China to Tibetby Rail
Itinerary
Day 1 - Beijing
Check-in to your deluxe, city-center hotel - Westin Hotel
Day 2 - Beijing
Tour Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and drive by the spectacular Olympic venues en route to the Summer Palace, where you enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. Meals B,L,D
Day 3 - Beijing
Walk atop the Great Wall and then explore a Beijing Hutong (traditional neighborhood) by rickshaw. Our unique Make-A-Friend program brings you in touch with a local family. Meals B,L
Day 4 - Beijing / Xining / Overnight Train
Fly to Xining and visit the Xining Museum, known for its collection of ancient artifacts. Tonight, transfer to the station to board your overnight train for Lhasa, a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the highest train in the world! Meals B,D
On Board Train
Day 5 - On Board Train / Arrive Lhasa, Tibet
The aptly named “Sky Train” travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – vistas of antelopes and yaks grazing in emerald green fields against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. Three locomotives are required to pull the train over a 16,640 foot pass en route to Lhasa! Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your deluxe hotel.
Brahmaputra Grand Hotel
Day 6 - Lhasa, Tibet
Today’s touring offers insight into the deep spirituality of Tibetan Buddhists. You will see the 15th century Drepung Monastery, the beautiful Sera Monastery and Norbulinka, summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Meals B,L,D
Day 7 - Lhasa, Tibet
Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the lively Barkhor Market and nearby Jokhang Monastery. Then spend time in the studio of a master artist to learn about Thangkas – colorful religious paintings that have long been a Buddhist tradition. Meals B,L,D
Day 8 - Lhasa, Tibet
A full day excursion to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views of the turquoise-hued lake nestled in the mountains. Meals B,L,D
Day 9 - Lhasa / Xian
Fly to Xian and check-in to your deluxe, city-center hotel. This afternoon, explore the ancient city walls on foot or by bicycle – a popular pastime for city residents as well. Meals B,D
Sofitel Renmin Square
Day 10 - Xian
At the Xian Museum, you’ll Touch Antiquity, a rare opportunity to handle ancient relics thousands of years old. Later, visit the Museum and excavation site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, China’s most important archaeological site, where thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors and horses were buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Meals B,L
Day 11 - Xian / Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai today and transfer into the city aboard the futuristic, ultra-fast Maglev train and then check-in to your deluxe hotel on Nanjing Road, the city’s most famous shopping street. Meals B
Le Royal Meridien Hotel
Day 12 - Shanghai
Full day sightseeing explores the many contrasts of this fascinating city. Drive along the Bund, Shanghai’s grand waterfront boulevard, and see the historic French Concession before visiting the old city bazaar and the picturesque 16th century Yu Yuan Garden. Traveling through the Pudong Financial Zone, marvel at the towering, ultra-modern skyscrapers. This evening, enjoy the breathtaking skills of Shanghai’s famous Acrobats. Meals B,D
Day 13 - Shanghai
Your program finishes this morning. Or extend your stay to see more of Asia! Meals B
All prices and itineraries are current at time of publishing and subject to change without notice. AAA will make every effort to operate all activities as disclosed in this schedule. However, circumstances beyond our control may arise and require an adjustment to the tour, its price, and its inclusions.
