmers digging a well. Today, you’ll be awestruck by this massive terra cotta army, thousands-strong, which was buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of an emperor. Sit down to a lunch of savory dumplings, a regional specialty, and then visit the ancient defensive walls of the city.  Meals B,L

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, the futuristic ultra-fast Maglev Train will whisk you at speeds up to 250 miles-per-hour, and in less than 10 minutes you’ll be in the city-center where you check in to the exceptional Le Meridien Hotel. Meals B

Your full-day private tour begins at the Shanghai Museum, highly regarded for its vast collection spanning millennia of Chinese art and culture including ancient bronzes and celadon pottery, Buddhist scriptures, precious jade objects and priceless Ming Dynasty furniture. Then stroll in beautiful Yu Yuan Garden, laid out more than 500 years ago by a Ming Dynasty court official for the enjoyment of his aging parents. After lunch, relax on a scenic drive along the Bund; the city’s celebrated waterfront boulevard is still graced by elegant turn-of-the-century buildings constructed by Japanese and European trading companies. Then explore the handsome architecture of the historic French Concession before returning to your hotel for time to refresh and relax. Later this evening, you’ll sit down to a delightful farewell dinner. Meals B,L,D

A private transfer brings you to the airport today for your onward flight. Meals B