GOLDEN CHINA - 15 Days 14 Nights

Day 1

Board your transpacific flight to Beijing.

Day 2

Upon arrival in Beijing, China''s capital, you will be greeted and escorted to the Capital Hotel (or similar).

Day 3

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, taking a leisure stroll while admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the Long Corridor and a boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting). Enjoy a fabulous welcome banquet featuring the famous Beijing Duck in the evening.

Day 4

The highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. Continue on to visit a cloisonné factory on the way to lunch. After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs starting with a stroll along the Sacred Way, which is guarded by stone statues. Then tour the Chang Ling Exhibition Museum.

Day 5

This morning, visit Beijing Sport University, where over 50 graduates have won world championship titles, and more than 60 have won Asian championship titles. Visit the university''s museum, Garden of Champions, indoor training gyms, outdoor sports fields and courts, etc. En route to the airport, drive around the intriguing architecture of the main Olympic venues: the National Stadium, nicknamed the “Bird''s Nest,” because of its unique design, and the National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube” (H2O3). Take an afternoon flight to Xi''an. Upon arrival, you will start your tour of the ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower. Overnight at the Grand New World Hotel (or similar).

Day 6

Today''s highlight is a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, home to an army of more than 6,000 life-size statues excavated from the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, renowned for its collection of Han- and Tang-dynasty antiquities. In the evening, enjoy a special dumpling dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty Theatre recreating the music, costumes and dances of that era.

Day 7

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, the “Paris of the Orient.” Afternoon sightseeing features the bustling shopping street, Nanjing Road, and the Bund, the famous promenade along the Huangpu River. Check in to the Salvo Hotel Shanghai (or similar).

Day 8

After breakfast, pay a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its huge statue of the Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade; and the Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds, and Old Shanghai Bazaar, with shops filled with all manner of interesting curios

Day 9

Spend today at leisure to explore this vibrant city on your own. Perhaps take an optional tour to one of the nearby picturesque water towns, known for their winding canals, arched stone bridges and well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Day 10

This morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum, China''s most up-to-date museum showcasing the country''s ancient glory. Then transfer to the airport and board your flight to tranquil Guilin. Upon arrival, check in to the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (or similar).

Day 11

Today''s excursion is a cruise along the beautiful Li River. Experience the magical beauty of limestone rock formations and farmland commonly seen in Chinese landscape paintings. Disembark at the charming village of Yangshuo, which has one of the best antique and craft markets in China. Browse at the market, or relax at one of the local cafes.

Day 12

This morning, begin your explorationwith a tour to Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill''s dramatic rock formation. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Hong Kong. You will be met and transferred to the Harbour Plaza Metropolis (or similar).

Day 13

Today''s half-day sightseeing tour gives an introduction to Hong Kong Island. Your tour will take you through Repulse Bay, Stanley Market and Aberdeen''s floating community. Then ascend Victoria Peak to take in the breathtaking, panoramic views of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 14

You have the whole day at leisure discover why Hong Kong is known as “The Shopping Capital of Asia.” You may also consider taking one of the optional tours.

Day 15

Farewell to Hong Kong. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.