One of the most difficult choices travelers to China must make is where to go and what to see. This is the ideal tour for first timers in China, exhibiting all of the must-see sites, combining Beijing, Xian and Shanghai with the two loveliest cities – Guilin and Suzhou.
You’ll see the best that China has to offer and will give you unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 1: Monday New York
Leave New York for Beijing, China’s vast and awesome capital.

Day 2: Tuesday Beijing
Upon arrival at Beijing's International Airport, you will be met at the gate by your Tour Escort who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Beijing

Day 3: Wednesday Beijing
Today see the enormity of Beijing. Our sightseeing tour takes us to the impressive Tiananmen Square. At 100 acres it’s the largest public square in the world and an authoritative symbol of today's China. After strolling across the square, enter the vast walled Forbidden City. You will by awed (as in Bertolucci's film "The Last Emperor") by the majesty of this magnificent Palace complex with its Courtyards, Halls and Gardens which was the core of power for Emperors of the Ming and Ching Dynasties. At the end of the day we’ll visit a traditional Chinese teahouse, where we will experience the Chinese Tea Tradition.
Overnight Beijing

Day 4: Thursday Beijing
An exciting day at Badaling where, we will climb and admire the legendary Great Wall, which has fascinated generations of travelers. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon saw it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. Spanning from the Gobi desert in the west to the Bohai Gulf in the east, it reaches as far back in time as the Seventh Century BCE. While the utility and meaning of this defense mechanism has been contested by centuries of diplomats and invaders, its unprecedented scale (it is 6,000 mile long) will astonish you and its unexpected beauty will inspire you. We’ll have the opportunity to walk the ramparts of this ancient wonder. On our way back to Beijing we’ll visit the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. We walk along the “Spirit Way" (Shen dao) with statues of guardian animals and officials to cross the front gate consisting of three-arches, painted red, and called the "Great Red Gate". From here we are amazed by the beauty of the marble underground vaults. In the evening enjoy a traditional Peking opera show.
Overnight Beijing

Day 5: Friday Beijing
This morning we begin with a Pedicab tour through Beijing's historic alleyways (Hutong). Giving you an insight into the everyday life of Beijingers. The hutongs intimacy, contrasts with the poetic expanses you will see at our visit to the Summer Palace, a retreat built exclusively for the Dowager Empress Cixi. Its ornate temples, pavilions, and covered corridors, set amidst a graceful landscape, epitomize the refinement of this powerful matriarch. We’ll enjoy the ride on a dragon boat on the Kunming Lake before visiting one of ancient China's most sacred sites, the Majestic Temple of Heaven – a 15th century architectural and engineering masterpiece.
Shabbat services followed by Shabbat dinner.
Overnight Beijing

Day 6: Shabbat Beijing
Following Shabbat Services and lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the
area.
Overnight Beijing

Day 7: Sunday Xian
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian. Upon arrival we’ll have a sightseeing tour of Xian, one of China’s ancient Capitals and the hub of the Silk Road trade in China. We’ll visit the Ancient City Walls. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. They have been built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. Then see Xian's ancient Bell Tower and stroll through Xian’s town square.
Overnight Xian.

Day 8: Monday Xian
Our today’s tour will start with a visit to the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors and horses. This incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. Beyond any doubt it is the highlight of our tour. We’ll admire the artistry at the Chinese furniture exhibition center. In the afternoon, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a major Buddhist site built in the 7th century on the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple.
In the evening we can go to(optional) The Tang Dynasty Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance
Overnight Xian.

Day 9: Tuesday Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city which will be the hottest tourism city of China as it hosts World Expo 2010. Located on the estuary of the Yangtze River is the focal point of the "New China". Shanghai, known throughout the world as the "Paris of the Orient", is famous for its prosperity, transportation facilities and the seamless melding of western and eastern cultures. Visit the old part of Shanghai and visit the beautiful Yu Yuan Garden and surrounding Yu Yuan Market where we can get a glimpse into the local's daily life. Next see the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Hall. We’ll end our today’s tour with a visit of the old Jewish Ghetto and the Ohel Moshe Synagogue. We’ll see the memorial to Stateless Refugees of the Holocaust.
Overnight Shanghai

Day10: Wednesday Shanghai
Take this morning a stroll down the historic Bund Waterfront, (lined with the former trading houses of European companies) and the bustling Nanjing Street to admire one of the world's finest architectural collections and visit one of the best shopping streets in China. Next admire the exquisite milk-white jade Buddha at the historic Jade Buddha Temple, a spiritual oasis in the midst of a modern metropolis. Later visit the Children’s Palace, an interesting place to visit, and to enjoy great performances by kids. It is a training school, providing after school education to gifted kids. Children participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, dance, art, model making, science, and technology and computer science. Afterwards take a stroll through the bazaar with its many specialty shops.
In the evening enjoy the world famous Chinese acrobatic show.
Overnight Shanghai

Day 11: Thursday Suzhou, Shanghai
Today take an excursion to Suzhou, known for its gardens and its silk industry. Visit Suzhou's classic Chinese Gardens and feel like you have stepped into a living Fairy Tale. One of Suzhou’s largest and most distinctive gardens we’ll visit, is Lingering Garden. Next take a boat ride along a section of the Chinese Grand Canal, the longest ancient canal or artificial river in the world, starting at Beijing to the city of Hangzhou – 1770 km in length. Visit a silk factory and climb Tiger Hill Park for a view of one of Suzhou’s most beautiful parks and ancient pagodas. At the end of the day we return to Shanghai.
Overnight Shanghai

Day 12: Friday Shanghai
We dedicate this morning to an in depth visit of the world famous Shanghai Museum, located in the center of Shanghai, in People's Square. Shanghai Museum is the largest museum of ancient Chinese art. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, Chinese calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. Balance of the day at leisure. Your Tour Escort will be at your disposal with advice for preferred activities in the wonderful city of Shanghai.
Evening services followed by Shabbat dinner.
Overnight Shanghai

Day 13: Shabbat Shanghai
Following Shabbat Services and lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the area.
Overnight Shanghai

Day 14: Sunday Guilin
Today we fly to Guilin, whose irresistible charms prove its fame as "the finest under heaven". Set among distinctive limestone hills in a lush subtropical landscape, Guilin and its surroundings are an unforgettable experience; the city's beauty has been celebrated for generations by painters and poets. Our adventure starts at Fubo Hill which has both natural beauty and historic art. Beginning in the Tang Dynasty, local artisans created intricate carvings and elegant stone Buddhas. From here it's on to Reed Flute Cave to see the impressive natural beauty of the Stalactite and Stalagmite formations. Locals call this cave the "Palace of Natural Arts," for reasons you'll soon discover. Then you will visit the centerpiece of Guilin's riverside park, Elephant Hill. Nature created this marvel some 3.5 million years ago and its shape resembles an elephant drinking water through its trunk. Finish your tour with a vigorous climb up the hill to take in the panoramic scenery of the city, river and surrounding countryside. In the remaining free time you might wish to explore the local market, visit a nearby park.
Overnight Guilin.

Day 15: Monday Guilin
Take a day cruise from Guilin along the impressionable Li River, twisting and turning through lush green rock formations of the Li Jiang. Dotted with supernaturally lovely karst topography gracing the River , these bizarre limestone upthrusts shape-shifting in dancing mists and haze that will have you 'snap happy' with the camera for the majority of the sightseeing tour. We stop in Yangshuo a very picturesque and scenic small town, stroll through the colorful bustling markets and local street vendors. You will have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of shopping and maybe pick up some real bargains in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings. Return to Guilin by bus.
Overnight Guilin

Day16: Tuesday Hong Kong
A short flight brings us to the outstanding city of Hong Kong. A visit to Victoria Peak will take you high into the mountains above the busy streets, affording wondrous views and an excellent break from the rest of the area. Balance of the day at leisure. The main draw of Hong Kong is, of course, the great shopping options available. Just walking around downtown Kowloon and taking everything in without suffering from stimulus overload is goal enough for this short period of free time.
Overnight Hong Kong

Day 17: Wednesday Hong Kong
During our morning visit to Ohel Leah synagogue we’ll learn about the history of the Jews in Hong Kong. Continue with a Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbor with its fishing communities and floating homes. No tour of Hong Kong would be complete without journeying to the many white sand beaches found on Hong Kong Island and the outlying areas. Visit the fantastic world of the Tiger Balm Garden and two of the loveliest beaches at Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay.

Day 18 : Thursday Hong Kong, New York
Transfer to the Airport for your flight home.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Round trip air fare from New York and Internal flights as per itinerary.
• First Class Hotels.
• Kosher Meals daily. (For details see General Conditions).
• Transportation by air conditioned coaches.
• Sightseeing, transfers and entrance fees as per Itinerary.
• Experienced English speaking Tour Escort.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Airport and security tax.
• Travel Insurance (For details see General Conditions).
• Chinese Visa fee
• Gratuities to local service providers and Tour Escort.
• Optional tours as per Itinerary.
• Individual transfers.
• Any item not mentioned under “included in price”.