Exploring China with Dian Thomas – October 17-29, 2012
Take the China tour of a lifetime this coming October with Dian Thomas. 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:
October 17 – Guilin add-on- Leave from your home city this morning and begin your journey across the Pacific Ocean to magical Asia!
October 18 – Guilin add-on- Continue your flight and arrive in Shanghai, China this evening. Overnight in Shanghai.
October 19 - Guilin add-on - Early flight to Guilin. Upon arrival in Guilin transfer to the stunning mountain village of Longi. Take part in a cultural experience as the the Longi women demonstrate their long hair that they cut once in their lifetime. You will then arrive at your mountain retreat where you will spend the night. Enjoy a walk up to your hotel built into the mountainside with incredible vistas overlooking rice terraces built into the mountains as far as eye can see! Walk through the surrounding mountainside village to be greeted by quaint minority shops, rich smells of delicious cuisine, and happy villagers. (B,L)
October 20 – Guilin add-on- Set sail for a cruise down the Li River. The Li River cruise from that departs from Yangshuo is the centerpiece of your trip to Guilin. Gorgeous peaks give you surprises at each bend of the river under the blue sky. These “gumdrop” mountains have helped this part of the country gain worldwide recognition for being one of the most scenic spots in the entire world. Hold up your 20 Yuan bill and what do you see – the exact same view on the Li River you will cruise by! (B,L)
Xi’an add-on group (not doing Guilin) – Fly from home city to LAX and then to Xi’an, China
October 21 – Guilin add-on – Today you have a free morning with an optional bike ride along the gorgeous Li River. Also take in the local market to see what life is like in the countryside. A visit to a local tea plantation will give you a glimpse as to where the tea dumped in the Boston Harbor many years ago came from. This evening you will travel by air from Guilin to Xi’an and transfer to your hotel! (B,L)
Xi’an add-on group (not doing Guilin) – Continue flight and arrive in Xi’an where you will transfer to hotel and overnight.
October 22 – Guilin/Xi’an Groups – 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)
October 23 – Guilin/Xi’an Groups – 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)
Beijing ONLY: Depart from home city in the morning.
October 24 – Guilin/Xi’an Groups – Upon arriving in Beijing this morning, you’ll travel to a local restaurant for breakfast and then check into your Beijing hotel to freshen up. In the evening, experience an optional Hutong Tour, and take a glimpse into the world of yesterday while riding through the narrow streets on bicycle-pedaled rickshaws. A stop at the local zoo will be a great photo opportunity. (B,L)
Beijing ONLY: Evening arrival and meet rest of the group
October 25 – 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)
October 26 – 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)
October 27 – 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)
October 28 – 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)
October 29 – 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 mid-day, 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: Dian Thomas
With 30-plus years of travel and media experience, nationally renowned New York Times best-selling author, TV personality, and professional speaker Dian Thomas has now escorts tours to many international destinations. Her love for people and the excitement and enthusiasm she brings to the travel experience are a perfect fit, helping you enjoy the world in a fun-loving way. As a successful entrepreneur and author of 18 books, Dian knows firsthand how to entertain groups, create memorable moments, and help you gain the most from every excursion. For eight years she was a regular on NBC’s Today show, followed by six years on ABC’s Home Show . She was the subject of over 5,000 media interviews, including the Tonight show with Johnny Carson and ABC’s Good Morning America. Come have the time of your life and let Dian help you discover the lands and seas you have only dreamed about.
———-Beijing Only Tour with Air from Los Angeles: $1440 (includes tour and air for $999 & taxes for $441)
Fly from JFK Airport: $100 more
Xi’an Add-On – Double/Triple Occupancy - $499
Guilin Add-On – Double/Triple Occupancy - $699
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