GROUP TOUR: SCENIC CHINA - RIDING THE IRON HORSE 16 DAYS

NOVEMBER 3 : HOME - BEIJING
Our journey begins with a flight to Beijing.

NOVEMBER 4 : BEIJING
Arrival Beijing, capital of China, transfer to our deluxe hotel in the center of the city. This afternoon our guide will take us for a walking tour of the Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of Parliament, and Chairman Mao Mausoleum.
Tonight enjoy a warm welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant. (L, D)
Accommodation : 3 nights in Tianlun Dynasty Hotel

NOVEMBER 5 : BEIJING
This morning we'll visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven built in 1420. Its triple-layered marble terrace, dragon-phoenix ceiling and a circular roof painted in deep blue, topoped with a large gold knob, is a perfect example of Ming architecture. Later, we will be treated with an exclusive imperial banquet lunch set in a glamorous restaurant.
This afternoon visit the Summer Palace, a grand and sensual palace complex set around the beautiful Kunming Lake, is a favorite summer residence of Empress Cixi. (B, L)

NOVEMBER 6 : BEIJING
Today we will travel outside of the city to visit The Great Wall, a symbol of Chinese civilisation, the Wall stretches over 6000 km from the Yellow Sea in the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. You may walk along or take a cable car ride to the top for a panoramic view of this wonderful structure, which is one of the few sights in the world still able to exceed the expectations of visitors. Weather permitting we will have a picnic lunch on an ancient tower. Later in the afternoon, returns to our hotel for a refreshing shower.
Tonight an acrobatics show has been arranged — enjoy the marvelous acts of juggling, contortionism, chair-stacking, and plate-spinning of the award-winning China Acrobatic Troupe. (B, L)

NOVEMBER 7 : BEIJING - SHIJIAZHUANG
After a late breakfast at hotel, we will be transfered to the Beijing West Station to embark our first train journey in China. The Beijing West Station itself is one of the impressive sights in Beijing — a massive post-modern assemblage of popular motifs from China's architectural past, topped with a vast arch in the center. Opened in 1996, this station is currently the largest in East Asia and handles the highest amount of traffic than any other stations in China.
Sit back comfortably in our chartered rail car and enjoy the scenery on this 3 hours train journey across northern China. Complimentary drinks will be offered onboard.

Mid-day arriving into Shijiazhuang where we will be taken to visit the Zhaozhou Bridge, erected in 596, this remarkable bridge is considered to be the world's first segmental bridge. The stone posts, carved with beautiful paintings, has survived countless floods and the havoc of war and civil strife. We will also visit The Hanging Palace, a perfect name to suggest its dramatic position of sitting on a vast stone-arch bridge spanning between two sheer cliffs. Take a chair lift up to the top for a stunning view over the scenic area. (B, L, D)
Accommodation : 1 night in Crowne Plaza Hotel Shijiazhuang

NOVEMBER 8 : SHIJIAZHUANG - MT. SONGSHAN - LUOYANG
After breakfast at hotel, journey by motor-coach to the holy mountain Song Shan to visit the Shaolin Monastery, the birth place of Chinese martial arts, where we will take this opportunity to appreciate the world-famous Kung Fu performance by Shaolin monks. Overnight in Luoyang. (B, L, D)
Accommodation : 3 nights in Luoyang Grand Hotel

NOVEMBER 9 : KAIFENG
A day trip through the countryside to the ancient town of Kaifeng. Once the seat of imperial power in the 9th century, Kaifeng is rich in history, and, for many centuries, home to a large Jewish community. The town preserved many of its ancient charm delighting visitors with beautiful wooden houses and a wonderfully designed Iron Pagoda. Later this afternoon, on our way back to Luoyang, stop en-route and visit several residential cave houses.

NOVEMBER 10 : LUOYANG
Touring the prime sights of Luoyang, including The Dragon Buddhist Grottoes, situated alongside the banks of Yi River this long buried Buddhist grotto is considered as one of the most exquisite in China. Also visit the legendary White Horse Temple and the underground Ancient Tombs Museum. (B, L)

NOVEMBER 11 : LUOYANG - XIAN
This morning prepare yourself for a 5 hours scenic train journey through the 'yellow plains' in central China. As the train winds its way along the countryside, we will be greeted by locals who waved at us, watch barefoot farmers working on paddy rice fields, passing numerous Buddhist cave ruins, old railway stations with steam locomotives in action. Inside train, you may take this opportunity to socialise with your fellow travellers with complimentary drinks and plenty of snacks offered. Arrival Xian and transfer to our deluxe hotel for overnight. (B, L)
Accommodation : 3 nights in Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel

NOVEMBER 12 : XIAN
Our first visit today is at the Terracotta Warriors — one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the 20th century - with thousands of life-size warrior sculptures, each with unique figure, armed with bronze swords, stand guardian to the resting place of the mighty Emperor Qin, who first unified China in the 3rd century B.C. After lunch in a private restaurant with Xian speciality dishes, we will visit The Forest of Steles with thousands of life-size stone books carved with beautiful calligraphy of infamous scholars and poets, and the Big Goose Pagoda, built to house precious Buddhist scriptures imported from India along the Silk Road. (B, L)

NOVEMBER 13 : XIAN
This morning our guide will take all interested guests to have a walk on the Ancient City Walls, preserved through the ages, the massive Wall encloses today's Xian city center. The South Gate is a lively pedestrian quarter where you'll see locals practising Tai Chi exercises, street artists demonstrating their wonderful skills, and vendors selling their hand-made craftworks. Tour the Shaanxi Provincial Museum to view its extensive collection of artifacts from prehistory Stone Age to the contemporary period, and the Xian Zoo to meet the gaint pandas. This evening enjoy a dumping dinner show with Tang dynasty dance performance. (B, L, D)

NOVEMBER 14 : XIAN - HANGZHOU
This morning fly to Hangzhou. After settling in at our hotel, we'll tour the Six Harmonies Pagoda, dating back to the 9th century, this 60m tall wooden structure offers a wonderful views of the town from its roof. Later a scenic drive through lush hills brings us to a tea field where we will sample the Hangzhou famous Longjiang green tea. (B, L)
Accommodation : 2 nights in Hyatt Regency Hotel

NOVEMBER 15 : HANGZHOU
We will spend our day leisurely in the beautiful West Lake and explore its landscaped islands. Sail on the lake by private chartered sampan, stroll along the winding paths lined with blooming flowers and bamboo trees, and visit the colourful temples and museums. Sample a seafood lunch in a delightful boat restaurant. (B, L)

NOVEMBER 16 : SHANGHAI
This morning we will embark on our last train journey (3 hours) through the countyside to Shanghai. Upon arrival Shanghai, check into our deluxe hotel. Shanghai, the fastest growing city in China, is full of excitement. This afternoon we will embark on an overview city tour including the Jade Buddha Temple with its sitting Buddha weights as much as 1000 kg, carved from a single chunk of white jade; the Old Town and Yuyuan Garden and sip tea in a delightful tea house where Queen Elizabeth II and President Bill Clinton alike were among its guest list. (B, L)
Accommodation : 2 nights in Huating Hotel & Towers

NOVEMBER 17 : SHANGHAI
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, our guide will take you for a walk along the Bund, the city's landmark, to view the neo-Classical and Art Deco buildings from Shanghai's heyday of 1930's. The remainder of the day is left open to meander through the bustling Nanjing Road for some shopping. You might also want to visit the Shanghai Art Museum on your own. Tonight we gather for farewell dinner in a chic restaurant in the former French Concession Area with superb fusion cuisine. (B, D)

NOVEMBER 18 : SHANGHAI - HOME
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight home. End of services. (B)

Optional Extension:   At the end of this tour, you may want to ride the overland express to Hong Kong.