Day 2 - Beijing - today we start with a tour of the world biggest Square – “Tiananmen Square’ and the magnificent Forbidden City. Being home to over 1000 years of imperial rule both combine to give you the feeling and atmosphere that Beijing is, and always has been a city of political and cultural importance. Later in the day we will visit a Beijing Hutong a unique form of community that is over 700 years old and quickly disappearing from the Beijing landscape. The Hutongs, small winding alleyways between the city's main boulevards are delightful. Taking a stroll here, you'll experience authentic parts of the city and really get to know the traditional life style that old Beijingers still stick to. After a scrumptious dinner we will enjoy an impressive Chinese acrobatic show. B, L, D

Day 3 - Beijing - The Great Wall has recently been named as one of the "SEVEN NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD" and today we will visit the Great Wall at Mu Tian Yu one of the least busy and less touristy parts of The Wall. The Great Wall stretches east-west for more than 5,000 kilometers, after lunch we journey to the Temple of Heaven - built in 1420, it was the site where Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came to worship their God of Heaven B, L, D

Day 4 - Beijing/Xian - in the morning we will take a flight to Xian, the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the world. As early as the Tang Dynasty, Xian blossomed as the starting point of the Silk Road. For more than 2,000 years, it was the capital of 11 Dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between East and West. After we arrive we will visit the Great mosque and area.  For lunch we savour traditional dumpling fare in a local restaurant and this evening we will take pleasure in the Tang Dynasty Show and dinner, this exquisite attraction and show will bring alive all the splendour of the Tang Dynasty.

B, L, D       Hyatt Regency Hotel – 2 Nights

Day 5 - Xian - this morning we visit the Shanxi Museum and the Old City Wall of Xian. In the afternoon we go to see the world famous Terracotta
Warriors at Emperor Qings’ burial tomb. The soldiers are replicas of the army defending the First Emperor of China and are regarded as "The Eighth
Wonder of the World" as each soldier was individually handcrafted with no two sculptures being the same. B, L, D 

Day 6 - Xian/Chengdu – we depart this morning for Chengdu, the capitol of Sichuan Province, China's most populous province since 400 BC and home of the famous Chinese Pandas. In the past, traditional industries of gold, silver, silk and lacquer ware helped make this city the most important commercial center in Midwest China, undoubtedly the significance of Chengdu is irreplaceable. We will visit Wuhou Temple in the afternoon and in the evening enjoy a Sichuan opera called "Changing Face”, an art form that is over 300 years old.  B, L, D   Sheraton Hotel – 2 Nights

Day 9 - 10 Three Gorges - the Gorges offer some of the most spectacular views of China featuring steep mountains and rapid streams. This turbulent and powerful sight and journey, has been the source of inspiration for numerous poets and artists over the years. From west to east the Three Gorges consist of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, with each of them boasting a distinctive flavour to delight the eyes of all.  B, L, D 

Day 11- Three Gorges -Yichang- Shanghai - Arrive in Yichang and visit the Great Dam, later in the afternoon we fly to Shanghai. The city was once divided into different districts or "Concessions" and the boundaries of these areas still remain today. The famous Bund was home to the "British Public Park" and has an abundance of colonial structures to visit. Other fascinating areas to explore are the Japanese and French Concessions. The French Quarter is an exceptionally charming district to wander as there are many former residences where you can discover something about old Shanghai and the people who lived here.  B, L, D      Sheraton Hua Ting Hotel – 3 Nights

Day 12 - Shanghai - today we will do a walking tour of this international city visiting Nanjing Road, the Yu Gardens and the French section. This afternoon we visit the Shanghai Museum.  While in Shanghai you get to sample food of your own choosing, lunch will be on your own in the French section in an area named Xin Tian Di where there are many European, Chinese and International restaurants.  B, D  

Day 13 - Shanghai – this morning you will have a city tour of Shanghai, in the afternoon you are on your own to explore this wonderful cosmopolitan city.  Enjoy some Chinese food you discover or try some of our suggestions as you explore the city of Shanghai. This evening we will have our farewell dinner, share some stories and enjoy good company. B, D

Day 14 - Shanghai – today you will have a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or you may choose to go on our three day extension to Hong Kong. B

 *****B=Breakfast   L=Lunch     D=Dinner*****

Splendour of China Luxury 14 Days
(Tour Code- SCL14)
2008 Departures 

Departures require a minimum of 6 persons

Tour group limited to 16 people

*** Disclaimer ***

Due to the 2008 Beijing Olympics some attractions may not be accessible and prices may be slightly higher during this period.

GL Travel Services reserves the right to change hotels and restaurants due to unforeseen circumstances; renovations, etc. however the changes will be of the same quality as the original itinerary.

Internal Airfare in China may change due to increases in fuel costs, government surcharges, etc.

Surcharges may apply for tours during Chinese National Holidays, Canton Fair (Guangzhou), special events days in Shanghai, etc. Passengers will be advised beforehand of any surcharge that may apply.

Please note: Hotel ratings are based on Hotel and Travel Index Standard classifications. Hotels not rated by the Hotel and Travel Index have been evaluated by GL Travel Services tour designers as meeting our standards for cleanliness, quality, comfort, and value. Itinerary is subject to change.