Summertime In China with Mike and Bonnie Ramsdell – July 18-27, 2012 – SOLD OUT
Take the China tour of a lifetime this coming July with Mike and Bonnie Ramsdell. This tour is full of highlights including: walking on the Great Wall of China, exploring the Forbidden City, seeing the Terracotta Warriors, 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:
July 18 – Leave from your home city this morning and begin your journey across the Pacific Ocean to magical Asia!
July 19 - Continue your flight Beijing, China. You will cross the International Dateline and arrive at night on the 19th.
July 20 - Welcome to Beijing. Today you will experience a fantastic Hutong Tour, and take a glimpse into the world of yesterday while being pedaled through the narrow streets on bicycle-pedaled rickshaws driven by local Chinese. A stop at the local zoo will be a great photo opportunity for PANDAS. (B,L)
July 21 - 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. Also 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. (B,L)
July 22 - 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)
July 23 - 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. This evening enjoy some free time or more shopping at the knock-off market. (B,L)
July 24 - BEIJING ONLY: After breakfast, you will transfer to the Beijing Airport and check-in for your international flight departing mid-day and arriving in Los Angeles or San Francisco, 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)
Those Doing Xi’an Extension: Enjoy a relaxing day in Beijing with free time. Later in the day you will board an overnight deluxe sleeper train to Xi’an. Sit back and take it all in as the stunning Chinese country landscape zooms on by. (B,L)
July 25 - Xi’an Extension: 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. Learn the legend as to how the Wild Goose Pagoda received its name as you visit this holy place revered for centuries. 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)
July 26 - Xi’an Extension: 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! Your final evening in China will bring free time for last minute shopping or enjoying the Xi’an city square! (B,L)
July 27 - Xi’an Extension: Morning breakfast followed by transfer to your airport for your flight home. You will arrive back in the USA the same day you leave – the 27th.
Your Host: Mike and Bonnie Ramsdell
Mike and Bonnie Ramsdell have spent almost half of their married life living abroad in Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia. Upon returning home to America after Mike finished his career, they found themselves with a second career of hosting groups to various travel destinations around the world including: the British Isles, the Middle East, Russia and the Eastern Block, Scandinavia, Europe, South America , the Caribbean, and Asia. With degrees from Brigham Young University and Utah State University and their years of living abroad, Mike and Bonnie’s world experiences add greatly to the trips they host. A highly sought after speaker, Mike gives lectures from his national best seller “A Train to Potevka” during tours. The book details his years living and working in Russia as a covert agent. A pseudo archeologist and history buff, Bonnie lectures on the fascinating, recent discoveries of the early civilizations of North America. Come join Mike and Bonnie for a trip of a lifetime.
———-Beijing Only Tour with Air from Los Angeles – Double/Triple Occupancy - Call for pricing
Xi’an Add-On – Double/Triple Occupancy – Call for pricing
Call For Single Occupancy Pricing
Chinese Visa - $185
Credit Card Fee - $50 (only applies to final payment-pay by check to avoid it)
Deposit Required for Reservation - $1400 (used to tie up airfare)
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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