13 Days - Departing Sept 7, 2009

Tibet is simply a world apart. The rolling hills of the “High Plateau” and the stunning Himalayas provide a backdrop to your adventure that is second to none. In this “Age of Information,” when so few places remain virtually untouched by modern civilization, Tibet isn’t just rare; it’s unique! Reverently nicknamed “Shangri La” for its sheer beauty and “The Roof of the World,” due to its average elevation of 16,000 feet above sea level, the mysterious Buddhist Kingdom seemed forever closed to foreigners, inspiring the imagination. Geographically inaccessible to the outside world, “The Forbidden Land” almost issued a silent challenge to humankind. Both man and nature had joined forces to jealously guard its natural treasures, inspiring brave scholars and explorers to defy all obstacles in pursuit of this earthly Nirvana. Likewise, the “thrill-seeker” that lies deep within us longs to experience Tibet’s natural enchantments, and its rich history and religious culture make this trip a “must” for the thinking person who seeks, in more ways than one.

Day 1 Monday September 7 - USA to Bejing
Meet your fellow travelers and your bilingual tour director at Gateway for the flight to Beijing. Cross the international dateline and lose one day.

Day 2 Tuesday September 8 - Arrive in Bejing
Arrive in Beijing, which blends the oriental beauty of ancient Peking with the modernization of the most populous country on the ace of the earth. Meet your local guide at the airport, and transfer to a comfy 5 star hotel for check-in. A currency exchange counter is conveniently located in the hotel lobby. AB, L, D

Day 3: Wednesday, September 9 - Bejing
This morning, out tour begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors offered sacrifices, and prayed for good harvests. Then we’ll walk the incredibly vast Tiananmen Square. Just cross the street is the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world. In the afternoon, we’ll ride in comfort to the beautiful Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake, the emperors’ traditional summer residence. AB, L, D

Day 4: Thursday, September 10 - Bejing
Today we’ll take a full day excursion to the “Great Wall of China” and the famous Ming Dynasty Tombs. The Great Wall is a 4,000 mile long rampart built over several centuries to keep out the invading Mongols. It’s a fantastic sight from the ground, and one of the only manmade structures that can be seen with the naked eye from outer space. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors of Ming Dynasty were buried. Then we’ll return to the city in time for a world-class” Peking Duck Banquet (mmm, good!). AB, L, D

Day 5: Friday, September 11 - Bejing to Xi ’an
Today we transfer to the Beijing airport, and fly to Xi’an, China’s famous ancient city. Walk the ancient wall that still surrounds the city, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Tonight, we dine “American Style.” AB, L, D

Day 6: Saturday, September 12 - Xi’an
Our full day tour today recalls the glories of ancient Xi’an as we visit the burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, with his incredible army of 8,000 lifelike Terra Cotta Warriors positioned in military formation to protect him in his afterlife. The soldiers, arms, horses and chariots are 2,000 years old and will give you a whole new outlook on how people really looked and dressed in years gone by. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Wild Goose Pagoda, erected to honor one of China’s revered animals. Our highlight tonight is a 20-course Dumpling Dinner followed by the beautiful and colorful Tang Dynasty Culture Show. This show always receives great reviews. AB, L, D

Day 8: Monday, September 14 - Lhasa
This morning we gaze in “wonder” at the sight of that very same Potala Palace. Built against the terraced slope of a hill, the structures combine to from a huge sky-scraping mass, patterned after the builders’ idea of a divine realm above the mortal world. The granite walls are elaborately decorated with white thatch below golden roofs, while splendid curtains and banners of red, white and yellow. The colors are characteristic of artistic Tibetan architecture. Afterwards, we’ll drive in comfort to visit Jokhang Monastery, the oldest building in Lhasa, and we’ll see Barkhor Street, the business center of Lhasa. AB, L, D

Day 9: Tuesday, September 15 - Lhasa
Drive to visit Changzhu Temple, founded in the 7 th century AD, and famous for its "Pear Tangka." After a rest, the afternoon sight seeing will include Yongbulakang, the first palace in Tibet, and The Tombs of Tibetan Kings . AB, L, D

Day 10: Wedsday, September 16 - Lhasa to Chengdu
We have an early breakfast in Lhasa this morning, and then take an approximately two-hour flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, we transfer to a local restaurant for lunch, then check into Jin Jiang Hotel. The rest of your day will be at leisure. The Jin Jiang hotel is one of the best 5 star hotels in Chengdu. Overlooking downtown Chengdu and the banks of the Jim Jiang River. The hotel boasts a graceful setting amidst lush and fragrant gardens. Here we can enjoy the convenience of an outdoor swimming pool. Within about 10 min walking distance, there is a bird and flower market, in which different kind of pretty flowers and pets could be found there. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Chengdu Jin Jiang Hotel. AB, L, D

Day 11: Thursday, September 17 - Chengdu to Shanghai
In the morning, we visit the Chengdu Panda Sanctuary Center just outside the city. Chengdu Panda Sanctuary Center is located in a beautiful park covered by acres of bamboo. There are over 20 pandas of different ages in this center. Not only will you have time to see some lovely giant pandas, but also lesser pandas and rare fowls. After lunch in Chengdu we will transferto the airport and fly to Shanghai.Beautiful Shanghai was once a European concession, blending western architecture, oriental culture and bustling economic life. Today we will explore the fascinating waterfront, the Bund, and Pudong Development Zone, which is teeming with new skyscrapers on the other side of Huangpu River. In the evening, we'll enjoy a spectacular Acrobatic Show. AB, L, D

Day 12: Friday, September 18 - Shanghai
Today's sightseeing introduces us to the major attractions of the city, including Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the famous Bund, situated on the city's waterfront Divided by the river, we see an international architectural display on one side, and the city's newest skyline on the other. Walk the Bund to get the feel of the new and the old. Later we'll tour Shanghai's newest development; you'll be amazed at the striking modern architecture of Shanghai AB, L, D

Day 13: Saturday, September 19 - Shanghai to USA
Transfer to Pudong Airport and depart China and leave for home, sweet home.