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Download our World of the Maya: Cycles of Time brochure, featuring a 3-day symposium with renowned Maya scholars followed by expert-led tours to classic Maya sites. Or request a print copy to be sent by mail.
By 4WD vehicle, riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—mokoro (dugout canoe), track the best of Africa’s wildlife in a breathtaking mix of Botswana’s most beautiful environments, from savannas to woodlands to the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta.
China Private Journey
Ancient Cultures & Magnificent Landscapes
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $4195 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 10 days |
| Arrive: | Shanghai, China |
| Depart: | Beijing, China |
| Lodging: | 6 nights in hotels, 3 nights village homestay (or hotel option) describe |
| Meals: | All meals included |
| Activity: | Walking, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Village exploration, cultural touring
explain
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Highlights
- Discover fascinating villages of traditional Ming dynasty architecture and dress
- Watch traditional dance performances, enjoy hill hikes, visit musicians and craftsmen
- Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
In China’s Southwest, discover Guizhou Province, a hidden realm of ancient hill villages and mist-shrouded valleys dotted with spirit shrines. Here in a green, mountainous landscape, tiny villages isolated from modern China preserve ancient cultures. Enjoy a Private Journey in the traditional world of village China, meeting Old Han and Long-Skirt Miao villagers as they make rice paper in the traditional way and cultivate terraced rice fields. Village-to-village hikes bring you into exquisite valleys that seem drawn from classical Chinese landscape paintings, and you enjoy the rare cultural opportunity of village homestays hosted by local families, an experience that our past travelers report to be among the most rewarding adventures on the journey. The trip begins in Shanghai and ends in Beijing. We also offer a choice of two mid-trip extensions: one visits ancient Lijiang and Gyalthang in the eastern Tibetan highlands, and the other visits Lhasa, Holy City of Tibet. At journey’s end, we offer an optional extension to Xi’an, home of the legendary Terra Cotta Warriors.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Day 1
Old Shanghai
Stroll the Bund and explore Shanghais historic seafront.
Days 2-3
Guiyang / Jichang Village
From Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province, enjoy a village hike in the Old Han settlement of Jichang, where women still dress in traditional clothing styles worn since the Ming Dynasty.
Days 4-7
Ming, Old Han, and Miao Villages of Guizhou
Explore quaint villages including Dazhai, an enchanting maze of old Ming-style wooden houses set among green paddy fields, set out for optional hill walks, meet the local families. Your support staff is a private guide and a driver, both wonderful traveling companions who offer unique insights into fascinating village cultures. Overnight in village homes for three nights, hosted by a local family. Note: Hotel options are available for those who prefer. Hotel overnight in Kaili on Day 7.
Days 8-10
Beijing / Forbidden City and Great Wall
More than 30 emperors have lived and ruled from Beijing, as evidenced by the incredible ancient monuments scattered across this vibrant international city. Visit the local hutongs (narrow-laned traditional neighborhoods), Tiananmen Square, the vast Forbidden City, and The Great Wall. Depart Day 10.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Lijiang and Gyalthang Mid-Trip Extension (4 days)
- Lhasa Mid-Trip Extension (4 days)
- Xi'an Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2, easy to moderate. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip with optional hikes and village walks on several days. Accommodations are in 3- and 4-star hotels, with three nights in optional village homestay accommodations.
When to go
February to mid-November
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2012
$4195 per person double occupancy
Single supplement: $525
Internal airfare: $635 (subject to change)
Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout
Discounts available for groups of 6 or more.
Extension Costs
Lijiang and Gyalthang Mid-Trip Extension
from: $1795
Lhasa Mid-Trip Extension
from: $1595
Xi'an Extension
from: $975
Tour Cost Includes:
- Accommodations, based on double occupancy
- All meals included
- Private guides and drivers
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicles
- All admission fees and activities as described
- All airport transfers and land transportation as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, any activities described as optional, optional tipping to local guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (liquor, laundry, and so on).China Private Journey
Our Trips using this Lodging:
China
- Village Homestay, an opportunity to experience the hospitality of a local village family on three nights, with amenities including linens brought from your 4-star hotel in Guiyang (hotel options also available)
- 4-star Rujin Hotel in Shanghai, 4-star Regal Hotel in Guiyang, 3-star Dragon Hotel in Kaili, 3-star Guxiang 20 Hotel in Beijing
Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Lijiang and Gyalthang Mid-Trip Extension (4 days)
- Lhasa Mid-Trip Extension (4 days)
- Xi'an Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
China
Lijiang and Gyalthang Mid-Trip Extension
Naxi and Tibetan Cultures, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Ancient Monasteries
Wildlife & Natural History, Walking, Cultural Adventures
4 days
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Level 1
