Oriental Culture
SG27: 12 Days Small Group Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi
Tour Type: Small Group of 2-18 travelers, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned coach
Accommodation: 11 nights at good 5-star & 4-star hotels
Meals: 11 western buffet breakfasts, 8 lunches with some being a la carte style, 2 dinners
Tour Highlights:
- Must-see sights - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Halong Bay
- Visit a local Chinese family home, interact & taste the delicious home-cooked meal
- View the soaring city skylines and feel the pulse of modern Shanghai
- Cruise on the Halong Bay and enjoy the limestone islands emerging from water
From $2589 per person Free Inquiry
From US$2589 per person
Expand All
Collapse All
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to China! Your guide is warmly waiting for you at the Arrival Hall of the airport and the driver will take you to the hotel, where you may either relax or get an early start to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former Sheraton
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former SheratonDay 2 Beijing
We will meet the other group members in the hotel lobby after a nice breakfast. Your exciting tour starts from a lively exploration to the downtown area. First we will have a stopover at the Tiananmen Square, the city's central square, then walk northward to reach the Forbidden City, which is the star of today's show. It has witnessed 24 Emperors come and go in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
An a la carte welcome lunch with Peking Roast Duck (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our package) will be served at a nice local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit a magnificent architectural complex - the Temple of Heaven. In olden days, the emperors usually held sacrificial activities, praying for a good harvest. This evening is followed by a lively Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch![Forbidden City, Beijing]()
An a la carte welcome lunch with Peking Roast Duck (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our package) will be served at a nice local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit a magnificent architectural complex - the Temple of Heaven. In olden days, the emperors usually held sacrificial activities, praying for a good harvest. This evening is followed by a lively Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
A happy memory at the majestic Forbidden City
Day 3 Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall with a round-trip cable car, A toast with red wine on the wall. (B)
Prepare yourself well for the Great Wall visit. Upon mounting the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, you get promptly rewarded with the breathtaking scenery. A round-trip cable car is arranged for you, so you can spend more time hiking on the wall and enjoying the views at the most beautiful part. We do not arrange a sit down lunch today, but you may pack your own lunch or try a fast food outlet. Then a visit to a well-known local market is followed. Enjoy some free time there to get relaxed.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast![Beijing Great Wall]()
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Our group at Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an by Flight
Summer Palace, Olympic Bird's Nest, A la carte lunch, Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Experience Chinese Paper Cutting, Fly to Xi'an, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
A relaxing tour of the Summer Palace and the ancient Hutong alleys highlights your last day in Beijing. It will be a great experience to take a rickshaw ride through the old Hutongs and learn to make Chinese paper cutting with a folk artist. We can see how the old residents live in Beijing. We will also pass by the Olympic Stadium - the Bird's Nest for a photo opportunity. Around noon, a delicious a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) is specially served to you at a decent local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an, an ancient capital for 13 dynasties. Now as the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an is a vibrant and busy city, with outstanding historical sites and a distinctive food culture. With the company of your local guide and driver, you will be taken to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
In the afternoon, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an, an ancient capital for 13 dynasties. Now as the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an is a vibrant and busy city, with outstanding historical sites and a distinctive food culture. With the company of your local guide and driver, you will be taken to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Day 5 Xi'an
Terracotta Army, A local family visit and an authentic home-cooked lunch, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner. (B+L+D)
Our morning sightseeing begins with the famous Terracotta Army, containing the tomb guards made more than 2,200 years ago by the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang. In this museum, you will see the sophisticated craft skills of the craftsmen in ancient times, and learn about the Qin Dynasty and its impact on generations. After admiring this world heritage, we head to visit a local host family, where a specially arranged home-cooked lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) is waiting. If you are interested, you may also learn to cook one or two Chinese dishes from the host.
After lunch, we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum. In the evening, a unique Dumpling Dinner followed by the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show at Shaanxi Theatre is scheduled to round off the day.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling Dinner
Friendly Tips
Clients visiting in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec need to arrange the dinner and evening activity on their own for this day, since the theater is usually not open at that time.![Xi'an Terracotta Army]()
![Cooking class in Xian]()
After lunch, we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum. In the evening, a unique Dumpling Dinner followed by the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show at Shaanxi Theatre is scheduled to round off the day.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling Dinner
Friendly TipsClients visiting in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec need to arrange the dinner and evening activity on their own for this day, since the theater is usually not open at that time.
Terracotta Warriors
Learn to cook Chinese dishes
Day 6 Xi'an to Shanghai by Flight
Observe local life in the park, Tai Chi practice, Xi'an City Wall, A la carte lunch, Fly to Shanghai, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
We start the morning tour at the City Wall Park, where you will see the locals go about their daily lives and also you will learn to practice Tai Chi with the master. It is a good way of immersing in the local culture. After that, we ascend the ancient City Wall, which is the best preserved of its kind in China. A bicycle rental is available for those who want to ride around in the time allowed. If you prefer a more relaxing trip, the electric cart is a good choice. The rental fee needs to be paid on spot.
After you have an a la carte lunch (included in our price) at a well selected local restaurant, we'll drive you to the airport to take a flight to Shanghai. Your guide in Shanghai will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check-in procedure.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel
After you have an a la carte lunch (included in our price) at a well selected local restaurant, we'll drive you to the airport to take a flight to Shanghai. Your guide in Shanghai will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check-in procedure.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel
Day 7 Shanghai
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and its traditional bazaar, A la carte lunch, Former French Concession, the Bund and Huangpu River cruise. (B+L)
This morning, we will come to visit the rich collections at Shanghai Museum, the tranquil Yu Garden and its nearby bustling bazaar. A la carte lunch will be served for you at a good local restaurant (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price). In the afternoon, we will visit the Former French Concession and stroll around the Bund area, where you will also have a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch![Shanghai Bund]()
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
A gorgeous view of the landmark buildings at the Bund
Day 8 Shanghai to Hanoi by Flight
Relax in the morning, Fly to Hanoi, Airport-hotel transfer. (B)
You may do last minute shopping in the morning, or ready yourself for travel. Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you punctually to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Let's start our next leg of journey to Vietnam.
On landing in Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by your professional guide after you fetch your luggage and clear Customs. We will transfer you to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
On landing in Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by your professional guide after you fetch your luggage and clear Customs. We will transfer you to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
Day 9 Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Temple of Literature and History Museum. (B+L)
Today we will do a full day's city exploration from Ba Dinh Square area. We get an introduction to Ho Chi Minh, his life and times by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his former residence. Then we have a stopover at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. After that we move to West Lake area where you will also pay a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple besides the beautiful lake view. For the rest of the time, continue your visit to the Temple of Literature and the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum as you like. Then we get you back to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch![Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum]()
![Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi]()
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda in West Lake area
Day 10 Hanoi - Halong Bay
Drive to Halong Bay, Board the cruise for a one-night stay, Enjoy the picturesque scenery. (B+L+D)
After a full breakfast, we will go to Halong Bay to take a fun cruise trip. Getting to the cruise pier takes about 3.5 hours car ride, thus expect a noon time start with a bumper welcome lunch. As you sail into Halong Bay, thousands of limestone islands towering out of the water come into view. Enjoy the breathtaking gift of the nature while on board.
In the afternoon, an excursion to the Thien Cung (or Dau Go or Sung Sot) is arranged for you to explore the limestone cave. You may join activities during the cruise, including Kayaking, diving or swimming. Enjoy yourself!
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Indochina Sails - Superior Cabin
In the afternoon, an excursion to the Thien Cung (or Dau Go or Sung Sot) is arranged for you to explore the limestone cave. You may join activities during the cruise, including Kayaking, diving or swimming. Enjoy yourself!
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Indochina Sails
- Superior CabinDay 11 Halong Bay - Hanoi
Disembark the cruise, Drive to Hanoi, Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Water Puppet Performance.
Today we will continue to visit some nearby islands. Rejoin the cruise at brunch as you sail back to Halong pier. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will pick you up and drive you back to Hanoi.
In the afternoon, let's fulfill our city tour at Hanoi central area to the Opera House, Old Quarter where one may find shops, restaurants, bars etc, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Your tour comes to the end after you enjoy a special Water Puppet Performance at Hoan Kiem Lake area.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa![Halong Bay cruise]()
In the afternoon, let's fulfill our city tour at Hanoi central area to the Opera House, Old Quarter where one may find shops, restaurants, bars etc, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Your tour comes to the end after you enjoy a special Water Puppet Performance at Hoan Kiem Lake area.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
Sail through Halong Bay and admire the stunning natural landscape
Day 12 Departure from Hanoi
Bid farewell at the airport, A pleasant trip home! (B)
Finally, we will escort you to the airport for your homeward flight. We wish you a pleasant journey!
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
B-- Breakfast L-- Lunch D-- Dinner
2021 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with two persons!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book 60 days before, 5% off - book 30 days before
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20(Sat) | Mar 03(Wed) | $2589 | $749 |  |
| Mar 04(Thu) | Mar 15(Mon) | $2619 $2488 | $789 | |
| Mar 11(Thu) | Mar 22(Mon) | $2619 $2488 | $789 | |
| Mar 25(Thu) | Apr 05(Mon) | $2619 $2488 | $789 | |
| Apr 01(Thu) | Apr 12(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $819 | |
| Apr 08(Thu) | Apr 19(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $819 | |
| Apr 15(Thu) | Apr 26(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $819 | |
| Apr 22(Thu) | May 03(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $729 | |
| May 06(Thu) | May 17(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $729 | |
| May 13(Thu) | May 24(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $729 | |
| May 20(Thu) | May 31(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $729 | |
| May 27(Thu) | Jun 07(Mon) | $2759 $2483 | $719 | |
| Jun 03(Thu) | Jun 14(Mon) | $2759 $2483 | $709 | |
| Jun 10(Thu) | Jun 21(Mon) | $2759 $2483 | $709 | |
| Jun 17(Thu) | Jun 28(Mon) | $2759 $2483 | $709 | |
| Jun 24(Thu) | Jul 05(Mon) | $2759 $2483 | $709 | |
| Jul 01(Thu) | Jul 12(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Jul 08(Thu) | Jul 19(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Jul 15(Thu) | Jul 26(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Jul 22(Thu) | Aug 02(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Jul 29(Thu) | Aug 09(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Aug 05(Thu) | Aug 16(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Aug 12(Thu) | Aug 23(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Aug 19(Thu) | Aug 30(Mon) | $2789 $2510 | $709 | |
| Aug 26(Thu) | Sep 06(Mon) | $2779 $2501 | $719 | |
| Sep 02(Thu) | Sep 13(Mon) | $2769 $2492 | $749 | |
| Sep 09(Thu) | Sep 20(Mon) | $2769 $2492 | $749 | |
| Sep 16(Thu) | Sep 27(Mon) | $2769 $2492 | $749 | |
| Sep 23(Thu) | Oct 04(Mon) | $2769 $2492 | $839 | |
| Oct 07(Thu) | Oct 18(Mon) | $2809 $2528 | $839 | |
| Oct 14(Thu) | Oct 25(Mon) | $2809 $2528 | $839 | |
| Oct 21(Thu) | Nov 01(Mon) | $2809 $2528 | $839 | |
| Oct 28(Thu) | Nov 08(Mon) | $2679 $2411 | $839 | |
| Nov 04(Thu) | Nov 15(Mon) | $2679 $2411 | $839 | |
| Nov 11(Thu) | Nov 22(Mon) | $2669 $2402 | $819 | |
| Nov 20(Sat) | Dec 01(Wed) | $2669 $2402 | $769 | |
| Dec 04(Sat) | Dec 15(Wed) | $2669 $2402 | $809 | |
| Dec 23(Thu) | Jan 03(Mon) | $2669 $2402 | $809 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect the current discount.
Price Includes
- Three flights (economy class seat): Beijing - Xian - Shanghai - Hanoi
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
- A la carte lunches as itinerary specifies
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Tips or gratuities for hotel porters
Price Excludes
- International flight into Beijing and out Hanoi
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal travel insurance
- China and Vietnam Visa fees
Why Travel With Us
Itineraries you may also like:
The meals were ABSOLUTELY excellent and plentiful. It would be impossible to pick one meal we enjoyed more than others. We were very surprised that there was very little duplication between meals. Every day was something new, fresh and delightful! All the guides met or exceeded our expectations. They were all fantastic. Candy, Helen, Frank as well as Luong in Vietnam were especially personable and friendly. I had left some expensive prescription sunglasses on the plane, and Candy helped me recover them. I am especially grateful to her for going the extra mile! All guides were extremely knowledgeable about the site, and the history and much, much more. All the guides spoke adequate English. The drivers were superb drivers. Very quiet, very professional. The hotels were superb. Sheraton hotel in Xian was the best. Breakfasts were amazing, and provided both Western and Asian dishes. Excellent! Thank you for the excellent trip! ... More