Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo - 18D/17N

Beijing, Great Wall, Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors, Zhujiajiao Canal Town, Shanghai, Sea Ferry Journey, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Hakone, Mt Fuji views, and Tokyo.

photo of the train at Mount Fuji, courtesy of Tourism Board of JapanAn incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures and vastly different empires. From the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, step into Japan in all its contemporary glamour alongside national treasures such as Mt Fuji and the spiritual Mt Koya. This 18-day adventure is a fantastic voyage between two mind blowing countries.

G.A.P. Adventures Tours
To emphasize our eco-friendly approach even more, we have elected to operate many programs with G.A.P. Adventures, a leader in eco tourism operation, committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike, working with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. These adventures offer travelers a grassroots, small group adventure vacation, with a focus on culture, nature and active travel.

Comfort Tour
By day, dart around markets, explore the heritage sites and hike through the jungle to discover rare flora and fauna; by night, cozy up in a comfy bed or have a nice dinner with new found friends. Authentic experience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Comfort is ideal for travelers looking for a little extra cushiness from their adventure, while maintaining the grassroots travel experience. Comfort adventures make use of upgraded hotels with continental breakfast, travel by private and first class transportation, and include your arrival transfer.

Local Payment - Helping to keep the cost to you down…
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

Included: Hotel (12 nights), sleeper train (1 night), boat (2 nights, multishare), mountain monastery (1 night), guesthouse (1 night), Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Chinese acrobat performance, Great Wall entrance, Terracotta Warriors tour, Entrance to Shanghai Museum, Walking tour of Shanghai, Entrance to Zhujiajiao Canal Town, Sea Ferry Journey, Himeji Castle entry, Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle entry, Ryoan Ji Temple entry, Excursion to Miyajima Island

Not Included: International Airfares - Local payment - Passport and visa expenses - Government arrival and departure taxes - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is compulsory) - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

Departure Dates: May 06, 2008 ; May 27, 2008 ; Jun 17, 2008 ; Jul 08, 2008 ; Jul 29, 2008 ; Aug 26, 2008 ; Sep 16, 2008 ; Oct 07, 2008 ; Oct 28, 2008 ; Nov 18, 2008 ; Feb 24, 2009 ; Mar 17, 2009 ; Apr 07, 2009 ; May 26, 2009 ; Jun 16, 2009 ; Jul 07, 2009 ; Jul 28, 2009 ; Aug 25, 2009 ; Sep 15, 2009 ; Oct 06, 2009 ; Oct 27, 2009 ; Nov 17, 2009.

Tour rates from: $ 2130.00 + Local Payment 300 USD.

photo of Shanghai, courtesy of Tourism Board of ChinaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time.
  • Day 2-3 Beijing - The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world’s most impressive and vibrant cities. Walk the legendary Great Wall and discover China’s opulent past as you visit the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
  • Day 4-5 Xi’an - Discover one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets in the serene and unusual Great Mosque. Scour the great souvenir stalls lining the alleys and indulge on some of the best street food in China.
  • Day 6-7 Shanghai - Explore the streets and marvel at how eastern culture meets western convenience and how ancient rituals sit side by side with modern day life.
  • Day 8-9 Ferry to Osaka - Cross the East China Sea aboard a modern passenger ferry the Su Zhou Hao.
  • Day 10 Osaka - Known as “Japan’s kitchen”, what Osaka lacks in beauty it makes up for in food, fun, and friendly locals.
  • Day 11 Koyasan - Live, eat, and sleep like a monk at this amazing religious centre based on the top of the 800m Mt Koya.
  • Day 12-13 Kyoto - Spend time in the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. Experience some of the many great walks through temples and teahouses, shrines and shops, and maybe even spot a real life geisha!
  • Day 14-15 Hiroshima - Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a truly cosmopolitan city, with many great museums, parks, and possibly Japan’s worst baseball team! A visit to the beautiful Miyajima island offers one of Japan’s most beautiful views.
    photo Tokyo, courtesy of Tourism Board of Japan
  • Day 16 Hakone and Mt Fuji - View the imposing Mt Fuji, cruise across Lake Ashino-ko, or enjoy picturesque views of the region on a cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. Do not miss the chance to soak in an outdoor ‘onsen’, while food-lovers might want to try a sulphur-boiled egg.
  • Day 17 Tokyo - Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most modern cities in the world. However, if you look under the glossy surface, Tokyo is still very traditional. Take some time to explore this vibrant city.
  • Day 18 Tokyo - Depart.

Insure My Trip We provide, through “Insure My Trip” comparison site, travel insurance policies from Access America, AIG Travel Guard, CSA Travel Protection, Global Underwriters, HTH Worldwide, International Medical Group, MEDEX, MedjetAssist, MultiNational Underwriters, On Call International, RBC Travel Protection, Seven Corners, Travel Insured, Travelex and TravelSafe. Click to compare the policies available.

Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Asia, Archaeology, China, Japan, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Join-In Tour, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, GAP


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.