Flavors of China (2026)

Day 1: Beijing

Half board dinner includes: Pork Loin Chicken Kongbao Sweet and sour pork Sauteed duck breasts Veal and oil Sesame green beans Eggplant with abalone sauce Broccoli Celery and Mushrooms with spicy sweet and sour soup Rice Fruit

Day 2: Beijing

An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Half board includes: Buffet on table

Day 3: Beijing

Today’s journey will take us to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the Great Wall of China, at the Mutianyu section. This awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece spans over 2,000 years of history, winding through breathtaking mountain landscapes. We’ll take a cable car up and down to one of the most scenic sections, offering spectacular views of this legendary structure.Our next stop will be the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s largest and most significant sacred complexes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning architectural masterpiece was where emperors once prayed for good harvests.To unwind after an exciting day, we’ll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage. We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included). Return to the hotel.

Half board dinner includes: Traditional Peking Duck Zhizi barbecue Golden fried ball Kungbao chicken Muxu and egg with vinegar Pork stew with turnip Shrimp with honey sauce Broccoli Vegetable beef soup Fruit Rice

Day 4: Beijing - Taian - Qufu

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station to board one of China’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains. Traveling at 300 km/h, we’ll reach Taian in just two hours. This historic city lies at the foot of Mount Taishan, the most sacred mountain in China and a revered site of spiritual pilgrimage for centuries.Our first stop will be the Dai Temple, a magnificent Taoist complex dating back to the 11th century. This temple marks the starting point of the ancient pilgrimage route to the summit.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll take a cable car up to the legendary “Gates of Heaven” on Mount Taishan. The final ascent must be made on foot, climbing its steep staircase alongside hundreds of devoted pilgrims, an experience filled with history and spiritual significance.As the day comes to an end, we’ll continue our journey by bus to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius.

Half board includes: buffet on table

Day 5: Qufu - Xuzhou

Today, we’ll explore Qufu, the city of Confucius, the great philosopher of the 5th century B.C. and the founder of Confucianism. Our visit includes the Confucius Mansion and the Confucius Temple, two remarkable sites that offer insight into his legacy and influence on Chinese culture.We’ll then continue our journey to Xuzhou.Lunch will be included.In Xuzhou, we’ll visit the impressive underground Mausoleum of the Han Emperor, a fascinating archaeological site. Inside the museum, we’ll marvel at the terracotta army—a remarkable discovery reminiscent of the famous warriors in Xi’an, though on a smaller scale.Before reaching our hotel, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive past Lake Yunlong, a beautiful body of water located in the heart of the city.Overnight stay in Xuzhou.

Half board includes: Buffet on table

Day 6: Xuzhou - Nanjing

Transfer to Xuzhou train station to board a high-speed train. In just over an hour and fifteen minutes, traveling across vast agricultural plains, we will arrive in Nanjing, a vibrant city of eight million residents, often regarded as one of the most pleasant in China. You will be surprised by the energy and bustling commercial life of this dynamic metropolis together with its rich history.Our tour will take us to Purple Mountain, home to the impressive Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace.Overnight stay in Nanjing.

Day 7: Nanjing - Suzhou - Tongli - Shanghai

We’ll depart for Suzhou, a city renowned for its exquisite classical gardens, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Suzhou was the world’s leading silk producer and has long been associated with beauty and elegance.Our visit includes entrance to the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most famous garden in the city, where winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery create a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping.You’ll then have free time to explore the charming Pingjiang Road, a picturesque historic street lined with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Tongli, a delightful water town where narrow canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses evoke the charm of ancient China. We’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through its tranquil waterways, offering a glimpse into the town’s timeless beauty.Our journey will then take us to Shanghai, where we’ll check in for the night.

Half board includes: Braised chicken dices with curry Beef with tomato Vegetable and friut salad Braised Broccoli in Soup Hand-torn brussels sprout Dry-Fried Green Beans Fried pork with bread Fried egg plant with garlic Fried egg. Fruit.

Day 8: Shanghai

Our tour of Shanghai will take us through its most iconic sights. We´ll begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, located across the Huangpu River. This area is home to towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Pearl Tower.We’ll then take a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, offering spectacular views of both the historic and contemporary sides of the city.Next, we’ll stroll through the Old City and visit the serene Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage.Our tour will continue through Xintiandi, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish boutiques, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tianzifang, a former residential district now famous for its maze-like alleys, charming craft shops, and contemporary art galleries.We’ll conclude our day with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings reflect the influence of European trade in Shanghai.Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Half board includes: Bufet

Day 9: Shanghai

After breakfast, we´ll transfer you to the airport and the journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful, lasting memories.