Culinary Tour of China

(13 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing & Great Wall, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong

This private luxury tour combines exclusive culinary experiences, in-depth cultural touring and accommodation at the best hotels in Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Highlights include private cooking classes, experiencing distinct regional cuisines, touring important cultural attractions, and learning about the relationship between Chinese healing and cuisine.

Begin in Beijing, China's centuries-old capital filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites. With your private guide and driver, tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Explore the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood, see lesser-known temples, and venture to a hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Also visit other cultural highlights and enjoy time to explore fashionable districts filled with specialty boutiques and restaurants. One morning, enjoy a private cooking class at a prestigious culinary institution. One day, take a private excursion to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.

Continue by high-speed train to Xi’an, an ancient capital that was once a major stop on the Silk Road. During private touring, see the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, walk on the massive city walls, and visit the UNESCO-inscribed Big and Small Goose pagodas. Enjoy a private dumpling-making lesson, and sample Muslim food specialties such as mutton dumplings, persimmon doughnuts and rou jia mo (marinated meat stuffed in flat bread) during a tasting tour of the Muslim Quarter.

Next, fly to Hangzhou, a city famed for its tea, important historic sites and beautiful lakeside setting. During private touring, visit local tea plantations, tour Buddhist temples and monasteries, explore the historic city center, take a private boat ride on scenic West Lake, tour gardens and visit other cultural highlights. Also enjoy a tour and tasting at a local tea plantation. One evening, if desired, tickets can be arranged to see Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a spectacular performance on West Lake.

Continue by high-speed train to Shanghai and experience the unbridled energy of China's most stylish and modern city. During private touring, learn about Shanghai's history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, the Old Town, Pudong and other districts. Explore local food markets and take a private cooking lesson to learn to prepare regional dishes such as xiao long bao soup dumplings. Tour some of China's best museums, including the Shanghai Museum East or the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square. See traditional highlights such as Huxinting Teahouse (Willow Tea Garden) and Yu Garden. Enjoy plenty of time to browse sophisticated neighborhoods filled with stylish boutiques, art galleries, design shops and upscale cafes and restaurants.

Conclude in Hong Kong. One of Asia's most attractive and exciting cities, the fable port town has a spectacular skyline, beautiful harbors and beaches, superb restaurants, bustling markets and much more. With your private guide and driver, learn about the historic buildings and modern skyscrapers in Central and tour interesting residential neighborhoods in the hills. Ride a tram up Victoria Peak, browse the boutiques in the fashionable Soho district and perhaps get fitted for custom clothing at our favorite tailors. Tour local food and herb markets and enjoy a private dim sum-making lesson. Also visit a teahouse, excellent museums such as M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and other favorite spots around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon according to your interests.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Beijing VIP assistance at airport upon arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Beijing Morning private cooking class. Afternoon private city tour, including wholesale tea market Day 3 Beijing & Great Wall Full-day private excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an Private transfer to train station for business-class bullet train to Xi’an. Private touring of cultural and culinary highlights, including the Terracotta Warriors and dumpling-making lesson. Overnight stay at hotel Day 5 Xi’an – Hangzhou Private transfer to airport for flight to Hangzhou. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private cultural tour of the Old Town Day 6 Hangzhou Morning private tour of tea plantations, including tea tasting. Afternoon private cruise on West Lake Day 7 Hangzhou – Shanghai Private transfer to train station for business-class bullet train to Shanghai. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 8 Shanghai Full-day private city tour, including markets Day 9 Shanghai Morning private cooking class. Afternoon at leisure Day 10 Shanghai – Hong Kong Private transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 11 Hong Kong Full-day private city tour Day 12 Hong Kong Morning private dim sum cooking lesson. Afternoon at leisure Day 13 Depart Hong Kong Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Beijing: The Peninsula Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing or Four Seasons Beijing Xi’an: The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an Hangzhou: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, The Silk Lakehouse or Amanfayun Shanghai: The Peninsula Shanghai or Capella Shanghai Hong Kong: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong or Upper House

Cost

From $27,390 Per person (double occupancy)