China
and The Far East:
Best of the Orient, 15 Days
"Lets
get away, far away..."
Since
the days of the Roman Empire, "Orient" has been synonymous with
"luxury." Early Europeans revered the East as the home of silks,
spices and delicate porcelain unobtainable from any other source.
Modern travelers know that this region of the world still provides
some of the best shopping anywhere, as well as an enviable roster
of exquisite hotels, luxurious spas and elegant restaurants. In
a small group, we explore "the best of the best" on Best of the
Orient, a far-ranging journey designed for the discerning traveler.
Day
1: USA or Canada - Hong Kong, China
Our
Best of the Orient journey begins as we board an overnight flight
for Hong Kong.
Day
2: Hong Kong
On
arrival this evening in Hong Kong, we are met and escorted to our
elegant hotel in the heart of the city's central district.
Mandarin
Oriental Hotel
Day
3: Hong Kong
We
spend the morning sightseeing in this vibrant city, driving out
to Aberdeen and taking a sampan ride around its floating fishing
villages, before traveling to the top of Victoria Peak for a panoramic
vista. Tonight, a welcome dinner party is hosted by A&K Hong Kong.
Mandarin
Oriental Hotel: B.L.D
Day
4: Hong Kong - Bali, Indonesia
Today's
flight brings us to Denpasar on the island of Bali, a "little fragment
of Paradise" in the South Pacific Sea. This evening we attend a
Balinese dance performance and dinner.
Four
Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay: B.L.D
Day
5: Bali
We
drive north today to see the graceful rice terraces for which Bali
is famous, with an opportunity to visit a beautiful local temple.
Lunch today features Balinese cuisine prepared especially for us
at the Amandari Hotel.
Four
Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay: B.L.D
Day
6: Bali
After
a morning visit to exquisite Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a 9th-century temple
adorned with soaring architectural "wings," the afternoon is at
leisure.
Four
Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay: B.L.D
Day
7: Bali - Singapore
Today,
we travel to the city state of Singapore, a rich amalgam of its
diverse cultural components.
The
Oriental: B.L.D
Day
8: Singapore
After
a city tour ending with lunch at fabled Raffles Hotel, the afternoon
is free for shopping or exploring on our own. Our escort can provide
suggestions tailored to every taste.
The
Oriental: B.L.D
Day
9: Singapore - Chiang Mai, Thailand
We
fly to Chiang Mai where, on arrival, we are transferred to the beautiful
Regent Resort at Mae Rim Valley.
The
Regent Resort: B.L.D
Day
10: Chiang Mai
After
a leisurely private-boat cruise down the rural Mae Ping River, this
morning's sightseeing shows us the temples of Wat Doi Suthep and
Wat Phra Singh. We also enjoy a rickshaw ride before a traditional
Thai lunch and a look at some of the city's craft centers.
The
Regent Resort: B.L.D
Day
11: Chiang Mai
A day
highlighted by diverse modes of transport begins with a morning
visit to an elephant training camp. We then ride on elephant-back
through verdant forest to a Lahu hilltribe village, and cruise down
the scenic Ping River by bamboo raft. The afternoon is free to enjoy
a game of golf, visit our resort's spa, shop for antiques or simply
relax by the pool. This evening we dine at a local restaurant, followed
by a visit to Chiang Mai's exotic night market.
The
Regent Resort: B.L.D
Day
12: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
After
a relaxing morning at our resort, we board a midday flight to Bangkok.
On arrival the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore
this vibrant city as we wish.
The
Oriental: B.L.D
Day
13: Bangkok
Our
morning sightseeing includes a tour of the magnificent Grand Palace
and Temple of the Emerald Buddha by boat. After lunch, we visit
Jim Thompson's House where we see the marvelous legacy of this enigmatic
American adventurer.
The
Oriental: B.L.D
Day
14: Bangkok
This
morning we enjoy a visit to the Prasart Museum, one of Thailand's
most impressive cultural attractions. Our afternoon is at leisure,
and we gather this evening for farewell cocktails and dinner.
The
Oriental: B.L.D
Day
15: Bangkok - USA or Canada
Transfer
to the airport to board our flight to the USA or Canada.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
**Departures
limited to 20 Passengers**
Your
Best Of the Orient land arrangements include:
- Hotel
accommodations as indicated in the itinerary or similar
- Meals
as indicated in the itinerary, à la carte wherever possible; domestic
bottled water with all meals
- Arrival
and departure transfers
- All
sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees
- Services
of professional escorts (tour will be locally hosted for groups
of less than 6 persons)
- All
baggage handling
- All
gratuities except to your escort
Not
Included:
Personal
expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees;
communication charges; cost of obtaining passport or visas; meals,
beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares.
PRICING:
Please
contact Quality Travel Services for updated prices.
Or use our online Travel
Request Form.
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Quality Travel Serivices, Inc. 2007. All Rights Reserved.