Day 01 : USA - Kunming Our flight departs from the USA bound for China. Spend the night onboard the international jetliner as it crosses the Pacific. DAILY MEAL
Day 02 : Enroute The time change occurs as our plane crosses the international date line. DAILY MEAL
Day 03 : Arrive Hong Kong - Kunming Our flight arrives in Hong Kong where we transfer to a flight that takes us to Kunming. At Kunming we are met and transferred to our luxury accommodations to catch up on some rest. DAILY MEAL
Day 04 : Kunming - Dali Kunming is one of the most modern cities in Southwestern China. It is known as the "Eternal Spring City" as it has the mildest, best year-round weather in all of China. After a city tour we board a flight to Dali, located in the southwest part of the Yunnan Province. DAILY MEAL (AB, L, D)
Day 05 : Dali Dali is home to the Bai Minority Group and is a city of great natural beauty. We visit Old Town Dali and ake an excursion to Butterfly Mountain followed by a cruise of Erhai Lake. Get firsthand experience of local daily life as we visit a Bai Minority Village, chancing a taste of famous "Three Courses Tea." Head back into town, stopping on the way at the "Three Elegant Pagodas." DAILY MEAL (AB, L, D)
Day 06 : Dali - Lijiang This morning we journey by bus to Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi Minority. Lijiang has beautiful landscapes and has been designated an UN World Cultural Heritage Site. Gaze in wonder at the sights and sounds of this ancient city as we walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. We see that the Naxi way of life has changed very little over time. A short motorcoach ride away is Black Dragon Pond, where we take a leisurely stroll around the pristine natural surroundings. DAILY MEAL (AB, L, D)
Day 07 : Lijiang The highlight of the day is Jade Dragon Mountain, the mythical mountain worshipped by the Naxi as a deity. The bus drops us off at the base where we board chair lifts to access higher regions that afford a beautiful view of the famed Thirteen Peaks. Our rest stop on the way to Jade Dragon Mountain is Baisha Village, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. DAILY MEAL (AB, L, D)
Day 08 : Lijiang - Shangrila Embark early morning on the arduous motorcoach ride to the famed Shangrila. At the midway point of the journey we stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, descending over 200 steps for the best view. Upon arrival at Shangrila, we enjoy dinner with a Tibetan family, being careful to observe the local customs and traditions which often including singing and dancing! DAILY MEAL (AB, L, DS)
Day 09 : Shangrila Rise early in the morning as we venture to Songzan Temple, the largest Lhamasery existing outside of Tibet. Journey later by motorcoach to Napahai, a beautiful scenic spot that typifies how Shangrila blends harmoniously with Nature, worshipped by the Tibetan Minority. After visiting Suodu Lake, we return back to our hotel for dinner. DAILY MEAL (AB, L, DH)
Day 10 : Shangrila - Kunming Board a flight back to Kunming. We visit the Stone Forest, marveling at the natural stone "trees." Created by ancient winds and water erosion over millions of years, the Stone Forest is a remarkable region of limestone cliffs and peaks. In evening we're in for a special treat of Yunnan Specialties followed by an exciting Minority Culture Show. DAILY MEAL (AB, L, DS)
Day 11 : Kunming - Hong Kong Depart Kunming and head towards Hong Kong, the "Jewel of the Orient." Upon arrival transfer to our hotel and enjoy what remains of the day at leisure. DAILY MEAL (AB)
Day 12 : Hong Kong A half day tour takes us around Hong Kong Island and up to Victoria Peak by cable car where we take in an unrivalled panoramic view of Hong Kong and its harbour. The afternoon is free. DAILY MEAL (AB)
Day 13 : Hong Kong Enjoy the entire day at leisure. Spend time strolling the shopping paradise of Asia. Tired of shopping? Take an optional Sunset Harbour Cruise with Dinner in the evening. DAILY MEAL (AB)
Day 14 : Hong Kong - USA Bid China a fond farewell as we board our homebound international jetliner. DAILY MEAL (AB)
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