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Worldwide Escorted Bus Tours & River Cruises
Intriguing China & Tibet W/ Hong Kong Ext
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of China and Tibet during this unforgettable vacation. See historic sights, gawk at the amazing beauty, sample authentic cuisine, purchase local souvenirs and crafts, and learn about different cultures on this fantastic tour. Of course, no trip to China is complete without seeing the Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing sights in the world. You’ll have a chance to walk along a portion of the wall and be astonished as you think about how this structure was built so long ago! Also, see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. These historical masterpieces have been guarding China’s first emperor’s tomb for over 2,000 years! In Lhasa, Tibet, a trip highlight is the Potala Palace, once the religious and political center of old Tibet and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It now houses rare cultural relics, including valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and other antiques. While in Tibet, you’ll also learn about the local culture. In addition to historical treasures, this tour also offers you a chance to see stunning beauty. Visit the Stone Forest outside of Kunming. One of the most beautiful natural creations, the limestone pillars here are dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Also visit Black Dragon Pool and see spectacular views of 18,464-foot Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Spend time shopping in the street markets in Hong Kong or purchase luxury goods in Shanghai. Whatever your taste and budget, you’ll be delighted by all the shopping opportunities in these cities. Whether you’re interested in food, shopping, historical sights, or spectacular scenery, this tour offers it all.With Globus, you’ll see more than a place. You’ll discover its story.  We never allow more than 20 travelers on our Small-Group Discovery vacations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the destination and local culture. Highlights:
Itinerary:
| Day #1 |
Arrive in Beijing, China. Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. |
| Day #2 |
Beijing. Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Then, proceed to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D) |
| Day #3 |
Beijing. Great Wall Excursion. The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved. Walk along the wall and enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. Before returning to Beijing, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the late 13th century. (B,L) |
| Day #4 |
Beijing–Xi’an. This morning is free. Time permitting, you may wish to take our optional tour to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, or you may decide to take the optional Hutong tour of the city’s ancient alleys. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D) |
| Day #5 |
Xi’an. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing starts with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the impressive legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the emperor’s burial site for 2,000 years. Also visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate. (B,L,D) |
| Day #6 |
Xi’an–Lhasa, Tibet. Early this morning, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and locked away in the mountains of the Himalayas. The balance of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,D) |
| Day #7 |
Lhasa. Take a brief city tour this morning, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) |
| Day #8 |
Lhasa. Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D) |
| Day #9 |
Lhasa–Chengdu. This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan and a city known for its flavorful food. Visit the GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. Time permitting, enjoy a brief city tour. (B,L) |
| Day #10 |
Chengdu–Kunming. Enjoy the morning at leisure in Chengdu. Then, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and often called the “City of Eternal Spring.” Enjoy a Western-style dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,L,D) |
| Day #11 |
Kunming. Today, travel to the remarkable STONE FOREST, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills and the magnificent Dragon Gate. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along the city’s wide boulevards. (B,L,D) |
| Day #12 |
Kunming–Lijiang. A short flight brings you to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. This afternoon, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about their ancient culture or Dongba, which consists of hieroglyphs, scripture, paintings, music, and dance. Then, visit BLACK DRAGON POOL with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a late-afternoon WALKING TOUR through the medieval town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Dinner tonight is a fascinating experience at a local restaurant in the medieval town. (B,L,D) |
| Day #13 |
Lijiang. This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang and hike to a mountain meadow for a closer view of 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lijiang on your own. (B,L) |
| Day #14 |
Lijiang–Shanghai. Today, fly via Kunming to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. This evening, consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B) |
| Day #15 |
Shanghai. Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard; visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. This evening your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, a fitting finale to your exploration of these most fascinating destinations. (B,L,D) |
| Day #16 |
Shanghai–Hong Kong. Fly to Hong Kong, Asia’s vibrant commercial capital. Your approach is a memorable experience, with sweeping views of the countless islands dotting the South China Sea. Check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B) |
| Day #17 |
Hong Kong. During today’s sightseeing tour, take a cable tramcar up VICTORIA PEAK for a panoramic view of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET and its narrow streets filled with inexpensive clothing and arts and crafts stalls. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience the city at your own pace. (B) |
| Day #18 |
Hong Kong. A free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to sign up for an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. Perhaps a full-day outing to visit Macau. Shopping is always a highlight of Hong Kong. There are markets, malls, and shops to fit any budget and taste. For those who want to try out some of the local fare, head over to Lan Kwai Fong Street or to a teahouse on Tang Lung Street. (B) |
| Day #19 |
Hong Kong. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Hotels:
Beijing Traders Hotel (F), Xi’an Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F), Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton (F), Chengdu Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel (SF), Kunming Grand Park Hotel (SF), Lijiang Grand Hotel (F), Shanghai Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F), Hong Kong Marco Polo Hongkong (SF)
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Pricing Options:
| Depart US | Land-Only |
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| 04/28/2011 | $3,239.00 | | 05/12/2011 | $3,239.00 | | 05/26/2011 | $3,209.00 | | 06/09/2011 | $3,209.00 | | 07/14/2011 | $3,239.00 | | 08/11/2011 | $3,239.00 | | 08/25/2011 | $3,379.00 | | 09/08/2011 | $3,379.00 | | 09/22/2011 | $3,379.00 | | 10/06/2011 | $3,379.00 |
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©2005 Flamingo Travel Group
All Rights Reserved
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