China Old and New

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 8: Hong Kong

Arrive in Hong Kong. Meet your guide and get settled in your hotel. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 9: Hong Kong

Enjoy a morning island tour which includes Victoria Peak, the Central District, the floating community at Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Stanley Market. After lunch take the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and stroll along the waterfront. Meet your coach at the Cultural Centre and head to Wong Tai Sein Temple for your last visit of the day. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 10: Yangshuo

Rise early to take the high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin, known for its unique scenery and abundance of the Sweet Osmanthus trees, then transfer to the peaceful town of Yangshuo. If time allows, explore the cultural melting pot of West Street in the evening. The oldest street in Yangshuo, with a history dating back over 1,400 years, it has become the epicenter of foreign language learning in China and an ideal spot to engage in conversation with both native Chinese and foreigners across generations. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday June 11: Yangshuo

Glide past the breathtaking limestone landscape of the Yulong River during your morning bamboo rafting cruise. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 12: Xi'an

This morning return to Guilin where you'll visit the Reed Flute Cave, with its stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations, and see Elephant Trunk Hill regarded as a symbol of the Guilin landscape. Then fly to Xi'an. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 13: Xi'an

In the morning discover the eighth wonder of the world, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, with a local guide. View the Bronze Chariot and see a Circle Vision movie. After lunch visit the Wild Goose Pagoda to see the Shadow Show and the Muslim Quarter to learn about China's minority cultures. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday June 14: Beijing

Today, transfer to Beijing aboard China’s world-renowned high-speed train network, enjoying a comfortable and scenic journey through the countryside as you travel north. Upon arrival in the nation’s capital, settle into your hotel and begin to experience the dynamic contrast between ancient traditions and modern innovation that defines Beijing. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 15: Beijing

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Temple of Heaven. After lunch, visit the Forbidden City—a maze of buildings also known as the Imperial Palace, that was off-limits to the public for 500 years—and Tiananmen Square. Then delve into old Beijing as you tour the narrow streets and alleyways of the Hutong area by rickshaw to see how some Chinese live in a traditional, enclosed community. This evening's highlight is a Peking Duck dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 16: Beijing

Today take an excursion to the Great Wall, the world's largest manmade structure. This ancient line of defense is so massive it can be seen from space. We’ll also get to see the Olympic Park, site of 2008 Games, en route back to Beijing. (B,L,D)

Day 11, Thursday June 17: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)