This exciting journey begins in China's capital city, Beijing. Here
you will marvel at historic wonders such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and sample cutrual delights, including a special Peking duck dinner. Fly to Xian, where you will see the army of Terra Cotta Warriors that guarded the first emperor's tomb for 2,000 years. Next, travel to the vibrant city of Shanghai, known as the "Paris of the East".

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Depart the USA for China: Cross the International Dateline.

Day 2 - Beijing: Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Beijing reigns as the ancient capital of imperial China and as the capital of present day China and is the nation’s cultural, economic and political center. You will be met by a representative for your transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the nearby streets. Tonight join your traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (Dinner Included)

Day 3 - Beijing: After breakfast enjoy a full day tour exploring the incomparable Forbidden City, home of two dynasties spanning over 500 years. This architecturally stunning 200-acre compound, with more than 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms, houses a vast collection of imperial treasures and cultural artifacts. Visit the Summer Palace, home to China's largest imperial garden. Later visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, and site of Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 4 - Beijing: After breakfast at the hotel, explore more of Beijing spectacular sites. No visit to Beijing would be complete without an excursion to see the Great Wall, truly one of the greatest feats of human engineering, stretching nearly 4,000 miles long. Construction on the Great Wall began in the 7th century B.C., with final additions completed in 16th century A.D. and was originally built to keep out invaders of the north. You'll also see "Mingshisan Ling" or Ming Tombs, a final resting place for 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644A.D.). Built into Beijing's scenic foothills, its splendidly carved stone animals dramatically line the road on your approach. Tonight join the group for a Peking Duck Dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5 – Beijing/Xian: This morning after breakfast tour the Temple of Heaven. This masterpiece of Ming architecture, the "Tiantan", or Temple of Heaven, which was built for imperial sacrifices conducted on the summer and winter solstices, and is one of Beijing's grandest attractions. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, which was an ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and the starting point of the famed Silk Road. The cradle of Chinese civilization and inhabited since before the Neolithic era, Xi'an lies 35 miles west of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow rivers. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Days 6 Xian: Today embark on a full day tour of the Provincial Museum displaying more than 2,000 ancient artifacts reflecting the evolution of Chinese civilization and the Ancient City Walls. Visit the amazing underground tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang; guarded by more than 7,000 life-size Terra Cotta warriors and horses, the tomb is one of the world's greatest archaeological treasures. Many of the figures, including soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, have been restored, and the repairs and excavations continue at the site where you can see both repaired and broken warriors in a truly impressive display. Later in the evening, enjoy a memorable Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 7 – Xian / Shanghai: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai China's largest city and former "Paris of the East". Upon arrival in Shanghai your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring Shanghai's famous waterfront "Bund" area to see the many stately buildings of European Architecture from pre-1949 times. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 8 – Shanghai: After breakfast, enjoy a full day guided tour, which includes visits to beautiful Yu Garden with its many halls and pavilions and the Old City. Also the Xintiandi area, which is a car free area of Shanghai and is composed of an area of restored traditional shikumen ("stone gate") houses on narrow alleys, and some adjoining houses, which now serve as book stores, cafes and restaurants. Then it’s off to the Shanghai Museum located in the center of Shanghai in the People's Square. This museum style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. You'll also make a delightful visit to the Children's Palace where children come after school to learn traditional Chinese arts. See the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its image of Buddha in white Burmese jade. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 9 – Shanghai: A morning excursion to Zhujiajiao Watertown with a short cruise on a city canal. Known as "The Venice of Shanghai", it is a well-preserved ancient town in water country, typical of southeast China. During Three Kingdom as appeared as a village. Nowadays old streets and architecture in the style of Ming and Qing periods can be found and local customs characteristic of water country can be observed. Zhujiajiao is noted for its archaic water country scenery typical of southeast China – old town, peacefulness, tranquility and elegance. Afternoon visit to the Urban Planning Exhibition Museum located on the eastern end of People's Square. Housed in a striking modern five-story building made of microlite glass, this is one of the world's largest showcases of urban development and is much more interesting than its dry name suggests. Tonight enjoy a special Shanghai Flavor Dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 10 Shanghai: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home filled with fond memories of China.