10 Days in China, South Korea, and Hong Kong

About the destination: Situated in northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the most populous country in the world. With a population of over 21million people, it is the nation's second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city of impressive new urban and commercial developments that looks towards the future but it is intrinsically linked to its imperial past. Beijing is renowned for its lavish palaces, ancient temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and important government and cultural institutions have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other Beijing’s main attractions are The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, called Hutongs. Beijing is a good base to visit some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. Some great world famous cultural and heritage sites, a thriving nightlife, great sporting facilities given as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, great food such as Peking Duck, and good entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, make Beijing a fascinating city offering a lot to visitors.

About the destination: Seoul is the capital of South Korea. Exuding Asian charm from every brick, Seoul is a very modern city yet traditional. There is a lot to see and do in this vibrant city, it offers many worthy sights, delicious gastronomy, architecture, nightlife, museums, culture, entertainment, shopping and open spaces to satisfy any visitor. The Hangang River separates Seoul into two distinct areas, north and south. The city lies in a natural basin, surrounded by the Hanbuk Mountain Range and a series hills, offering a magnificent scenic beauty that is one of Seoul’s major appeals. As the ancient seat of Korea's royalty, there are many palaces and fortresses spread throughout the city. Some of the most important are the Gyeongbok-gung, the Changdeok-gung and the Deoksu-gung. There are, as well, many temples and shrines devoted to the royal family members of Korean dynasties and to the Jogye order of Buddhism, the dominant branch of Buddhism in Korea. Two of the major Buddhist temples in the city are the Jogye Temple and the Bongeun Temple. There are several parks throughout the city and some fantastic hiking opportunities on the outskirts of the city center. Exciting and colorful, traditional and modern, Seoul is never boring.

About the destination: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is a dynamic harbor city and one of Asia's major financial centers. It consists of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and more than 260 small islands. Hong Kong Island presents an impressive skyline and is the main focus of most tourists. Hong Kong is a mix of ocean, islands, modern skyscrapers, old temples and fishing villages. The heart of the city is Victoria Harbor which both divides and connects Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The most famous view of Hong Kong is from the Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, reached by the Peak Tram. Other main attractions to visit in Hong Kong are the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the old colonial buildings of Central amidst the uniquely modern and mirrored towers, some interesting museums, the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Mong kok and the picturesque and more peaceful areas of Stanley and Aberdeen. A city full of life and soul, Hong Kong offers an electric atmosphere, a vibrant cultural life, delicious cuisine, shopping, exciting night life, and many more surprises that will amaze even the most demanding tourist.