China Tour , April 9

ISTANBUL - BEIJING We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time (1 calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Beijing on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Our journey will continue throughout the night and we will spend the night on the aircraft. Upon our arrival in Beijing, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting at the airport and begin exploring this impressive city of Beijing, which showcases thousands of years of history and modern architecture together. During our panoramic city tour in Beijing, we first see from outside the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), which is considered one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and draws attention with its magnificent architecture. This magnificent structure, which has survived from the Qing Dynasty period to the present day, is considered one of the most impressive examples of traditional Chinese architecture.

BEIJING After breakfast, we begin an unforgettable journey of discovery into Beijing's thousands of years of history and cultural heritage. In our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square, we will explore this fascinating city where ancient Chinese culture and modern life intertwine. First, we visit Tiananmen Square, one of the most important symbols of both China and the world. Recognized as one of the world's largest squares, this impressive area serves as the heart of modern Chinese history and has witnessed numerous significant events. As we explore the expansive square and the monumental structures surrounding it, we will have the opportunity to closely witness China's recent history. Next, we visit the magnificent Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for centuries. One of the world's largest palace complexes, this extraordinary structure transports its visitors back in time with its splendid palaces, expansive courtyards, and impressive architecture. Bearing traces of China's rich imperial history at every corner, the Forbidden City is one of Beijing's most significant cultural heritage sites.

BEIJING – XI'AN After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and depart for our Great Wall & Juyong Pass & Jade Factory & Traditional Chinese Foot Massage Experience tour. Our first stop will be Juyongguan (Juyong) Pass, one of the best-preserved and most significant passes of the Great Wall. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forming a significant part of the massive defense system stretching approximately 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall was built and fortified over centuries by various dynasties. During our excursion along this unique structure stretching through mountains and valleys, we will closely experience the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. Next, we visit the Jade Factory, where we will discover China's millennia-old tradition of jade carving. Here we will examine precious jade artifacts and watch master craftsmen demonstrate traditional carving techniques. We then enjoy a special visit to learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine.

XI'AN After breakfast, we begin our pleasant journey to Xi'an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi'an City Wall & Muslim Quarter, one of the most significant legacies of Chinese history. Upon arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and recognized as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this unique site was built to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The magnificent underground army, consisting of thousands of soldiers, horses and war chariots hidden beneath the earth for approximately 2,200 years, showcases the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China. After our Terracotta Army visit, we explore the Clay Factory, where we will discover the traditional crafts of the region. Here, we learn about the construction techniques of the Terracotta soldiers while having the opportunity to explore the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. We then visit the City Wall, one of the most important symbols of Xi'an.

XI'AN – CHONGQING After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the train station. We depart from Xi'an to Chongqing by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Chongqing. Upon our arrival, we begin our enjoyable tour covering Hongya Cave & Ciqikou Ancient Town & Liziba Light Rail Station (Train wonder passing through a building). We first visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ciqikou Ancient Town), one of the significant areas that has preserved its historical texture to this day. This traditional area, which has a history of approximately one thousand years, brings the old China atmosphere to life with its stone-paved streets, historical structures, traditional tea houses, local shops and regional flavors. Once an important trade center, Ciqikou is one of the ideal points to closely experience Chongqing's traditional lifestyle culture. Then, we visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of the most interesting engineering wonders of Chongqing. At this world-famous spot, we will witness the light rail train passing through an apartment building.

CHONGQING – FENGHUANG After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete our checkout and transfer to the train station. We depart from Chongqing to Fenghuang Ancient Town by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we begin our exploration as part of our Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River Boat Tour & Thousand-Year-Old Wooden Houses & Traditional Chinese Culture Time Travel tour, one of China's most enchanting historic settlements. Upon arrival, we first explore the traditional Diaojiaolou (wooden stilted houses) area stretching along the river. These unique structures rising in harmony with the mountains and water are among the most important architectural examples of the Tujia and Miao culture of the region. We then take a walk through the historic streets, having the opportunity to closely experience the traditional shops, local handicrafts and Fenghuang's unique cultural fabric. Fenghuang Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved historic towns in China, offers its visitors a captivating atmosphere spanning from past to present with its traditional wooden houses, narrow stone-paved streets, historic bridges and unique views along the Tuojiang River.

FENGHUANG – ZHANGJIAJIE After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete our check-out and transfer to the train station. We depart from Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Zhangjiajie and head out to explore Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate Mountain) & Tianmen Cave & Glass Bridge, one of China's most impressive natural wonders. We ascend toward the summit aboard the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, which is considered one of the longest cable car lines in the world. Throughout the journey, we have the opportunity to take in panoramic views of Zhangjiajie's unique mountain scenery, deep valleys and majestic peaks rising above the clouds. Upon reaching the summit, we embark on a walk accompanied by the impressive landscapes shaped by thousands of years of natural formation. We visit Tianmen Cave (Tianmen Cave), one of the most important highlights of our tour. This unique natural formation, known as the "Heaven's Gate," with its massive opening within the mountain and impressive appearance, is considered one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena.

ZHANGJIAJIE After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our enchanting tour exploring the Avatar Mountains, one of China's most impressive natural heritage sites. Our tour covers Zhangjiajie National Park & Wulingyuan Nature Area & Bailong Elevator & Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain regions. We begin with entry to Wulingyuan Nature Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique region, famous for thousands of years of geological formations, majestic rock pillars rising through the mist and lush green forests, is home to some of China's most impressive scenery. During our tour, we will experience the Bailong Elevator (Bailong Elevator). As one of the world's tallest outdoor glass elevators, this impressive structure takes us to the mountain summit, offering the opportunity to admire the majestic rock formations surrounding us and the breathtaking views of the valley. Next, we explore the Yuanjiajie region. In this area that inspired the fantastical mountain scenery in the world-famous Avatar film, we visit the unique rock pillars rising toward the sky and impressive viewpoints.

ZHANGJIAJIE - SHANGHAI After breakfast, we transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport and fly to Shanghai on a domestic flight with a local airline. Upon arrival in Shanghai, one of China's most modern and cosmopolitan cities, we proceed to our Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town & Silk Factory & AP Plaza Shopping Tour program. Our first stop will be Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai's most captivating and best-preserved historical settlements. This unique settlement, with a history of approximately 1,700 years, is known as the "Venice of Shanghai" thanks to its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. The historic buildings lining the narrow stone streets, traditional houses adorned with wooden carvings and the tea houses by the water offer visitors a truly journey through time. The traditional boats gliding through the calm canals of the town, streets decorated with red lanterns and an atmosphere unchanged for centuries transform Zhujiajiao into a world completely different from Shanghai's modern skyline. As we cross the historic bridges, we will feel the traces of ancient Chinese life and have the opportunity to capture unique photographs of this fairy-tale town.

SHANGHAI - ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and begin our city tour covering Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund, some of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Our first stop is Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese garden art. This enchanting garden, built during the Ming Dynasty, offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds, and meticulously arranged landscaping. We enjoy our time at this unique site where we will closely explore classical Chinese garden architecture. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most important religious structures. This temple, named after the precious Buddha statues carved from a single piece of jade brought from Myanmar, is considered one of the most important Buddhist worship centers in the city. We will have the opportunity to discover the temple's impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping and lifestyle street.