Imperial China – 11 Days

Breakfast and departure for a symbolic monument, Tiananmen Square, or the Square of Heavenly Peace. In the national symbol of China, considered the largest square in the world, we will see the giant portrait of Mao inviting us to the crimson walls and then into the Forbidden City. The legendary state of 9999 halls hosted two imperial dynasties, the Ming and Qing. We continue to the Summer Palace, built during the last imperial dynasty, the Qing. The Summer Palace, with the picturesque Kunming Lake, is today the largest park in the country. We conclude today’s tour with a visit to a pearl factory. Overnight.

Breakfast and a tour of the Great Wall. Arrival at Juyongguan where we will have the chance to walk along the cobblestones of the wall and mentally transport ourselves to the tumultuous era of the dynasties. Next, we suggest a visit to the local outdoor market. We continue to visit the Ming Dynasty tombs and walk along the Sacred Path lined with mythical animals—guardians of the tombs—and Mandarins. On our way back to Beijing, we pass by the "Bird's Nest," the famous Olympic Stadium. We then visit a jade factory. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner with the famous Peking Duck at a local restaurant. Overnight.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the station to board the train to Xi’an, the treasure city of Chinese culture and one of China’s oldest cities, with over 3000 years of history. The city was the eastern end of the Silk Road and the capital of several dynasties. Arrival, pick-up, and visit to the Buddhist Monastery with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, we will visit the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century, the legendary Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovered in 1974 by farmers trying to dig a well, this wonder is a museum with 6,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Construction began in 246 BC and lasted over 40 years. The soldiers hold bronze weapons, swords, spears, knives, and are arranged in battle formation. Kneeling soldiers are in the front, and standing soldiers are in the back. They are followed by horses and chariots with charioteers. Next, we will visit the well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Breakfast. We will transfer to the train station to travel to Shanghai. The journey offers views of incomparable beauty. Arrival, transfer to the hotel. You can take a walk through the old city center and enjoy jasmine tea at one of the many teahouses. Overnight.

After breakfast, we will have a city tour. We start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, followed by a tour of the city’s sights, including the Yuyuan Garden in the old town, the Buddhist monastery where we will see the rare work of art—a Buddha statue made from white jade, with a sweet and understanding expression. We will also explore the beautiful squares, old neighborhoods, and later enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River. We conclude today’s tour with a visit to a silk factory. Free time at your disposal. We suggest visiting the TV Tower, which stands at 263 meters, for an impressive view of the city. Overnight.

Today, we will take a full-day excursion to the water town of Suzhou, the city of water, rice, and silk, built on 14 canals with 350 stone bridges. Marco Polo called it the “Venice of the East,” and it’s famous for its traditional Chinese gardens. A walking tour through the narrow streets of the old town and a boat ride on the many canals will thrill you. In the afternoon, we return to Shanghai. In the evening, we suggest a Chinese acrobatic show where the acrobats are famous for their dexterity. Overnight.

Breakfast and free time for your final shopping. Rooms will be available until 6:00 PM. Transfer to the Shanghai airport for the flight to Larnaca with a layover. Arrival in Larnaca, impressed by a country with unmatched history and culture, countless sights, and natural beauty.