great wall china

The Great Wall of China

Photo by Sergey Sverdelov / iStock Photo

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Beijing Pre-trip Extension

The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $1225
Length: 3 days
Arrive: Beijing, China
Depart: Beijing, China
Activity: Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 1 explain

Our Trips using this Extension


Great Silk Road

Day 1
Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore on your own. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2
Beijing / The Great Wall

Join your local Beijing guide this morning for an excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, with a picnic lunch. The Mutianyu section is well preserved and a good option for avoiding the crowds along the highly popular Badaling section. After a short and easy hike on the wall, return to Beijing for a visit to the Yong He Gong Tibetan temple and the nearby Temple of Confucius and National Academy, with an optional visit to the Temple of Heaven.

Day 3
Summer Palace and Forbidden City

Explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable museum of classical Chinese architecture set in the Western Hills of Beijing. Return to Beijing to visit the magnificent Forbidden City, so called because it was off limits to commoners for 500 years. Built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this great palace complex was the imperial home of 24 emperors of the Ming and later the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Today it is a showcase of the opulence of the Chinese imperial court, full of rare treasures including pottery, bronzes, woodcarvings, paintings, and famous calligraphic works. At the end of the day, return to the hotel and join Day 1 of the Great Silk Road trip for an orientation prior to a Welcome dinner.

Extension Costs

Prices are for 2012
$1225 (2 members)
Single supplement: $165
Solo traveler: $1650

All costs subject to change

Guxiang 20 Hotel

Beijing, China

Experience Old Beijing with the comfort and class of a boutique hotel. Located in one of the city’s most interesting hutong districts (hutongs are traditional alley neighborhoods unique to Beijing), the Guxiang 20 features simple and stylish guest rooms that combine traditional decoration with modern conveniences. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, and even a rooftop tennis court. You can also explore the neighborhood, with its many shops and eateries. Despite a lack of English language skills, the staff is friendly, welcoming, and eager to please.

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.