China Sampler

Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing
Check in to the city-center Sofitel Wanda where a Luxury Room awaits.

Day 2 - Full-day Small Group sightseeing
Start your day with Sofitel’s outstanding Bistro Buffet breakfast, featuring an expansive selection of Asian and Western cuisine. Then set out with your Trip Leader 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 City#WHS# for an extensive tour through this vast complex – once the exclusive domain of Ming Dynasty Emperors! Continue on to the lovely Summer Palace#WHS#, erstwhile retreat of China’s royalty, and tour its landscaped grounds and pavilions. Return to your city-center hotel in the later afternoon with time to relax and refresh before this evening’s Peking Duck banquet. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - Excursion to the Great Wall#WHS# & Ming Tombs#WHS#
Travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall. Once on top of this ancient defensive structure, you’ll find that some sections may be quite steep! But the views are truly magnificent and the experience of actually walking atop the Great Wall is truly unforgettable. Continue with your Trip Leader and stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Way to visit Changling, greatest of the Ming Tombs. Return to the city and enjoy your evening at leisure. Meals B,L

Day 4 - Hutong tour and onward to Xian
This morning, we’ve arranged for you to get a fascinating look into a rapidly vanishing way of life as you step aboard a rickshaw to explore through a hutong. There aren’t many left, but these traditional neighborhoods of narrow lanes and old courtyard homes were once found all around the city. Along the way, you’ll meet with a resident family to learn more about family traditions that still endure in this evolving, 21st-century city!

Then transfer to the airport for you included flight to Xian, the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the Hilton Hotel, a new 5-star property with a privileged location within the old city walls! Later at the bustling Muslim Market, we’ve arranged for a local shopkeeper to accompany your walking tour. He’ll share his experiences, knowledge and insight as he guides your exploration. You’ll have of opportunity to browse - and maybe even sample – the exotic fare and spices being offered at the many colorful stalls. Tonight’s dinner features savory dumplings, a regional specialty. Meals B,D

Day 5 - The Terra Cotta Warriors#WHS# and ancient City Walls
Farmers stumbled upon the site while digging a well in 1974; now the Terra Cotta Army is China’s greatest archaeological discovery. Set out this morning to visit the excavation site and marvel at the exquisite details of these clay warriors buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. It has been estimated that more than half a million laborers and craftsmen worked for nearly 40 years to complete the tomb - and the thousands of terra cotta soldiers, horses and chariots that were to serve him in the afterlife. After lunch, you’ll visit the ancient defensive walls of the city before returning to your hotel for a free evening. Meals B,L

Day 6 - “Above there is Heaven. Below there is Hangzhou”
This traditional Chinese saying reflects the reverence which the Chinese have long held for the scenic beauty of Hangzhou, West Lake and the surrounding region. Upon your flight’s arrival from Xian, you’ll be met and escorted to the brand-new JW Marriott, a contemporary 5-star hotel in the heart of town.

After time to refresh at your hotel, we’ve arranged for a delightful excursion across the tranquil waters of West Lake – the best way to experience the captivating beauty of the region. Then continue with your guide for a walking tour along historic Hefang Street, where the centuries-old buildings have been lovingly restored to capture the charm and ambience of Old Hangzhou. Step into a 200-year-old Tea House and learn the art and ritual of the Chinese Tea Ceremony as you refresh with a cup of the finest brew. Meals B,L

Day 7 - On to Wuzhen and the Garden City of Suzhou
2,000-year-old town will transport you back in time to China’s most resplendent dynasties. Delight in the city’s meandering canals, Ming Dynasty homes and graceful bridges of an earlier era.

Continue on to Suzhou and check in to the first class Jasmine Hotel. This evening your guide will take you to the nearby Night Market, offering insight and answers about the exotic foods being sold and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike; it’s a truly authentic experience of city life in southern China. Meals B,L

Day 8 - A Garden, a Gate and the Grand Canal
In the heart of the Yangtze Delta, Suzhou is famed for its centuries-old classical Chinese gardens, and this morning you’ll tour one of the most exquisite. The Garden of the Master of the Nets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was first designed a thousand years ago and features a beautiful central pond accented with pathways, bridges and pavilions of delicately carved lattice panels.

Admire the imposing City Gate of Suzhou and then enjoy our special excursion on the ancient Grand Canal; unlike larger groups and traditional tours that use motorized boats, you’ll explore this tranquil waterway in a traditional rowboat! With no more than 6 guests and a skilled guide in each boat, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and authentic experience as you gain a wonderful perspective on the history, culture and architecture of the city. Continue on to Shanghai where we’ve arranged for an upgraded Deluxe Room at the Hilton Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 9 - Out and about in Shanghai
Today’s full-day sightseeing begins this morning at the Shanghai Museum, highly respected for its expansive collection encompassing several thousand years of Chinese arts and culture including ancient bronzes, celadon pottery, precious jade, Buddhist sculptures and exquisite Ming Dynasty furniture.

After lunch, drive along the elegant waterfront Bund, graced with impressive landmarks built more than a century ago by Japanese and European trading companies. In the vibrant district of Pudong, you’ll be amazed by some of the country’s most striking 21st century architecture. Before returning to your hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace in Tianzifang, a vibrant city-center district popular with residents for its inviting cafes and art galleries – all set in ancient buildings which have been splendidly restored and given new life. This evening, your small band of travelers gathers for an intimate farewell dinner of fine regional cuisine. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Depart Shanghai
Bid farewell to China this morning as our tour program finishes after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/25/2012 - 6/4/2012	$2,699
6/15/2012 - 6/25/2012	$2,499
7/6/2012 - 7/16/2012	$2,499
8/10/2012 - 8/20/2012	$2,499
9/7/2012 - 9/17/2012	$2,699
9/21/2012 - 10/1/2012	$2,699
10/5/2012 - 10/15/2012	$2,699
10/19/2012 - 10/29/2012	$2,699
11/9/2012 - 11/19/2012	$2,699
3/22/2013 - 4/1/2013	$2,699
4/12/2013 - 4/22/2013	$2,699
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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