Beijing City Stay - Itinerary
The best of Beijing awaits on this uniquely focused tour. Capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Explore the Summer Palace, be overwhelmed by the sheer size of Tiananmen Square and the intrigue of the Forbidden City. Observe the locals doing morning Tai Chi outside the Temple of Heaven, and even go kite-flying – a favorite pastime of the Chinese. Treat yourself to an evening world-famous Beijing Acrobatic Show. Visit the famous pandas at the Beijing Zoo, and appreciate ancient Beijing in a different way on a rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys.
As a special treat, have lunch in the home of a local family, and learn about the art of traditional dumpling making from them. Spend a free day exploring Beijing on your own, or take an optional tour to Xian to see the army of thousands of life-size terra cotta warriors standing guard at the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. Of course, no visit to China is complete without experiencing the Great Wall. Walk along a portion of this 3,852-mile structure that has been in existence for over 2,000 years. Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs and visit the burial site of one of China’s past emperors, and be amazed and entertained at an incredible performance at the Peking Opera.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Arrive Beijing, China
Experience one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Beijing. Over the next several days, you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient culture.
Day 3: Beijing
Start your journey into Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, with a visit to the Summer Palace. After lunch, spend the rest of your day at leisure. Tonight, a delicious dumpling dinner is included. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Beijing
Your day is highlighted by a sightseeing tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. You are free this afternoon to explore Tiananmen by taxi or perhaps relax with an optional foot massage at a spa. (B, L, D)
Day 5: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall. Behold this awesome site and have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs, where you will visit the burial site of one of China’s past emperors. Your dinner this evening, a Beijing dumpling dinner, is followed by a special treat: the Peking Opera show. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Beijing
This morning visit the Temple of Heaven to see the locals doing their morning Tai Chi. Enjoy a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying on The Temple of Heaven grounds! Explore more of Beijing on your own. This evening you may choose an optional tour to the world-famous Beijing Acrobatic Show. (B)
Day 7: Beijing
Enjoy a full day of leisure to relax or independently explore this wonderful city. You may take an optional tour to Xian*, which includes a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum. (B)
Day 8: Beijing
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous Pandas. Afterwards you have the opportunity to experience ancient Beijing on a 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! This afternoon you may enjoy one last walk through the bustling streets of the city before joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Beijing - Tour Ends
On your return flight home you will cross the International Dateline. (B)
