Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Vacations 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 centers, 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 - Tour Begins
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 until 1868. 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 travelers. (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 jewelry, 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 harbor. 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 fishermen 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 - with 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. Experience a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying on the Temple of Heaven grounds! 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. 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! Attend a tea ceremony at 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 travelers for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Beijing - Tour Ends
You will board your flight home, crossing the International Dateline. (B)

Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Los Angeles or Beijing or a post night stay in Shanghai or Los Angeles. Prices start at $50 per person, double.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

16 days, 30 meals
14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 4 - Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto, Japan
Day 5, 6 - Grand Palace Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
Day 7, 8 - Kowloon, Hong Kong
Day 9, 10 - Guilin Bravo Hotel, Guilin
Day 11, 12 - ANA Grand Castle Hotel, Xian
Day 13 - 15 - Traders, Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

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