Grandeur of China and Tibet

Engaging Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Enrich your understanding of life and artistry in Tibet as you spend time with a resident family and visit the studio of a renowned thangka painter. Participate with Tibetan Buddhists as they perform a kora, circumambulating a sacred site in an ancient rite of pilgrimage and meditiation. Encounter a Panda, up-close and personal, as you go behind the scenes with a keeper among these amazing and elusive animals “Fly” from the airport to downtown Shanghai in less than 8 minutes, traveling more than 250 miles per hour on the Maglev Train! 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to the Capital!
Check-in to the 5-star, city-center Sofitel Wanda Hotel.

Day 2 - The best of Beijing
Full-day escorted sightseeing includes Tiananmen Square, the courtyards, palaces and pavilions of the Forbidden City#WHS#, and the resplendent Summer Palace#WHS#. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Excursion to the Great Wall
Ascend by cable car to walk atop the Great Wall#WHS#. Stroll the statue-lined Sacred Way to visit the Ming Tombs#WHS# and see the amazing Olympic venues. Meals B,L

Day 4 - Over the ‘Roof of the World’ to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa and settle-in to the lovely Sheraton Hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to acclimate to the altitude and dine this evening at your hotel. Meals B,D

Day 5 - Exploring Lhasa
Today’s sightseeing includes Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Market and Norbulinka, summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Then join with pilgrims who come from all across Tibet to perform kora here at a sacred mountain site; this ancient rite of walking, prayer and deep meditation is a powerful and unforgettable experience. Meals B,L

Day 6 - Into Tibetan Culture
Visit the magnificent Potala Palace#WHS# and spend time with a Tibetan family to gain insight into the rhythms and deep traditions of their daily life. A specially-arranged visit to the Sera Monastery affords rare opportunity to observe Buddhist monks engaged in spirited debate. Then meet a master artist in his studio to learn about thangkas, colorful and finely detailed religious paintings. Meals B,L

Day 7 - Fly to Chengdu
Fly to the thriving city of Chengdu and settle-in to the 5-star Crowne Plaza Chengdu. This evening, marvel at the seemingly magical “face changing” artistry of the Sichuan Opera. Meals B,D

Day 8 - Encounter a Panda... Fly to Xian
Our specially arranged visit gives you exclusive, up-close access at the Panda Breeding Research Station. Go behind the scenes with a keeper to feed and learn about the care of these amazing creatures. Later you fly to Xian and transfer to the luxurious Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 9 - China’s greatest archaeological discovery!
Today’s sightseeing brings you to the Terra Cotta Warriors#WHS#, discovered 35 years ago by local farmers digging a well. Today, you’ll be awe-struck by the massive terra cotta army, thousands-strong, which was buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of an emperor. Savor dumplings, a regional favorite, and then explore along the ancient walls of the city. Meals B,L

Day 10 - Onward to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai and travel into the city center aboard the futuristic, ultra-fast Maglev Train, reaching speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour. Before you know it, you’ll be checking-in to the luxurious Hilton Hotel! Meals B

Day 11 - Sightseeing in Shanghai
Your full-day sightseeing begins along the Bund, Shanghai’s elegant waterfront boulevard. Explore the bustling lanes of the old city bazaar and tour Yu Yuan Garden, laid out by a Ming Dynasty official for his aging parents. Enjoy a walking tour through the historic French Concession and visit the Shanghai Museum. Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for our specially planned Farewell Dinner. Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - Farewell to Shanghai!
Your tour program finishes this morning after breakfast. Meals B

Don't miss our current specials: World Traveler 2% Cash Discount If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full for your General Tours trip within 7 days of making your reservation, we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%. Your entire balance must be paid by personal check, travel agency check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify. We recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds. Save More. Get Closer. Family and Friends Explore the world with your family and friends for a more enriching travel experience… Save $50 each when 3 guests travel together, $100 each when 4 guests travel together, and $150 each when 5 or more guests travel together. Combine these savings with your AAA or AARP Member Benefit and save even more!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/16/2010 - 8/28/2010	$3,599
9/6/2010 - 9/18/2010	$3,599
9/20/2010 - 10/2/2010	$3,599
10/11/2010 - 10/23/2010	$3,599
10/25/2010 - 11/6/2010	$3,599
11/8/2010 - 11/20/2010	$3,599
3/28/2011 - 4/9/2011	$3,499
4/11/2011 - 4/23/2011	$3,499
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Engaging Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Enrich your understanding of life and artistry in Tibet as you spend time with a resident family and visit the studio of a renowned thangka painter. Participate with Tibetan Buddhists as they perform a kora, circumambulating a sacred site in an ancient rite of pilgrimage and meditiation. Encounter a Panda, up-close and personal, as you go behind the scenes with a keeper among these amazing and elusive animals “Fly” from the airport to downtown Shanghai in less than 8 minutes, traveling more than 250 miles per hour on the Maglev Train! 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

World Traveler 2% Cash Discount

Save More. Get Closer. Family and Friends

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