Grand Loop of East Asia – 17 Days

This morning we will head to Nara – the former capital of Japan. As we reach Nara, go to Todaiji Temple which is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Next, we visit Nara Deer Park – a home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. The park is considered as messengers of Gods and the National Treasure. We proceed to Kyoto and head to Kiyomizu Temple. Also visit the gardens of Golden Pavillion – Kinkakuji Temple, which is home to a sacred relic of Buddha. The final destination we visit today will be Nijo Castle. Head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Osaka.  

Today, we drive to Hiroshima by Coach. Upon arrival, we enjoy an orientation tour of Hiroshima – the city was once devastated by the atomic bomb in World War II. We head to Bomb Dome, the iconic symbol of Hiroshima and the only one building which have stood still after the atomic bomb explosion. Witness the Peace Memorial Park and its Museum. We can see the Cenotaph along with its arched tomb which is a tribute to victims who passed away because of the atomic bomb. After experience the sorrow relics, we take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to marvel at the stunning Itsukushima Shrine as well as the floating Torii – considered one of the most beautiful spots in Japan.  

Today we transfer to Tokyo. We will have a sensational experience by taking the fastest Bullet train to Mishima Station and onward to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we visit Owakudani Boiling Valley. We take a ropeway riding into the volcanic zone of a number of bubbling pools and steam vents. You can purchase an egg which is cooked in the naturally hot water. The way of cooking an egg is considered to prolong one’s life by 7 years. Relax at leisure at the surroundings of Lake Hakone or Lake Ashi. Get ready to be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. In the evening, we arrive in Tokyo and overnight.  

Today, we enjoy an orientation city tour of Tokyo – the capital city of Japan. Our journey today begins with a Rainbow Bridge and head to Asakusa Kanon Temple, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan. Let explore the elaborate gardens, architecture, and shrines that surround the site. We walk down the Nakamise Shopping Street, a vibrant market of food vendors and souvenirs stores. Next, we visit the Venus Fort – a shopping mall that is designed to resemble a medieval European Village, Toyota Megaweb, Palat Town. We enjoy the impressive scenery of Tokyo from the Observatory deck of Tokyo Sky Tree. If there is a lovely day, you can witness Fuji Mountain from the Sky Tree. Overnight in Tokyo.

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Beijing. Wander around the largest and most famous square in the world – Tiananmen Square. Next, board on the boat to the stunning charm of the Summer Palace to indulge in the botanical beauty of the surrounding grounds. Then, we venture to the Forbidden City which is known as the Imperial Palace today. We absorb the complex and hear the history of this palace. The rest of the day will be yours. Overnight in Beijing.

Today, we discover a UNESCO site – the Great Wall stretching 4.000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain to the Gobi Dessert. Visit north to a village where the Great Wall is well-preserved and stroll along the wall to get into the panoramic views of this mammoth fortress. Don’t worry about walking as you can enjoy a cable car/ funicular tram ride. We next drive to Beijing Olympic Park popularly known as the Bird’s Nest. Take a battery car to explore this landmark surrounding. We stop at the Jade Factory, one of the famous destinations for souvenir shopping. Keep our trip going on, we head to the 15th Temple of Heaven. The temple served as the site of prayer, sacrificial rituals, traditional ceremonies. The Temple of Heaven is also one of the great splendors in Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.

We take a flight to Xian – once the capital and one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China was suzerain of the silk trade. Next, head to the army of Terracotta Warriors. This site is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in China converging more than 800 soldiers, around 700 horses, 130 bronze chariots of which were buried to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin. Later, in the evening, we enjoy a performance of the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show to get an insight into the Xian’s culture. Overnight in Xian.

We head to the Wild Goose Pagoda – the Tang Dynasty’s Buddhist Temple built-in 652 to enshrine sacred statues and religious texts which were brought from India to China as well as the Buddhist Monk Statue. We then proceed to the airport for a flight to Guilin. Upon arrival in the evening, we relax with Chinese Foot Massage. Overnight in Guilin.

This morning, we head to Elephant Hill, situated on the western bank of the Li River, where you can befriend with elephants. We also drive through the Banyan Lake and Sha Lake. Next, we board a boat to enjoy a cruise offering a majestic vista along the Li River while listening to information onboard commentary. We then leave our cruise trip and get on a battery-operated car. We head to Reed Flute Cave which is a natural limestone cave estimated to be 180 million years old. A stroll around the cave would be immensely exciting. Head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Xian.

Morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Shanghai, the largest city and center of trade in China. Upon arrival, we visit the Shanghai Maglev Train Museum containing the history and technology of Maglev train. We also have an opportunity to take a ride on the high-speed Maglev train. We then visit the Bund which is a legendary landmark representing old and new Shanghai. Also, we take the second pretty drive (Electro mobile ride) under the Huangpu river tunnel. Later, proceed to the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower to marvel at the old and new aspect of the city while standing at the sky observation deck. Overnight in Shanghai.  

Today, we discover the Urban Planning Museum, Yu-Yuan garden as well as Jade Buddha Temple which is believed to be brought to the temple from Burma (Myanmar) by monks. We also visit the Pearl Factory. Later, in the evening, we participate in the Shanghai circus – an exciting acrobatic show. Overnight in Shanghai.

Morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, we visit Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak. We then take a Tram ride and head to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Later, freely shopping in Ladies Market. Overnight in Hong Kong.

Today, we visit Lantau Island. It is time to discover lush valleys, mountains and get spiritual enlightenment. Next, we head to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha sits close to the Po Lin Monastery. Also, visit Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery as well as the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall. We take a cable car to Tung Chung town from Ngong Ping Village. Overnight in Hong Kong.

Our last day will begin with a jetfoil to Macau. When we reach Macau, we take a city tour to the RuinsofSt.Paul’s Cathedral, A-Ma Temple, Penha Hill, and Barrier Gate. We admire the impressive view of Macau city and the Pearl River while standing at the Tower observation deck. Also, we head to one of the world’s famous Casino – The Venetian. Head back to Hong Kong and overnight.