|
A
Taste of Asia
Discover
the Gems of the Orient
Included
Highlights
- All
domestic airfares included within China, plus all Inter-Asia flights
- Deluxe
accommodations throughout
- 20 breakfasts
(B), 10 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D or SD-special dinner)
- 5 gala
evening events, including Shanghai Acrobats, classical music and dance
concert at Suzhoušs finest garden, sumptuous Peking Duck dinner, Tang
Dynasty Theater and Guilin cultural show, and classical music
- See
the astounding art of the acclaimed Shanghai Museum.
- Full-day
Great Wall and Ming Tombs outing
- Pedicab
tour of the seldom-visited Hutong quarter of Old Beijing
- Comprehensive
sightseeing
- Explore
exciting new attractions of postcolonial Hong Kong
- Bangkok's
storybook Grand Palace
- Upcountry
elephant timber camp
- Singapore's
nature and cultural areas
Itinerary
Day
1 Depart USA
Depart on an overnight flight to Chinašs largest city, Shanghai, the
landing point for many international arrivals.
Day
2 Shanghai
Arrive at one of the great seaports of the world, an exciting starting
point for your China adventure. Your deluxe hotel is a comfortable place
to rest, or you can set off on a shopping spree at the Arts & Crafts
Center.
Day
3 Shanghai
Immerse yourself in the culture and sophistication of Shanghai on a
full day tour of the city's premier attractions. View all manners of
Chinese arts, beautifully displayed in the astounding galleries of the
Shanghai Museum. Explore the paths and pavilions of Yuyuan Gardens;
stroll the waterfront Bund; visit the endearing Children's Palace, then
return to your hotel to prepare for a thrilling evening at the Shanghai
Acrobatics Show. Shanghai is at the forefront of Chinašs massive economic,
scientific and educational expansion. (B,L)
Day
4 Shanghai/Suzhou
Today, you will journey to ancient Suzhou, Venice of the Orient. Youšll
explore Suzhoušs stylized gardens and lively street scenes, with stops
at the Embroidery Institute and artisan shops whose skillfully stitched
silks are prized by collectors. Experience the many moods of the intimate
Garden of the Master of Nets on an evening visit, enhanced by classical
music and dances performed by the city's finest artists. (B,L,SD)
Day
5 Suzhou/Shanghai/Beijing
Youšll take a short train ride back to Shanghai and a two hour flight
to Beijing, where your hotel offers consummate luxury in the heart of
the city. (B,L)
Day
6 Beijing
A walk along the Great Wall of China ranks high on the wish lists of
many travelers, and your excursion today will confirm that this indeed
is one of the world's great travel experiences. Linger at the towers
and broad promenades, contemplate the spectacular scenery, and the lives
lost in building this monumental world wonder, which never truly fulfilled
its purpose. Also visit the Ming Tombs, before returning to Beijing
to crown your day with an unforgettable Peking Duck banquet at a prestigious
city venue. (B,L,SD)
Day
7 Beijing
Walk in the steps of ancient emperors today as you tour the powerful
Forbidden City, hidden from public view for over 500 years; and the
masterpiece Temple of Heaven, the embodiment of grace and harmony. Enjoy
glorious aerial views during lunch at a fine revolving restaurant, before
continuing to the Summer Palace. (B,L)
Day
8 Beijing/Xian
The hutongs of old Beijing offer a rare glimpse of pre-revolutionary
China, and the lives of citizens today. Tour them in appropriate style
this morning as you are driven on traditional three wheel cycle taxis
through the hutongs' teeming maze of alleyways, past courtyard homes
and gracious old mansions. In the 15th century Drum Tower enjoy panoramas
of this unusual historic quarter before flying to Xian, gateway to the
Silk Road. (B,L)
Day
9 Xian
Walk in the steps of ancient traders and travelers on today's sightseeing
tour of Xian. Tour the archaeological site, which so far has yielded
some 8000 ancient terra cotta soldiers and horses. Also tour the Provincial
Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Gate, and then enjoy a delicious
dumpling banquet and stage show at Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,SD)
Day
10 Xian/Guilin
Fly south to the green hills of Guilin, whose ethereal landscapes have
been immortalized by poets and painters through the ages. This afternoon,
tour the city sights and the immense Reed Flute Cave, filled with impressive
grottos, pillars, and inscriptions over 1000 years old. (B,L)
Day
11 Guilin
A full day cruise on the crystalline Li River will immerse you in the
extraordinary natural beauty of this unique area. Sail in air conditioned
comfort as every turn yields new views of towering stone pinnacles,
unusual rock formations, quaint country villages, and fishermen casting
their nets or bringing in the catch the traditional way, with cormorants.
Return ashore in the late afternoon. Complete the day with a dinner,
followed by an entertaining cultural performance. (B,L,SD)
Day
12 Guilin/Guangzhou/Hong Kong
Your exploration of southern China continues with a short flight to
Guangzhou, the famous old seaport of Canton. If time permits, enjoy
an overview of the city's elegant temples, old European estates, and
boulevards teeming with shops and famous restaurants. Then board a hydrofoil
and sail from the Pearl River Delta to nearby Hong Kong. Now rejoined
with China, this former British colony remains as vibrant and forward-looking
as ever. (B,L)
Day
13 Hong Kong
This morning, explore Hong Kong's unique blend of Chinese heritage and
colonial influences. Travel via coach to one of its newest attractions,
the distinctive Peak Tower Complex, with its array of shops, restaurants,
and viewing decks for taking in the superb panoramas. Continue around
the island to scenic Repulse Bay, the floating community of Aberdeen,
and the shopping mecca of Stanley. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day
14 Hong Kong
The day is yours to shop or perhaps venture out on optional excursions.
Bestours staff will be on-hand to offer recommendations and assist with
your plans. (B)
Day
15 Hong Kong/Bangkok
The delicate spires of temple rooftops, and a crisscrossing network
of canals and rivers come into view as you fly into Bangkok, capital
of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand. Transfer on arrival to your accommodations
in one of the city's world-class hotels. (B)
Day
16 Bangkok
A morning tour will focus on Bangkok's great showplace, the Grand Palace.
Stroll its sprawling courtyards, visit the reception rooms of the royal
residence, a gem of classic Thai architecture. Look for the Western
influences of the Chakri Palace, which houses a spectacular mother-of-pearl
throne. View the former royal residence, now used for coronations and
state ceremonies. Return to your hotel mid-day. (B)
Day
17 Bangkok
Enjoy a full day at leisure for optional tours, i.e. floating market
tour. Our helpful representatives will be on hand to assist you in arranging
optional excursions. (B)
Day
18 Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Depart for the hilltribe lands of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. Take
in the famous Night Market, a kaleidoscope of merchants and entertainers.
(B)
Day
19 Chiang Mai
A full day tour showcases Chiang Mai and the lush surrounding countryside.
Highlights include the royal Wat Suan Dok; Wat Phra Singh and its revered
Buddha image; Chiang Mai's oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man; and Wat Doi
Suthep, nestled in the mountains at 3520 feet. Cap the day with an adventure
into the jungle to visit hilltribe villages and forests timbered by
elephants. (B)
Day
20 Chiang Mai/Bangkok/Singapore
Fly south to Singapore, a dynamic blend of East-ern and Western cultural
influences. Arrive at your hotel where the balance of the day is at
leisure. (B)
Day
21 Singapore
Explore Singaporešs highlights on a morning tour featuring the splashy
Botanical Gardens, panoramic Mount Faber, stately colonial landmarks,
and the exotic Indian, Arabian and Chinese districts. (B)
Day
22 Singapore/USA
Bid farewell to Asia as you transfer to the international airport and
depart on your selected airline to the United States. (B)
|
Japan
Extension
Day
22 Singapore/Tokyo, Japan
You are welcomed on arrival in Tokyo, an exhilarating city that,
despite a Westernized facade, retains many of its traditions.
Transfer to your hotel in Shinjuku, a lively "vertical city"
linked by aerial walkways. The balance of the day is at leisure,
with a wide range of stores and restaurants just steps away. (B)
Day
23 Tokyo
A morning tour showcases Tokyo's sharp contrast of old and new.
Visit the Meiji Shrine, a colorful site with its strong red gate
and gracious outer garden. Window shop at the exclusive boutiques
of the Ginza, and explor Tokyo's large downtown amusement
center, Asakusa, lined with shops, theaters and the famous Kannon
Temple. At the Imperial Palace, enjoy an oasis of calm and serenity
in the heart of a teeming metropolis. The balance of the day is
free for shopping and exploring. (B)
Day
24 Tokyo/Mt. Fuji/Hakone/Tokyo
Travel by luxury coach and Japan's masterpiece of speed and precision,
the bullet train, on today's outing to the mountains of Fuji-Hakone,
one of Japan's most beloved scenic regions. Enjoy a cruise on
Hakone's Lake Ashi, in the heart of a volcanic hot springs resort.
Continue to the base of snow-capped Mt. Fuji, whose graceful slopes
evoke a natural symmetry of perfect beauty. Return to Tokyo in
the afternoon. (B,L)
Day
25 Tokyo/USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your homebound
flight, depart Asia with a lifetime of memories, arriving in the
U.S. later the same day. (B)
|
Hotels
| City |
#Nts |
Hotel |
| Shanghai |
2 |
Crowne
Plaza |
| Suzhou |
1 |
The
Sheraton |
| Beijing |
3 |
The
Palace |
| Xian |
2 |
Hyatt |
| Guilin |
2 |
The
Sheraton Guilin |
| Hong
Kong |
3 |
Kowloon
Shangri-La |
| Bangkok |
3 |
Peninsula |
| Chiang
Mai |
2 |
Westin
Riverside |
| Singapore |
2 |
Mandarin
Singapore |
| extension |
| Tokyo |
3 |
Keio
Plaza Inter-Continental |
Pricing
For
Information & Reservations
(408) 298-2598 or Email
Us
| Departs:
Monday |
Land
Only |
Single
Supplement |
Westers
LAX/SFO* |
| 2002 |
|
|
|
| Jul
01, 29 |
$3680 |
$1230 |
$880 |
| Aug
12, 26 |
$3680 |
$1230 |
$925 |
| Sep
09, 23 |
$3940 |
$1460 |
$905 |
| Sep
30 |
$4090 |
$1590 |
$905 |
| Oct
07, 21 |
$4090 |
$1590 |
$870 |
| Nov
04 |
$3940 |
$1460 |
$760 |
| Nov
18 |
$3940 |
$1460 |
$740 |
| Dec
02 |
$3610 |
$1170 |
$740 |
| Dec
30 |
$3610 |
$1170 |
$765 |
| 2003 |
|
|
| Jan
13, 27 |
$3610 |
$1170 |
$765 |
| Feb
10, 24 |
$3610 |
$1170 |
$765 |
| Mar
17, 24, 31 |
$3630 |
$1190 |
$765 |
| TOKYO
extension |
$770 |
$340 |
|
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