Spotlight on Beijing
with optional 3-Night Hong Kong Post Tour Extension
March 22 - 30, 2016
$2349 includes nonstop direct air from Newark to Bejing, all transfers in China, hotel and much more. See itinerary below.
9 Days ● 14 Meals: 7 Breakfasts ● 4 Lunches ● 3 Dinners
Highlights....
Tiananmen Square ● Forbidden City ● Peking Duck ● Great Wall ● Summer Palace ● Acrobatics Show ● Temple of Heaven ● Rickshaw Tour ● Home Hosted Lunch ●
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Beijing, China - Tour Begins
This journey takes you to Beijing, one of the most fascinating cities in the world and the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Over the next several days you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient city that remains both the political and cultural heart of the country.
Day 3: Beijing
Ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager shares a few key phrases of the native language. Then, delve into China’s history with a visit to historic Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, visit the sprawling Forbidden City, an elaborate palace complex that was the home to 24 Chinese Emperors over the course of almost 500 years. Get up-close to the grandeur on a tour of the spectacular Treasure Hall. Pause to savor a traditional dim sum lunch before visiting a silk factory to learn how traditional artisans create this luxurious fabric. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner including the world-famous Peking duck. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 4: The Great Wall
Take a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the awe-inspiring Great Wall. This is an experience to be savored. We visit the picturesque Juyongguan section where you have time to stroll and take in the sweeping vistas. Next, visit a jade shop and learn how local artists create these time-honored masterpieces. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Beijing
We begin our day by visiting China’s national treasure, the famous giant pandas, at Beijing Zoo! Next, explore the impressive Summer Palace, considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Make a stop at a pearl factory and learn about the different varieties of these underwater gems and their place in Chinese culture. Relax and enjoy a lunch of the local “hand-pulled” Beijing noodles. Tonight, join us for the famous “Flying Acrobatic Show” spectacle; guaranteed to take your breath away! Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 6: Beijing
Today is yours to explore this fascinating and constantly changing city on your own. Perhaps you will choose to learn about traditional Chinese cuisine during a morning visit to a local market followed by a cooking class. In the afternoon, you have the option to explore the stunning Lama Temple. This evening you may choose to experience a traditional Peking Opera and explore the Donghuamen night market. As always, your tour manager will be available to offer suggestions on how best to spend your free time. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Beijing
Enjoy another free day to create your own adventure in this exciting city or simply relax and enjoy some Chinese tea. You may choose to take an optional tour to Xian*, which includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum to discover the fascinating story of the thousands of unearthed ancient statues and get up-close to the archaeological pits. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Beijing
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to pray for the new season. Interact with the locals doing their morning exercises such as Tai Chi or flag dancing. Soak in the culture of this communal space while other citizens of the city play cards or board games nearby. Afterwards, experience ancient Beijing on a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making. Next, visit a Chinese calligraphy master and learn how to write in this ancient art. Complete your visit immersed in the culture at a traditional tea ceremony. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing. On your return flight home, you will cross the International Dateline. Today breakfast will be included.
Exploring Beijing's Ancient Hutongs
A “hutong” is an ancient city lane or street typically found in Beijing. Surrounding the Forbidden City (the Chinese imperial palace for over 500 years,) many were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties, the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city of Beijing and arranged the residential areas according to the social classes of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the hutong were all quadrangles—a building complete with four houses around a quadrangle. The quadrangle varies in size according to the social status of the family. During your Collette tour, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to roam these hutongs—these ancient, narrow, history-filled streets—in a fashioned pedicab. You’ll also enjoy a simple lunch in the hutong home of a local family, where you will make new friends from the other side of the world, experience true local cuisine, and even learn the ancient art of dumpling making!
Your itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Day 2 – 8
Traders by Shangri-La Hotel
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Extend Your Vacation With...
Optional 4 Days 3-Night Hong Kong Post Tour Extension
Rate: $1,299.00 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive
4 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Day 9: Beijing - Hong Kong
This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewelry, silk and leather products.
Day 10: Hong Kong
Cross the harbor and enjoy a comprehensive tour of Hong Kong Island, home to the city’s most popular sites. Visit Stanley Market and stroll around its famous seaside village bazaar. Learn about the lifestyle of Hong Kong’s fishermen with a visit to Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will have the opportunity to take an optional traditional sampan ride in the typhoon shelter. Your tour will also take you past Repulse Bay Beach, an important strategic location during World War II and the longest beach on the island. Cap your tour with a panoramic ride up Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbor below. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Hong Kong
Today is at leisure for you to independently explore this great city. Perhaps you will enjoy shopping in the Kowloon area. Or, take a stroll on Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric street, Shanghai Street. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Hong Kong - Tour Ends
You will board your flight home, crossing the International Dateline en route. Today breakfast will be included.
IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION
IDENTIFICATION: A Passport and Visa are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity form date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
Optional 4 Days 3-Night Hong Kong Post Tour Extension
Rate: $1,299.00 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive
4 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Day 9: Beijing - Hong Kong
This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewelry, silk and leather products.
Day 10: Hong Kong
Cross the harbor and enjoy a comprehensive tour of Hong Kong Island, home to the city’s most popular sites. Visit Stanley Market and stroll around its famous seaside village bazaar. Learn about the lifestyle of Hong Kong’s fishermen with a visit to Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will have the opportunity to take an optional traditional sampan ride in the typhoon shelter. Your tour will also take you past Repulse Bay Beach, an important strategic location during World War II and the longest beach on the island. Cap your tour with a panoramic ride up Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbor below. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Hong Kong
Today is at leisure for you to independently explore this great city. Perhaps you will enjoy shopping in the Kowloon area. Or, take a stroll on Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric street, Shanghai Street. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Hong Kong - Tour Ends
You will board your flight home, crossing the International Dateline en route. Today breakfast will be included.
IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION
IDENTIFICATION: A Passport and Visa are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity form date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.