Day One Shanghai will take your breath away. Since the early 80's this city has been growing like no other, the Pudong waterfront becoming as emblematic of economic prowess as that of Manhattan or Hong Kong. Last century considered to be the most Western of Chinese cities, Shanghai, should perhaps now be thought of as its most futuristic. Before dinner, you will have a chance to walk or drive along the Bund, taking in some of the loveliest buildings in the city. (Park Hyatt) (B, L, D)
Day Two [Optional – Alternatively, we can arrange a tour elucidating Jewish history in Shanghai; from the Iraqi Sephardi Jews, who traded opium between Bombay and Shanghai in the 1880’s, to the European Ashkenazi’s for whom Shanghai was the only refuge in the Holocaust, Shanghai has long had an intimate relationship with Jewish people. This is a story that can be told on site visiting Shanghai’s remaining synagogues, Jewish areas and great mansions.] En route to lunch, we will travel along sycamore-lined boulevards into the heart of the French Concession. This section of the “Paris of the Orient” now hosts many arts-based businesses and art galleries that we can visit if you so desire. The afternoon will be spent discovering some of Shanghai’s great shopping treasures. This might include a contemporary ceramics shop, the studio of a woman who designs cashmere handbags for Harrods or a fantastic Tibetan carpet shop. After dinner at one of the city’s best new restaurants, you will be taken to witness the marvelous stunts of the Acrobatic Show. (B, L, D) [Optional– If you’re interested in learning the secrets to preparing a perfect Chinese meal, we can arrange for a cooking lesson inside of an old French Concession home. Here you will learn to prepare dishes that one would eat in a typical Shanghainese home.]
Day Three [Optional – Should you wish, we can also arrange a private dinner – catered by Jean Georges – inside the cupola of an Art Deco building on the Bund with a magnificent view over the harbor. This set-menu meal will be designed and catered by Jean Georges.] Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch Dinner. City tours are arranged on a private basis only. Visitors interested in a group tour of China, should view our frequent Imperial Tour itinerary. The above is a sample itinerary for Shanghai. All private tour itineraries can be modified to meet your travel schedule and specific interests. |