Commercial Flight

Board your transpacific flight.

Hotel

Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Sightseeing

Meet your traveling companions prior to a sightseeing tour of Japan’s capital city, home to more than 8 million people. A Local Guide takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations of a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE where you can sample some local delicacies. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)

Sightseeing

This morning, head south for Hakone via Kamakura to see the Great Buddha. Upon arrival, take a CABLE CAR RIDE for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji (weather permitting).

This evening, enjoy a special Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)

Train

Today, enjoy a thrilling ride on a bullet train to Kyoto. Established in 1964, Japan’s bullet trains, or Shinkansen, were the world’s first high-speed trains and now travel at speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour. (B)

Sightseeing

This morning’s city tour features the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Next, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, and the HEIAN SHRINE and GARDEN.

Cooking Classes

For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make a popular Japanese dish.

Sightseeing

You will also visit a KIMONO FACTORY where you will try on this traditional dress and have your picture taken.

Sightseeing

Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, the oldest capital of Japan, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Kofuji Temple with its 5-story pagoda. (B,L,D)

Sightseeing

A full day at leisure for you to enjoy the many temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas at your own pace. (B)

Commercial Flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and
center of trade and industry.

Shopping

Tonight there will be plenty of time to enjoy the city, and shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road and the famous Friendship Store on the Bund. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings housing banks and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens.

Performing Arts

This evening, consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L)

Commercial Flight

After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas.

Fishing

Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that for centuries artists have tried to capture.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch. (B,L)

Commercial Flight

A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China for an overnight stay.

Performing Arts

This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Sightseeing

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. In 1974, the enormous TOMB of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand.

Commercial Flight

Later, fly to Beijing. (B,L)

Sightseeing

Your full-day sightseeing includes a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. You’ll visit the BEIJING ZOO to see pandas, and discover the former Imperial SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. (B,L)

Sightseeing

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched for over 4,000 miles across northern China’s most barren terrain. The part that has been best preserved and restored lies 40 miles north of Beijing. A walk along the wall affords unforgettable vistas of this mammoth fortress spanning the countryside. Then, visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues.

This evening is the perfect finale to a great adventure as you’re hosted to a special Peking Duck FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)

Airport Transfer

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)