Kaleidoscope Myanmar

China

Welcome to the Middle Kingdom – and that is to be understood literally: China is the home to ancient healing arts, which help lithe locals to keep their body, soul and spirit in balance and find their inner centre despite all hustle and bustle surrounding them. Following the same concept, our Great China Tour lets you immerse in this infinite universe full of

wonderful landscapes, booming cities and ancient cultural treasures in a balanced

way. Allow yourself to be captivated by the mighty buildings that take you back to the dynastic era and immerse yourself in a unique culture that often seems foreign but therefore all the more fascinating.

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Discover the highlights of authentic Chinese cuisine during various speciality lunches including a picnic lunch on the Great Wall ✤ Meet Chengdu‘s Pandas in an intimate and sustainable way ✤ Get closer to Chinese culture and traditions through various authentic experiences like a Mahjong lesson in a quaint teahouse

DAY 1 THE SLEEPING DRAGON AWAKES On arrival take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to your hotel for the next 3 nights- The Aman Summer Palace. Enjoy a splendid welcome dinner at the resort’s restaurant serving classic imperial dishes.

DAY 2 ANCIENT BEIJING After breakfast visit the Tiananmen Square – a site of several important events in Chinese history. Then visit the Forbidden City and climb up the Coal Hill for a great overview of the same. In the afternoon take a tour through the Hutongs – small alleys formed by lines of traditional Siheyuan houses and witness the vicissitude of the city by riding a rickshaw.

DAY 3 GREAT WALL EXPLORER Commonly considered a wonder of the world, the Great Wall boasts a history of over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China. To make most of your visit, transfer to Jinshanling Great Wall (ca. 2.5 hrs driving) and enjoy a 3-hour trek along it. As a special highlight enjoy a private picnic lunch on the wall before heading back to Beijing.

DAY 4 BEIJING – PINGYAO Early morning step through a private gate from your resort’s walled garden into the Summer Palace grounds and stroll this beautiful 290-hectare estate. Then visit the Temple of Heaven – a Taoist complex that is a popular meeting point for locals in the morning to sing, dance, practice Tai Chi, or Chi Kung together. For lunch savour an original Peking Duck, followed by a 1st class high-speed train ride to Pingyao. Here you will check-in to Jing’s Residence for the next 2 nights.

DAY 5 PINGYAO ANCIENT TOWN & TRADITIONS Start your day with a soft walking tour around Pingyao Ancient Town, one of China’s four best preserved old cities. Afterwards enjoy a typical Shanxi Flour Dish Lunch. In the afternoon experience the art of Wadang making- combining Chinese painting, calligraphy and carving.

DAY 6 PINGYAO – XIAN After breakfast transfer to the train station and take the 1st class High-Speed Train to Xian. Xian served as China’s earliest capital for eleven Dynasties and left behind various historical sites and relics. Upon arrival enjoy a traditional Dumpling Lunch. In the afternoon, you are invited to take a bike ride on the ancient City Wall. End the day with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and take a rest at the Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel – your hotel for the next 2 nights. DAY 7 MEET THE TERACOTTA WARRIORS This morning visit the Terracotta Army consisting of more than 6000 life-sized terracotta figures of soldiers and horses in perfect battle array. Your guide will take you even closer to the warriors as you learn how to make miniature versions from a local Shokunin family at their cave dwelling. Learn more about the traditional techniques used 2,000 years ago and try your hand at moulding and carving. Back in Xian walk through the Muslim Quarter in the old city centre.

DAY 8 XIAN – CHENGDU After another High-Speed Train ride in the morning arrive in Chengdu and visit the Wenshu Temple. Enjoy lunch in the vegetarian temple restaurant and marvel at the over 300 Buddha statues at the Peace Pagoda. Sip afternoon tea at a local quaint teahouse, soaking up the profound tea culture of Chengdu, followed by a Mahjong Lesson which is a popular game played around China. Afterwards stroll in Jinli Lane, a busy trading street with a history stretching back to the Qin Dynasty around 2000 years ago. Overnight at The Temple House Hotel for the next 2 nights.

DAY 9 FRIENDLY GIANTS It is hard to resist the draw of China’s great panda bears! Today visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, one of the most professional panda rescue and disease prevention centres in China focusing on public education, research and animal protection. Following this goal only 30 visitors are allowed per day which will provide you with a sustainable once in a lifetime experience.

DAY 10 CHENGDU- GUILIN Today transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival enjoy lunch at the rooftop of Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel, your accommodation for the night. Then visit Fubo Hill including the ‘Pearl-Returning Cave’ and the famous ‘Sword Testing Rock. Continue half-way up the hill to TingTao Pavilion where you can take the stone-stairs all the way to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape.

DAY 11 GUILIN- YANGSHUO What better way to appreciate the magical Guilin Landscape than by a cruise! Sit back and relax and enjoy the (4*) luxurious Li River Cruise, passing by extraordinary peaks, sprays of bamboo lining, riverbanks, traditional fishermen on wooden boats and picturesque villages. Overnight at Alila Yangshuo.

DAY 12 YANGSHUO – SHANGHAI After breakfast head to the Yulong River. Known as ‘the Little Li River’ with its dramatic karst landscape, silky water, and ancient bridges, it is a great place for bamboo rafting. After a private raft ride enjoy a Picnic Lunch on the picturesque Fuli Bridge . Afterwards transfer to Guilin Airport and take an afternoon flight to Shanghai where you will checkin at Peninsula hotel for the next 2 nights.

DAY 13 A HIGHLIGHTS OF SHANGHAI After breakfast stroll along The Bund, the most famous waterfront in China. Then visit the 400-year-old Yu Garden and Shanghai’s Old Town. Continue to the French Concession with lunch at Yongfoo Elite- a graceful private club. In the afternoon relax during a 1Hour Huangpu River cruise by private Peninsula Yacht with an afternoon high tea. ✤ Combine your Great China Tour with a stopover at the vibrant metropolises of Hongkong and Macao ✤ Go shopping with an antiques expert and find some great pieces for your own collection or get a tailormade suite /silk dress from one of China´s skilful tailors ✤ Board the Yangtze Explorer for China‘s most luxurious river cruise

DAY 14 SHANGHAI DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

India

Marc Twain once said “India is, the cradle

of the human race, the birthplace of the human speech, the mother of the history, the grandmother of the legend and the great grandmother of tradition…” Indeed, India is all this and so much more!

Insider Journeys invites you to discover this intriguing and exotic land amidst luxuriant pampering. Unlike any other destination the vast subcontinent has

the ability to overwhelm all senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colours, smells, tastes and sounds and our

Incredible India Tour ensures that you can enjoy the full experience in comfort and ease. Feel like a Maharaja while getting a genuine understanding of a country that could not be more surprising and richer in contrasts.

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Enjoy a private candelite dinner overlooking the Taj Mahal ✤ Ride a pink rikshaw through the narrow alleys of Jaipur and pick your own saree/turban for a dinner with a nobel Maharaja family ✤ Experience the art of Dhaba Wala deliveries and tour the bollywood studios with an actor by your side

DAY 1 NAMASTE DELHI Welcome to Delhi, the city that bridges two different worlds. On arrival into Delhi International Airport take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to your hotel for the next 2 nights- The Imperial. This evening, enjoy a welcome Spa treatment and a traditional dinner in the award-winning restaurant Bukhara.

DAY 2 DELHI – A CITY THAT BRIDGES TWO WORLDS After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Delhi Bazaar & explore a traditional Haveli. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the 17th century old streets of Dariba Kalan and the Chandni Chowk area with the big Jama Masjid. Stop at the Kinari bazaar (wedding Market), see the Hindu and Sikh temples and the Spice market (Khari Baoli) selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. Visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib- the most prominent Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. Walk through the massive kitchens and feel free to offer your assistance! Finally stop at Humayun’s Tomb an experimental monument incorporating within its Indo-Islamic architectural styles.

DAY 3 DELHI – AGRA After breakfast travel to Agra on the Taj express train. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the next 2 nights. In the evening you will enjoy “The Mohabbat- The Taj Show”, a Bollywood style live Musical show depicting the history of Taj Mahal. Return to your hotel for a romantic candlelit dinner on your private balcony, set against the silhouette of the Taj Mahal. Overnight at The Oberoi Amarvillas.

DAY 4 WONDERS OF AGRA Early this morning experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal before returning to your hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. The world-renowned wonder looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.” Later visit the Agra Fort, commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar c in 1666, A.D. If the travel dates permit, you will have the amazing opportunity of a night-time visit of the Taj Mahal during full moon. Only a 50 people are allowed to enter the premises at a time, so this is definitely a unique experience.

DAY 5–6 AGRA – RANTHAMBORE After breakfast drive to Ranthambore National Park -one of the largest and most famous national parks in North India with fascinating wildlife to explore. Including the famous Bengal tiger! Spend the next two night at a luxury tent of The Oberoi Vanyavilas and enjoy some thrilling Jeep Safaris in the morning and in the afternoon of day 6. DAY 7 RANTHAMBORE -JAIPUR Today continue your journey onwards to Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its beautiful buildings. This afternoon explore the Pink City, fittingly on a pink rickshaw operated by an innovative non-profit organization providing employment to women from low income households in Jaipur. Stops along the way include the Albert Hall Museum, the City Palace complex, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Your last stop shall be the iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of Winds, placed in the middle of a busy market street, where you will be gifted a beautiful Saree/ turban of your choice and learn how to tie it. In the evening enjoy dinner with a Noble Family at Sankotra Haveli. This is an ideal chance to wear your new Saree/Turban. Overnight in Rambagh Palace for 2 nights.

DAY 8 A DAY ON CLOUD 9 IN JAIPUR Early this morning experience the beautiful Amber Fort from above during a shared Hot air balloon ride with a glass of Champagne. Later head out to explore the impressive premises, enjoying a short jeep ride up to the Fort.

DAY 9 JAIPUR-UDAIPUR Today board your flight to Udaipur the famous” White City” and check-in at the iconic – Taj Lake Palace hotel where you will spend two nights like James Bond in the movie Octopussy. This evening enjoy a visit of Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens and a Boat ride on Lake Pichola while watching the mesmerizing Sunset.

DAY 10 UDAIPUR-VENICE OF INDIA After breakfast enjoy exploring Udaipur including the City Palace and several other sights of interest. We will organize a joyful ride in a vintage car so you can experience Udaipur in style. Moreover, you are invited to join a beautiful Aaarti ceremony in a local temple.

DAY 11 UDAIPUR – MUMBAI After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai. On arrival into Mumbai, transfer to the hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a short city tour taking in Mumbai’s most famous landmark ‘The Gateway of India’ and Marine drive, Mumbai’s most popular romantic spot for watching the sunset. Overnight at The Taj Mahal Mumbai for two nights.

DAY 12 MUMBAI IS A CITY – BOMBAY IS AN EMOTION Today spend a day with Mumbai’s famous Dabbawalas delivering millions of people in the city their daily hot lunch. The tour depicts the entire Dabba delivery system right from the sorting point to the destination, even accompanying the Dabbawalas on the local train and offers a great insight into their daily lives. In the afternoon enjoy a Private Bollywood Tour. India is still the largest film producer in the world, producing an average of 1000 films a year. You will get the opportunity to meet a Bollywood actor and learn more about his career and the work in this shiny, mega industry.

DAY 13 MUMBAI DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. ✤ Add a night in a luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer and embark on a camel safari including a sand dunes dinner ✤ Celebrate a traditional Indian wedding ceremony and renew your own vows ✤ Meet the great grandson of Mahatma Ghandi and have a vivid discussion about India‘s past and present