Day One
Upon arrival at Beijing's Capital International Airport, you will be met at the gate by airport VIP staff who will lead you through immigration, baggage claim and customs. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Treat yourself to a swim or spa treatment, take a stroll in the local neighborhood, or dine at one of our recommended restaurants (Raffles Hotel – Landmark Room).
Day Two
This morning we take you to one of ancient China's most sacred sites, the majestic Temple of Heaven. The afternoon's activities contrast colossal monuments of the past and present. After strolling across the impressive Tiananmen Square, an authoritative symbol of today's China, you will by awed by the majesty of the magnificent Forbidden City (as in Bertolucci's film "The Last Emperor"). Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's private quarters, normally closed to the general public. (Please note that access to this site is controlled by local authorities, who may deny access on occasion. (B, L, D)
Day Three
Today you will visit the Great Wall which has fascinated generations of travelers. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon saw it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. Spanning from the Gobi desert in the west to the Bohai Gulf in the east, it reaches as far back in time as the seventh century BCE and is being projected forwards as one of China's proudest symbols for the 2008 Olympics. While the utility and meaning of this defense mechanism has been contested by centuries of diplomats and invaders, its unprecedented scale will astonish you and its unexpected beauty will inspire you. You will be treated to a private banquet on the wall itself (weather permitting). (B, L, D)
Day Four 
We begin with a pedicab tour through Beijing's historic alleyways (or hutong ). During this you will be afforded an insight into the everyday life of Beijingers. The hutongs ' intimacy contrasts with the poetic expanses you will see at our afternoon visit to the Summer Palace, a retreat built exclusively for the Dowager Empress Cixi. Its ornate temples, pavilions, and covered corridors, set amidst a graceful landscape, epitomize the refinement of this powerful matriarch. This evening's dinner perpetuates this sense of grace, leaving you with a wonderful memory of this Northern capital. (B, L, D)
Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.
The above itinerary is based on what past guests have generally enjoyed on a short visit to Beijing. No two guests are the same and while one might love to see the pandas at Beijing Zoo, another might prefer to hear a private lecture on Chinese literature in an elegant tea house. Please tell us your interests and we will customize an itinerary to suit. Guests who prefer to see more and rest less or who have more time to spend in Beijing, might choose to also visit the iconic Hutong neighborhoods, 798 Contemporary Art District, Lama and Confucius Temples, the West Qing Tombs or the East Qing Tombs. Note that these are only several of the additional sites in Beijing – you really could spend a couple of weeks here alone!
City tours are arranged on a private basis only. Visitors interested in a small-group tour of China, should view our frequent Imperial Tour itinerary.
