Many fans of Rick Steves Europe Tours compare us to Rick Steves in that both companies emphasize the importance of guide service, promote small-group travel and packing light. In addition, some of our tour participants who have been on Rick Steves Europe tours like to say that our food is as good as they had on Rick Steves Europe tours, if not better.
Although we have never been on any of Rick Steves’ Europe tours, we feel the comparison shouldn’t do us any harm considering that Rick Steves Europe Tours draw a loyal following among high-income earners who value culture and history.
Founded in 1998, Laurus Travel specializes in premium small-group travel to Asia with a focus on China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for exceptional service, our 27-year legacy is built on a foundation of trust and excellence. With competitive pricing and a dedication to exceeding expectations, we guarantee that every adventure with Laurus Travel is a soul-stirring journey of discovery and delight. [more about Laurus Travel]
Rick Steves doesn’t have trips to China, but Laurus Travel does and we have lots of them. Before checking out our China tours packages, why not have a look at what our customers have to say about their China travel experiences with Laurus Travel…
Recommended China Tour Itinerary
14-day Essential China Luxury Tour
| AWESOME is how I would describe my 14 day Essential China Tour. Tour content, accommodations, meals, & domestic travel all met high standards.
Heather, you run a first class organization. Your representatives – Jacob, Elaine, Paul, David, Alex – were very professional, well informed, congenial & engaged, providing extraordinary service & engagement throughout the trip. Also, internal support staff – Yuki, Adrianne – were very helpful. Despite this being my first experience with Laurus, I can comfortably recommend you to friends & colleagues & would confidently consider Laurus first in my future travels. A sincere thank you, Paul D |
Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong
Embark on a journey of opulence and discovery with this luxury China tour, meticulously crafted to redefine your travel experience. On this tour you’ll immerse yourself in the grandeur of China’s rich cultural tapestry while indulging in the epitome of luxury and comfort.
This fast-paced luxury China tour is a perfect choice for the time-pressed looking for a well-rounded introduction to both the traditional and modern China. Trip highlights include the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Terracotta Army, and a day cruise on the picturesque Li River in Guilin.
Important Features
- Outstanding guides handpicked by company owners.
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 20.
- Inter-city travel by high-speed train except for one city pair.
- Luxury hotel accommodations.
- Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in all hotels.
- Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car rides.
- No annoying forced shopping of any kind.
Options Available:
2-day pre-tour Yellow Mountain extension | Peking Opera show with dinner in Beijing | Tang Dynasty cultural show with dinner in Xi’an | Half-day immersive tea farm visit in Guilin
TOUR ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Mon: Departure for Shanghai
Begin your journey from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day after crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your driver for the private transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.
Day 3/Wed: Exploring Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population close to 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a dynamic hub of global trade and cultural exchange. The city delights visitors from around the world with its futuristic skyline and historical landmarks.
We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple located in an old neighbourhood. We then walk the famous Bund – a waterfront promenade with a riveting history.
After lunch, we stroll the historical People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club first established in 1850, the park and the square are surrounded by world-class museums and shops, which attract millions of visitors each year.
We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.
Day 4/Thu: Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Free day to explore on your own.
If you are interested in art and history, Shanghai Museum would be a great place to spend half a day. This museum houses a huge collection of precious national treasures. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market (high-end tailor shops) are also recommended.
Optional Suzhou Day Tour
After breakfast we ride the high-speed train (30-40 minutes) to Suzhou, an ancient city most famous for its gardens, ancient canals and silk industry. In the late 13th century a Venetian named Marco Polo visited Suzhou and was very impressed by what he saw. He vividly described the prosperous silk industry and dubbed Suzhou “Venice of the East” due to the small waterways crisscrossing the city.
Our full-day schedule takes in the historic Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden, North Pagoda, a short canal cruise. We return to Shanghai by train in the afternoon.
The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.
Day 5/Fri: High-Speed Train to Beijing (B)
After breakfast, we travel to Beijing by high-speed train (G10, 10:00/14:26). Travelling at 350 km/h, this is the fastest passenger rail service in the world. Lunch is not included but hot food and all kinds of beverages are available for purchase on the train.
