SUPER VALUE BEIJING   Itinerary   Day 1   Depart USA for Beijing             Day 2   Arrive Beijing Your tour of one of the most fascinating countries in the world begins in the capital of the People’s Republic of China. An English-speaking guide will meet your flight, drive you to your hotel and help you check in.   Day 3   Beijing                                                                                                                          B,L,D Your adventure begins in Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space on earth. Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens. You’ll stroll along cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate advisors, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. After lunch you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. Tonight you’ll sample the delicious local cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant.    Day 4   Beijing                                                                                                                          B,L,D Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. After lunch you’ll visit the massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where you’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures. Enjoy dinner tonight at a Beijing restaurant.     Day 5  Beijing                                                                                                                         B,L,SD This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. This ornate wooden structure was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshipped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. After lunch you’ll forget about the skyscrapers and construction cranes of modern Beijing as you venture into Hutong, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on. You’ll bicycle or ride rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, past vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops and tiny, wooden teahouses. This evening you’ll enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking Duck Dinner Party – then attend a special cultural performance   Day 6   Beijing / USA                                                                                                                 B After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your return flight.