DAY 01 - DEPART HOMETOWN/HONG KONG
Depart on an overnight flight to Hong Kong.
DAY 02 - ARRIVE HONG KONG
Arrive in Hong Kong, transfer to hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the city on foot. Tonight, don’t miss out the Symphony of Lights show along the Victoria Harbor.
DAY 03 - HONG KONG (AB)
Today, you will be taken on a morning tour of fabulous Hong Kong Island, covering everything from the heights of Victoria Peak, with its stunning views over the harbor, to the market at Stanley and the colorful fishing village at Aberdeen. In the afternoon, use your free time to go for an urban walk through Hong Kong’s central and western district as you encounter Hong Kong's energetic and vibrant living culture.
DAY 04 - HONG KONG (AB)
Today is yours free to enjoy the city . Learn about Chinese medicine, Chinese cake making or cruise on a Chinese Junk along the Victoria Harbour, which are all part of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Cultural Kaleidoscope program, or visit Lantau Island to view the biggest bronze Buddha in the world.
DAY 05 - HONG KONG/BEIJING/LUILICHANGE CULTURAL STREET/QIANMEN DAJIE (AB)
Board a morning flight to Beijing, the capital city of China. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide at the airport and you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, stroll through Luilichange cultural street, once a flourishing cultural center during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) where scholars, painters and calligraphers gathered to exchange ideas, compose poetry, write books and paint pictures. Then marvel at the Qianmen Dajie Pedestrian Street (Dashanlan), lined with shops, teahouses and restaurants.
DAY 06 - TIANANMEN SQUARE/FORBIDDEN CITY/TEMPLE OF HEAVEN/SUMMER PALACE (AB/L)
In the morning, tour the vast Tiananmen Square. You will also see the nearby National Grand Theatre (outside view), a dome-shaped performance art center that hosts a variety of performances. Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the magnificent Forbidden City, which was home to the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Spend the afternoon at the Temple of Heaven, a complex of buildings representing the pinnacle of Ming and Qing architecture built in 1420, including the Hall of Prayer for good harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Altar, and Abstinence palace. Afterwards, visit the former Imperial Summer Palace - the famous royal garden that was favored by the Empress Cixi in the late 19th century.
DAY 07 - GREAT WALL/HUTONG RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (AB/L)
Travel to northwest of Beijing to visit China's most famous attraction - the Great Wall of China. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches 4,000 miles across mountains and valleys in the northern part of China. Walk along a well-preserved section of this true wonder of the world and admire the panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore Beijing's Hutong residential district as you enjoy a ride on a comfortable pedal-powered cab and discover the narrow alleyways of residential quarters where old traditions remain very much alive. You will also get an exciting opportunity to visit the home of a local resident.
DAY 08 - BEIJING/HOMETOWN (AB)
Transfer to airport for your flight home.
AB=American Breakfast, L=Lunch
Accommodations: