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| Seoul and Best of China |
| Enjoy the best of China vacation with a stopover in Seoul, Korea |
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| Detail Itinerary |
| Day
1 |
USA / Beijing |
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Depart USA for Beijing, China |
| Day
2 |
Arrive at Beijing |
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Your tour of one of the most fascinating countries in the world begins in Beijing, the capital of
the People’s Republic of China. An English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport, drive you
to your hotel, and help you check in. |
| Day
3 |
Beijing |
B,L,SD |
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Your tour begins in Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space on earth.
Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home
to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City
is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal
gardens. You’ll stroll down cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate
advisors, visit the private chambers of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of
priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. After lunch you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of
pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. You will also visit a Pearl
Workshop. This evening you’ll enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking Duck
Dinner – then attend a special cultural performance – Legend of Kung Fu. |
| Day
4 |
Beijing |
B,L,D, |
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Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of
the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. You will walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long
marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. After lunch you’ll visit the
massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where you’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between
pairs of huge stone sculptures. If time permits, you will visit a Jade Carving Factory and observe
the skilled artisan at work as they create intricate designs. You will also have photo stops at
2008 Summer Olympic Venues – The “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local
restaurant. |
| Day
5 |
Beijing |
B,L, |
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This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. This
ornate wooden structure was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known,
worshiped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the
lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. Afterwards,
venture into a Hutong neighborhood, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on. You’ll bicycle or
ride rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, pass vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops
and tiny, wooden teahouses. Then, you will stroll along the Liulichang Culture Street where the
shops in the architectural style of the late Qing Dynasty stand side by side, selling an enormous
variety of goods, such as pottery and porcelain, and carved lacquer wares and jewels. In the
evening, you will stroll around Wang Fu Jing Street and experience the colorful night market. |
| Day
6 |
Beijing / Xian |
B,L,D, |
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Take a short, two-hour flight to Xi'an, Imperial Capital of the Tang Dynasty and eastern border of
the fabled Silk Road, a city with a long tradition of welcoming foreign visitors. You’ll begin your
visit with a tour of the Ancient Wall, then the Provincial Museum and Muslim Street. |
| Day
7 |
Xian |
B,L,SD |
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Today you’ll visit what for many is the high point of their trip to China: the excavation site of
the Terracotta Warriors. More than 6000 soldiers, ministers, and horses, each individually sculpted
from a real life model, stand guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s still unopened tomb. You’ll have
plenty of time to explore the site, get a good look at the warriors from various vantage points and
visit this excellent museum. Then you will visit a lacquer factory. Tonight you’ll celebrate
Xi'an’s rich history with dinner and entertainment; enjoy the magnificent Tang Dynasty Show while
sampling the regional specialty – Xi'an dumplings. |
| Day
8 |
Xian / Shanghai |
B, |
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Fly to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city and the most dynamic city in Asia. An English-
speaking tour guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day
is free. Indulge in a shopping spree along Nanjing Road. Walk down the avenues and immerse yourself
in the city’s atmosphere. Stop for a cup of tea or a beer in a small café and chat with locals.
This evening, experience Shanghai’s world-famous nightclubs or simply enjoy the hotel’s amenities
and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures. |
| Day
9 |
Shanghai |
B,L,D, |
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Today you’ll travel to the Bund, the city’s lively waterfront, and see the remains of the banks and
other colonial institutions of the 19th century. Then you will visit Yu Yuan Garden which is in the
old part of the city. Revisit Shanghai’s past as you walk into Shikumen, the stone-framed gated
houses. In addition, you'll tour a carpet factory. After dinner, you’ll attend a thrilling
acrobatic show. |
| Day
10 |
Shanghai - Suzhou – Shanghai |
B,L, |
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Day excursion to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East.” You will visit the Lingering Garden
and a silk embroidery institute. After lunch, you'll cruise on the world famous ancient Grand Canal
of more than 2400 years. Return to Shanghai. |
| Day
11 |
Shanghai / Seoul |
B, |
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Bid farewell to Shanghai. You will be driven to the airport for your flight to Seoul. Upon arrival
at the airport, meet with our driver and transfer to your hotel in Seoul. Check-in at the hotel.
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| Day
12 |
Seoul |
B, |
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After breakfast, you will meet with our guide and start full day Seoul Tour to Gyeongbok Palace.
Located in and around the complex are numerous buildings that made up the royal palace, on of which
is the National Folk Museum that sits in the northern section of the palace the museum comprises of
three interconnected buildings. After palace tour, you will visit Insa-dong Antique Street, where
you can find a lot of small shops selling and displaying antique, pottery and paintings. Next visit
is at Seoul Tower where you will have a panoramic view of Seoul. On the way to the hotel, you will
visit Dongdaemun Market where there is a wonderful mix of the conventional and the modern flavors. |
| Day
13 |
Seoul |
B, |
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Today you are free to explore Seoul on your own. Optional tours are available per your request. |
| Day
14 |
Depart Seoul |
B, |
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Transfer to the airport for your flight retun home or to your next destinaiton. |
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