Your itinerary
Day 1: Overnight
Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Worldwide
Holidays in exploring the history, beauty and unique cultures of
Japan and China. This program has been designed to offer you the
opportunity to learn and engage in local life, taste regional
cuisine, and visit magnificent temples, palaces and castles
designated as World Heritage sites. During leisure time, explore
historic city centres, stroll river banks and gardens, or shop for
that one-of- a-kind gift. Your adventure
begins with an overnight flight to Japan.
Day 2: Arrive
Osaka, Japan - Kyoto
Your tour begins in Japan, land of the
rising sun, with a short drive from Osaka to Kyoto. Upon check in at your hotel, you may wish to relax,
enjoy the hotel amenities or explore the surrounding area.
Day 3: Kyoto
Begin your day with a visit to famous
Nishiki Market where the locals display their traditional
crafts. Enjoy a city tour of Kyoto,
Japan's cultural and artistic hub. This
former capital of Japan was the emperor's residence from 794
until1868. Highlights include the Kyoto
National Museum with more than 200 pieces that have been designated
national treasures. Discover where the
shogun exerted control over the country and its people at Nijo, a
fortified castle that survives in its original form and is famous
for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors
that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a
security measure against intruders). Kinkakuji promises to be one
of Kyoto's most inspired sights, and above its Mirror Pond sits the
Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Later,
visit Kiyomizu Temple located high above the city giving a bird's
eye view of Kyoto at sun set. This evening
join your guide for a stroll through the historic district of Gion,
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, followed by an authentic
Japanese dinner with your fellow travellers.
(B, D)
Day 4: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Today, travel to Nara, Japan's first
capital. Visit Kasuga Shrine, where you will experience peace and
tranquility in the midst of the ancient forest.
Stop at Nara Park and see the most famous temple in Japan,
Todaiji Temple. This massive temple is
claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the
world. Nara Park, also known as Deer Park,
is home to hundreds of freely roaming, white tailed deer considered
messengers of the gods in Shinto. Return to Kyoto, where you attend
a traditional tea ceremony. (B)
Day 5: Kyoto - Bullet Train - Tokyo
This morning travel to Hakone via Japan's
famous bullet train, passing many rural villages and farm
land. Enjoy the scenic views of the town
of Hakone before embarking for Gotemba's white pagoda. View imposing Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), a
dormant volcano with a perfectly symmetrical cone that rises to
12,388 feet. The mountain's breathtaking beauty has inspired
artists and writers for centuries. Later
arrive in Tokyo, Japan's vibrant and energetic capital. Tokyo is a fascinating and modern city that has not
lost its reverence of ancient Japanese culture.
(B)
Day 6: Tokyo
Today features a full day tour of
Tokyo. If you wish wake up early and visit
the vibrant Tsukiji fish market for the day's tuna
auction! Visit Meiji Shrine, a
20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest,
dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji, the first emperor
of modern Japan. See the residence of Japan's Imperial family from
the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, which dates back
to the 15th century, and where you can view the
Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace
grounds. We also visit Asakusa Kannon, a Buddhist temple surrounded
by narrow streets filled with restaurants, shops, galleries and
gardens, known as Nakamise arcade. Tonight
enjoy dinner at one of Tokyo's finest local
restaurants.
(B, D)
Day 7: Tokyo - Hong Kong
This morning you leave Japan for Hong Kong,
one of Asia's most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of
Hong Kong's bustling shopping district.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Perhaps you will purchase custom-made clothing sewn by some of the
most talented tailors in the world. Hong
Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewellery, silk, and leather
products. (B)
Day 8: Hong Kong - Aberdeen
The morning is yours to enjoy at
leisure. Later, tour Hong Kong's business
district and the fishing village of Aberdeen where you will enjoy a
sampan ride. Next, you are whisked by tram
to Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of Hong Kong and its
harbour. Dinner on the Peak will leave you
with incredible views of the city below. Your day ends with a short
but memorable cruise back to Kowloon where you will witness the
Hong Kong light show along the waterfront.
(B, D)
Day 9: Hong Kong - Guilin
A short flight brings you to the beautiful
city of Guilin, known for its mystical landscape of limestone
pinnacles covered with lush vegetation. An
introduction to the city includes views of Elephant Trunk Hill and
a twilight tour of Guilin at night.
(B, D)
Day 10: Guilin
Today enjoy a cruise along
the Li River and behold the beauty of Guilin's unique scenery,
which has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries.
At each bend of the river watch as water
buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school
children and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its
breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the
concrete metropolis, the Li River is one of China's most magical
destinations. Later, enjoy leisure time in
Guilin to visit the markets and bargain with the locals for
souvenirs. Visit the fascinating Chinese Art
Institute in Guilin for an informative artisan
demonstration.
This evening's entertainment includes a Minority
Cultural Show. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Guilin - Xian
Experience peace and
tranquility as you participate in one of the oldest and most
revered Chinese traditions - Tai Chi - in a private
lesson. Later leave Guilin for Xian,
located in China's interior. As one of the six ancient capitals in
China, Xian served as the seat of 12 imperial capitals for 1,120
years. Your perfectly located hotel
overlooks the impressive city wall of Xian, your home for two
nights. Dinner and entertainment are
included at the Tang Dynasty show.
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Xian
Your tour of this former capital of China
begins with visits to its imposing city walls and the classical
Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the
world. Later, a visit to the excavation
site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors will simply astound you with its
vast stone army created to guard one of China's emperors in the
afterlife. After lunch you will visit the
impressive Provincial Museum.
Tonight features a special Xian dumpling dinner at one
of the most famous restaurants in Xian.
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Xian - Beijing
This morning you fly to the capital of
China, Beijing. Enjoy a fascinating
sightseeing tour of Beijing with visits to imposing Tiananmen
Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century
complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to
the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made
to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese
emperors worshipped their gods.
This evening, a special treat is in store - a Peking
duck dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 14: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without
visiting the Great Wall. You will have the
chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Experience a time-honoured and favourite pastime of the
Chinese when you go kite-flying on the Great Wall! Later, travel through the valley
of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty
emperors. Your route takes you along a
scenic avenue called the Way of the Spirit.
Tonight, enjoy a special Peking Opera show. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Beijing
This morning you take a once-in-a-lifetime
rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest
part of Beijing. With help from an
interpreter, learn about a local family's history and way of life
when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional
dumpling making! Later, enjoy being part
of a tea ceremony at the Bell Tower. Then enjoy a sightseeing tour
of the Summer Palace; picturesque and poetic, it is a masterpiece
of architecture and gardening. Later, join your fellow travellers
for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Depart Beijing - Arrive UK
Today you depart Bejing for your return
flight home. (B)
get more info »
