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Details Asian Mosaic
Experience the exotic glory of the Far East in Japan, China, and Thailand
on this 14-day Panorama. Starting in Tokyo, you'll see some of the more well-known
sights, including the Meiji Shrine, the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping
Arcade. Get a closer look at Japanese culture by visiting a calligrapher's studio
and attending a Japanese tea ceremony. Next it's on to Beijing for a full day of
sightseeing. View the amazing Forbidden City and the spectacular Summer Palace. Take
a walk along the Great Wall of China and visit the fabulous Ming Tombs. Then it's
on to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital, where you'll enjoy a cable tramcar
up Victoria Peak, shopping for arts and crafts in Stanley Market and free time to
explore. In Bangkok, see the Grand Palace and the adjoining Royal Temple housing the
31-inch Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. You'll have two days to explore Bangkok
on your own. Visit the floating markets, the Jeath Museum of War or the famous Bridge
on the River Kwai.
Day 1
Arrive In Tokyo, Japan
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| Welcome to Japan's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.
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Day 2
Toyko
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| Meet your traveling companions prior to a sightseeing tour of Japan's capital city, home to
more than eight million people. A local guide takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent
20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial
Palace Plaza. Also stop at the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The
balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight join your
traveling companions at a WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
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Day 3
Tokyo
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| A free day for independent activities. You may wish to join the full-day optional excursion
to the historic city of Kamakura, a cruise on Lake Ashinoko, a cable-car ride up 4,354-foot
Mount Komagatake for spectacular views of the area, and finally, a thrilling ride on the famous
bullet train back to Tokyo. (B)
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Day 4
Tokyo-Beijing, China
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| This morning get a closer look at Japanese culture. First visit an ARTIST'S STUDIO and enjoy
demonstrations of a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. Then experience a JAPANESE
TEA CEREMONY followed by a stroll through a beautiful JAPANESE GARDEN. Bid farewell to Japan
with a traditional BBQ lunch. Later fly to Beijing. (B,L)
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Day 5
Beijing
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| Your full-day sightseeing includes a visit to the Forbidden City's IMPERIAL PALACE, once the
sacred home of China's Great Emperors. Nearby is TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square
in the world, where the People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. You'll visit the
BEIJING ZOO to see pandas, and discover the former Imperial SUMMER PALACE, a complex of
pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening's special Chinese
dinner features delectable Peking duck. (B,L,D)
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Day 6
Beijing
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| The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched for over 3,000 miles across northern China's most
barren terrain. The part that has been best preserved and restored lies 40 miles north of Beijing.
A walk along the wall affords unforgettable vistas of this mammoth fortress spanning the
countryside. On your return to Beijing visit the MING TOMBS, burial site for 13 of the 16 Ming
emperors. (B,L)
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Day 7
Beijing-Hong Kong
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| Your morning tour visits a HUTONG, one of thousands of ancient alleys or lanes typical in
Beijing. Then fly to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital. Your approach is a memorable
experience, with sweeping views of the countless islands dotting the South China Sea. (B)
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Day 8
Hong Kong
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| During this morning's sightseeing tour, take a cable tramcar up VICTORIA PEAK for a panoramic
view of this one-of-a-kind port city, and enjoy a drive to Repulse Bay, a popular beach.
Then on to STANLEY MARKET where narrow streets are filled with inexpensive clothing and arts
and crafts stalls. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to experience the city at
your own pace. Your Tour Director has plenty of suggestions to help you enjoy your day. Tonight
an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong's magnificent harbor is recommended. (B)
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Day 9
Hong Kong
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| A free day to explore this exciting city. Consider a full-day excursion to Macau, or take
a history tour to learn about Hong Kong before the British colonized the area. Shopping is always
a highlight of Hong Kong. There are markets, malls, and shops to fit any budget and taste; your
Tour Director will be happy to offer suggestions. For those who want to try out some of the
local fare, head over to Lan Kwai Fong Street or to a teahouse on Tang Lung Street. For a
special treat you might enjoy high tea at the Peninsula Hotel. (B,D)
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Day 10
Hong Kong-Bangkok, Thailand
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| Today visit the peaceful island of LANTAU. View the Big Buddha, the largest outdoor seated
Buddha in the world. Then enjoy a tour of the MONASTERY before sitting down to a vegetarian
lunch. Transfer to the airport for your flight to exotic Bangkok. (B,L)
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Day 11
Bangkok
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| Today's fascinating sightseeing tour of this bustling city is highlighted with a visit to
the GRAND PALACE, the truly grand seat of the court of old Siam; and the adjoining royal temple.
You'll also visit WAT PHRA KEO, housing the 31-inch Emerald Buddha and the RECLINING BUDDHA.
The afternoon is at leisure. You might want to visit the famous Jim Thompson Thai Silk House.
This evening enjoy dinner aboard a luxurious teak barge, the Tassaneeya Nava. CRUISE the broad
Chao Phraya River past Bangkok's splendid temples and palaces. (B,D)
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Day 12
Bangkok
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| A full day free for you to explore this fascinating city. Perhaps join a full-day tour to the
ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Or see the floating markets with a stop at the Rose Garden and a
folkloric performance. You may choose a delicious Thai dinner with classical dancing. (B)
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Day 13
Bangkok
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| Another day for independent exploration. Your Tour Director has plenty of suggestions to help
you make the most of this exciting city and its environs. Consider a full-day tour featuring the
Jeath Museum of War, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, and a train ride on the notorious Death
Railway to the small village of Wang Po. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a wonderful
FAREWELL DINNER as a fitting finale to your discovery of Asia. (B,D)
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Day 14
Hong Kong-Bangkok, Thailand
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| Tour ends. (B)
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Additional Information
Meals
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| - 13 American breakfasts (B); 4 lunches (L); 5 dinners (D), including a special Peking
Duck dinner in Beijing and a Farewell Dinner in Bangkok
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City Highlights
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- TOKYO: Sightseeing with local guide; visit the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple,
Nakamise Shopping Arcade and a Japanese garden; enjoy calligraphy demonstrations and a
tea ceremony BEIJING: Sightseeing with local guide; visit the Beijing Zoo, a Hutong,
Tian'anmen Square, the Imperial and Summer Palaces, the Ming Tombs; walk the Great
Wall of China; enjoy a Peking Duck dinner HONG KONG: Sightseeing with local guide,
visit Stanley Market and Lantau Island, take a cable tramcar up Victoria Peak
BANGKOK: Sightseeing with local guide, cruise the Chao Phraya River, visit the Grand
Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
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- Please note surcharges may apply due to special events on in the different cities -
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