Day 1 – Saturday, May 14 – Leave Home City for Beijing
Today you will leave your home city to fly to Beijing, China. An overnight flight will have you arriving on Day 2 of our itinerary.
Day 2 – Sunday, May 15 – Arrival in Beijing
Touch down at Beijing, China’s enigmatic capital. The balance of the day is free to relax in our deluxe hotel or get acquainted with this fascinating city.
Day 3 – Monday, May 16 – Beijing
Our tour begins this morning as we gather together for breakfast, followed by our group Welcome and Orientation program. Following, we will delve into the history of China. With a time-honored history of over 3,000 years, this vast metropolis boasts a wealth of cultural and historic treasures. The seat of the Ming and Qing emperors until the early 20th century, this captivating city blends gold-tipped temples with stark public monuments built by Chairman Mao. See Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and the Forbidden City, the imperial residence of 24 emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is enclosed in 10-meter high walls and contains 8,000 rooms, all exuding regal mystique.
Next, we’ll visit the exquisite UNESCO protected Summer Palace. Walk around this graceful park, a masterpiece of Chinese landscaping to view the ornate bridges, temples and pagodas that encircle serene Kunming Lake.
Later, we’ll have the opportunity for some photo stops at the remarkable 2008 Olympic Village, including the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube Stadiums. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Tuesday, May 17 – Beijing
This morning, journey to the Great Wall of China or ‘Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li’ in traditional Chinese. Built more than 2,000 years ago to protect against nomadic invasions from the north, this mammoth edifice weaves for 5,500 miles across China like an imperial dragon. Walk the battlements and ogle the spectacular views over mountains and valleys stretching far into the distance.
From here, continue to the Sacred Way and stroll along the stone pathway, also known as the ‘Divine Way’. Inspect the intricately carved marble figures of animals, humans and mythical creatures, including a lion, unicorn and dragon, that flank the route.
Later, we’ll head to Hou Hai Lake and Bar Street to enjoy an evening out on the town. Here, residents of the area come together each evening to enjoy ballroom dancing, as well as clubs and restaurants which surround the lake. It’s a hub of activity.
Later, be our guest to one of the great pleasures known to man, and one of our Amazing Journeys signature treats – a Chinese Foot Massage! (B, L)
Day 5 – Wednesday, May 18 – Beijing
This morning we take a pedicab (rickshaw) tour of Old Beijing’s hutongs, or alleyways. Discover the other side of Beijing as we weave through the labyrinth of alleys to a world far removed from the bustle of city life. We’ll pass through the quiet corners of Beijing where remnants of traditional everyday life still linger. We will visit a traditional courtyard home of a local family.
Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Beijing is a great place to shop, or perhaps you want to visit one of the sites that are so famous in this historic city. (B)
Day 6 – Thursday, May 19 – Beijing – Xian
This morning, we visit the Temple of Heaven, an elaborate complex of imperial buildings, built in 1420, where emperors performed religious ceremonies. Previously known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, the park is rounded (symbolizing Heaven) in the north and square (symbolizing Earth) in the south. Admire the halls and temples.
Later in the day we fly to the historic city of Xian and transfer to our hotel. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 – Friday, May 20 – Xian
Regarded as one of the four ancient capitals of the world, Xian boasts a myriad of historical treasures and sites. Today we visit one of China’s supreme treasures, the Terra-Cotta Warriors. Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the life-size soldiers stand in rank guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shih Huang.
After touring the underground pits, we enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration during lunch.
Continue on to visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight, we’ll join together for a Shabbat celebration, followed by an Imperial dumpling banquet for dinner. After, we’ll be treated to a colorful Tang Dynasty Show. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Saturday, May 21 – Xian – Shanghai
This morning we board a flight to Shanghai, a booming metropolis situated where the Yangtze River meets the Eastern China Sea. Once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Shanghai is China’s largest economic center and the world’s most populous city. Enjoy this high octane city that fuses space-age skyscrapers with the elegant 1930’s buildings on the waterfront of the Bund, along with traditional teahouses, pagodas and pavilions.
We’ll see it’s highlights on our city sightseeing tour, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the serene City God Temple Bazaar and taking in everything along Nanjing Road, a shopper’s paradise.
Tonight, enjoy the famous Chinese Acrobatic show after our group dinner. (B, D)
Day 9 – Sunday, May 22 – Shanghai
We begin our day with a sightseeing tour along the Bund, Shanghai’s riverside boulevard. Lined by grand colonial buildings built by foreign powers in the 1930s and 1940s, this grand avenue is now a thriving spot and commands splendid views over the gleaming skyscrapers of the Pudong District. After exploring here, we’ll head for the Shanghai Museum, one of the finest in the world, to admire its fascinating Chinese art and antiquities. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to spend as you please. (B, L)
Day 10 – Monday, May 23 – Shanghai
This morning, we take a tour of the Jewish Quarter of Shanghai, where you will learn why this was once the home to 40,000 Jews in the 1920’s – 1940’s. We’ll take you to visit Huoshan Park to see the monument for Jewish Refugees, Ohel Moshe Synagogue and the Old Jewish Shanghai, where immigrants lived and their shops catered to the Jewish Community. This afternoon, you will have time at leisure to walk along the famous French Concession area; visit Yu Garden where Shanghai began as a city, or shop in one of the many exciting jewelry or clothing stores along Nanjing Road in the heart of Shanghai. Tonight, we join together for our Farewell Event and group dinner. (B, D)
Day 11 – Tuesday, May 24 – Shanghai – Home
Our tour ends today as we check out of the hotel, leaving with fond memories of an amazing journey to China. (B)
Our hotels:
Day 1 Overnight flight
Days 2 – 5 New Otani Hotel, Beijing
Days 6 – 7 Sheraton North City Hotel, Xian
Days 8 – 10 Intercontinental Puxi, Shanghai
Please note:
The order of the tour may change.
Alternate hotels may be used.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until January 5, 2016, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From January 6 – March 7, 2016 the cancellation penalty is $350 per person. From March 8 – April 7, 2016, the cancellation penalty is $750. From April 8 – 28, 2016, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price. From April 29, 2016 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended and details will be sent to you with your tour confirmation.
Air and Transfers: International flights are not included with the China tour package or the pre-tour package in Hong Kong. Included flights are Beijing to Xian and Xian to Shanghai. Transfers are included for those arriving the day the tour begins and the day the tour ends. Those arriving early or staying after the end of the tour are responsible for purchasing their own transfers. More information will be given closer to the departure.
Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes, government fees and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. These include baggage handling (one bag per person), local guides, drivers and our professional tour guide. Taxes, surcharges and government fees are subject to change.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. A blank page must be available in the passport in order to place a visa from the Chinese Embassy inside. A Chinese visa is necessary to travel on this itinerary. Amazing Journeys will help to obtain this visa for US citizens. The cost of the visa is $180. If you are a citizen of a country outside of the US, you will need to contact the Chinese Embassy in your own country for visa requirements, cost and for obtaining a visa.
This tour is operated by Ritz Tours
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