Highlights of China and Japan

The Far East offers everything from enriching destinations to delicious cuisine. On the Highlights of China and Japan tour, you’ll uncover the mysterious treasures of two countries that share a deep long-standing cultural connection. Your journey begins in China's enchanting cities: Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Delve into China's cultural treasures in Beijing: the prestigious palaces of the Forbidden City, vast Tiananmen Square, and the impressive Great Wall. After experiencing this Wonder of the World, you will go on to discover the Tombs of the Ming Emperors – another UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Later, you'll find yourself strolling Wangfujing Street – bustling down streets with shops that offer beautiful silks, lovely local goods, and delicious Chinese snacks.

Continue to the ancient capital, Xian, founded 6000 years ago, once a gateway to the Great Silk Road. As the cradle of Chinese culture, the city has a strong historical appeal and gives you a better feel for traditional China. It is difficult to not feel a flutter in your heart when you behold the Terracotta Warriors - an awe-inspiring display, especially considering they are around 2200 years old. The next attraction is Huaqing Pool, famed for its royal baths that tell of the romance between an emperor of the Tang Dynasty and Lady Yang - one of China's Great Beauties. And you are sure to savor the day's lunch featuring traditional Xian-style dumplings, which attract both locals and tourists alike!

Shanghai is a megacity that is sustains a rare fusion between classical and futuristic, with European-style builidngs along the Huangpu River across from towering skyscrapers. By far the best thing to do in Shanghai is to take a walk beside the beautiful gardens and riverbank in the old part of Shanghai. You're sure to relax at the Yu Garden, a Ming-era park maintaining a classical Chinese appeal, and while walking on the Bund, the collection of houses in Neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Deco designs make for Shanghai's most iconic postcard vistas. Wrap up your China adventure with amazing 360-degree views from an incredible platform soaring atop the Shanghai World Financial Center.

As you travel from China to Japan, you will uncover the history and culture of feudal Japan infused into the cities of Nara and Kyoto, where elegant architecture and towering monuments, including the Great Buddha at historic Todaiji Temple, takes you back to an era of samurai and ninja. Spend the better two days in UNESCO-recognized Kyoto, where you'll enjoy every moment traversing the old city’s gardens, temples, shrines, castle, and specialty shops. As you travel in Autumn, venturing to Arashiyama - with the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo groves, the picturesque Zen landscape at Tenryuji Temple - brings beautiful scenes of old Japan wrapped in fall's golden glow. Japanese Green Tea is considered to be the best in the world. Experience a green tea ceremony and take a break as you have a truly memorable cup of matcha tea. Then you will find out more about Japan's choicest rice wine at the Sake Museum.

Next, take the Shinkansen bullet train to feel the rush of Japan's top-notch technology. As you travel towards the east, witness the iconic Mount Fuji – the cultural centerpiece of much of Japan's artistic inspiration – and stay overnight at one of our favorite onsen (hot springs) hotels. In Tokyo, the fully-guided tour will immerse you in this sprawling metropolis with old and new, fashionable and funky. Explore Asakusa's centuries-old Sensoji Temple, and take the famed street-crossing through bustling Shibuya. It is impossible to conclude your trip without experiencing Sushi culture in Japan. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market to browse super-fresh seafood, put your culinary skills to the test during a Sushi-making class, and savor the delicious creations you prepared.