Authentic China: Shanghai, Hong Kong & Macau

Day 1 & 2: Shanghai, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Award-winning hotel The Peninsula Shanghai

Upon arrival you are escorted to your luxurious hotel overlooking the Huangpu River. On Day 2, begin the morning with a delightful cooking class, and learn how to make Chinese dumplings and other treats. Your afternoon sightseeing begins with the French Concession area which, until World War II, was the premier foreign residential district and center of Catholicism in Shanghai. Next, explore the city's Old Town and stroll the serene paths of the classical Yu Yuan Garden. Built in 1577, the garden is enclosed behind high walls that enclose a small lake, tea houses, ponds and more than 30 halls and pavilions. Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its rare, white Burmese-jade Buddha statue. Visit the Jewish Quarter and the renowned "Bund", Shanghai's waterfront quay. This evening, enjoy your VIP seats at a magical, world-class performance of the Chinese acrobats.

Day 3: Suzhou Excursion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Award-winning hotel The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

Travel outside Shanghai on a private excursion to explore the neighboring water towns. Visit Suzhou, "the City of Gardens", its immaculately landscaped gardens and picturesque canals traversed by bridges. Tour two of Suzhou's UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens and learn of their 1000 years of history. Suzhou is the historic silk capital of China; see the plethora of silk shops and see how world-famous Chinese silk is produced. After lunch, continue to Zhouzhuang. Marco Polo called this water town 'the Venice of the East'. An ancient town noted for its strongly held traditions, its rivers and streams are crisscrossed by 14 remarkably well-preserved stone-arch bridges. Enjoy a private boat ride along Suzhou Creek for a view of traditional Chinese life.

Day 4 & 5: Hong Kong

Meals: 2 Breakfast

Accommodation: Award-winning hotel The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

On Day 4, fly south to Hong Kong and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a full day tour on Day 5, exploring the highlights of this modern, cosmopolitan city peppered with temples and quiet parks. See the Central District, the Central-Mid-levels escalators the worlds longest covered outdoor escalator system and take the funicular Peak Tramway up to Victoria Peak for some glorious views of the city skyline. Cruise across Victoria Harbour on the famous Star Ferry, and then visit the vast Museum of History with its incredible collection and exhibits on the archaeology, history, ethnography and natural history of Hong Kong.

Day 6: Macau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Award-winning hotel The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

A short helicopter flight takes you to Macau, once a Portuguese colony. Tour the Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 16th-century Kun Iam Temple, Penha Hill, the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the landmark Fortaleza do Monte, also known as Monte Forte. View the mosaic of colored-stones at Senado Square, and the casino developments of this, the "Monte Carlo of the Orient". Later, return to Hong Kong by high-speed Jetfoil. (B, L)

Day 7 & 8: Hong Kong & Depart for Home

Meals: 2 Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Award-winning hotel The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

On Day 7, enjoy a private tour through the Hong Kong markets, home to everything from modern electronics to silks to live chickens and ducks. Visit a local artisan who will carve your own personalized chop stamp. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax, explore and shop. Tonight, enjoy a special Chinese dinner. On Day 8, transfer to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.