Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.

Small Group Discoveries

• Sit down to lunch with a Beijing family that’s lived in their hutong for 3 generations. You’ll gain personal insight into the challenges and rewards of balancing traditional ways with modern life.
• Feel the ancient rhythms of Xian as a savvy city resident guides you through the exotic and colorful local market.
• Spend time with tea farmers near Hangzhou, joining them in their fields for a hands-on learning experience in the ancient art of tea cultivation.
• Delight in traditional Chinese pastimes at Suzhou’s bustling markets and then join local residents to fly your own kite near the ancient City Gate.
• Includes 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Day1

Welcome to Beijing. We’ll be at the airport to escort you to the luxurious Fairmont Beijing Hotel.

Day2

In and around Beijing with your Trip Leader Marvel at the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square and follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty emperors as you tour the Forbidden City. Explore by rickshaw through the narrow lanes of a hutong and spend time with a family in the home where they’ve lived for three generations. Tonight, enjoy a Peking duck banquet including local beer and wine. Meals b+l+d

Day3

The Great Wall + Summer Palace Journey into the mountains north of the city to explore the Great Wall at Juyong Pass, one of the most historic and scenic sections of this ancient defensive structure. Then tour the Summer Palace, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s emperors. meals b+

Day4

Fly to Xian, China’s ancient capital Fly to Xian where you’ll be escorted to the Hilton Hotel, perfectly situated within the city walls. Join a city resident to explore a colorful local market, perusing the wide variety of products and sampling exotic fare from the many vendors. Tonight’s dinner features savory dumplings. meals b+d

Day5

The Terra Cotta Warriors Stand in awe before the thousands of life-sized terra cotta soldiers that comprise the army that was buried to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Visit the ancient city walls and return to your hotel. meals b+l+d

Day6

Marco Polo fell in love with Hangzhou… You will too! Fly to Hangzhou and transfer to the 5-star JW Marriott. Cruise on beautiful West Lake and spend time with tea farmers in their fields. From preparing the soil to picking the tea leaves, this hands-on experience is a fun way to learn the ancient techniques that ensure the quality of the region’s fine teas. meals b+l

Day7

On to Wuzhen and the Garden City of Suzhou It’s off the beaten path but the ancient town of Wuzhen has finely preserved Ming Dynasty homes. Continue on to Suzhou and check in to the first class Renaissance Hotel. meals b+l+d

Day8

Discover Suzhou  Tour the exquisite Garden of the Master of the Nets. Originally laid out during the Song Dynasty 1,000 years ago, this classic Chinese garden is one of the city’s most refined with landscaped waterways, pavilions, meandering pathways and a delicate footbridge a mere 12 inches wide.  The diminutive Inner Garden was the model for the Ming Hall Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Explore other facets of Suzhou’s ancient history as you stroll along Pingjiang Road, graced with fine examples of Song Dynasty architecture. Then experience a popular Chinese pastime as you join city residents to fly a kite at the historic Panmen Gate. Learn how silk is made at a local workshop before traveling to Shanghai where you’ll check in to the landmark Fairmont Peace Hotel.  Meals B+L

Day9

Out and about in Shanghai Tour the collection of the esteemed Shanghai Museum and stroll along the Bund. Marvel at the iconic skyscrapers of Pudong and explore the ancient lanes of  Tianzifang, now home to boutiques and studios. Tonight’s dinner features fine regional cuisine. Meals b+l+d

Day10

Depart Shanghai  Your transfer to the airport is included. Meals