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Pearls of the Orient
Discover three diverse, fascinating cities - Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong - whose sleek skyscrapers, world-class shopping, pulsing nightlife and booming economies have blossomed in the midst of ancient culture and tradition. These are some of the most exotic and magnificent places on earth, and you can enjoy them all at prices that are truly extraordinary!
Our Touring Program
Day 1: Depart USA. Your journey to the exotic Orient begins this evening as you check-in for your flight aboard Singapore Airlines, considered the world's best airline for quality and service and without doubt, Asia's leading airline.
Day 2: En route. Enjoy Singapore Airlines award-winning service as you cross the International Date Line and lose one day en route.
Merlion Park & Singapore skyline © Singapore Tourism Board
Day 3: Arrive Singapore. Arrive midday in Singapore, an island gem and dazzling blend of east and west. After completing customs formalities, you'll be escorted to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to get acquainted with fascinating Singapore. As one of the world's busiest ports, Singapore bustles with activity. Thanks to the country's dedication to cultural preservation, the island brims with excellent museums and ethnically diverse neighborhoods. Your tour director will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. Tonight, join an optional night safari at the Singapore Zoo, where you can view over 110 exotic species in a beautufil jungle habitat (app. $35; with dinner, $55).
Rendezvous Hotel.
Seafood dinner in Singapore
Day 4: Singapore. Today, discover the unique intermingling of cultures that define Singapore. This morning's panoramic city tour will bring you first to Thian Hock Keng Temple. Constructed in 1821, the Thian Hock Keng is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and is dedicated to the Taoist deity of travelers. Continue to bustling Chinatown, the heart of Singapore's traditional Chinese community, before ascending Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the harbor and skyline.
Rickshaws, Singapore
Proceed to the Botanical Gardens, where the National Orchid Garden is housed along with impressive displays of roses, palms, and bonsai. Finish the tour with a stroll through the colorful streets of Little India. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to soak up the rich tapestry of cultures that is Singapore. The food in Singapore is as varied as its multicultural residents, so be sure savor the amazing array of delicacies in this culinary mecca. (B)
Day 5: Singapore/Bangkok. After a leisurely breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Thailand, the "Land of Smiles." Arrive late afternoon in Bangkok, captivating capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Transfer to your superior, centrally located hotel. Holiday Inn Silom Hotel (B).
Thai woman in traditional costume
Day 6: Bangkok. Temples, along with the monarchy, are the fabric that binds together the national identity that is Thailand, and some of the most interesting of Thai temples are found in Bangkok, including Wat Trimitr. Here you will view the 700-year-old Golden Buddha, the largest in the world weighing approximately 5 tons. At Wat Po, founded in the 17th century and the oldest temple in Bangkok, you'll view the amazing Reclining Buddha, whose face depicts the attainment of Nirvana and whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
The Marble Temple, Bangkok
Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the "Marble Temple", is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction. It was built of white Italian marble and is a wonderful example of Thai temple architecture. This afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. An optional canal boat ride gives you a close up of traditional Thai life as you explore some of Bangkok's waterways. Or, join an optional tour to the Grand Palace, the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand (app. $38). (B)
Bangkok tuk tuk driver
Day 7: Bangkok. Today you will have a full day to explore Bangkok on your own. Or, join our optional full day tour to the Damneon Saduak floating market, where merchants and villagers buy and sell fruits, vegetables and many other items from small boats. Proceed to the Rose Garden, a small Thai village featuring beautifully manicured roses, where you'll enjoy a special cultural presentation of local arts and customs (app. $75). B)
Day 8: Bangkok/Hong Kong. After breakfast, bid farewell to Bangkok as your board your flight to cosmopolitan Hong Kong. Your luxurious hotel is in the bustling heart of Kowloon, near the scenic harbor. Royal Garden Hotel (B).
Hong Kong city and harbor from Victoria Peak
Day 9: Hong Kong. Your morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a magnificent city and harbor view. Descend and continue to the renowned Stanley Market where bargains await. Finally, no tour to Hong Kong would be complete without a stop at the azure waters of Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen fishing village, a community of some 600 colorful floating homes. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure for independent exploration of this enthralling city. (B)
Fireworks over Macau
Day 10: Hong Kong. Enjoy a full day at leisure to take in the sites and sounds of Hong Kong on your own or to shop to your heart's content. Or, take advantage of a unique optional excursion to the former Portuguese colony of Macau, situated on a corner of the Pearl River Delta. Although it was officially returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999, Macau maintains a distinctly Mediterranean flavor as evidenced by its European-style architecture, pastel-colored buildings, open air plazas, and abundance of Portuguese wine (app. $95).
Another optional tour takes you to Lantau Island where you'll see the world's largest bronze Buddha and visit the monastery (app. $95). (B)
Day 11: Hong Kong/USA. Your final day in Hong Kong is at leisure to for shopping, strolling or taking photos. Later, board your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey to the Orient comes to an end as you arrive in San Francisco later today. (B)
*Note about Optional Tours: Prices for optional tours reflect approximate per person costs based on current exchange rates.
Destination FAQs
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Thailand, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to China, click here.
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