The Best of Asian Cities

This tour focuses on the most prestigious, historic and well-known hotels in the East from which to explore the unique cities and fascinating sights. From the exclusivity of the Grand Hyatt Hotels to the legendary Raffles Hotel, the accommodations enhance a spectacular itinerary which visits magnificent icons such as the Great Wall of China to the temples and floating markets of Bangkok. Our 18-day tour ensures you visit all of the key attractions, experience elements of the local cultures and are introduced to mouthwatering cuisine!

Included Highlights

• Accommodation as listed
• Airfare within Asia as required (from Beijing to Hong Kong)
• All airport transfers in private vehicles
• All touring is based on sole use private vehicles
• Daily American Breakfast
• Access to our office in Asia while on tour

Does not include:

• Airport taxes
• International airfare from USA
• Meals unless specified

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Beijing
You will be transferred by private vehicle from Beijing airport to your Beijing city hotel. Accommodation, 3 nights:
Luxury A Grand Hyatt
Luxury B Palace Hotel
Deluxe Jing Guang

Day 2 Beijing
Today enjoy a full day tour of the Great Wall of China. Snaking 3700 miles along the country's vulnerable northeastern boundary, the 2000-year-old Great Wall was constructed as a barrier to protect China from invasion. It was built section by section between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD. A walk along the Great Wall of China ranks high on the wish list of many travelers and today's excursion will confirm it is one of the world's greatest travel experiences. Linger at the towers and broad promenades; contemplate on the spectacular scenery and the lives lost in building this monumental construction that never truly fulfilled its purpose. There is ample time to stroll along its ancient stone promenade and photograph the wall as it winds across impossibly steep mountain areas. After enjoying a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant you will be driven to the Ming Tombs along the Sacred Way, which features giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). On the way back to the city, you will also visit the Beijing Cloisonne Factory. Cloisonne is famous for traditional enamelware known as the 'Blue of Jingtai' in China, with a history of over 500 years. It is one of the famous art and craft forms of Beijing. You will witness this elaborate and complicated process. (B,L)

Day 3 Beijing
Today's tour includes Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. 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 the 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)

Day 4 Beijing/Shanghai
You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing airport. You fly Beijing to Shanghai and are transferred to your hotel. Chinese acrobatics are a favorite art of the Chinese people, with a distinct style evolving from everyday life and work. Despite the new dazzling film shows and song- and dance performances, acrobatics still shines as one of the brightest stars in Chinese culture. With about 2,500 years of history, Chinese acrobatics have won the nation the title of 'Kingdom of Acrobatics'. This evening you will enjoy the acrobatics played by the Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre, a famous circus-acrobatic troupe in China. It was founded on 21 November 1951 and has since enjoyed high reputation in international circus-acrobatic circles. Show is from 7.30pm to 9.00pm and includes hotel pickup and drop off. Accommodation, 3 nights: (B,L) 
Luxury A Grand Hyatt
Luxury B JC Mandarin (Deluxe room)
Deluxe JC Mandarin

Day 5 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. Lunch is included during today's full day tour. (B,L)

Day 6 Shanghai
At leisure. (B)

Day 7 Shanghai/Bangkok
You transfer to the airport and fly Shanghai to Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Accommodation, 3 nights: (B)
Luxury A Grand Hyatt Bangkok
Luxury B The Peninsula Hotel
Deluxe Sheraton Golden Orchid

Day 8 Bangkok
Today enjoy a half day tour of the city and temples. Thailand has over 26,000 temples (or Wats). This tour will bring you to three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok. Wat Trimitr, the temple of the Golden Buddha, features a statue made from solid Gold weighing 5.5tons. It is a fine example of Sukhothai art and was discovered by chance from a layer of stucco during construction of the temple. Passing through Chinatown your next stop is Wat Po, the temple of the reclining Buddha, which is the largest and oldest in Bangkok. Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabopit or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built with white Italian marble from Carrara. (B)

Day 9 Bangkok
At leisure. (B)

Day 10 Bangkok/Singapore
You transfer to the airport and fly Bangkok to Singapore. Upon arrival you transfer to your city hotel. Accommodation, 3 nights: (B) 
Luxury A Grand Hyatt Singapore
Luxury B Raffles Hotel Singapore
Deluxe Singapore Mandarin

Day 11 Singapore
This morning, enjoy the city's irresistible combination of a touch of the exotic, and the famous efficiency that makes it easy to explore. During today's city tour, we stop at the 'Colonial Heart' for a view of Padang, the Cricket Club, Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. En route to Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest temple in Singapore, we drive past Chinatown. Next stop is Mount Faber before proceeding to a local handicraft center. Also see the National Orchid Garden located within Botanic Gardens. Last stop at Little India before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 12 Singapore
At leisure. (B)

Day 13 Singapore/Hong Kong
You transfer to the airport and fly from Singapore to Hong Kong. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel in Kowloon. Accommodation, 4 nights: (B)
Luxury A Hotel Inter-Continental
Luxury B The Peninsula Hotel
Deluxe Great Eagle Hotel

Day 14 Hong Kong
Pick up from the hotel to traverse the world-renowned Victoria Harbor via the cross- harbor tunnel. We then drive by Wanchai, the well-known R & R destination for sailors to reach Victoria Peak for a breath-taking view of the bustling harbor, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon as far as the eye can see. From Victoria Peak, the tour continues to Aberdeen village to see the many fishing junks and floating restaurants moored there passing by the scenic resort areas of repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. The tour will continue with a visit to Hong Kong's largest gem factory where artists are at work to create some of the best prize winning designs using semi precious stones and working with gold and silver metals. (B)

Day 15 & 16 Hong Kong
At leisure. (B)

Day 17 Hong Kong/USA
You transfer to the airport for your flight to USA. (B)

Prices* & Departures

For Information & Reservations
(408) 298-2598 or Email Us

Tour Starts: Daily