Confucius Hometown Tours - 11 Days

Beijing, Ji'nan, Tai"an, Qufu, Suzhou, Shanghai
This tour is our signature tour. The itinerary includes Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the Orient" for its crisscrossing network of canals, as well as Qufu, the hometown of Confucius. Also included is a stay in Tai'an, at the foot of sacred Mt. Tai, and a visit to Ji'nan, the "City of Springs." In these cities, the vast history of China and Chinese culture will be apparent all around you. Contrast these experiences with adventures in the cosmopolitan cities of Beijing and Shanghai, where ancient and modern both integral aspects of each city's identity.

Day 01-San Francisco/Beijing (IM)
Depart San Francisco on Air China's Boeing 747 wide-body aircraft and fly (12 hours) non-stop to Beijing. Cross the International Dateline.

Day 02-Beijing (IM)
Arrive Beijing in the evening. Lodging at Jiangxi Grand Hotel () or similar.

Day 03-Beijing (B, L, D)
After breakfast, tour Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest and most famous square. Followed by a tour of the Forbidden City, where exquisite architecture and a vast glimpse of the staggeringly opulent lifestyles of the Chinese emperors and their concubines. After lunch, visit the picturesque Summer Palace on Kunming Lake.

Day 04-Beijing (B, L, SD)
After breakfast, depart Beijing by deluxe motor coach to explore the Great Wall, one of the seven world wonders. After lunch, take a tour to the Historic Hutong, which is protected by the Beijing Cultural Relics Protection Association. This will give you a chance to experience what China was like before high-rises and shopping malls took over a city. Tonight, enjoy a special Peking Duck Dinner.

Day 05-Beijing/Ji'nan (B, L, SD)
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, where dynastic Chinese rulers historically worshipped the Emperor of Heaven. After lunch, travel by train (4 ½ hours) to Ji'nan, which is the capital of Shandong Province, and also a city of 1,000 bubbling springs and lakes. A special Dinner Banquet is planned for tonight. Lodging at Litian Hotel () or similar class.

Day 06-Ji'nan/Qufu/Tai'an (B, L, D)
After breakfast, travel by motor coach 2 hours) to Qufu, home of the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who lived 2,500 years ago. After lunch, visit Confucius' Mansion and Forest. Then, travel by motor coach (1 ½ hours) to Tai'an, a quaint town at the foot of Mt. Tai. Lodging at Taishan International Hotel ().

Day 07-Tai'an/Shanghai (B, L, D)
After breakfast, take a cable car ride to visit the Summit of Mt. Tai, revered over the centuries in turn by the Buddhists, Confucianists, and Taoists. After lunch, either visit the local Free Market or simply enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own. Take an overnight train ride (9 hours) to Shanghai.

Day 08-Shanghai (B, L, SD)
Arrive Shanghai in the morning. Today's sightseeing will include a City Tour, a visit to Shanghai Museum and the Bund, a waterfront promenade known for its landmark, neo-classic architecture of European style, plus a visit to the emporium-lined Nanjing Road. Attend a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatic Show before a special farewell dinner. Lodging at Harbour Hotel ().

Day 09-Shanghai/Suzhou/Shanghai (B, L, D)
After breakfast, travel by motor coach (1 ½ hours) for a day excursion to Suzhou, also known as "Venice of the Orient." Upon arrival, visit Garden of the Fishing Net Master. Followed by a tour of the Silk Spinning Factory. Travel by motor coach back to Shanghai for dinner.

Day 10-Shanghai (B)
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace, shop or simply relax.

Day 11-Shanghai/Beijing/San Francisco (B, IM)
After breakfast, depart Shanghai** on Air China and fly (16 hours) to San Francisco with a same day arrival. (Flight time includes a change of equipment in Beijing. Your luggage will be transferred automatically). **Some tours will have the opportunity to travel by Maglev to the airport.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The overnight train ride from Tai'an to Shanghai on day 7 has sleeping compartments with 4 berths per compartment. The guide in China will be the one to assign a berth to each passenger. You may request with the guide to share a compartment with another person/couple on the tour, but you cannot pay extra to have one compartment per couple or to oneself. Also be sure to have an overnight bag in your carry-on because your check-in baggage will be stored in cargo.

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