American breakfast (B) daily, 3 lunches (L), and 3 dinners (D); Local Host service in each city; city maps; sightseeing as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary (inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE).
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Shanghai, China. Welcome to China's premier center of trade and industry. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day #2 Shanghai. Your morning guided sightseeing tour includes time to stroll along the Bund and a visit to the SHANGHAI MUSEUM featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #3 Shanghai. Explore Shanghai on your own. (B)
Day #4 Shanghai–Xi’an. Today, fly to Xi’an, an archeological treasure trove in central China. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #5 Xi’an. This morning, marvel at the TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that have been standing guard at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, for over 2,000 years. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. (B)
Day #6 Xi'an–Lhasa, Tibet. Today, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Lhasa. This morning, take a brief city tour, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN'S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a typical TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Lhasa. Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet's oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Lhasa–Beijing. Fly to Beijing, the capital city of China. (B)
Day #10 Beijing. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA, which once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain. Walk along the wall and enjoy stunning views of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day #11 Beijing. Enjoy a full day at leisure. (B)
Day #12 Beijing. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
