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The Shoton Festival is the most important festival in Tibet. It is also called the "Tibetan Opera Festival" or "Buddha Exhibition Festival." Originally, it was purely a religious festival but it has developed to have a much wider traditional meaning. This festival begins at Drepung Monastery to seeing Tangka, then moves to Norbulinka for Tibetan opera. This Tibet tour displays Tibet’s deep religious traditions and colorful festival lifestyle. Other highlights include 4 nights in Beijing and a 3 night private tour in Shanghai
Day 1 Home City - Beijing
Your journey begins with your transpacific flight. Move your watch a day ahead as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing - the political and cultural centre of the world's most populous nation. You will be met by your friendly guide and transfer to a 5-star hotel.
Day 3 Beijing
Embark on a full day City Tour to Tian An Men Square, the largest public plaza in the world and the Forbidden City which houses numerous priceless treasures. Two-dozen Emperors lived here between the 15th to the early 20th century. Visit the exquisitely beautiful Summer Palace and enjoy Peking Opera in the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Beijing
On this daylong excursion, you will walk the mighty Great Wall. It is the only man-made structure visible from the moon - stretching across China for 4000 miles. En route, you will also visit the ancient Changling of Ming Tombs with Sacred Way, as well as the Jade stone carving factory. (B/L)
Day 5 Beijing
Explore the Temple of Heaven, witness local people doing Taiji and visit the Pearl work shop. Enjoy the Hutong Tour by pedi-cab through the ancient residential areas. A delicious Peking Duck Dinner is planned. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Beijing – Lhasa
Morning flight to Lhasa. Traditionally, the city is the seat of the Dalai Lama,the capital of Tibet and literally means "place of the gods". Meet your local guide and transfer to hotel Overnight at Tibet Trader Hotel, which is near Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery. (B)
Day 7 Lhasa
Tour Potala Palace, once the home of the Dalai Lama and world famous for its devotional atmosphere, and splendid artworks. You will also visit Sera Monastery, one of the three largest monasteries of Gelugpa. Explore the surrounding market Barkhour Street, where vendors carry items unique to Tibetan culture. Watch the pilgrims, as they circle clockwise around Jokhang Temple with prayer wheels. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Lhasa - Damhung
After breakfast, drive to Damhung via Yangbajin. Overnight at Damhung Guesthouse, or the tent which borders along the lake. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Damhung - Lhasa
This morning, visit Namtso Lake, which can only be described as pure heaven. Clear skies join the surface of the lake in the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista. It has been said that the soul of every visitor who has ever been here seems to be cleansed by the pure lake water. You will be driven back to Lhasa this evening and overnight at the Tibet Trader Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 10 Lhasa
Attend the Shoton Festival and soak up some Tibetan culture. Enjoy a visit to Norbulingka Palace, the “summer palace” of the Dalai Lamas. Farewell Dinner at Snow Restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Lhasa - Shanghai
Transfer to airport and fly to Shanghai. Shanghai is known as the legendary seaport and citadel of China's modern economy. Immerse yourself into the city's mix of ancient and modern influences. You will be met and transferred to your 4 or 5-star hotel (B)
Day 12 Shanghai
Prepare to be amazed as you enjoy the aerial view of the city when you climb the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Visit the white jade statues at the Jade Buddha Temple, the classsical Yu Yuan Garden and the historic Bund waterfront. We highly recommend that you take in the optional Acrobatic Show or night cruise on the Huangpu River in the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Suzhou Day Trip
Join a full-day coach tour of Suzhou, Venice of the East. You'll visit Tiger Hill, Han Shan Temple, the exquisite Master of Nets Garden, a silk factory, and the Embroidery Institute. Return to Shanghai's city centre by coach, driving along Suzhou's Grand Canal. Take some time to explore on your own, then hail a cab back to your hotel (roughly CAD 5 one way). (B/L)
Day 14 Shanghai
Bid farewell to Shanghai as you fly home. (B)
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