Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, China with Alicia Richmond – April 24-May 3, 2012
Take the China tour of a lifetime this coming April and May with China expert and shopping guru Alicia Richmond. This tour is full of highlights including: the Olympic sites of Beijing, hiking the Great Wall of China, exploring the Forbidden City, helping at an orphanage, and shopping at designer clothing markets. Your family and friends won’t forget this magical tour and part of the world.
Included is: round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, all hotel accommodations, sightseeing as outlined in itinerary, most meals, ground transportation via deluxe coaches, baggage handling, and excellent English speaking guides.
Itinerary:
April 24 – Leave from your home city this morning and begin your journey across the Pacific Ocean to magical Asia!
April 25 Continue your flight and arrive in Xi’an, China this evening. You will transfer to your 5-star Titan Hotel.
April 26 - Your exciting day in Xi’an begins with a relaxing bike ride on the ancient city wall or you may wish to take a ride in a traditional rickshaw. Lunch will take place at a traditional Hot Pot restaurant where you can see and taste a local favorite. The highlight of your trip will probably be this afternoon as you visit a local orphanage and spend time giving affection and lending a hand. Learn more about the orphanage we are currently assisting at www.thestarfishfosterhome.org. Your day will wind down as you enjoy the city water fountain show accompanied with orchestrated music. (B,L)
April 27 - You will be in awe as you visit the Terracotta Warrior museum. It has been said to be the most exciting archaeological find of the 20th century and considered as the 8th Wonder of the World. It is nothing short of astonishing! This evening you’ll board the overnight sleeper train bound for Beijing. All aboard! (B,L)
April 28 - Upon arriving in Beijing this morning, you’ll travel to a local restaurant for breakfast and then check into your 5-Star Vision hotel to freshen up. Today you will visit the Forbidden City which was built in the 15th century. The Forbidden City includes the Imperial Palace which was the residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Later you will walk on the 98-acre quadrangle of Tiananmen Square, which is one of the largest public squares in the world. A stop at the local zoo will be a great photo opportunity for PANDAS!(B,L)
April 29 - Today you’ll pay a visit to the Summer Palace which is listed as one of the world UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ranked as one of the finest classical gardens in the world. Nearby learn about China’s fresh water pearls and visit one of the largest pearl showrooms on the planet. Also enjoy a Hutong tour on the old Chinese rickshaws. (B,L)
April 30 - Winding across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, the Great Wall of China stretches over 4,000 miles. Today as you experience climbing a section of the Great Wall, marvel at its size and grandeur. Not far from the wall you will explore the underground tomb of one of China’s ancient emperor’s. Nearby stroll down the path of the Sacred Way of the Animals. You will have plenty of time this evening to go bargain shopping at a local knock-off market where low price rules. Then, back to the hotel and it’s time for an optional foot massage. (B,L)
May 1 - The Temple of Heaven is first on our agenda today and is located in a beautiful park. Elderly Chinese come by the thousands daily to exercise and to participate in Chinese cultural activities. Most tourists find themselves participating in the middle of these activities with the local Chinese. The rest of the day is dedicated to last minute shopping, including a famous silk store where you will find silk comforters. If you get your shopping all done, enjoy an optional Chinese acrobatic show. You will be amazed at the acrobatic skills demonstrated in the performances. (B,L)
May 2 – Enjoy some free time in Beijing this morning with last-minute shopping and free time in the afternoon. (B,L)
May 3 - After breakfast, you will transfer to the Beijing Airport and check-in for your international flight departing with connections to your home city. As you reflect upon your tour days, we think you will consider them some of the best days of your life. (B)
Your Host: Alicia Richmond
Alicia Richmond is the founder of Chic on a Shoestring – a style and wardrobe consulting company. Since the company’s beginning in 2003, she is most well known for her simple approach to taking current fashion trends and adapting them to real people with real bodies and real budgets. Four years ago, Alicia combined her love of travel and bargain shopping into Chic on a Shoestring shopping tours. Whether you join a shopping tour in the United States or internationally, the experience is incredible. Come and make lasting friendships and visit some of the most breath taking places in the world. Alicia will help you find the best bargains around no matter where you travel. Be sure to catch Alicia’s Chic on a Shoestring fashion segments every Thursday on the Emmy-winning ABC 4 talk show, “Good Things Utah.” She completed a bachelor’s of science degree in Clothing and Textiles from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in fashion consultation. She and her husband, Evan, are raising four children. Two of Alicia’s children also have experienced the traveling bug and have each been to China. They think this is the best part of their mom’s career.
———-Full Tour with Air from Los Angeles: $1952 (includes tour and air for $1499 & taxes for $453)
Fly from JFK Airport: $100 more
Call For Single Occupancy Pricing
Children 11 and under – $200 off per person
Chinese Visa - $185
Credit Card Fee - $50 (only applies to final payment-pay by check to avoid it)
Deposit Required for Reservation - $1200
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*Trip cancellation and emergency insurance available *Passports are required *Full payment due 90 days before departure. *Cancellation charges: non-refundable after deposit and final payment is made Click Here for Current Airline Baggage Fees Click Here For Terms and Conditions