China: Shanghai, Xian, Terra Cotta Soldiers, Beijing, Great Wall, Forbidden City

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 6:00 AM to Thursday, May 12, 2016, 10:00 PM

Come join us for our first trip to China. I haven’t been there for years and have been wanting to explore these 3 great cities and see their wonders.

We will have 3 nights in Beijing, 2 nights in Xian, and 3 nights in Shanghai. Plenty of time to explore and understand more about this country, culture, and it’s people.

We will cross the International Date Line and arrive late afternoon in Beijing, China’s lively capital and recent host to Summer Olympics. We’ll be greeted at the airport and travel to our upscale hotel centrally located in downtown Beijing, within easy access to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. This evening, our Tour Director hosts a welcome briefing.

We will have the option to explore the Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, and other great sites nearby. This city is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. We can visit the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat and now a lovely park. Here, we can enjoy a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake.

The next day, we will venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. We will have time to view and mount the well-preserved ramparts of this ancient wonder before proceeding to the Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

We will then fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route.
On a guided morning excursion we will visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terra Cotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries!

We will have the option to explore on foot and visit the intriguing Shanxi Museum to view stone carvings and precious art treasures from the ancient Han and Tang Dynasties.
The next day, we’ll fly to Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided orientation drive and stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River.

We’ll start our next day with a guided walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai.
We will have the option to discover the acclaimed Shanghai Museum displaying exquisite ancient Chinese art and artifacts followed by a visit to the famous Jade Buddha Temple which houses exceptional Buddha statues carved of a single piece of white jade.

We may decide to go to the charming, canal laced Suzhou, often called “Paradise on Earth”. Here we can embark on a boat ride on the ancient “Grand Canal” and visit two of Suzhou’s most famous gardens as well as other city highlights.

INCLUDED:
Roundtrip airfare from Tucson to China (price adjusted for other US airports)
All intra-China flights and ground transportation
8 night’s accommodations at deluxe and first class hotels
Airport transfers
Travel insurance (additional cost if over 72)|
12 meals (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Sightseeing tours as described in itinerary
Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges

NOT INCLUDED:
Optional tours (a list will be provided) or meals not specified
Baggage fees
China visa fee

COST:
$2999.00/person (double occupancy)

DEPOSIT:
$1500.00 due within 1 week of RSVP. Payment plan can be arranged after deposit to meet deadlines.

SINGLE OCCUPANCY:
(I can help you find a roommate to avoid this but can’t guarantee success)
$399.00 extra

A signed trip waiver is required from all travelers. All monies are non-refundable.