Hong Kong and Shanghai

After the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the People’s Republic of China enjoyed a new relationship with the world. What was once considered by many travelers to be a “closed” country is now embracing tourism with a newfound vigor. China is the most populated country in the world with more than 1.3 billion residents spread across 3.7 million square miles. The vastness of China and its lands provides visitors with an unbelievable amount of variety – in its geographic landscape, culture, history, religion, foods, and more. Wherever you turn, there is something new and eye-opening that brings you a bit closer to understanding the long and intricate history of the people and region.Whether you are travelling to the major attractions of China – the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Olympic venues – or taking a side-trip to a rural village that still retains its old ways, you gain a sense of the dichotomy of this country: the old and new sit side-by-side in harmony, giving visitors a sense of the traditional and the modernity of this great country.

Day 1 – Transfer and Relax

Included: Transfers (Flight or Train) and dinner.
Excluded: lunch
Transfer from airport – hotel. Check in, kick off your shoes and take a break from hours of travelling. But don’t miss the opportunity to explore a little of what Rome has to offer, perhaps by wandering the streets around the hotel, and take time to enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants.

Day 2 – Classic Tour of Hong Kong Island

Included: Transfers (Flight or Train) Licensed English speaking guide, admissions, breakfast and Lunch and dinner
Visit the most popular areas of Hong Kong, and enjoy a full-day of culture, history, and shopping in the city. You will begin your full-day tour at the pier where you will be picked up by your English-speaking tour guide. The first stop on your tour will be Man Mo Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to the gods Man Cheong (God of Literature) and Mo, or Kwan Yu (God of War and Valor). From here, you will be taken to Victoria Peak, the highest and, arguably, one of the most scenic points in Hong Kong. The Peak offers stunning views of the city, harbor, and outlying regions. The third attraction on your itinerary is the Aberdeen Fisherman Village which showcases one of the main industries and lifestyles of Hong Kong. Enjoy a ride on a traditional sampan while you take in the views and local culture.
The tour continues on to Stanley Market after a brief photo stop at the Old Clock Tower, one of Hong Kong’s oldest landmarks, and Repulse Bay. The Bay, a former haven for pirates during the early 1800s, is now a popular beach for swimming and relaxing. Upon arriving at Stanley Market, you will immediately notice that the large, open-air market is bustling with people – locals and tourists alike. The market provides great shopping and a chance to practice haggling with local merchants. Expect great merchandise at great bargains, all within a XXX area. After shopping, you will head to the Avenue of Stars, a Hollywood-like walk of fame honoring the many movie celebrities of Hong Kong’s growing film industry. If you are movie buff, then this will be a great stop on the tour as you will learn about the 100+ years of movie history in Hong Kong.
The day comes to a relaxing end as you enjoy dinner at a restaurant located at the Avenue of Stars. The restaurant provides panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and a place to unwind, discuss the day’s tours, and experience the wonderful local cuisine.

Day 3 – Tour at Lantau Island

Included: Licensed English speaking guide, admissions, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of the most popular and scenic of the outlying areas of Hong Kong, Lantau Island is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. An easy trip from Hong Kong, the island boasts beautiful natural terrain that you can explore during your visit. The tour includes Tai O, a local fishing village that is more than three centuries old. The small village offers glimpses into Hong Kong’s past with its waterfront houses on stilts and old waterways. Some have dubbed Tai O the “Venice of the East.”
Another key attraction on the island is the Tian Tan Buddha, or Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery. The bronze Buddha is 85-feet tall and strikes an impressive pose atop the Ngong Ping Plateau. Arrive at the monastery by taking the cable car from Tung Chung; this relaxing ride offers stunning views of the island, the South China Sea, the Giant Buddha, and more. At the Po Lin Monastery, you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch prepared fresh by resident monks. The monastery is famous for its vegetarian cuisine as well as its Giant Buddha.
Before the tour is over, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing at Ngong Ping Village and visit the Tea House. The Ngong Ping area is a true reflection of the culture and religion of Hong Kong.

Day 4 – Transfer from Hong Kong to Shanghai

Included: Transfers, breakfast, and dinner.
Excluded: Lunch
Board a flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be transferred to the hotel. En route to the hotel, enjoy a brief city tour to learn more about the history and culture of Shanghai.
One of the best ways to experience Shanghai is in the evening when all of the buildings, shops, and attractions light up the city skyline. After being picked up at your hotel and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, you will be taken on a boat cruise on the Huangpu River. The boat embarks from The Bund area and takes you past many of the largest and most spectacular buildings in central Shanghai.

Day 5 – Shanghai

Included: Licensed English speaking guide, admissions, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Soak in some of the greatest cultural and historical sites on Day 2 of your tour. The day begins with pick-up from your hotel and transport to Yu Yuan Garden. This amazing garden is located in the center of Shanghai’s Old City and includes beautiful rockeries, ponds, natural landscapes, and architecture. This is must-see for anyone visiting Shanghai. Nearby, stroll through the Old Bazaar, a mixture of traditional and modern goods and services.
You will move on to The Bund, one of the most famous architectural symbols of Shanghai. Located on the waterfront, this famous area contains many of the most famous buildings in Shanghai and is the heart of commerce, government, and media in the region. Here, visit the famous Shanghai Oriental Broadcast Tower. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by the world-famous Acrobatic Show.

Day 6 Shanghai – Zhouzhuang – Suzhou

Included: Licensed English speaking guide, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, you will be transported to Zhouzhuang, a small town noted for its magnificent waterways and ancient architecture. Here, you can board a gondola to cruise the city’s waterways and see first-hand the beautiful scenery of the area.
After exploring the town, you will be transported via coach to Suzhou and the hotel. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Suzhou.

Day 7 – Suzhou – Hangzhou

Included: Transfer (flight or train), Licensed English speaking guide, admissions, breakfast and lunch.
Excluded: Dinner
Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta and famous for its waterways, ponds, and streams. In fact, more than 42% of the city is covered in water which helped the city earn its nickname, “Oriental Venice.” In Suzhou, you will the Garden of the Master of Nets (also called Net Master Garden), one of the most famous gardens in all of China, and one of 60 gardens in Suzhou. You will also be able to explore the Shan Tang Street, for distinct shopping, cafes, and restaurants.
If that isn’t enough, your tour will also take you learn about the fine tradition of silk spinning and production. A local silk factory features information, demonstrations, and exhibits highlighting the techniques and progression of silk production in China since the 14th century. It is also an excellent place to purchase authentic, high-quality, silk merchandise.
In the afternoon, you will be transported via coach to Hangzhou and your hotel. After dinner at a local restaurant, you will take in an evening performance in Song Village.

Day 8 – Full Day at Hangzhou

Included: Licensed English speaking guide, admission, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hangzhou is the capital of the Zhejiang Province and a center of culture, history, politics, and economy for the region. The city is located at the southern end of the Grand Canal, a 1200-mile, man-made waterway. The day’s tour begins in Huagang Park, extending out to the West Lake, where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a boat tour of West Lake. See the Pagoda of the Six Harmonies, located on Yuelun Hill overlooking West Lake, and visit the Ling Yin Temple, a Buddhist temple and important provincial historical and cultural site. The temple contains a collection of important Buddhist writing as well as beautiful artwork and statues. Also nearby is Fei Lai Feng, a famous peak very distinct from the other landscape in the area.
In the evening, enjoy free time to further explore Hangzhou. Dinner is on your own.

Day 9 Hangzhou – Hong Kong

Included: Licensed English speaking guide, admissions, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, you will have additional free time to make the most of your visit to Hangzhou whether you are interested in shopping or more sightseeing. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your flight back to Hong Kong at the conclusion of the tour.