WOW, This is going to be an exciting adventure with my Aunt Celeste!
Wednesday, May 12
Morning motorcoach to the airport for our overnight flight.
Thursday, May 13
Afternoon arrival in Beijing where we will meet our guide and transfer to our hotel.
Friday, May 14 – Beijing
See the impressive Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420, the buildings that make up the Temple represent the pinnacle of Ming and Quing architecture. Continue on to a pearl workshop and learn the art of selecting pearls. After a stop for lunch, drive by the sites used in the 2008 Summer Olympics. At a Sports School, you have the opportunity to learn how Chinese athletes are trained. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,L,D)
Saturday, May 15 – Beijing
An exciting morning excursion takes you to the Great Wall of China. There is a chance to hike on the Ju Yong Guan Section before heading back to Beijing. Before lunch, stop at a jade workshop and watch the artisans at work. The afternoon is free. (B,L,D)
Sunday, May 16 – Beijing
Today you will visit Tiananmen Square. Next is the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace. After lunch, stop at a “hutong” or ancient city lane. You will visit a family who has lived in a hutong for at least two generations, and learn about their daily life. Tonight, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner with a cultural show of opera, acrobatics and dancing. (B,L,D)
Monday, May 17 – Beijing / Xi’an
Fly to Xi’an this morning. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon holds a highlight visit to the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Here, over 7,000 life-sized warriors have been standing guard for the past 2,000 years. (B, L)
Tuesday, May 18 – Xi’an / Hangzhou
Visit the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 A.D. After your tour, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hangzhou. This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on beautiful West Lake. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, May 19 – Hangzhou / Shanghai
This morning, visit a tea garden in Meijiawu Village and learn how green tea is made. You will also learn about Feng Shui from a master. Then stop in Guangxingtang, a center for the study and application of traditional Chinese medicine, a special herbal lunch will be prepared for you. Afterward, transfer to the train station for the ride to Shanghai. Make an early evening visit to the Bund. (B,L,D)
Thursday, May 20 – Shanghai
Visit a local kindergarten, meet the students in the class and join in their activities. Then pass the French Concession Area, where the tree-lined avenues retain an air of the “Paris of the East.” Next, stop at a Silk Weaving Workshop where will have a chance to see the complete process of making silk from silkworms. On to the classic Yu Yuan Gardens. Stop for lunch, then your afternoon is free. Tonight, relish a Farewell Dinner then take in an exciting acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Friday, May 21 – Shanghai
After breakfast we will be transferred to EXPO 2010 with a full days admission.
After we have dinner, we overnight again in Shanghai.
Saturday, May 22
We depart from Shanghai which puts us back in the late afternoon as we cross the International date line. We’ll be transferred by motorcoach to our departure points in Connecticut.
This adventure will be so exciting.
More to come soon. Love Pups
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Consider this guy jealous – that sounds like a blast!
Boy are you lucky! I would love to visit those places. Be sure and take lots of pictures.