Day 1 – Saturday, March 17 Leave home city for Beijing
Today you will leave your home city to fly to Beijing, China. An overnight flight will have you arriving on Day 2 of our itinerary.
Day 2 – Sunday, March 18 Arrive in Beijing
Touch down in Beijing, China and transfer to our hotel. We arrive this evening. After a group dinner, the evening is free to catch up on some much needed sleep. (D)
Day 3 – Monday, March 19 Beijing
Our tour begins this morning as we gather together for breakfast, followed by our group Welcome and Orientation program. Following, we will delve into the history of China. With a time-honored history of over 3,000 years, this vast metropolis boasts a wealth of cultural and historic treasures. Explore the city’s rich imperial past on a city tour, beginning at the impressive Forbidden City, so called because it was off-limits to the world for over 500 years. Admire royal artifacts in the Palace Museum. Next, we’ll visit the famous Tiananmen Square, or “Gate of Heavenly Peace.” We continue on and visit the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy the tranquil landscapes of elaborate bridges and pagodas surrounding Lake Kunming. On the way back, a photo stop will be made at the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, with close up views of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a “Peking Duck” dinner, which Beijing is famous for. Later, be our guest to one of the great pleasures known to man, and one of our Amazing Journeys signature treats – a Chinese Foot Massage! (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Tuesday, March 20 Beijing
Today we venture to China’s Great Wall – the Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li – one of China’s most globally recognized icons and a symbol of the country’s strength. Walk along the ancient steps and admire the panoramic views of serene mountains and valleys, then head to the Sacred Way. Follow the path, lined with intricately carved marble statues, to the imperial tombs of 13 Ming emperors. We return back to the city where you will have a free evening to explore the city. (B, L)
Day 5 – Wednesday, March 21 Beijing
This morning we take a pedicab (rickshaw) tour of Old Beijing’s hutongs, or alleyways. Discover the other side of Beijing as we weave through the labyrinth of alleys to a world far removed from the bustle of city life. We’ll pass through the quiet corners of Beijing where remnants of traditional everyday life still linger. We will visit a traditional courtyard home of a local family. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Beijing is a great place to shop, or perhaps you want to visit one of the sites that are so famous in this historic city. This evening, we’ll offer an option to come along with us to explore Houhai Lake, where residents of the area come together each evening to enjoy ballroom dancing, as well as clubs and restaurants which surround the lake. It’s a hub of activity. (B)
Day 6 – Thursday, March 22 Beijing – Xian
This morning, we visit the Temple of Heaven, an enormous complex built in 1420, where emperors performed religious ceremonies. Previously known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, the park is rounded (symbolizing Heaven) in the north and square (symbolizing Earth) in the south. Later in the day we fly to the historic city of Xian and transfer to our hotel. Tonight, we’ll take you to enjoy an Imperial dumpling banquet for dinner, followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty Show. (B. D)
Day 7 – Friday, March 23 Xian
Regarded as one of the four ancient capitals of the world, Xian boasts a myriad of historical treasures and sites. Today we visit one of China’s supreme treasures, the Terra-Cotta Warriors. Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the life-size soldiers stand in rank guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shih Huang. After touring the underground pits, we enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration during lunch. Continue on to visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then return to our hotel for a group dinner and Shabbat celebration. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Saturday, March 24 Xian – Shanghai
Today we board a flight to Shanghai, a booming metropolis situated on an estuary of the Yangtze River. Once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Shanghai is China’s largest economic center and the world’s most populous city. Today we embark on a city tour beginning with the renowned 16th-century classical garden, Yu Garden. We’ll drive through the shopper’s paradise, Nanjing Road, and complete the day with a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront boulevard which affords dazzling panoramas of Shanghai’s skyline. Tonight, enjoy the famous Chinese Acrobatic show after our group dinner. (B, D)
Day 9 – Sunday, March 25 Shanghai
This morning, we take a tour of the Jewish Quarter of Shanghai, where you will learn why this was once the home to 40,000 Jews in the 1920’s – 1940’s. We’ll take you to visit Huoshan Park to see the monument for Jewish Refugees, Ohel Moshe Synagogue and the Old Jewish Shanghai, where immigrants lived and their shops catered to the Jewish Community. This afternoon, you will have time at leisure to walk along the famous French Concession area; visit the spectacular Shanghai Museum, the world’s finest showcase of ancient Chinese art and antiquities; or shop in one of the many exciting jewelry or clothing stores along Nanjing Road in the heart of Shanghai. Tonight, we join together for our Farewell Event and group dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Monday, March 26 Shanghai – Home
Our tour ends today as we check out of the hotel, leaving with fond memories of an amazing journey to China. (B)
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed in this brochure are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined in this brochure.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until November 15, 2011, there is a $75.00 penalty for cancellation. From November 16, 2011 – January 4, 2012, the cancellation penalty is $350.00 plus the cost of international airfare if it has already been purchased on your behalf. From January 5 – February 10, 2012, the cancellation penalty is $750 plus the cost of international airfare. From February 11 – March 1, 2012, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price plus the cost of international airfare. From March 2, 2012 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price plus the cost of international airfare. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Travel Protection Insurance policy is included with this package if full payment has been made at least 60 days prior to departure. The offered insurance coverage is limited in nature and does not include pre-existing conditions. We recommend additional coverage.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. A blank page must be available in the passport in order to place a visa from the Chinese Embassy inside.
A Chinese Visa is necessary to travel on this itinerary. Amazing Journeys will help to obtain this visa however we are only able to do this for US citizens. The cost for the visa is $170.00. If you are a citizen of a country outside of the US, you will need to contact the Chinese Embassy in your own country for visa requirements and to obtain a visa.
Pricing: Taxes are subject to increases as local governments require. Amazing Journeys reserves the right to change tour pricing accordingly. All taxes and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. Gratuities are included for baggage handling (one bag per person), local guides, drivers and meal servers for included features.
Reservation Form (PDF)
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