FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2009
Contact
Hilari Graff at Strategic Vision
Tel: +1 914-881-9056/9020
hgraff@strategicvision.org
Imperial Tours Launches a New Promotion
Book a 2010 China Itinerary by September 15 and Enjoy 2009 prices
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 11, 2009) – For added luxury vacation value, Imperial Tours has launched a new promotion in which 2010 programs to China booked by Sept. 15, 2009 will be priced at 2009 rates. This promotion applies to all Imperial bookings of private customized programs as well as its portfolio of scheduled group departures. The offer is not retroactive to existing bookings.
“China is one of the most intriguing destinations in the world, and we hope this promotion will inspire travelers to plan a remarkable luxury journey with us,” said Guy Rubin, Managing Partner of Imperial Tours.
Below is a list of 2010 tour dates for Imperial Tours’ scheduled group departures:
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou and Shanghai
Dates: March 16 – 29, April 13 – 26, May 4 – 17, June 8 – 21, July 6 – 19,
August 10 – 23, September 14 – 27, October 12 – 25 and November 2 – 15
Price: $9,670 per person, double
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Shanghai
Dates: August 6 – 17
Price: $8,850 per adult and $5,770 per child (under 12) based on two adults and two children staying in a two-bedroom suite
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Shanghai
Dates: September 1 – 12
Price: $8,380 per person, double
Destinations: Chengdu, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Lhasa, Chengdu
Dates: October 20 – 29
Price: RMB67,120 per person, double (approximately $9,815 based on today’s exchange rate and subject to fluctuation)
Prices quoted above are the 2009 costs that would be applied to 2010 tours booked by Sept. 15. Departures of the scheduled tours are limited to 20 people. There is a six-person minimum for each group except the April, May, September and October departures of the 13-night Imperial Tour.
About Imperial Tours
Imperial Tours is the leading luxury tour operator based in China offering luxury set-departure and private tours, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. For the ultimate escorted journey in style, a local guide and a China-based Western host (both bi-lingual) accompany each group and private tour.
A testament to its unrivaled knowledge and experience in planning luxury customized programs to China, Imperial Tours has been awarded the distinction of a ‘top travel specialist’ by Condé Nast Traveler for the last two years and has been named to Travel + Leisure’s ‘A’ List of Super Agents from 2002 – 2008. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Frankfurt and the UK. For more information please call 888-888-1970 in the U.S. or 0845 1304090 in the U.K.
Note to Editors
High-resolution digital images of Imperial Tours/China are available upon request.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2009
Contact :
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
(888) 888-1970
margot@imperialtours.net
Moments to Remember Forever
Imperial Tours Introduces Its Unique Vision for Luxury Travel
SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. (July 30, 2009) – Imperial Tours announced today that it has branded its unique perspectives of China as “Imperial Moments.”
Imperial Tours’ “Imperial Moments” are special activities that allow travelers to experience China in exceptional ways that highlight the spirit of each destination. For example, the company does not simply take visitors to the Great Wall; rather, it caters a private banquet atop the ancient monument. With Imperial Tours, there are no 50-passenger tour boats down Guilin’s iconic Li River, but instead intimate bamboo rafts floating through rustic countryside. “Touring famous sites, staying in the best hotels, and dining in China’s top restaurants are just the beginning for our guests,” said Guy Rubin, Imperial Tours’ Managing Partner. “Imperial Moments are core to our guests’ experiences in China: they turn typical sightseeing on its head and provide memories that last a lifetime.”
The company boasts an array of “Imperial Moments” that range from playing table tennis with an Olympic gold medalist, to taking part in a traditional horse-racing festival on the Tibetan Plateau, to seeing sections of iconic sites that are not open to the general public. Guests can savor the same dishes served to President Nixon and the Dalai Lama in a private banquet prepared by Chairman Mao’s personal chef, or enjoy a variety of private performances and other cultural or educational experiences.
Imperial Tours’ small-group tour itineraries feature several “Imperial Moments.” Guests traveling privately can embellish their tour further in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, and Hong Kong and also at its more unique destinations such as Chengdu, Dunhuang, Huangshan, Lhasa, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Sanya, and Suzhou.
ABOUT IMPERIAL TOURS
Imperial Tours is the leading luxury tour operator based in China offering luxury set-departure and private tours, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Frankfurt and the UK. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call (888)888-1970.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2009
Contact :
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
(888)888-1970
margot@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours Announces New Tour: Unique Destinations of China
Luxury itinerary offers in-depth look at Southwestern China and Lhasa, Tibet
SAN FRANCISCO, Ca – (February 18, 2009) – Imperial Tours has introduced a new itinerary for luxury travelers interested in exploring the unique geography and minority cultures of Western China and the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The 10-day/9-night Unique Destinations Tour will depart from Chengdu on October 18 and continue to Lijiang, Shangri-la, and Lhasa. The itinerary includes the best accommodations in each city, all meals, domestic flights within China/Tibet, ground transportation, services of local guides and drivers, gratuities, airport/hotel taxes and personal concierge service from a bilingual Western China Host. Guests will enjoy experiences such as a visit to the Panda Research Institute and an exclusive, private horse-racing show in a Tibetan village.
"We are so excited to be offering these off-the-beaten track destinations in a small group tour setting," says Margot Kong, Director of Sales and Marketing at Imperial Tours. "This is a wonderful second trip to China for those who have already visited Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai."
ABOUT IMPERIAL TOURS
Imperial Tours is the leading luxury tour operator based in China offering luxury set-departure and private tours, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Frankfurt and the UK. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call (888)888-1970.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2009
Contact :
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
(888)888-1970
margot@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours Announces Services to Sanya
Experience luxury at China's only tropical resort
SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. (February 11, 2009) – Imperial Tours is now offering services on Hainan Island for the luxury traveler. Sanya is the southern-most city in China and also the favored retreat for luxury clients seeking sun and sand.
China's only seaside tropical resort is at the same latitude as Hawaii and only one hour's flight from Hong Kong. Once known as the "end of the earth", Hainan Island now boasts such resorts as Ritz- Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, and Banyan Tree. There are more than 30 direct flights to Sanya from other cities within China.
"Sanya is China's first beach resort catering to the high end leisure traveler, and opens up an entirely new arena of enjoyment for visitors here," said Guy Rubin, Imperial Tours' Managing Partner. "China already boasts a rich variety of cultural treasures and destinations, every bit as inspiring and breathtaking as the wonders of ancient Egypt and renaissance Italy. Now, from the lofty summits of the Himalayan Mountains in the west to the resplendent luxuriance of its sandy beaches to the south, China offers an increasingly diverse palette of experience for the luxury traveler."
Adds Margot Kong, Director of Sales and Marketing for Imperial Tours, "After a historically and culturally rich tour of mainland China, spending a few days on Sanya is a terrific way to relax and wind down, take in a spa treatment, surf or enjoy the white sand beaches."
ABOUT IMPERIAL TOURS
Imperial Tours is the leading luxury tour operator based in China offering luxury set-departure and private tours, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Frankfurt and the UK. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call (888)888-1970.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
Contact :
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
(888)888-1970
margot@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours Introduces Spanish-Language Itineraries for China
Luxury tours of China for the Latin American market
SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. (January 29, 2009) – Imperial Tours announced today that it will begin providing Spanish-language luxury tours of China, including a familiarization trip for Spanish-speaking travel agents.
The 12-day/11-night Majestic Tour will depart from Beijing on September 2 and continue to Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai. The itinerary includes 5 star accommodations, all meals at world-class restaurants, domestic flights within China, ground transportation, services of local guides and drivers, gratuities, port/hotel taxes and personal concierge service from a bilingual Western China Host. Guests will enjoy luxury experiences such as a private banquet on a secluded section of the Great Wall and exclusive access to a private palace within the Forbidden City. Other destinations offered on a private touring basis include: Suzhou, Dunhuang, Lhasa, Huangshan, Chengdu, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Sanya and Hong Kong.
"We are so pleased that now, in addition to providing private tours to the affluent Latin American market, we are also able to offer small group tours," said Margot Kong, Imperial Tours' Director of Sales and Marketing.
Specializing in luxury private tours and small group tours, Imperial Tours is one of the few tour operators to offer websites in English, Spanish, German, and French. Literature in Spanish is available by request.
ABOUT IMPERIAL TOURS
Imperial Tours is the leading luxury tour operator based in China offering luxury set-departure and private tours, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Frankfurt and the UK. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call (888)888-1970.
By Sam Braybon, Imperial Tours' Itinerary Consultant
Those looking for a family friendly vacation will be surprised to be introduced to China as a destination of choice. Many do not know how friendly the land of Confucius is to children, but those willing to venture here will find that the Middle Kingdom offers plenty to entertain and amaze kids and adults alike.
The panda bear has come to symbolize China and catching a glimpse of these magnificent creatures is a priority for many families. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base just outside the city of Chengdu, housing more than 60 pandas of all ages, is the place for this. Much more than a zoo, the center includes an exhibition on efforts to protect this endangered species from extinction – more than one hundred panda cubs have been born here since 1987. For the ultimate souvenir, perfect for taking back to show classmates, kids can hold a baby panda and take photos with it. For those who would like to learn more, Imperial Tours can arrange for you and your family to spend some time with the panda keepers, preparing food, feeding the animals and maintaining their enclosures.
Performances are something that families can enjoy together. Imperial Tours can arrange a puppet show of ancient Chinese stories that will captivate kids – afterwards they'll be able to try the puppets, creating their own story. For something on a grander scale, what could be a better setting than the Great Wall of China for a stunning Kung Fu show performed by a troupe of Shaolin Warriors?
Traditional Chinese arts and crafts are often vivid and lots of fun -a great way to get kids acquainted with hundreds of years of culture and history in a truly interactive way. Those who don't mind getting their hands dirty will enjoy a ceramic making class in the workshop at Guilin's Hotel of Modern Art – one of the best facilities of its kind in Asia. Back In Beijing, kids can visit a master kite maker and learn from him before flying their creations in one of the city's beautiful parks or squares.
Since historic sites can seem uninteresting to children, Imperial Tours provides children with an activity book which brings these sites to life: the Shanghai Museum becomes the scene of a scavenger hunt amongst ancient jade carvings and Buddhist statues; the Terracotta Warriors provides a springboard for the creation of a time capsule. Puzzles and games with Chinese themes while away the time on plane and car journeys. A section introducing some basics of the Chinese language mean your children will be able to help out with that all important bargaining during trips to local bazaars.
China also offers plenty of activities for those with higher energy levels. Xi'an is one of the only cities in China which with a city wall that remains completely intact. This wall is wider than the Great Wall itself – kids will love riding bicycles along the top of this structure whilst the city flies by beneath them. Everyone knows that China can be incredibly crowded – but escaping the large cities gives kids the chance to experience a totally different side of the country. Destinations like Lijiang and Shangri-la in Yunnan province are blessed with striking mountainous landscapes, temperate climates and huge open spaces. This is the perfect environment for some horse and/or bicycle rides.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of exploring China is the chance for visitors to compare the lives of children in China to their own. One consequence of the one-child policy has been that parents putting pressure on kids to achieve good academic results. Families might be interested to visit Shanghai's Children's Palace where, outside school hours, kids participate in extra-curricular activities such as foreign languages and musical instrument classes.
For an altogether different experience, and an eye-opening look at the contrasts of 21 st century China, Imperial Tours can arrange for visits to schools that we have become involved with as part of our corporate social responsibility program in more rural areas such as Guilin or Lijiang. Whilst development has been rapid in the last twenty years, educational facilities in many parts of this diverse nation remain basic. Slogans, such as 'Girls and Boys Must Receive Equal Education', painted on village walls provide a fascinating window into an era of China's recent history that has largely been erased in more prosperous quarters.
This article has introduced some of the diverse and absorbing experiences that can be incorporated into a tour of China. On leaving their enjoyable vacation, families will have enjoyed the unimaginable diversity and cultural wealth of China. At the same time, they will have introduced their young ones to a country and culture that will play an increasingly prominent role in their children's future.
©August 2008, Imperial Tours
reported by Debbie Mason
Book now, avoid Olympian challenge later
Three decades ago, the word "luxury" was a six-letter word that in China could land you in jail-or at best in the deep, dark countryside for a dose of "re-education" in a paddy field or wheat mill. Just 30 years after late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping kick-started economic reforms to save the flailing Communist giant, moneyed Beijingers whose grandparents would have been garbed in drab blue Mao suits now shop at Gucci and Chanel.
The one-storey shacks that so recently housed entire families are now either museum pieces or razed to the ground, having made way for gated villa complexes, glitzy western-style shopping malls and towering serviced apartments. So is this it? Is Beijing really up there with the best of the world's culture capitals?
It's doing its best, and it'll do just fine for the Olympics. But it's not quite there yet, says Guy Rubin, managing partner of Imperial Tours, which was founded eight years ago to cater to top-end tourists in Beijing.
"We have to have a bit of a reality check before we compare it to the other world cities," he says. "I don't think the facilities are quite like you get in London, New York and Paris. That's over-stating it. But on the other hand, I think there's a lot more here than the average American or British traveler would expect."
It certainly seems there's no shortage of luxury options for those wanting to experience the Beijing Olympics in style.
Under guidelines set by the Beijing Tourism Bureau, which says it expects 1.5 million tourists for the Games, five-star rooms should be in the region of $380 per night, $300 for four-star. Hotels are, in fact, so confident of filling their rooms, they're ignoring these pointers and charging up to 10 times that. In response, the Bureau says its responsibility stops at supervising quality, and it cannot – or will not – interfere with individual hotels' pricing policies. And despite the hikes, the rooms are going fast.
The 305-room, five-star Ritz-Carlton Beijing, the second in the city, opened just a month ago. "We were sold out for the Olympics a year before we opened," says director of communications Kaarin Lindsay. "And all the bookings are for a minimum of 14 nights." Many of the top-end hotels, such as the Hilton, the Regent Beijing and the Peninsula, a grand, marble-foyered hotel just off the most famous shopping street in the Chinese capital, Wangfujing, are telling similar stories.
But Beijing does have 120 top-grade hotels, according to the Tourism Bureau. Many of their rooms have been snapped up by tour companies, so if rooms are not available from the hotels themselves, most will still be in the sticky hands of the agents-but not for much longer.
The China World Hotel was the recent choice of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his visit to Beijing. It offers everything a first-class traveler would want, with the advantage of a great location right on top of one of Beijing's most glitzy brand-name shopping malls, and a short ride from the embassy district with its accompanying restaurants and nightlife.
The quiet but central Spring Garden Courtyard offers luxury rooms positioned around a central courtyard, each styled according to a particular Chinese emperor or dynasty. English is not the best at this hotel, but sign language and smiles work wonders and when it comes to booking rooms. There are more than 100 photographs of historic Beijing on show, among many other typical Chinese artifacts. The hotel is a four-star option, but it can make the China experience seem much more authentic.
When it comes to choosing accommodation, distance to the Games venues need not be a top priority. The Beijing Government has promised to control the traffic-and when it says it will control something, it usually does, even if it means banishing half of the car population from the roads during the Olympics. All venues should be within half an hour's drive from most hotels, even if you're staying at the Kempinski-run Commune by the Great Wall, which, as its name suggests, provides guests with a panoramic view of China's most famous monument (the property is about half and hour north of Beijing by expressway).
Tickets
Contrary to rumors, tickets are still available for all events-in Beijing, anyway. The safest bet is to go through the official ticketing websites.
Though their prices are different, each ticketing site claims to have tickets for the much-hyped opening ceremony, which will be choreographed by film director (and national treasure) Zhang Yimou (of House of Flying Daggers fame). The websites pledge to deliver tickets to any address at least two weeks before the Games are scheduled to start, and each purchase is given a tracking and booking reference. According to Feng Qihua at the international press center in Beijing, tickets for the first week will almost certainly be available for some events even after the Games have opened.
"If there are any left, they will of course be on sale at the events," she says.
The best way to a worry-free Beijing 2008 may be to go for one of the many attractive packages on offer. Most offer a couple of events and at least one day's sightseeing, and start from around $4,000. Many are much, much more expensive.
The offers, however pricey they get, won't be available for long. "There aren't many cities that can sustain two Ritz-Carltons," says Kaarin Lindsay. "And regardless of the Olympics, we would have opened two in Beijing because we believe Beijing can sustain them. What happens after the Olympics is of no concern to us."
Guy Rubin agrees. "Beijing's about to change hugely," he says. "It's not New York yet, but it's going to really start pushing for it. There are a lot of things in the pipeline that haven't even started yet."
See our slideshow of Beijing's hottest hotels before, during and after the Olympic Games.
©Feb 2008 Forbes Magazine
40 trips of a lifetime
You can delve deeper into an unfamiliar culture when you're able to gain access to places, events, and people that are normally off-limits. Below are 40 examples of such extraordinary experienced worldwide, ranging in price from $80 to $12,000? Because of their nature, these opportunities are subject to change and even cancellation. Not all are available every day, some only in limited quantities, and most cannot be booked á la carte but only as part of a larger itinerary. This list is not exhaustive, either: the very act of publicizing some rare experiences offered by the most well-connected travel forms would burn the bridges that make them possible.(Prices quoted are estimates for two people and include just the elements listed.)
Reported by Kathryn Maier and Brook Wilkinson
CHINA The Emperor's Bedroom
Take a tour of Chonghuagong-Qing dynasty emperor Qianlong's private chambers within Beijing's Forbidden City, which are normally closed to the public. The emperor, who ruled from 1735 to 1796, was known for his literary prowess, and his calligraphy adorning the walls is of particular interest.(He was also a major patron of the arts, commissioning a 36,000-volume catalog of every important work in Chinese culture.) You'll see fine examples of imperial jade, ceramics, and rosewood furniture. Cost $500. Source: Guy Rubin, Imperial Tours, San Francisco (888-888-1970; imperialtours.net).
Saddle Up In Gyalthang take your position on horseback among racing champs, heroes in this horse-dependent culture. Watch as they perform tricks-such as sliding down the side of the galloping horse to pick up a ceremonial scarf-in a festival timed to your summer arrival, and participate in race down the valley if you dare. Cost $700. Source: Guy Rubin (see China).
© Nov 2007 Condé Nast Traveler
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2007
Media Contacts:
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
888-888-1970
web_inquiry@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours offers Shanghai Boutique Hotels for Private Tours
San Francisco, Calif. – Luxury travelers visiting Shanghai now have a great number of hotel options. In October, Imperial Tours will expand the choices of hotels for its private tour clients to include not only the Grand Hyatt and the Four Seasons but also the new boutique hotels Jia Shanghai and the Mansion Hotel.
The contemporary Jia Shanghai, housed in a former apartment building, is located on the bustling Nanjing Road. Its 55 rooms are well designed and laid out. The chic, hip rooms – all with fully equipped kitchenettes – start at 377+ square feet for a studio and go up to 1292+ square feet for a penthouse suite.
Situated on a tree-lined street in the heart of the French Concession, the Mansion Hotel occupies a five story former French manor. The building was designed by French architect Lafayette in 1932, a period when Shanghai – swinging to the tunes of Russian émigré dance and jazz bands – was one of the wealthiest sea ports in the world. This palatial residence was originally commissioned by Jin Ting Sun, a cohort of the infamous Shanghai gangster Big Eared Du. Nationalized by the Communist government after the revolution, the property was entrusted to Chinese hotelier Dr. Dean Yin, one of the key movers behind the highly successful Xintiandi project, to become the flagship property for a series of City Heritage hotels in major destination cities. Dr. Yin gutted and reconstructed the insides of the mansion so that it is able to provide the amenities and services that luxury guests would expect from a modern heritage boutique hotel.
Each room in the Mansion Hotel – boasting high ceilings, a four poster feather bed and Jacuzzi tub – is decorated with Art Deco furniture and vintage antiques. Despite the classic charm, the rooms are also high-tech with 42" flat screen TVs, CD/radio system and Bose/Ipod sound docks. Imperial Tours' guests will receive complimentary champagne upon check-in and a one hour massage.
"For our clients who would prefer not to stay at a large international chain hotel, we can now suggest two charming boutique hotels in Shanghai," said Imperial Tours' Managing Partner Nancy Kim. "Though there may well be some service issues at these smaller properties in the near term, those who want old world style will enjoy The Mansion, while those who want a much more contemporary setting will prefer Jia."
About Imperial Tours
Imperial Tours offers luxury set-departure and private tours of China, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded in 1999, Imperial Tours operates out of Beijing, China; San Francisco, California; and Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call 888-888-1970.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2007
Media Contacts:
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
888-888-1970
web_inquiry@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours Provides Exclusive Activities in Hong Kong
San Francisco, Calif. – Imperial Tours is now able to offer a multitude of unique, exclusive experiences to its guests in Hong Kong. Visitors may participate in private activities only otherwise available to those "in the know," from a historical walking tour of the city to high tea with a fortune teller.
Special activities include:
Diplomatic Channel
The VIP treatment begins as guests deplane from their international flight. An airport official will meet weary travelers as they come off the jet bridge. They are whisked through the diplomatic channel without having to wait in long lines for customs and immigration. Then, a driver from the Peninsula Hotel meets guests and delivers them to the hotel in one of their ultra-luxurious Phantom Rolls-Royces.
Helicopter Tour
Imperial Tours can arrange for a helicopter tour of the city, providing stunning views of Hong Kong's dizzying skyline and the waters off Repulse Bay.
Personal Shopper
Aside from being a financial and commercial hub, Hong Kong is also a Mecca for serious shoppers. For those who want to take their shopping up a notch, why not hire a professional shopper? Choose from a networking of ex-pats who have lived in Hong Kong for decades and are truly passionate about shopping. Depending on specific interests, they can direct shoppers to the best and most reputable places for antiques, tailoring, custom jewelry, jade and porcelain, furniture, clothing, decorative items, leather goods and eyewear.
Fortune Teller
Take a break from shopping and sightseeing by having High Tea at the Peninsula with a Feng Shui and I-Ching master. This fortune teller will give a "Destiny Reading" based on one's date and place of birth. Alternatively, guests may bring along their architectural plans and the master will provide Feng Shui consulting.
Cooking Lesson
Food aficionados can take a private dim sum making lesson at the Peninsula Hotel. This experience is not only fun, but also instructive and will be followed by one of the best dim sum lunches anywhere in the world.
Art Expert
For serious art collectors, Imperial Tours – through its connection to Sotheby's – can arrange introductions to private collections and top tier dealers. Whether the interest lays in contemporary art, ceramics, or general antiques, access to these connections lends legitimacy to one's art purchases.
Breakfast at Tiffanys
Imperial Tours has the ability to open up the Tiffany store prior to its opening to the general public. Guests can enjoy a private breakfast and then have the store to themselves for an exclusive shopping spree. This can also be arranged at Prada and Chanel.
"There are so many amazing sightseeing, shopping and dining possibilities in Hong Kong," said Imperial Tours Managing Partner Nancy Kim. "Our company's aim is to help guests weed through the countless options and choose the best and most unique activities available. Hong Kong makes an excellent addition to any private tour to mainland China."
About Imperial Tours
Imperial Tours offers luxury set-departure and private tours of China, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded in 1999, Imperial Tours operates out of Beijing, China; San Francisco, California; and Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call 888-888-1970.
