Spanish Serenade - 6 Nights in Barcelona & Madrid

About the destination: Located in the northern part of China, Beijing serves as the capital of the People's Republic of China, the world's most populated country. With over 21 million residents, it ranks as the country's second-largest city, following Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city, boasting impressive new urban and commercial developments, while maintaining a strong connection to its imperial history. Beijing is famous for its extravagant palaces, ancient temples, and massive stone walls and gates. Its wealth of art and significant government and cultural institutions have long established the city as a hub of culture and art in China. The city's heart and most notable landmark is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, a must-see attraction in the city. The Forbidden Palace served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is known as the Palace Museum and is considered one of the wonders of ancient China. Other main attractions in Beijing include The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, or Hutongs, which showcase traditional Beijing architecture. Beijing also serves as an excellent starting point for visiting major Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. With its world-renowned cultural and heritage sites, vibrant nightlife, top-notch sporting facilities left over from the 2008 Olympic Games, delicious food like Peking Duck, and entertaining options such as the Beijing Opera, Beijing is a captivating city that offers a wealth of experiences to its visitors.

About the destination: Xi'an is a historical city located in Shaanxi Province, China. Situated in the heart of the Guanzhong Plain, it is nestled between the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountain to the south. The city is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Xi'an holds immense historical importance and is home to some of China's most renowned attractions and significant archaeological sites. The city served as the capital for 13 dynasties, with a total of 73 emperors ruling from here. Given its rich history, it's no surprise that the city is abundant with historical ruins, museums, and cultural relics. Key sites to visit in Xi'an include the City Wall of Xi'an, the largest city wall in the world, the Grand Mosque, and the historic Qin Terra Cotta Warriors. The city is also dotted with 72 tombs of Emperors, palaces, temples, and numerous other reminders of its past. Other significant sites in and around Xi'an include the Large and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, constructed during the Tang Dynasty. Xi'an is also home to one of China's premier museums, the Shaanxi History Museum, which boasts an exceptional collection of artifacts from the various early dynasties that governed China.

About the destination: Shanghai is a contemporary city situated just south of the mouth of the powerful Yangtze River and divided by the Huangpu River. It is one of the largest metropolises in China and is regarded as the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and forward-thinking city in mainland China. Shanghai is an excellent destination for those wishing to get a glimpse of China's future. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been constructed in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. On the west side of the Yangzi River is the Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has a rich history and it is here where you will find many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion, and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan center of finance and culture. Shanghai possesses a unique oriental allure and a fresh western style that appeals to everyone. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the more rural and traditional sights of the nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.