Best of China

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Restrictions apply, based on availability.
Ask your agent for details today! Click here for terms and conditions.Peek into the past, present, and future of China on this comprehensive tour of a diverse country with an amazing history. This tour weaves the best major sites with personal experiences — from a Walk on the Great Wall to a private Tai Chi lesson and discovery of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors. Explore the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, where you’ll visit the rice museum and enjoy a boat cruise along the canal. From a guided tour of the Reed Flute Caves, a lesson in making dumplings and vibrant Shanghai with its futuristic skyline, a trip to China is unforgettable.

Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Beijing, China - Tour Begins
Join us on a tour of one of the world’s most fascinating countries. In China, experience the traditional bustle of Beijing, the ancient splendor of Xi`an and the modern cityscape of Shanghai. Your adventure begins in Beijing, the vibrant capital city.

Day 3: Beijing
After a short lesson on local language, your sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to the expansive and historic Tiananmen Square. Continue to the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces, including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other buildings.

Day 4: The Great Wall
China’s legendary landmark, the Great Wall, is yours to discover today. During your visit, walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel! Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs where you will walk along the Sacred Way, or Divine Road, which means “the road leading to heaven." Experience a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying! Tonight, enjoy a Peking duck dinner followed by a traditional Peking opera show and delight in the colorful costumes and interesting music.

Day 5: Beijing
This morning visit the UNESCO site of the Summer Palace, amongst the most noted classical gardens in the world. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 6: Beijing - Xi`an
Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven, an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshiped their gods. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of ancient Beijing. Then visit a local home to share a simple lunch and learn the art of dumpling making. A short flight brings you to China’s interior city of Xi`an.

Day 7: Xi`an
Visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. The impressive structure was built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist treasures. During lunch, savor a local specialty, Xi`an dumplings, before traveling to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This army of men and horses was buried with the first Emperor of Qin to protect him in the afterlife. Be amazed by the sheer numbers of them and their detailed features!

Day 8: Xi`an
Begin your morning with a private Tai Chi lesson, a highly-revered Chinese martial art that is both invigorating and relaxing. Then travel to the countryside to visit a rural village. Meet local residents and gain insight into their daily life during a tour of a local school, a visit to a farm and lunch at a farmer’s home.

Day 9: Xi`an - Shanghai
Depart for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the economic heart of China, whose futuristic skyline will leave you speechless. Enjoy a locally guided tour of the waterfront district known as the Bund which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Famous for its gorgeous colonial buildings, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back into 19th century Europe as you wander among the impressive Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

Day 10: Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai
Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Zhujiajiao, an ancient city located on the banks of Dianshan Lake. After more than one thousand years, Ming & Qing dynasty buildings still stand and 36 ancient stone bridges cross the canal that runs through the center of town. Visit the rice museum, enjoy a boat ride on the canal and have time to shop. Tonight, take in the energy and excitement of the Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 11: Shanghai
Your morning is highlighted by a visit to the Children’s Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Next, discover the treasures of the Shanghai Museum, home to priceless artifacts that span China’s rich history. The remainder of the day is at leisure - perhaps you will explore more of the city, snap a few more photographs or shop for last-minute souvenirs. Later, bid farewell to China at a dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 12: Shanghai - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Shanghai.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/18/2012 - 4/29/2012	$1,849
5/23/2012 - 6/3/2012	$1,599
7/18/2012 - 7/29/2012	$1,499
9/12/2012 - 9/23/2012	$1,599
10/10/2012 - 10/21/2012	$1,599
10/17/2012 - 10/28/2012	$1,599
11/7/2012 - 11/18/2012	$1,449
2/27/2013 - 3/10/2013	$1,449
3/13/2013 - 3/24/2013	$1,449
4/10/2013 - 4/21/2013	$1,599
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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