12 Days of Ancient China & Tibet Discovery Tour
Tour Code: TET02
Tour Duration: 12
Days
Destination: Beijing, Lhasa, Shigatse, Tibet, Xi'an
Tour overview:
A true dream destination, Tibet is an incredible destination and one filled with surprises. Discover these surprises for yourself in this China group tour. Tibet has a culture truly unique and it is this culture that has transformed Tibet into such a spectacular place. The unforgiving landscape has forged the people into one of the friendliest on Earth. This China group tour will introduce you to the people, sites, and culture of Tibet in a package tour that you will never forget.
- Tour Summary
- Day by Day Itinerary
- Reviews
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||
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Day 1 | Beijing |
Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel.
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/ | ||||||
Day 2 | Beijing |
Full day visit Tiananmen Square Forbidden City The Temple of Heaven
Details...
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B,L | ||||||
Day 3 | Beijing |
Full day visit Badaling Great Wall Ming Tombs The Sacred Way .On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube') Beijing ,feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
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B,L | ||||||
Day 4 | Beijing |
Full day visit Hutong Tours in Rickshaw Summer Palace
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B,L | ||||||
Day 5 | Beijing/Xi'an |
Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for flight to Xian. Arrive in Xian, be met and visit Shaanxi Provincial Museum Ancient City Wall Details...
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B,L | ||||||
Day 6 | Xi'an |
Full day visit The Terracotta Army and Horses Big Wild Goose Pagoda Bell Tower .
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B,L | ||||||
Day 7 | Xi'an/Lhasa |
Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for flight to Lhasa. Arrive in Lhasa, be met and transferred to hotel, adaptting to the high altitude at the rest of the day. Details...
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B | ||||||
Day 8 | Lhasa |
Full day tour to the The Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Barkhor Street
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B,L | ||||||
Day 9 | Lhasa |
Full day tour to Sera Monastery Norbulingka (the Summer Palace) Drepung Monastery , and a Tibetan family.
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B,L | ||||||
Day 10 | Lhasa/Shigatse |
Drive to Shigatse, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery Yomdrok
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B,L | ||||||
Day 11 | Shigatse/Lhasa |
Free at leisure, then drive back to Lhasa and enjoy the beautiful landscape on the way.
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B | ||||||
Day 12 | Lhasa | Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure. Details... | B |
Season | Tour Class | Group Size | Single Room Supplement |
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1pax | 2-5pax | 6-9pax | |||
Peak Season | 3*(Tourist Class) | $3458 | $2107 | $1767 | $442 |
4*(Deluxe Class) | $3990 | $2373 | $2033 | $708 | |
5*(First Class) | $4392 | $2574 | $2234 | $909 |
Price Inclusions and Exclusions
Price Include
A. Entrance fees:To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Price Exclude
A. Entry or Exit China International Airfare or train tickets.B. Visa Fees.
C. Excess Baggage Charges.
D. Personal Expenses: Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone call, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the itinerary.
E. Meals: Any meals which are not specified with "B", "L" or "D".
F. Single Room Supplement.
G. Insurance coverage of personal loss, illness or damages incurred during your trip.
H. Gratuities, Tips to Guides and Drivers.
Day 1 Beijing Arrival
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.
Day 2 Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.
After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.
From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners.
Day 3 Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way,2008 Beijing Olympic venues
After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Badaling Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk one of the best preserved sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!
In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Ming Tombs, which are situated at the foot of Heavenly Longevity Mountain, Changping, northwest of Beijing. Since there are 13 Ming emperors buried there, this place was called the 13 Ming Tombs. You will walk along the Sacred Way, a road guarded by stone statues on both sides, as the ancient emperors did to hold a memorial ceremony for their ancestors. In addition, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors.
On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) and the National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube'), feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
Day 4 Beijing (B,L)
Sightseeing: Hutongs, Summer Palace
We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this morning. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.
We will continue by visiting the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.
Day 5 Beijing to Xi'an (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
Sightseeing: the Shaanxi History Museum, Ancient City Wall.
In the morning you will enjoy some free time until you will be transferred to airport to take the flight to Xi’an. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide, then visit the Shaanxi History Museum. It is a magnificent architectural complex in the Tang Dynasty style. The Museum possesses a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi, and it covers an area of 1,100 square meters for exhibition
Then we will visit Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall.
Day 6 Xi'an (B, L)
Sightseeing: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower
Today you will experience the highlights of Xi’an. After breakfast, you will depart you’re your hotel. You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire.
Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.
Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.
Day 7 Xi'an to Lhasa (B)
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
In the morning, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Lhasa. Arrive in Lhasa, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide, adapting to the high altitude at the rest of the day.
Day 8 Lhasa (B, L)
Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhore Street
We will go on a full day visit of Potala Palace. It is the greatest monumental structure all over Tibet. This ancient architectural complex is considered as a model of Tibetan architecture. Located on the Red Hill in Lhasa, it is 3,700 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters. The palace has 13 stories, and is 117 meters high. In 641, Songtsan Gambo, ruler of the Tubo Kingdom, built the Potala Palace for Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, whom he was soon to marry.
Then we’ll visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The sacred image of Jowo Sakyamuni is the most venerated and beautiful image all over Tibet
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit Barkhor Street, which is the oldest street in Lhasa as well as the center of old Lhasa which remains very traditional. Located in the old area of Lhasa City, Tibet, Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Tibetan people are very proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, this street is also a must-see place.
Day 9 Lhasa (B, L)
Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Drepung Monstery
In the morning we will visit the Sera Monastery, around 5 km north of central Lhasa, which was, along with Drepung, one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries. Its once huge monastic population of about 5000 monks has now been reduced to several hundred.
Then we will visit Norbulingka Park; Norbulingka meaning "Jeweled Garden", the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The gardens are poorly tended and the palaces themselves are something of an anticlimax, especially as most rooms are currently closed to the public.
Our next stop will be Drepung Monastery. It is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered as one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery
At last we will arrive at a local Tibetan Family. Common Tibetan people will welcome you to their homes; greet you in their traditional way and you will taste their typical food. You can feel Tibetan culture and religion vividly.
Day 10 Lhasa to Shigatse (B, L)
Sightseeing: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yomdrok
Our visit today begin with the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, the monastery's structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of nearly 300,000 square meters (3,229,279 sq. ft.).
Later we will continue to explore the Yomdrok Lake which is one of the three holy lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. This huge lake spans 130 kilometers long from east to west and 70 kilometers wide from north to south. The scenery of the clear turquoise blue water in the lake with the reflection of the surrounding mountains was awesome and we had a 360 degree view of the mountains.
Day 11 Shigatse to Lhasa (B)
Today you will be free at leisure, then we will drive back to Lhasa and enjoy the beautiful high plateau landscape on the way.
Day 12 Lhasa Departure (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Enjoy some leisure time until our local guide will transfer you to the airport where you will take the flight to your next destination.
We are back home and I just wanted to send you a note and let you know again how pleased we were with the tour package that you put together for us. It was last minute... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170912-Z Tour Starting Date: Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Client's information: Juliana & Joe, USA
We are back home and I just wanted to send you a note and let you know again how pleased we were with the tour package that you put together for us. It was last minute and I realize this made things more difficult for you. Everything worked out so very well!
All of our guides were wonderful. We wanted to send a special letter to let you know that we were most impressed with our last guide, Mr. Yak (Tserang). He was with us for the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike and then in Shangri La. He was the high light of our trip! Mr. Yak was so very helpful, knowledgable about the culture and the area and he was tremendously thoughtful and professional. Joe and I have traveled the world quite extensively and can say that Mr. Yak was one of the best guides we have ever experienced.
We certainly will reach out to you again when we are ready for our next trip to China.
Thank you,
Juliana Jamail

I wish to THANK YOU for making our visit to China the very positive visit that it was. The itinerary was rich with what China is all about. You kept us busy and I than... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170907-S Tour Starting Date: Thursday, 7 September 2017
Client's information: Charlie Kath, USA
I wish to THANK YOU for making our visit to China the very positive visit that it was. The itinerary was rich with what China is all about. You kept us busy and I thank you for that.
All of the local guides were outstanding. They were always very timely, right where they needed to be each and every time. Besides being punctual I found each of them to be wonderful people who represent China in such a positive way. Thank you! Thank you!!
I'm so happy that we finally got to meet each other. We worked on this adventure for about 2 1/2 years and the itinerary needed to be revised several times. I appreciate your patience and I thank you for that.
We're now friends and that will of course continue. I hope to visit both Mongolia via a tour and also, the Silk Road. Hopefully you can put together a 2 week tour itinerary for both of those places. When I visit Morocco I would like Beijing included in such a visit.
You are a delightful young woman and I'm so happy that we are friends.
My best to you Sandy.
From Saint Paul,
Your friend,
Charlie
Thank you very much for your letter, I really enjoyed my tour in Xian despite of the high temperature. In this context, it was helpful to have a transportation... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170725-Z Tour Starting Date: Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Client's information: Gloria Rabanal, Mexico
Thank you very much for your letter, I really enjoyed my tour in Xian despite of the high temperature. In this context, it was helpful to have a transportation with air conditioning, thanks you also for the bottle of water, I suggest you to have the bottle of water cold and to keep them in an ice box.
The information provided by the Guide (Aria) was relevant from a historical point of view. She was kind and she tried to answer all my questions.
I also would like to suggest to include a visit to the Bell and Drum Towers in the Two Days tour.
I am attaching some pictures from the trip.
Best regards,
Gloria Rabanal

We wish to thank you for the perfect organization of our trip in China and for the very kind hospitality you offered us in Guilin, where we spent a very pleasant ... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170720-S Tour Starting Date: Thursday, 20 July 2017
Client's information: Silvana Di Silvestre, Italy
We wish to thank you for the perfect organization of our trip in China and for the very kind hospitality you offered us in Guilin, where we spent a very pleasant night in good company and tasting very good food.
We came back to Italy with China in our hearts and the credit is with no doubt of the itinerary you arranged for us, which gave us the possibility to visit some wonderful places which aren't generally included by other tour operators. You demonstrated to be very flexible and willing to satisfy your clients' requests. The hotels were very good and above all the guides, in particular Mrs. Lee, who guided our group with passion and competence. We are grateful to you and Mrs. Lee for the opportunity you gave us to see the show about Sanjie Liu. It would have been a pity to miss it.
We will recommend your agency to our friends and acquaintances and all of us are waiting for you to come to Italy!
Many greetings from the Italian group.
Just wanted to thank you for making ourtrip such an enjoyable experience. My family and I had a great time. Our guide,David, in Huangshan is very knowledgeable and mos... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170605-S Tour Starting Date: Monday, 5 June 2017
Client's information: Gracie Chan, USA
Just wanted to thank you for making our trip such an enjoyable experience. My family and I had a great time. Our guide, David, in Huangshan is very knowledgeable and most accommodating. He takes pride in his work and his cultural heritage. We learned a lot from him.
I will certainly seek out your services again and recommend your tour company to my family and friends.
Have a great day!
Regards,
Gracie Chan
Sorry for my late reply, but I was after returning from my VisitOurChina tour to Zhangjiajie very busy. I want to thank you for the excellent planning of the tour and ... Read more »
Booking Code: VOC-20170524-S Tour Starting Date: Wednesday, 24 May 2017
Client's information: Jürgen Breuste, Germany
Sorry for my late reply, but I was after returning from my VisitOurChina tour to Zhangjiajie very busy. I want to thank you for the excellent planning of the tour and the guiding, especially also to my local tour guide.
I am again planning for a new travel to China in November and want to ask you for again your support.
Kind regards,
Jürgen Breuste
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What Our Customers Say

We are back home and I just wanted to send you a note and let you know again how pleased we were with the tour package that you put together for us. It was last minute and I realize this made things more difficult for you. Everything worked out so very well!
All of our guides were wonderful...
Read more testimonials...