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Our five nights at Guilin Ming Garden were great as well! It is certainly our favorite place in China. The apartment is remodeled, extremely clean and has a great view; having internet access is a nice touch and there is plenty of room for our entire family. After a long day of fun, it was relaxing to come home to delicious home cooked meals prepared by our nanny Mrs Huang.She made us feel right at home with her traditional Cantonese home cooked dinners: her normal dinner consist of soup, two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes; very much like the meals our Cantonese parents made for us when we were younger and the meals had brought back fond memories.
-Helen Lee
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2012 Uncle Louie Cuisine Tours

$2299.00 per adult & $1839.00 per child
2012 Uncle Louie Cuisine Tours

Kung-Pao Chicken, Pot Sticker, Hot Pot - You think you can find them only in a Chinese restaurant. But after this tour, you can purchase those food materials in any local grocery store and cook this popular Chinese cuisine at home.

Louie Yi, President of Lotus Travel, enjoys cooking as a hobby and for relaxation. When time allows, he loves to cook a whole table of food and invite his friends for dinner. Some of his friends, including manager of the Guangzhou White Swan Hotel, have recommended that Louie quit the travel business and open a restaurant.

With the Chinese Cuisine Heritage Tours departing US on two different dates, you will see a professional chef roast Peking Duck in Beijing, make Chinese dumplings in Xian, and have Chinese cooking class in Yangshuo. Contact us at louie@lotustours.net or 1-800-956-8873 to inquire about these tours!

Tour Overview
Tour Code: LY-HA12-0607
Trip Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Tour Price/Accommodations
Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Guangzhou
Departure Dates: June 7th, 2012 & June 22nd, 2012
Day 1 : US/Beijing
meals: N/A
Leave your city for Beijing today.
Day 2 : Beijing
meals: N/A
Arrive at the Beijing International Airport. Your private English-speaking guide and driver will take you to your hotel. Soak in your child's birth country while you adjust to your new time zone and surroundings.
Day 3 : Beijing
meals: B/L
Begin your day with a tour at the Forbidden City. Listed as a world heritage site in 1987, the Forbidden City contains the largest group of intact palace structures in the world. The palace is 720,000 square meters in size and contains 9,999 rooms, numerous pavilions, gardens and courtyards. Then visit the Tiananmen Square. Noted as the largest city square in the world, the square was initially designed for political rallies and important gala events. Today the square is flanked by the Forbidden City in the north, the Great Hall of the People in the west, Mao TseTung's Mausoleum in the south and the Museum of Chinese Revolution and the Museum of Chinese History in the east. After a bowl of fresh hot noodles for lunch, you will visit the major 2008 Olympic Venues including the National Stadiums - "Bird's Nest" and the National Aquatics Center - "Watercube" in the afternoon.
Day 4 : Beijing
meals: B/L/D
Begin your day with a tour at the Great Wall. Constructed more than 2,000 years ago by China's first emperor, the ancient wall is approximately 4,000 miles in length. Visit the Peking Duck Restaurant and see how the professional chef roasts Peking duck - Beijing's most famous dish, is traditionally served with Mandarin pancakes, and green onions for brushing on the hoisin sauce.Enjoy your Peking Duck dinner there.
Day 5 : Beijing/Xian
meals: B/L/D
This morning explore the fascinating Hutong neighborhoods. Beijing's oldest Hutongs (alleys) were constructed during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Your tour will take you through some of the best-preserved Hutong neighborhoods that represent the history, culture and lifestyle of old Beijing. After a special homemade lunch at a local residence in the Hutong Lane area, your family can learn to construct your own kites with professional instruction. In the afternoon, visit China's largest temple and altar-the Temple of Heaven, which is often depicted as the most recognizable symbol of China. Then relax and fly your handmade kites with the others at the Temple of Heaven. Early this evening, get onboard a luxury express train for your overnight journey to Xian.
Beijing/Xian Soft Sleeper Train T43 (9:36P/8:42A + 1 day) (Your tour guide has tickets)
Day 6 : Xian
meals: L
Arrive early this morning in China's ancient capital city of Xian. Known as ChangAn in ancient times, Xian was the capital city of China for 1,062 years (13 dynasties and 73 different emperors). Meet your local English-speaking tour guide and driver at the Xian Train Station Exit for transfer to the hotel. When you travel on top of the 950-year-old city wall on a bike you will be sure to enjoy the panoramic view. Built during the early Ming Dynasty with a core of mud and covered by three layers of bricks. Xian's city wall is the only city wall that remains intact in China today. Today you will try Chinese hot pot for your lunch, which is a fun way to eat as well as a wonderful treat. Visit the Tangbo Art Museum where you and your children will learn Chinese calligraphy and enjoy the opportunity to get some hands-on experience.
Day 7 : Xian/Hu County
meals: B/L/D
Embark on an amazing historical and cultural adventure today beginning with the exploration of the Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987. Created 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China's first emperor QinShiHuang, time and the elements have gradually worn away the vibrant painted details from the soldiers and horses to reveal their original earthy terracotta color. Learn how to make terracotta warriors in one local craft factory. Continue your trip to Hu County, which is famous for its peasant farmer artists who create vibrantly colored peasant paintings and intricate paper cutouts. Visit the local elementary school and have a 45-minutes class with the local children (Please remember to bring some gifts to the children for the school visit). Tonight you will have the rare opportunity to stay at a typical farmer's home to learn to make JiaoZi (traditional Chinese dumplings) and enjoy a home-made JiaoZi dinner there. After dinner, tonight you will have a dancing party with local farmers at the village grain-sunning ground.
Day 8 : Hu County/Xian/Chengdu
meals: B/D
Enjoy a rare glimpse into China's countryside living through a visit to the workshops and galleries where you can learn about the artist's special techniques, purchase artwork or paper cutouts and even try your hand at creating your own magnificent work of art. Visit the farmer's old village and you will be surprised by the huge difference between the old village and new village where you are staying.
You will be transferred to the Xian Airport for your flight to Chengdu at noon.
Xian/Chengdu HU7855 (2:15P/3:35P) (Your local guide has tickets)
Please meet your local guide and driver at the Chengdu airport exit for transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 : Chengdu/Guilin
meals: B/L
Go on an extraordinary journey to the Panda Breeding Research Base this morning. A professional panda caregiver will give a brief insight into panda research findings and everyone will have the rare opportunity to hold and hug a baby panda - something everyone in the family is sure to enjoy. After lunch, visit the Chengdu old town - JingLi Street.
Notes: When you tour the Panda Reserve Center, you will receive an introduction to panda research at the reserve followed by the opportunity to meet and hold a baby panda. Please note that the cost of holding the panda and taking a picture with one is an additional fee to the entry fee. The costs are USD185.00/per person for holding a baby panda. Although the Pandas are cute and adorable, they may inflict accidental injuries in their playful nature.
You will be transferred to the Chengdu Airport for your trip to Guilin at late afternoon.
Chengdu/Guilin CA4323 (7:50P/9:35P) (Your tour guide has tickets)
Meet your tour guide at the Guilin Airport exit for transfer to the hotel.
Day 10 : Guilin
meals: B/L
Visit the tea farm this morning and see this icon of Chinese culture in a new way. You will have Guilin Rice noodle for your lunch in one of the local famous rice noodle restaurant. More than 700 years ago, the Italian traveler, Marco Polo, introduced spaghetti to Italy, then to all western countries. After your Guilin Rice noodle lunch, you will understand why local people can have noodles every day, every meal. Explore the Reed Flute Caves in the afternoon as you enjoy the gorgeous views of beautiful backdrops created by the cool atmosphere and colorful lighting displays inside the caves as you pass by many fanciful shapes (don't forget to look for the Monkey King).
Day 11 : Guilin/Yangshuo
meals: B/L/D
After breakfast, embark on a Li River scenic cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. The landscape of Guilin is noted as the most stunning in China. With sparkling clear waters and magnificent green hills, you may even see fishermen fishing with their trained cormorant birds occasionally. Your children will be excited to watch water buffalos either grazing along the riverbanks or taking lazy afternoon swims. Tonight you will stay in Yangshuo.
Day 12 : Yangshuo/Guilin/Province
meals: B/L
Learn to make dishes of Kung-Pao chicken, Pot Sticker, and Egg Foo Yung in the local restaurant and enjoy your own cooked Chinese lunch. After the lunch, you will be transferred to the Guilin Airport for the capital city of your designated province for an orphanage visit. A Lotus Travel guide will sensitively and carefully assist your family as you embark on this most meaningful portion of your return trip. On this initial day of the city visit, stroll around the area and absorb the city and locale.
Day 13 : Province
meals: N/A
Your orphanage visitation typically includes a lunch meeting with the orphanage director and staff. If your family wishes to be in touch with the foster family, Lotus can also arrange a time for you to reunite if contact information is available. After lunch, you may wish to explore your child's finding site.
Day 14 : Province/Guangzhou
meals: N/A
This morning, have a 1/2 day city tour in the capital city of the province. After lunch, depart your province and travel to Guangzhou.
Day 15 : Guangzhou
meals: B/L/D
You will tour around Shamian Island: stopping at the medical clinic where adoption medical exams are conducted and visiting the photo shop where your child's visa photo was taken. In the afternoon, take another trip down memory lane when you visit the American Consulate. Your guide will then escort you to a local park where you can linger and relax while enjoying a story-time of traditional Chinese folktales to deepen your understanding of the rich cultural heritage of your child. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 16 : Guangzhou/U.S.
meals: B
Please meet your private English-speaking tour guide and driver at the hotel lobby and travel to the Guangzhou New Baiyun International Airport for your international flight back to the United States. Cross the International Dateline and arrive home on the same day.


Tour Prices:
$2299.00 per adult & $1839.00 per child 　 Booking Tour

Accommodations:
City Hotel Deluxe Class Superior Class
Beijing　. Novotel Peace Hotel N/A N/A
Xian　. Xian Titan Times Hotel N/A N/A
Xian　. County Farmer's House N/A N/A
Chengdu　. Tianfu Sunshine Hotel N/A N/A
Guilin　. Sheraton Guilin Hotel N/A N/A
Yangshuo　. Yangshuo New Western Street International Hotel N/A N/A
Guangzhou　. China Hotel N/A N/A

Hotel Information:
Hotel Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool Gym Safe Box Refrigerator Hair Dryer Kitchen
Novotel Peace Hotel   √     √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            
Xian Titan Times Hotel   √     √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            
County Farmer's House           √   √
N/A            
N/A            
Tianfu Sunshine Hotel     √   √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            
Sheraton Guilin Hotel     √   √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            
Yangshuo New Western Street International Hotel     √   √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            
China Hotel     √   √   √   √   √
N/A            
N/A            

Inclusions

  • Beijing/Xian soft sleeper train tickets.
  • Airfare of Xian/Chengdu/Guilin.
  • Airport/hotel/airport (or train station) transfer as listed on itinerary.
  • All listed sightseeing and tour programs with private English-speaking tour guide and private van or bus with driver.
  • Hotels and meals as stipulated on itinerary.
  • All prices are quoted in US Dollars and are subject to change without notice. Please check at time of booking.
  • All prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing a room (double occupancy). Single supplement applies for single travelers.

Exclusions

  • US/Beijing, Guangzhou/US international airfare. Please contact us for discount international airfare starting from your city.
  • Passport and/or China Visa Fees
  • Some meals
  • Tips to guides and drivers
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Orphanage visit filing fee
  • Side trips to the designated provinces on days of Day 12 - 14, and the airfare of Guilin - Province - Guangzhou which can be arranged with extra cost by Lotus.
  • The cost of holding the panda and taking a picture is additional to the entry fee. The costs are USD186.00/per person for holding a baby panda. Although the Pandas are cute and adorable, they may inflict accidental injuries in their playful nature.

Important Remarks

  • For different scheduled tour, please contact us for a price quote
  • A child has to be less than 12 years old to receive a discount.
  • Twin beds in China hotels, about 50 inches wide, are closer in width to the 54" double size beds in the U.S., and much wider than the 39 inches wide twin beds found in U.S. homes.
  • A soft sleeper train compartment is equipped with two bunk beds and sleeps four. If there are less than four people in your party, Lotus Travel highly recommends purchasing the extra seats in the compartment to ensure privacy.
  • If your itinerary states "free time" or "free day", no activities would be planned for you and your English-speaking tour guide and driver would not be present.
  • Lotus Travel highly recommends clients to purchase travel insurance. The Travel Plus Plan offered by the Travelex Insurance Company has excellent travel benefits and children 15 and under are free of charge when traveling with an adult.
  • A Chinese visa issued at the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles is good for 6 months. We recommend applying for travel visas at least two months before your departure. For detailed information, please visit the Web page at http://www.lotustours.net/promo/visas/index.shtml
  • Lotus Travel offers a very affordable cell phone rental package to help you stay in touch with families while in China. Please contact our cell phone rental specialist Theresa for more details.
  • A $500.00 per person non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
  • Balance is due 60 days before departure.

Notes:

  • B = Breakfast, L = Chinese Lunch, D = Chinese Dinner
  • AA = American Airlines, CA= Air China, MU=China Eastern Airlines
  • CX = Cathay Pacific Airways, CZ=China Southern Airline
Note: Customer Commitment - Each Lotus agent is committed to respond to each email with an acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours. If you do not receive email acknowledgement within 1 business day, please check your spam box for our agents'response e-mail or send your notice to iris@lotustours.net or call 1-800-956-8873.
To review full listing of terms and conditions, refer to: http://www.lotustours.net/info/terms.shtml
Lotus Travel, Inc. 5990 158th Ave., SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 1-800-956-8873

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