Exotic Asia

Exotic Travels Along your Grand Orient Tour

Included Highlights

• All domestic airfares included within China, plus all Inter-Asia flights
• Deluxe accommodations throughout
• 18 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D or SD-special dinner)
• 4 gala evening events, including Peking Duck dinner, Tang Dynasty Theater, Guilin cultural show, with classical music and a Balinese dinner with cultural performance
• 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
• Bali¹s, artisan villages, shrines and holy springs
• Singapore's nature and cultural areas

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA
Depart on a flight aboard your preferred carrier to China.

Day 2 Beijing
You are welcomed to the dynamic capital of China, and transferred to your deluxe hotel.

Day 3 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 a sumptuous Peking Duck dinner at a prestigious city venue. (B,L,SD)

Day 4 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, now a favorite recreational spot for locals. The pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in these historic landmarks so integral to the nation's soul. (B,L)

Day 5 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 6 Xian
Walk in the steps of ancient traders and travelers on today's sightseeing tour of Xian, the head of the great caravan route once used for shipping silk and other prized Chinese goods to the West. Tour the archaeological site which so far has yielded some 8000 ancient terra cotta soldiers and horses, each a unique, finely detailed sculpture. 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 the Stanley. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 11 Hong Kong
The day is yours to shop or perhaps venture out on optional excursions to Kowloon, Macau, the outer islands, night markets, or other favorites of this exciting region. Bestours staff will be on-hand to offer recommendations and assist with your plans. (B)

Day 12 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. Despite the growth of the city, it still retains the majestic mystique of the East with its four hundred multi-colored temples, and slowmoving sampans on the Chao Phraya River. Transfer on arrival to your accommodations in one of the city's world-class hotels. (B)

Day 13 Bangkok
 A morning tour will focus on Bangkok's great showplace, the Grand Palace. Stroll its sprawling courtyards packed with colorful tapered funerary chedies; 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 14 Bangkok
Enjoy a full day at leisure to shop for silks, gems, and high fashions along Bangkok's stylish boulevards; enjoy a canal cruise and floating market tour; sightsee at the beautiful wats: or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Our helpful representatives will be on hand to assist you in arranging optional excursions and activities in this multi-faceted city. (B)

Day 15 Bangkok/Bali
Fly to Bali ­ Island Paradise. Your local host will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel. (B)

Day 16 Bali
A morning tour of this tropical paradise will take you to Mas and Ubud, famous for their woodcarving and painting. Watch the local artisans as they magically create their crafts. You will also stop at the sacred spring at Tampaksiring surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies. This evening, delight in a special Balinese dinner and cultural performance. (B,SD)

Day 17 Bali
Enjoy a day at leisure in this beautiful island paradise. There are many optional excursions to choose from including a visit to nearby Lombok Island or northern Bali. You may also want to attend an evening Kecak Dance performance. (B)

Day 18 Bali/Singapore
Fly to Singapore, a dynamic blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences. Arrive at your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure to stroll this modern city, and browse the glittering shopping complex just steps away. (B)

Day 19 Singapore
Explore Singapore¹s 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 20 Singapore/USA
Bid farewell to Asia as you transfer to the international airport and depart on your selected airline to the United States. (B)

Hotels

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Departs: Wednesday	Land Only	Single Supplement	Western LAX/SFO*
2002
Jul 03, 31	$3620	$1170	$895
Aug 07, 21	$3620	$1170	$940
Sep 04, 18	$3890	$1410	$920
Oct 09, 23	$4050	$1550	$885
Nov 06	$4050	$1550	$775
Nov 20	$3890	$1410	$750
Dec 04	$3650	$1190	$750
Dec 18	$3650	$1190	$855
2003
Jan 15, 29	$3650	$1190	$775
Feb 12, 26	$3650	$1190	$775
Mar 05, 19	$3670	$1210	$775