China
and The Far East:
In
the Footsteps of Marco Polo, 18 Days
"Lets
get away, far away..."
Marco
Polo, the 13th-century adventurer who fascinated readers through
the centuries with his tales of old Cathay, is the inspiration for
this romantic itinerary through eastern China. In the Footsteps
of Marco Polo is designed for both the first-time traveler to China
and the veteran visitor -there are surprises in store for everyone!
It combines an exploration of China old, rich in picturesque scenery
and historic landmarks, with a look at China new, rapidly on the
move in terms of economic development and social change.
Day
1: USA or Canada - Shanghai, China
Our
adventure begins as we board our flight to Shanghai.
Day
2: Shanghai
On
arrival this evening at Shanghai Airport, we are met and escorted
to our hotel.
Portman
Ritz Carlton Hotel: B.L.D
Day
3-4: Shanghai
Spend
two full days in the Shanghai region, exploring and discovering
the wonders of this exciting city. In Shanghai, we review the extraordinary
legacy of the Chinese art tradition at the Shanghai Museum, walk
the city's historic Bund, explore the labyrinth of lanes and shops
that thread through the Old Town, and thrill to a dazzling display
by the Shanghai Acrobatic Circus. On another day, drive to Suzhou,
where exquisite gardens embody a wealth of cultural tradition and
artistic sensibility.
Portman
Ritz-Carlton Hotel: B.L.D
Day
5: Shanghai - Tunxi
This
morning we fly to Tunxi, to explore the Ming period villages of
Yi County (now UNESCO World Heritage sites), rich in architectural
traditions rarely found elsewhere in China today.
The
Huangshan International Hotel: B.L.D
Day
6: Tunxi - Huangshan Summit
A morning
transfer brings us to the base of Huangshan, where we board a cable
car that whisks us to the summit at 6,000 feet. Huangshan has been
celebrated throughout Chinese history as "the ideal mountain," and
its craggy peaks, pine glades and ethereal mists are elements of
the breathaking views we enjoy today. After guided walks on the
summit and lunch, we descend to the base and return to Tunxi by
road.
The
Huangshan International Hotel: B.L.D
Day
7: Tunxi - Hangzhou
Our
day starts with a visit to Lao Jie (a restored commercial street
dating to the 13th century), followed by a four-hour overland transfer
to Hangzhou. On arrival we transfer to our charming hotel, overlooking
the shimmering beauty of West Lake.
Shangri-La
Hotel: B.L.D
Day
8: Hangzhou
Marco
Polo called this "the most magnificent city on earth" and today,
seven centuries later, Hangzhou still retains an aura of beauty
that sets it apart from any other city in China. We enjoy a day
amid her many scenic vistas, experiencing some of the traditional
aspects of Chinese life. After a visit to the Meijiawu Tea village
to learn about the cultivation of coveted Longjing (Dragon Well)
green tea, we tour the halls of the Ling Ying Buddhist Temple, an
important early Chan (Zen) Buddhist sect. We study a rich tradition
of herbal medicine at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, and
end our day with a private cruise on West Lake to admire its verdant
islands and shoreline dotted with pagodas, teahouses and lush gardens.
Shangri-La
Hotel: B.L.D
Day
9: Hangzhou - Nanjing
We
transfer to the station to board a train to Nanjing. On arrival,
we transfer to our hotel and enjoy some introductory sightseeing
in the central city.
The
Nanjing Hilton: B.L.D
Day
10: Nanjing
A capital
city of ancient dynasties as well as the 20th-century administration
of Chiang Kai Shek, Nanjing is a city of many historic and cultural
highlights. We spend the day following the path of Chinese history
at such sights as the Tomb of the First Ming Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang);
the memorial to China's first father of modern government, Dr. Sun
Yat Sen; the fine Nanjing Museum; and some of the city's lovely
Buddhist temples.
The
Nanjing Hilton: B.L.D
Day
11: Nanjing - Xian
Today
we go from Nanjing to Xian, one of the great cradles of early Chinese
civilization.
Shangri-La
Golden Flower Hotel: B.L.D
Day
12: Xian
In
1974, a group of local farmers made "the archaeological discovery
of the century" while digging a well near Xian. Our first priority
today is a stop at their find, the First Emperor of China's tomb
complex with its army of terra-cotta warriors. We also visit the
Shaanxi Provincial Museum, considered to have the most comprehensive
collection of antiquities in China today, as well as the Great Mosque
of Xian and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Shangri-La
Golden Flower Hotel: B.L.D
Day
13: Xian - Zhengzhou
We
travel east today along the valley of the Yellow River as we take
the train from Xian to Zhengzhou, capital of China's Henan province.
The train follows the course of the Yellow River through farm fields
and villages, and provides an excellent view of the countryside
of one of China's more populous regions. Time permitting, we visit
the Henan Provincial Museum.
Hotel
Sofitel: B.L.D
Day
14: Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou
A full-day
excursion to Kaifeng shows us a city once the capital of the Northern
Song dynasty (960-1127) and a major center for trans-Asian trade.
Hotel
Sofitel: B.L.D
Day
15: Zhengzhou - Beijing
Early
this morning we transfer to the Zhengzhou Airport to fly to Beijing.
Here we spend the balance of the day touring the central city area,
including stops at the magnificent Temple of Heaven and Liulichang,
the original artisan's quarter now beautifully restored and flourishing
once again.
The
Palace Hotel: B.L.D
Day
16-17: Beijing
Spend
two days exploring the treasures of this fabled city, passing through
the Gate of Heavenly Peace to explore the Forbidden City, and visiting
the Great Wall of China, a breathtaking sight as it meanders into
the distance over rugged mountains. We may also enjoy a performance
of Chinese opera or ballet. On our final evening, we say our goodbyes
at a special farewell dinner at the China Club.
The
Palace Hotel: B.L.D
Day
18: Beijing - USA or Canada
We
transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.
Extend
your travel: Optional Chengde Extension
Day
18: Beijing - Chengde
Travellers
who choose to extend their trip depart by train and head northeast
(4 hours) to Chengde, once the favorite summer resort of the Qing
emperors. Chengde was created by the cultured Emperor Kangxi, who
planned a palace with lakes and parks in a sheltered river valley
surrounded by mountains. His grandson, Emperor Qianlong, doubled
the number of landscaped beauty spots and had eight magnificent
temples built; seven remain in good condition today.
Qianyang
Hotel: B.L.D
Day
19: Chengde
Travellers
who choose to extend their trip depart by train and head northeast
(4 hours) to Chengde, once the favorite summer resort of the Qing
emperors. Chengde was created by the cultured Emperor Kangxi, who
planned a palace with lakes and parks in a sheltered river valley
surrounded by mountains. His grandson, Emperor Qianlong, doubled
the number of landscaped beauty spots and had eight magnificent
temples built; seven remain in good condition today.
The
Palace Hotel: B.L.D
Day
20: Beijing - USA or Canada
Today
you transfer to the airport to fly home or on to another destination
in the Orient.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
**Departures
limited to 20 Passengers**
Your
In the Footsteps of Marco Polo 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:
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