Day 1 – Saturday, Arrive in Beijing (D)

Plan to arrive at our Beijing hotel by 4:00 today.   This evening join our Hermes welcome banquet, complete with Peking Duck!

Day 2 - Sunday, Great Wall and Ming Tomb and Summer palace (B, L)

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.

Day 3 - Monday –Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven (B, L)

We visit Tiananmen Square today. At 100 acres, it is the largest public plaza in the world. We’ll also explore the 15th-century Forbidden City, whose 8,707 rooms and splendid halls are graced with imperial treasures now overseen by the Palace Museum. Later, we’ll admire the beautiful Temple of Heaven, visited by the Ming and Qing emperors to pray for good harvests. Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.

Day 4 - Tuesday, Beijing to Xian (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Wednesday, – Xian (B, L)

Today we marvel at the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors. In 1974, they were stumbled on by farmers digging a well. Today, their legion stands 8,000 strong—alongside 130 chariots and 670 horses—though many of them are still buried. For 2,000 years, they have faithfully stood guard over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

This afternoon we visit Huaqing Hot Springs at Mt. Li, home to such wonderful diversions as Nine-Dragon Pool and Lotus Flower Pool. This was a preferred escape of the Tang Dynasty.

Day 6 - Thursday,  –Xian to Hangzhou (B,L)

Day 7 - Friday, Hanghzou to Suzhou (B, L, D)

Enjoy a full day tour to Suzhou, China’s city of gardens. We visit one of its most famous private gardens “Master of Nets Garden,” a perfect fusion of art, nature, and architecture into what many consider a metaphysical masterpiece. We’ll also get a flavor for Suzhou’s silk industry at a silk factory.

Day 8 - Saturday, Suzhou to Shanghai (B, L)

Transfer to Shanghai today. As we browse the Old Town, you’ll sample ancient Ming and Qing dynasty style houses. But what may impress you most about this modern city is its energy; over 20 million people call metropolitan Shanghai home. Tonight, take it in from the perspective of the Huangpu River on a river cruise.

Day 9 – Sunday,
–Shanghai (B, L, D)

Pay a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple today. Then we explore the world-renown Bund, home to a remarkable mix of historic, colonial-era buildings and grand consulates that symbolize the city’s once and current dramatic financial and political rise. For a quieter slice of life here, you might observe morning tai chi on the promenade.

We cross the river to ascend Jin Mao Tower, the tallest building on mainland China. From the 88th floor, we’ll take in spectacular views of the city. This evening, Hermes Tours hosts a farewell banquet.

Day 10 – Monday, Depart or extend to Hong Kong (B)

Continue your China discoveries on our post-tour extension to Hong Kong. Otherwise, your Hermes tour ends today.

Days 11-12 – Tuesday-Wednesday –Hong Kong (Daily B)

Day 13 – Thursday – Depart for Home (B)

Our tour ends today.