Tour Code: RDS

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: USA - Beijing

Depart the US and begin our journey to China and the Silk Road

Day 2: Arrive Beijing

Arrive in the nation's capital and greet our tour guide in the arrivals hall. Transfer to our deluxe accommodations and enjoy a good night's rest.

Day 3: Beijing

We begin our exploration of Beijing 's rich imperial heritage at the world-famous Tiananmen Square , the world's largest public square. Continue on to the Forbidden City , an enormous palace complex so-called because it was off-limits to the public for over 500 years. Admire the imperial splendor of the palace grounds and browse royal treasures in the Palace Museum , then visit the Summer Palace . An imperial retreat, the Summer Palace is lined with graceful arched bridges and wispy trees surrounding Kunming Lake . Later on, we stop for photos at the 2008 Beijing Olympic sites, Bird's Nest and Water Cube. This evening, we feast on a local specialty that can't be missed when in Beijing �C a sumptuous Peking Duck Banquet.  

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Party

Day 4: Beijing

Arrive at China 's best-known attraction, the Great Wall of China . Created piecemeal over a period of 2,000 years, this sprawling defense system snakes its way 4,000 miles across China 's northern borders like an imperial dragon. Ascend the wall and trek across its ancient pathways, admiring the sweeping panoramas of China 's rugged mountains and valleys. Afterward we continue on to the Sacred Way , a "divine road" leading to the imperial Ming Tombs at the foot of the picturesque Tianshou Moutain.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 5: Beijing - Urumqi

Begin our journey to the ancient world of the Silk Road as we board a flight to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the world's most 'inland' city (furthest from an ocean). A lush green oasis admidst Xinjiang's barren landscape, Urumqi is also home to a number of colorful ethnic minorities. Upon arrival, we visit Hongshan ( Red Mountain ) Park and enjoy the marvelous vistas of the diverse landscape.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 6: Urumqi

Drive east of Urumqi to the crescent-shaped Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), where cool alpine meadows offer a welcome respite from the desert heat. Enjoy a peaceful cruise along the lake, then visit the newly-renovated Xinjiang Museum , which boasts a wealth of artifacts from the Silk Road 's rich history. Continue on to stroll through a colorful open-air bazaar, where we can sample some local snacks and browse traditional ethnic handicrafts unique to the region.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Urumqi - Turpan

Depart by motorcoach to the legendary oasis town of Turpan . Situated over 500 feet below sea level, it is the second lowest depression in the world (after the Dead Sea) and the hottest spot in China . Drive by the Flaming Mountain , so-called because its deep-red rocks have known to reach fiery temperatures. Arrive at the ancient ruins of Jiaohe, the largest, oldest and best-preserved earthen city in the world. Wander through this 2300-year old archaeological wonder then drive back to Turpan. Along the way, stop by lush fields of sweet grapes and enjoy lunch, sampling some of the freshly-picked fruits. Back in Turpan we visit the Karez underground irrigation system, a feat in ancient engineering. Later this evening, we enjoy a traditional roast lamb dinner followed by a Minority Folklore Dance Show.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

Day 8: Turpan - Urumqi

After breakfast, we drive to Urumqi , stopping along the way to survey the ancient ruins of the 1st century city of Gaochang and the Astana Ancient Tombs. Browse the historical relics, including mummies and paintings, then continue on to the nearby Bezeklik Thousand Buddhist Caves , situated in a ravine deep in the Flaming Mountains . Admire the centuries-old Buddhist frescoes and inscriptions, then continue on our drive to Urumqi .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Urumqi - Dunhuang

Fly to Dunhuang (Blazing Beacon) and step into a landscape of lush, green fields and rolling sand dunes. A critical junction of the Silk Road in the Han Dynasty, Dunhuang was a highway for goods as well as ideas. Upon arrival, we embark on a sightseeing tour to the Singing Sand Hills, aptly named for the audible roars created from the friction of undulating dunes. Continue on to Crescent Moon Springs, a natural wonder amid the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert , then complete our day with a visit to the Dunhuang City Museum . This evening, we enjoy a colorful Minority Show following dinner.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

Day 10: Dunhuang 

Embark on a city tour beginning with a visit to the Mogao Caves , one of the Silk Road 's legendary landmarks. The caves showcase the world's most extensive collection of Buddhist paintings and sculptures, spanning over a period of 1000 years of superb Buddhist art. Continue on to visit the White Horse Padoga and Dunhuang Film City , a film set created in 1987 to resemble the ancient city of Dunhuang .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 11: Dunhuang - Beijing

Bid farewell to the Silk Road as we transit to Beijing by air. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.

*Meal: American Breakfast

Day 12: Beijing - USA

Depart this fascinating land to the US or extend your China experience with a side trip to Hong Kong .

*Meal: American Breakfast

 

2011 Dates and Pricing:

Start End Land Only * Single Supplement

03/30/2011 4/9/2011 $1899.00 $500.00

04/20/2011 4/30/2011 $1999.00 $500.00

05/18/2011 5/28/2011 $1999.00 $500.00

06/15/2011 6/25/2011 $2099.00 $500.00

07/13/2011 7/23/2011 $1999.00 $500.00

08/10/2011 8/20/2011 $1999.00 $500.00

09/07/2011 9/17/2011 $2099.00 $600.00

10/05/2011 10/15/2011 $2099.00 $600.00

Features:

Fine Dining     10 Full American or buffet breakfast daily   8 Lunches at local restaurants   8 Chinese or western dinners in hotels or at local restaurants   Local specialty in Beijing - Peking Duck Banquet   Local specialty in Turpan - Roast Lamb Dinner

Special Entertainment     Urumqi - Heavenly Lake Cruise

Turpan - Minority Folklore Dance Show

Dunhuang - Minority Dinner Show

Air Fare

China domestic air tickets

Sightseeing

Comprehensive sightseeing program

Knowledgeable tour guide throughout China

Air-conditioned tour coach with professional service of drivers

Travel Protection

Travel Protection Insurance is provided at no additional charge to you, if final payment is received by Ritz Tours 60 days prior to the departure date

USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program

Hotel List:

 

Beijing Crowne Plaza Wangfujing Address:  48, Wangfujing Ave , Dongcheng Dist, Beijing China . 100006 Tel:  86-10-5911-9999

Urumqi Mirage Hotel Address:  No.305, North Xinhua Road , Urumqi , Xinjiang 830002 Tel:  (86-991) 293 7888

Turpan Tuha Petroleum Hotel Address:  No.230 Wenhua Road , Turpan 838000 Tel:  (86) 995 8666 666

Dunhuang The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel Address:  Dunyuet Road , Dunhuang City 736200 Gansu Tel:  (86 937) 888 2088

  

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	For more information, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-865-6221 or email to us at info@chinacustomtours.com