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, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is one of China’s most historically rich cities. At its heart stands the remarkably preserved City Wall, encircling the old town in a 14-kilometer rectangle. Rent a bicycle and ride along the top for sweeping views of tiled rooftops, bustling markets, and modern high-rises rising beyond the ramparts—a vivid reminder of how the city bridges past and present. No visit to Xi’an is complete without seeing the Terracotta Army, located about an hour outside the city. Discovered by farmers in 1974, thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots stand in vast pits guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each soldier has unique facial features and expressions, and the sheer scale of the complex makes it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. Within the old city, the Muslim Quarter buzzes with life, food, and color. Stroll its narrow lanes to sample cumin-scented lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and Xi’an’s signature “roujiamo” (often described as a Chinese-style burger). Don’t miss the Great Mosque of Xi’an, an elegant blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic design, tucked away amid lively street stalls selling spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs. For a quieter perspective, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding park, especially beautiful in the evening when the fountains and pagoda are illuminated. The nearby Shaanxi History Museum provides essential context to what you see around the city, with exquisite bronzes, pottery, and murals from Xi’an’s long imperial past. Whether you’re here for ancient wonders, street food, or cultural exploration, Xi’an offers a compact yet endlessly fascinating introduction to China’s history.

About the destination: Chengdu is the capital and largest city of Sichuan Province in southwest China. It sits on the edge of the fertile plains of the Red Basin in Sichuan. Thanks to its rich agriculture, Chengdu is sometimes called the "Land of Milk and Honey." The Funan River runs through the city. Some of the main attractions in Chengdu include the West Pearl Tower, the Kuanzhaixiangzi area, Tianfu Square, Sichuan Opera, Wenshu Temple, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Chengdu is known for its relaxed atmosphere, focus on culture and leisure, and abundant green spaces, making it one of the most livable mega-cities in China. The city also has a lively nightlife and features many new Western-style buildings in its large downtown area.

About the destination: Chongqing is set to become the most economically important city in West China and is the largest inland city in the country. Rich in history, it offers a wealth of natural and man‑made landscapes. As a spectacularly scenic “mountain city,” it has seen a strong rise in tourism. Chongqing Dock is an ideal starting point for a Yangtze River cruise, a memorable journey through some of China’s most beautiful rivers and mountains. The nearby Three Gorges region is a scenic stretch along the Yangtze River of about 200 km. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, it is also historically and culturally significant in China. The Three Gorges include Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.

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.