europe in china

STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR

Europe in China

Of epic proportions and with a tumultuous but fascinating history, China is an unfathomable land of contrast and diversity. Now once again a major player on the global stage and increasingly accessible to outside visitors

China | Sample Itinerary

Mandarin Journeys endorses and is endorsed by only the most high quality of partner companies, associations and labels. Below is a short list of some of the affiliations we are proud to claim.

Pedigree | Quality Matters

XO Private

With discerning travellers seeking a complete luxury lifestyle experience, the XO Private platform now comprises not only the finest accommodations around the globe, but also the most extraordinary experience operators, yachting and cruise operators, destination specialists, luxury lifestyle events and even the necessary must haves. The XO Private label is awarded to only the highest quality operators and hotels worldwide.

Family Travel Association

The Family Travel Association is bringing together the leaders in family and multigenerational travel to inspire families to travel and advocate travel be an essential part of every child’s education. All members have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and service. Our goal is to have the public, the media, travel agents, and the travel industry at large come to recognize and respect these members as leaders in their respective categories.

International Luxury Travel Market

Mandarin Journeys is a frequent guest company at the prestigious ILTM gatherings taking place around the world and connecting the elite travel planners and tour operators around the world. As VIP buyers at these invitation-only events taking place in Cannes (France), Shanghai (China) and Kyoto (Japan) we have access to the movers and shakers, top hoteliers and the very best experience providers in the world. As a result our clients get the best rates, personal service and care.

Other affiliations

Mandarin Journeys Asia

Welcome to Hong Kong, the former Asian hub of the British Empire and home to the founding member of China’s ‘One Country, Two Systems’ political policy. Upon arrival in Hong Kong International Airport you will be met by your private guide and transferred to your hotel.

Please familiarize yourself to your surroundings before your tour begins tomorrow.

Overnight in Hong Kong

International Arrival in Hong Kong| Day 1

The Meal Plan for Today

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Where to Stay: The Upper House Hong Kong


Today, experience a full day tour of the intertwined history between China and Britain in Hong Kong. First, dine at an authentic Bing Sutt. These retro restaurants are a journey into the past which offer east-meets-west fusion dining based on recipes of the 1950’s, when Western culture was first being adopted by Hong Kongers. Creative ingredients and a special Cantonese touch on western delicacies will make this quite the dining experience.

Afterwards, you will be made to look the part of a proper gentleman or lady, as you enjoy a custom suit or dress fitting at one of Hong Kong’s finest tailors. You will then tour the Hong Kong landmarks named after Queen Victoria: the shimmering Victoria Harbor and the stunning views from Victoria Peak. You may have lunch here, or head into town for the British-turned Hong Kong tradition of High Tea. In the evening, you will be booked a table at one of Hong Kong’s Finest Western Restaurants to complete your historic and cosmopolitan day. Return to your hotel to rest.


Hong Kong| Day 2



Where to Stay: The Upper HouseHong Kong


Today experience the glitz and glamour which makes Hong Kong feel so trendy and European. First, head with your guide to The Avenue of Stars, a boardwalk recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the Hong Kong screen and cinema. Your private guide will be sure to educate you on their career, and tabloid gossip! To complete the experience, visit the Hong Kong Film Archive. Here, you can explore exhibits, enjoy lectures on Hong Kong cinema, or screen a classic Hong Kong film. For lunch, enjoy ‘in the know’ venues frequented by celebrities to give yourselves one last brush with fame. Afterwards, your guide will drop you off at one of Hong Kong’s most posh shopping districts, so you can inhabit the lifestyle of these International Asian superstars. In the evening, let Hong Kong be the star of the show as you witness the Victoria Harbor Symphony of lights with a glass of champagne in hand.


Hong Kong| Day 3



Where to Stay: The Upper House Hong Kong


On your final day of touring Hong Kong, visit the Flag-Raising ceremony of Bauhinia Square. This historic site dedicates the return of Hong Kong from Britain to China. Afterwards, travel by private ferry with your guide to Macau. Colonized by Portugal in the 1600s, several ruins, fortresses, and churches highlight the vestiges of Macau’s past master. For a late lunch, enjoy a culinary reminder of this legacy on a tasting tour of the best Portuguese dishes and sweets within the former colony. After experiencing your foodie tour, go to your hotel to get acclimated and, why not, try your luck at the tables. For your evening tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner along one of Macau’s best beaches, before trying your luck at any of the several 5* casinos along the island.

We are happy to reserve you any evening shows that interest you. You will now have a finely tailored suit from Hong Kong to look the part of a high-roller.

Overnight in Macau

Hong Kong - Macau | Day 4



Where to Stay: The Banyan Tree Macau


In the late morning or early afternoon, you will transfer to Hong Kong international airport for your outbound flight to Shanghai. Shanghai has long been a melting pot for European travelers and different cultures, a rich characteristic that you will experience on your tours. Upon arrival in Shanghai you will receive a glamoroustour of Shanghai’s Bund and its many historicbuildings, which once served as trading houses or financial centers for European countries. Here, you will be treated to a luxurious meal with a beautiful view of the Huangpu River.

Overnight in Shanghai

Macau – Hong Kong - Shanghai | Day 5



Where to Stay: The Peninsula Shanghai


In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of The French Concession. The French concession was the longest-standing European trading area in Shanghai and reflects this history with beautiful churches, tree-lined streets and Art Deco architecture. Afterwards, visit the Jewish quarter of Shanghai. During World War II this historic section of Shanghai offered Jewish refugees a safe haven from persecution. You will tour with a local expert who will guide you through the hardships that Jewish refugees faced and how they found safe harbor in Shanghai. To conclude your tour, dine at one of the remaining tributes to French Culture in Shanghai, a stunning dinner for two at Mr. & Mrs. Bund.

Overnight in Shanghai

Shanghai| Day 6





Today, via High-Speed train, you will depart for Hangzhou (50 mins), once dubbed ‘the most beautiful city under heaven’ by legendary European explorer Marco Polo. With your guide, stroll the lake and visit the beautiful Lingyin Temple, followed by a visit to the Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled in the heart of the Longjing Tea Plantations. Enjoy Lunch at the Amanfuyan Resort, a wonderful and high-class setting inside the Lingyin Temple (payment locally). Afterwards return by Bullet Train to Shanghai. If you have any requests or aspirations, let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange activities to meet your needs. Overnight in Shanghai

Day trip to Hangzhou | Day 7





Today, via high-speed train, you will depart from Shanghai to Qingdao. As a settlement of The German Army from the 1800s to the early 1900s, this quaint costal city is unique for its connection to German heritage and architecture.

Upon arrival to Qingdao, you will be picked up by your private guide and taken to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the Tsingtao Brewery (started by German colonialists who felt home-sick) and the Tsingtao beer-street where you will dine on the fresh seafood from Qingdao’s seas and sample the local brew!

In the evening, return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation and free discovery.

Overnight in Qingdao

Shanghai – Qingdao| Day 8



Where to Stay: Stay at the best available hotel


Today, enjoy a full-day walking-tour of Qingdao’s many German buildings and cultural remnants. You will be able to explore the many cobble-stone alleyways and European stables which give Qingdao its unique European flavour. There are also several beaches (off the beaten path) worth exploring during your time here. (Qingdao was chosen as the host of the summer Olympic sailing events in 2008, for its beautiful coastline).

For dinner, dine at the best German restaurant in Qingdao. Here you will be able to dine on classic Germanic and Bavarian fare while sampling some of the best European imported beer in China.

Overnight in Qingdao

Qingdao | Day 9



Where to Stay: Stay at the best available hotel


In the morning, after breakfast, we will transfer you to Qingdao International Airport for your flight to Taiyuan. Here, enjoy a guided tour of Pingyao before the final component of your ‘Europe in China’ Adventure.

You will head to China’s top vineyard, located just outside of Taiyuan. Long considered the premier Vineyard in China, this chateau takes reservations by appointment only.

Upon arrival, you will have a Provencal feast prepared for you and paired with the Vineyard’s finest wines. Overnight in Taiyuan

Qingdao – Taiyuan – Vineyard | Day 10



Where to Stay: Jing’s Residence


Today you will enjoy a full day guided tour of the Vineyard property. You will be able to walk or cycle through expansive property as you watch vineyard employees carefully tend to and cultivate varietals. Along the way you will learn more about why investors are so optimistic on the future of wine in China.

After a sumptuous lunch in the traditional but modern Chateau, return to Taiyuan for your outbound flight to Beijing. From here, you may either continue your China adventure or depart, knowing you’ve received a taste of Europe in the Far East.

Taiyuan – Departure | Day 11



STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR

A customized top holiday experience is a considerable investment. We urge you to research our credentials and make sure we are the right agency for you before committing to a holiday. That will involve speaking to us of course, but also checking our references carefully.

Reviews | What clients say

MJ planned an excellent leisure trip for me to Japan and China in July-August 2014. The trip was 2 weeks and included all hotels, both long haul and short hall flights, trains, local transportation, dinner reservations each night, and full day guides in each city. Cities visited included Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The trip was planned and executed flawlessly. There was not one detail, reservation, travel arrangement that was miscommunicated or out of order. For this to occur on a two week, complex, international itinerary speaks volumes to the quality, reliability, and thoroughness of Marc and Mandarin Journeys. The guides in each city superb and highly knowledgeable re. the local sights, culture, languages, and transportation. Stayed in a older courtyard house/hotel in Beijing (Hans Royal Garden) and 300 year old Ryokan in Kyoto. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed. MJ even arranged vintage motorcycles with side cars as the transportation from central Beijing to a non touristy, less travelled part of the Great Wall. I highly recommend Mandarin Journeys for anyone that wants a non touristy,comprehensive trip to the Far East

Mr Steve Randich – CIO Finra, former CIO Citigroup

Our family recently used Mandarin Journeys for a 3-week/5 destinations trip to China and Thailand, and we highly recommend them. They were attentive and responsive during the planning process, which for us involved multiple changes along the way, and they helped us manage everything seamlessly. They designed a premium, customized program with activities suited to us and expert guides who completely enhanced the experience. And they were in touch throughout to ensure things went according to plan. They took the time to understand what wewere looking for and delivered beyond our expectations. I'm sure we will be "repeat" customers.

Mrs Mary Gerzema & John Gerzema – VP Global Media at The Estee Lauder Companies & NYT Bestselling Author

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