Day 2 – Saturday, April 12, 2008 – Arrive in Beijing (D)

Arrive in the Beijing International Airport. Then transfer to hotel for a rest. This evening we will show you the secret place where during the stricter communist times, Chinese gay people once used to meet each other and not be recognized.  This evening Hermes Tours will host a welcome banquet giving complete with Peking Duck!

Day 3 - Sunday, April 13, 2008 - Great Wall and Ming Tomb and Summer palace (B, L, D)

A day you won't forget! Your full day tour includes The Great Wall of China, one of the world's architectural marvels. The Great Wall, this imposing ancient Chinese structure stretches over 6000km and is one of the 8 wonders of the world.  We then visit the Ming Tombs, a total of 13 Imperial tombs from the Ming dynasty emperors and see how the ancient emperors used to plan for life after death.
This afternoon, enjoy the Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples and galleries situated on an immense man-made lake.
Afterwards we head out to experience the current night life of Beijing including visits to local gay clubs

Day 4 - Monday, April 14, 2008 – Beijing Tiananmen Square and Forbidden city (B, L)

Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world and the Forbidden City, whose acres of splendid 15th Century halls and pavilions graced with imperial treasures now comprise the Palace Museum. You also visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, possibly the most popular symbol of China. Then the whole afternoon free to explore the city on your own.

Day 5 - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 – Beijing to Xian (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 – Xian (B, L, D)

We visit the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Visit the over one thousand life-size terra cotta warriors which have been standing guard by the tomb of Qin Shi Huang for 2,000 years. This afternoon visit Huaqing Hot Springs. 

Day 7 - Thursday, April 17, 2008  –Xian to Hangzhou (B,L, D)

Day 8 - Friday, April 18, 2008– Hanghzou to Suzhou (B, L, D)

This morning we depart Hangzhou and head towards Suzhou . On our way we stop at a very famous water town, Xitang.  Once here you will understand why Mission Impossible III had chosen this location to shoot the movie. The drive will take us about two hours and once we arrive we will enjoy a fantastic cruise on the west lake, the most famous lake in Chinese fairy tale. 

We enjoy a full day tour to Suzhou today. In Suzhou, we visit one of the most famous private gardens “Master of nets garden” where we can feel luxurious life of the ancient families who resided here.   China is known for their silk and we stop at a silk factory to learn about the famous trade that is appreciated the world over.

Day 9 - Saturday, April 19, 2008 – Suzhou to Shanghai (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Sunday, April 20, 2008
–Shanghai (B, L, D)

Morning tour visiting the Jade Budda Temple Jin Mao tower. We sail to the top of the Tower; the tallest building on mainland of China where we will stand on the top 88th floor of the building and enjoy one of the best views of the city of Shanghai.  The afternoon is free to enjoy Shanghai on your own. Hermes Tours will host a farewell banquet for this tour. And this will give us one last opportunity to say farewell to our new travel friend.

Day 11 – Monday, April 21, 2008

Our tour ends today after breakfast.  You are free to make your return flight arrangements for anytime today.  Alternatively, you may wish to join us on our extension to Hong Kong. You should schedule your departure flight from Shanghai airport.