17-day Imperial China plus Tibet (2008)
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Xigaze - Gyantse - Shanghai

Focusing on China's glorious past and the Rooftop of the World the tour takes in fabled Great Wall, the legendary Terracotta Army and the magnificent Potala Palace. Please note the tour is suitable only for those who are perfectly fit without any medical condition that may be complicated due to high altitudes. Travellers must also accept that accommodations in Tibet may be basic in comparison with the other hotels during the tour.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices.

Day 1/Thu: Departing Home City
The journey begins with our transpacific flight (Air Canada or United Airlines) departing the west coast in early afternoon. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet our guide upon arrival in late afternoon and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing
Beijing, capital of China and host of 2008 Summer Olympics, is not only the country's second largest city in terms of population but also its cultural and educational centre. Today we visit Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City following tour orientation. Welcome dinner features delicious Beijing roast duck, a local delicacy. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Sun: Beijing
Morning visit to the majestic Summer Palace, a royal resort during the Qing Dynasty. After lunch we split from the group to explore China's ancient capital on our own. The suggested to-do list includes Lama Temple and shopping at Silk Alley or Panjiayuan Flea Market. The evening Peking Opera show is optional if available. (B/L)

Day 5/Mon: Beijing
Full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall, 90km northwest of the city. Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall, said to be visible from the moon, was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. (B/L)

Day 6/Tue: Beijing - Xi'an
Morning sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven. After lunch we tour an old hutong - alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards. Late afternoon flight to Xi'an. (B/L)

Day 7/Wed: Xi’an
Eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi'an is home to the Terracotta Army designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity. Visit the excavation site of the Terracotta Army located 30km east of the city and the emperor's mausoleum nearby. Tonight we enjoy a music and dance show of Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) style after dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 8/Thu: Xi'an
Today's schedule takes in the ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and the provincial History Museum. (B/L)

Day 9/Fri: Xi'an - Lhasa
Visit the Provincial Museum of History if time allows. Morning flight to Lhasa. We spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel to get acclimatized to the high altitudes. (B/L)

Day 10/Sat: Lhasa
Situated in a wide, mountain-fringed valley on the north bank of the Kyichu River, Lhasa (elevation 3700m) is a rapidly expanding city with a population of over 540,000. An important settlement for well over a thousand years, Lhasa was originally called Rasa, but was renamed by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century when he moved his capital here from the Yarlung Valley. Following the collapse of the Yarlung dynasty two centuries later, power dispersed among local chieftains and the city lost its pre-eminence. It was not until the seventeenth century, with the installation of the Fifth Dalai Lama as ruler by the Mongolian emperor, Gushri Khan, that Lhasa once again became the seat of government.

This morning we visit the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace. Afternoon sightseeing at grand Sera Monastery, where lively debates held Monday to Saturday from 3 to 5 pm between resident monks often draw a large audience. (B/L)

Day 11/Sun: Lhasa
The visit to the Dalai Lama's summer residence Norbulinka is followed Jokhang Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist buildings in Tibet and a remarkable combination of Tibetan, Indian, Nepalese and Han Chinese architectural styles. No visit to Jokhang Temple is complete without checking out the Barkor Street bazaar outside the temple. (B/L)

Day 12/Mon: Lhasa - Xigaze
Following breakfast, travel overland to Xigaze (280km) the second largest in city in Tibet whose name is also spelled as Shigatse or Shigatze. After a picnic lunch, we arrive in mid-afternoon. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery,  the religious and administrative headquarters of the Panchen Lama, paramount leader of the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (B/L/D)

Day 13/Tue: Xigaze - Gyantse - Lhasa
We drive to Gyantse (2 hours) in the morning and tour the fortress of Gyantse Dzong and Pelkhor Choede before continuing on to Lhasa. Vast pastureland, barren mountain slopes, snow-capped peaks, blue skies, white clouds, scanty population, and ubiquitous prayer flags - these images combine to conjure a sense of solitude and mystery. We stop by villages near the shores of Yamdrok Yumtso. One of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Yumtso lies about 100 kilometres to the southwest of Lhasa. Every summer, throngs of Tibetan pilgrims trek to the lake to pray for blessings by the lake fairy. Dozens of islets in the lake provide sanctuary for varied species of birds. (B/L/D)

Day 14/Wed: Lhasa - Shanghai
Spend the morning relaxing or exploring on your own. Afternoon flight to Shanghai. (B)

Day 15/Thu: Shanghai
Shanghai is not only China's largest city in terms of population but also leads the country in economic growth, having experienced 19% GDP growth per year for the past 16 years. Visit the Bund, Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum. (B/L)

Day 16/Friday: Shanghai
Today is a free day. Exploring China's most dynamic city on your own is easy and fun. Our recommended to-do list includes a visit to glitzy Pudong New District, a ride aboard the world's only commercially run Maglev train, and the popular evening cruise on Huangpu River to enjoy the city's spectacular neon-lit skyline. (B)

Day 17/Sat: Shanghai - Home City
Free morning. Transfer to airport on your own to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

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Hotel List
City	Nights	Hotel	Star Rating
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing
Xi'an	3	Sheraton Xi'an
Lhasa	4	Four Points by Sheraton	- best available
Xigaze (Shigatse)	1	Shandong Hotel	- best available
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong

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