Great Dynasties of Asia

Thailand, China & India

 

Explore the rise and fall of Asia’s influential empires – and the architectural wonders they left behind – on a journey through Delhi, Agra, Bangkok and Beijing. Spectacular palaces, tombs, forts and artistic treasures tell the stories of powerful rulers and philosophies that reigned for thousands of years. And don’t forget the revolutionaries, like Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman Mao, who fought to end imperialism and usher in a new era for the people.

Days 1/2/3 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, where you are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel. India’s capital and political hub is a showcase of architecture, religious relics and culture that reveal its rich past while retaining a cosmopolitan flavor. While here, you’ll spend two full days exploring the wonderful legacies of Muslim and British Empires, while experiencing the incredible contrasts that define modern life in India. Your luxury hotel offers spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, amenities such as a spa and fitness center, and close proximity to New Delhi’s shopping areas and important landmarks.

Your guide will lead you through the heart of Old Delhi, recounting thousands of years of legends and anecdotes as you navigate winding streets crowded with artisans’ shops and rickshaws. Feel the tranquility of a Jain temple, see the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia. In New Delhi, stately government buildings and monuments like India Gate and the Presidential Palace reflect the might of the British Empire and India’s freedom from imperialism, while the 12th century tower, Qutub Minar, is a graceful tribute to the country’s first Muslim ruler. Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, a forerunner of Mughal architecture, and the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and his legendary fight for Indian independence. THE LALIT. (Meals Aloft; B)

Days 4/5 - Delhi/Agra
Drive to ancient Agra, on the bank of the Yamuna River. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the city’s eclectic architecture, evidence of its glorious past. Next day, tour the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was home to six great Mughal rulers and housed the largest state treasury and mint. The red sandstone complex stretches more than a mile wide and is notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. Continue on to the iconic Taj Mahal – built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; this architectural wonder is also the ultimate tribute to love. ITC MUGHAL. (B)

Day 6 - Agra/Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi where a dayroom awaits you in a comfortable, conveniently located hotel. You can spend the afternoon relaxing or do some last minute exploring before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight to Bangkok. RADISSON HOTEL DELHI. (B)

Days 7/8 - Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok, where you are met and escorted to your hotel, which offers elegant accommodations, panoramic views and plenty of entertainment options, including a dinner cruise and live music lounge.

Next day, visit the Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark – this was the home of the Thai King and Royal Court for more than 150 years, as well as the center for the war ministry, state department and mint. Go to see Wat Phra Kaew, the Hall of the 14th century Emerald Buddha. Walk to the Royal Navy Club for lunch and continue to the fragrant and colorful Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. Take a walk down Yaowarat Road, built during the reign of King Rama V, and through Chinatown’s narrow streets and alleys lined with shops. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE. (B,L)

Day 9 - Ayuthaya/Grand Pearl Cruise
Drive to Ayuthaya, the former capital of Siam, to see the remarkable ruins of historic temples and palaces. Visit Bang Pa In, summer palace of the kings of Thailand dating back to the 17th century, with its beautiful park grounds, pagodas, stately buildings and attractive combination of Thai and European architecture. Return to your hotel in style – aboard the luxury Grand Pearl cruise, where you’ll enjoy a lunch of fine French cuisine as you take in the lovely views along the Chao Phraya River. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE. (B,L)

Day 10 - River Kwai/Tiger Temple
Rise early and drive to Kanchanaburi, on the bank of the River Kwai. Visit the Thailand – Burma Railway Museum and War Cemetery for a glimpse of the region’s fascinating history. Stop for a photo at the famed Bridge on the River Kwai before boarding the notorious Death Railway for a scenic ride. After lunch, visit the Tiger Temple (Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua), a renowned wildlife conservation center where young and adult tigers are free to walk around the temple compound. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE. (B,L)

Day 11- Bangkok/En route
You are free to spend the morning and afternoon shopping, relaxing at the hotel spa, or checking out some of the sights of Bangkok. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Beijing. (B)

Days 12/13/14/15 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where you are met and escorted to your centrally located hotel. Your first day is at leisure to explore the city, shop or just relax.

Next day, see Tiananmen Square, a memorial of China’s independence from imperial rule. The largest square in the world, it is flanked by only two monuments: Monument of the People’s Heroes and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, where Chairman Mao’s body lies in a crystal coffin. Continue onto the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wealth of treasures and antiquities. After lunch, marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in the Temple of Heaven and the Hongqiao Market. Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show in the evening.

Your third day is a highlight of the trip as you visit and even climb the incredible Great Wall of China. In the afternoon, visit the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs, where 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty are buried within spectacular mausoleums, pavilions and memorials. The entrance to the necropolis is a four-mile road lined with statues of guardian animals and officials. For dinner, enjoy a traditional favorite – Peking Roast Duck.

On your final morning in Beijing, explore the maze of old hutongs (alleys) surrounding the Forbidden City. There are several thousand of these ancient city alleys, built over 800 years ago. Each emperor would establish their hutongs based on etiquette and class. Then get an authentic view of modern Chinese life with a rickshaw tour of a typical modern village. Lunch will be served in the home of a local family, where you will learn how to make Chinese dumplings and feast on your new recipe. In the afternoon, witness the extravagance of the Summer Palace, where 3,000 majestic structures and classic Chinese gardens are interwoven into a landscape that is composed almost entirely of lakes. Continue on to the Imperial Garden in The Forbidden City, once a private retreat for the imperial family. (B;B;B,D;B,L)

Day 16 - Beijing
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home, carrying with you brilliant memories and newfound knowledge of the great rulers of Asia. (B)

Optional Extension:
Interested in exploring more? Classic Escapes offers a number of extensions to other parts of Asia. Check with one of our travel experts for details; we’d love to arrange a customized, private trip just for you.

Your Journey Includes:

• Accommodation based on twin sharing basis as hotels listed above.
• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast basis and other meals as specified.
• Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing, excursions and surface transfers using air-conditioned vehicles.
• Meet and greet services by Classic Escapes representative throughout.
• Services of English-speaking local guides at all places.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• All currently applicable taxes and hotel porterage, as well as tips for included meals.

DATES & COSTS (based on double occupancy)	First Class Hotels
Oct 24 to Nov 8, 2009	$2,995 per person
Nov 7 to 22, 2009	$2,895 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 11, 2010	$3,295 per person
Feb 13 to 26, 2010	$2,795 per person
Mar 13 to 28, 2010	$2,795 per person
May 15 to 30, 2010	$2,795 per person
Jun 26 to Jul 11, 2010	$2,695 per person
Sep 4 to 19, 2010	$2,995 per person
Oct 9 to 24, 2010	$3,195 per person
Nov 6 to 21, 2010	$3,195 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 11, 2011	$3,495 per person
Single Room Supplement	$1,295 per person

Exclusions:

• International airfare from USA and within Asia. Classic Escapes is happy to assist with booking air reservations.
• U.S. and foreign airport taxes.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. Visa requirements vary by country; please contact us for specific requirements for this program.
• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• Gratuities to drivers, local guides and other conveyance attendants.
• Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• Camera fees in India.
• Personal and baggage insurance.
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.

• Optional insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption.
• Any other expense/changes due to unforeseen circumstances while in India, Thailand and China.

For more information or reservations, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244