Day 2 Beijing
A popular Chinese saying goes: "You are not a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall". Snaking over the flanks and spines of the hills around you, the only man-made object visible from space is yours to walk upon and marvel at when you travel by car today to the outskirts of the city to the Great Wall, strung together from frontiers defenses first begun in the 4th century BC. After a lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we also visit the China's "Valley of Kings" when the tomb mounds and memorial halls of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty nestle at the foot of the Heavenly Longevity Mountains. Return the city in the late afternoon, free at leisure in the evening.

Day 3 Beijing
The heart of the old city of Beijing was the " Forbidden City' Imperial Palace, a 200-acre complex of ceremonial halls, opulent living quarters, broad courtyards, intimate gardens and secret treasure houses which served as the seat of government and home for 24 emperors from 1420 to 1911. Following a morning guided tour of the Palace, visit the famous Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong raised the flag of the People's Republic on October 1, 1949. Lunch at a Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the imperial garden Summer Palace with its lovely pagodas, pavilions and courtyards situated around the scenic Kunming Lake. If time permits, a stop will also be made at the beautiful Temple Of Heaven, located in a large park and housing the impressive Hall of Prayers.

Day 4 Xian
Board your 1.5 hours flight to Xian, now government seat of Shaanxi Province, but over the centuries capital of 11 different kingdoms, dynasties and regimes, including the extraordinary Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) during which China's writers and artists produced much of her most enduring poetry, ceramics, painting and sculpture. In the afternoon, tour the superb Shaanxi Provincial Museum for an overview of the regions rich archeological legacy. Then visit the ancient city walls of the Ming dynasty and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city. Stay at centrally located GARDEN HOTEL for two nights.

Day 5 Xian
Today take an unforgettable excursion to the awesome excavations of 6000 individualized life-size terra cotta warriors and horses buried in military formation to guard the tomb Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of ancient China, who unified the kingdom and built the Great Wall. An added attraction are two exquisite half-size bronze chariots now beautifully restored and on display. Return the city with a stop at the Huaqing hotsprings and Neolithic Village of Banpo.

Day 6 Xian/Shanghai
Board our morning flight to Shanghai, the largest cosmopolitan city in Mainland China with a population of 13 million. Visit the Bund, former international center for expatriates. Explore the shops in the old alleyways nearby the classical Yu Garden. And take a guided tour of Shanghai Museum with China's premier collection of sculpture, bronzes and painting. If time permits, you will also visit the Children's Palace, an after-school art, music and dance learning center. (subject to occasional closure). Stay at the centrally located historic PARK HOTEL for two nights.

Day 7 Suzhou
A short one hour train ride takes us to Suzhou" The Garden City of China." Suzhou was a thriving trade route at the time of Marco Polo's visits during the 13th century. Visit some of Suzhou's gardens (Humble Administrators Garden and Master of Nets Garden), which incorporate man-made ponds, sparkling streams, peaceful pavilions, zigzagging walkways and architectural designs to inspire contemplation and shelter gatherings of friends and family. They are truly masterpieces of design and art. You'll also have the chance to wander through Suzhou's tree-lined streets and gaze upon the waterways, which connect the town to the nearby Grand Canal. Return to Shanghai this afternoon and have the evening free to discover this dynamic city, perhaps with a walk along bustling Nanjing Road.

Day 8 Depart Shanghai
Free at leisure to explore the city before your private car transfer to the airport. We will be happy to assist you with any trip extension to the other part of the Orient.

Land Package Price: $ 1190 per person double

Package price includes:

• Private transfers in each city
  
• Airfare Beijing/Xian/Shanghai
  
• First class hotel twin sharing basis
  
• Daily American Breakfast at hotel (B)
  
• Daily Chinese lunch at local restaurant (L)
  
• Guided tours in a private car and admissions
• Private English speaking guide in each city
  
• Applicable hotel taxes
  
• Domestic airport tax

Not included:

• China visa fee
  
• Other cost not stated as included

*Onward airfare: Shanghai/Hong Kong: US$230. Shanghai/Beijing: US$140.