Classic China
Experience Overview
Follow in the footsteps of the ancients – up the ornate steps of the Forbidden City and to the ramparts of the Great Wall, snaking its way across the rolling countryside, and through the winding ancient alleys of Beijing’s hutongs to learn about Chinese traditions over a home-cooked lunch.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Beijing: Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing's hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.
Dive Into Culture
- Beijing: Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center.
- Xi'an: Enjoy a Chinese traditional calligraphy class, a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of this ancient art form.
- Xi'an: Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.
Must-see Highlights
- Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way in Beijing, Hutong residences, Great Mosque, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the 'Bund' waterfront and Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai
- Local people practicing Tai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats
Stays With Stories
- Shanghai: The year was 1988, The Kunlun Beijing opened as the first Chinese designed and built five-star hotel in Shanghai City, welcoming state and foreign dignitaries, and international clientele. Relax at The Kunlun Jing An, a landmark city hotel exceptionally located in one of Shanghai's most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19666
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 88
Starts: Beijing, China (Peoples Republic)
Finishes: Shanghai, China (Peoples Republic)
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,775 ($678 /day)
Itinerary
Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and appetizers at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Dinner
Delve into Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, beginning your encounter with the remnants of centuries-old dynasties in the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square. Tread in the footsteps of emperors, passing through the south gate to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Immerse yourself in the ancient rituals, traditions and history of this palace complex before lunch. Continue to the tranquil Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO Heritage Site, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. This evening, the salty, sweet flavors of succulent Peking Duck take center stage during a Regional Dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Standing on its ramparts, we look down on the Chinese countryside which its walls successfully defended against marauding nomadic invaders. Watch it snake thousands of miles into the distance as you imagine how these man-made fortifications were built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century. Then, walk the Sacred Way past the imposing stone statues that guard the Ming Tombs and remains of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A leisurely start to our morning sees us embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. Connect with the local culture as you join a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a Be My Guest lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, explaining the historic tea-making ritual. This afternoon, you’ll indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We fly to Xi’an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. According to historical records it was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty and is a combination of Islamic art and traditional Chinese architecture.
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals: Breakfast
Descend into Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb to see his terracotta army for the afterlife, another UNESCO-listed site. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal of Chinese noodles, then continue with a visit to a Jade factory, the favored stone of emperors and more precious to the Chinese people than gold.
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to mimic the graceful movements of a skilled T’ai Chi Local Specialist, or consider joining a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. We Dive into Culture at a local restaurant, watching a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, with an opportunity to sample these for lunch. Savor the juicy flavors of these boiled, steamed and fried treats, transporting you back to ancient China, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stroll down Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ with a Local Specialist, admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings that have lined this city’s renowned waterfront since the early 1900s. Learn how this marshland was transformed into one of the world’s most important trading hubs. Then, continue to the winding streets and vibrant markets of Old Shanghai to discover the how the customs and traditional lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before we Dive into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a day exploring the Paris of the East on your terms – shop for delicate Chinese ceramics, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found as you stroll down its ancient streets and wander across the many stone bridges that crisscross its canals. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city or simply relax before joining your travel companions for dinner.
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our mystical encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2023
I enjoyed the trip. I felt taken care of but had enough flexibility to choose my own experiences and meals. Some of the restaurants the tour takes you to are catered to tourists. The optional experiences were very thoughtful and enjoyable. Felt like an authentic China experience! The bus made it possible to see many attractions in only a few days, maximizing the trip experience. Our knowledgeable tour guide taught us about local cuisines and the history of China in a way that made you see the evolution of the country from ancient to modern times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Clara Morales - Traveled, December 2023
Trafalgar is a company that makes each person who takes the tour feel special, taking care of every detail in terms of accommodation, logistics and knowledge of the place you are arriving at. This trip was a wonderful adventure and learning about history, cultural traditions, sharing with local people. Climbing the great wall and contact with the land where the Terracotta warriors discovered leaves me with indelible memories and the desire to continue exploring the world in the company of Trafalgar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent tour of China. Guide was most helpful in explaining culture differences between China and the West. Hotels were very nice and close to places we could walk to. Since I love ancient history, Beijing and Xian were awesome! Am not a city person, so the last minute add-on of the water town near Shanghai was most enjoyed. Highlights were the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the terracotta army, the Tang Dynasty dinner and show and all the included meals. The motorcoach drivers did an excellent job in the busy traffic and our tour guide, Hubert made the trip more memorable with his knowledge of Chinese history and best times to go to the sights to avoid crouds.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Jeanne Maniscalco - Traveled, November 2023
The China tour was amazing. Much to surprise and joy there was a good amount of walking. It's helpful to keep in mind that visiting places like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors or the many beautiful Temples you will be required to walk from a drop off point to the event. As you'd expect with a population of that size parking is more than a challenge. As a foreigner my experience with 'double parking' to be dropped off is governed by entirely different motor vehicle laws. China has strict enforcement of parking rules, please be understanding. The drivers are truly skilled in navigating the most challenging traffic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2023
Our tour manager, Hubert made the trip. He is the best. Trafalgar's service, was very good. I would recommend.Too short- 10 days minus 2 travel days, so this itinerary is just 8 days. Then travel days to different cities, you lost a day at the airport. A lot to see, a lot of information, this needs to be longer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2023
This was my seventh trip with Trafalgar and I think they are the best. Obviously, I would not have booked seven vacations with them if I didn't think so. The tour directors have also been outstanding. My recent Classic China trip was highlighted by our Tour Director Kevin. He is an amazing young man and an asset to the Trafalgar agency. I have already booked another trip with Trafalgar In September to Vietnam and Cambodia. When you receive excellent service and outstanding tour directors, you can't go wrong. See my write up. Trafalgar is the best travel agency I have used. That is why I continue to use them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2023
We had an excellent guide. In a country where English is not spoken widely, having a responsible bi-lingual guide was key. My family of 5 enjoyed our tours, excursions, meals, and sight-seeing outings. We enjoyed the sight-seeing, demonstrations, tours, and entertainment on the Classic China trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Lizbeth Parker - Traveled, June 2022
The guide was excellent. All the food was excellent. We had plenty of time in the major sites. Two out of three hotels was great. One needed a bit of work--broken drawers and doors. I personally would prefer less time shopping.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2022
Wayne Lim - Traveled, June 2022
Was very well organized with timed activities and down times. Really helpful that guide spoke understandable English, enough to get his information a... Over the moon experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2022
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2022
Integrated many activities with local residents; e.g., Meal in a local home, visit to a fifth grade class, symbol writing at an art school, Silk weaving, jade carving, foot massage. Walking on the great wall, walking at Tiananmen square and the forbidden city. Visiting terracotta warriors site. The quality of the three hotels. The information provided by the tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2022
Mary Comeau - Traveled, June 2022
Although I gave the trip four stars, I did have a few complaints. 1. I was told that I could use my credit cards over there. Some places did recognize. American credit cards, a lot didn't. 2. The squatty potty issue. We were totally ignorant of this issue. It was an unpleasant situation. While a lot of places had western facilities, some didn't. We were never told about this situation. It would have been nice to have a heads up about this situation, The trip was very busy. Maybe a little more private time would have been good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2022
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2022
The tour director made this trip, an extremely knowledgable, personable and caring man. The China excursion exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were amazing. The drivers of the busses were skilled and I felt safe. A well thought out trip and detailed so we knew the time schedules and the places we were to visit. I'd travel with Trafalgar again. The itinerary was just fine, I wanted an active trip which this certainly was. Not to keen on the options for food/local cuisine experience due to dietary constraints - would like a couple of evening meals at the hotels. My issue only. The coaches were clean and the hotels were outstanding.I thoroughly enjoyed the China excursion. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2022
Rosalie Marks - Traveled, September 2023
Yes. Most Certainly. It was well panned. The were appropriate accommodations, great food and entertainment. The tour guide was professional and well informed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2023
We had an excellent guide. In a country where English is not spoken widely, having a responsible bi-lingual guide was key. My family of 5 enjoyed our tours, excursions, meals, and sight-seeing outings. We enjoyed the sight-seeing, demonstrations, tours, and entertainment on the Classic China trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
David Clifton - Traveled, August 2023
The trip was terrific! We enjoyed seeing the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, and Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower. While we expected great things in Beijing and Shanghai, Xian was a treasure. Don't pass up the opportunity to ride bikes on the City Wall in Xian. The optional trip to the "Watertown" in Shanghai should be a required element. We chose the Tang Dinner Show in Xian and the excu
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2023
The travel director, as well as the local specialist in Xi'An provided excellent service and made the tour a memorable trip. Their quiet, efficient organisation of day-to-day activities in a gentle, caring manner was great and always well appreciated. A special mention of our Classic China travel director, Kevin: he went the extra mile and provided a wealth of information. The hotel accommodation varied from comfortable to excellent and all the hotels had five star locations. All the meals provided by both tours were of the highest quality. The transport (couch, internal flights and car) was extremely well organised and the drivers were all first-rate. The itinerary was outstanding and the optional experiences added excellent value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2022
The tour guide, Hubert, was absolutely the most prepared, educated, intelligent and caring guide I have ever had. I felt I got a history of China as well as seeing many magnificent things. His determination that the group see as much as possible and to get our value for our money was remarkable. Everything I have ever wanted to see in China
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2022
Franklin Mah - Traveled, April 2022
The Classic China tour was a great introduction to 3 large cities in China. Our tour group was the right size....not too big and ...and everyone was nice and supportive. But the tour guides that we had along the way were all great about answering all the questions honestly and to provide an insight to China. KevinLin was fantastic throughout the trip! As was Tiger in Xi'An. Highly recommended. I enjoyed the itinerary because it tried not to do too much. Other trips had more destinations in the same amount of time. Also the hotel locations were all very good and the Wyndham Hotel in Xi'An was probably the largest and one of the best hotels I have ever stayed....and the price is surprisingly very cheap.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2022
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2022
The small group of 18/12 was a big plus. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and even provided supplementary materials and information to augment each of the sightseeing opportunities. Very comprehensive itinerary. I felt as if I have seen what China has to offer a tourist.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2022
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2022
Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and informative. He was very courteous and also had a sense of humor. Enjoyed all the sites. Learned so much more about China, etc. I would recommend this tour to others. All transpired as it was stated on the itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2022
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