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Great Wall Marathon Itinerary 2008 May 12 (Mo) - Depart U.S. for United Airlines flight to Beijing.
May 13 (Tu) - Arrive in Beijing. Transfer to your hotel, the Jinglun Hotel. Welcome cocktail reception and Dinner. May 14 (We) - Motorcoach to Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world, walk through the square from south to north, enter the Tiananmen Square Gate into the Forbidden City where you will visit the Imperial Palace, one of China's architectural masterpieces. After a chinese-style luncheon we travel to the vast and beautiful Summer Palace, used by the royal families of the forbidden city in summer to escape the city. Dinner on your own. May 15 (Th) - We travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the marathon Route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and all race details will be given at this time. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall that is part of the Great Wall Marathon course, as it is very important to familiarize oneself with that specific section in order to take proper precautions and incorporate that part into the race strategy. Non-runners are also welcome to participate in this walk (good physical condition is required for this strenuous walk). Lunch is included. This evening we enjoy the world famous Peking Roast Duck Dinner as a traditional banquet in our own private room. May 16 (Fr) - This morning our first stop at the Temple of Heaven where the emperors of the Ming and Ching dynasties prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Next we visit the Lama Temple with its famous Buddha statues and then lunch. Afterwards a free afternoon to do as you please or rest up for the race. Pre-race Pasta Party with other runners from around the world. May 17 (Sa) - RACE DAY. Early morning departure for the Great Wall International Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K. Time to experience the thrill of running on the world famous Great Wall of China. A boxed lunch will be provided after the race and massage is available as well. May 18 (Su) - This morning you will enjoy a behind the scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via 3 wheeled bicycle rickshaws. Lunch will be provided with a local family. Optional afternoon visits for extraordinary shopping bargains at Hongqiao Market or the silk market. Our last night in Beijing will feature a Gala Post-Race dinner and awards ceremony with all the other competitors from around the world together again for one last time, put on by the race committee. May 19 (Mo) - Transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. where you will arrive the same day as you left China. Or commencement of the extended 3 city and Yangtze River cruise tour. May 19 (Mo) - Afternoon flight to Xian and transfer to the Sofitel Hotel. Dinner is on your own. May 20 (Tu) - Morning tour to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years. Lunch is also included along with noodle making demonstration. An afternoon visit to the City Wall and Wild Gosse Pagoda. This evening dinner and a show is provided at the Tang Dynasty Theater restaurant. May 21 (We) - Afternoon departure transfer to the airport for flight to Chongqing, now the largest city in the world. Enjoy a Chongqing Buffet dinner at the Chongqing Marriott Hotel before embarking on the newest Victoria Cruise Ship-Victoria Rose. Dinner is included. (The following days itinerary may change slightly depending on conditions). May 22 (Th) - Today you will have a shore excursion at Shibaozhai to visit the scenic 12 story wooden pagoda. Known as the "Pearl of the Yangtze, the pagoda is over 400 years old. Lunch and dinner are also included today. *Alternate shore excursion may visit Gengdu or Wanzhou May 23 (Fr) - On this day you will cruise through the first of the fabled Three Gorges: the Qutang Gorge. At Wushan, an excursion takes you up the Daning River to view the famed Small Gorges. Alternatively, your excursion may be on Shennong Stream. Sail on through Wu Gorge celebrated for it's twelve peaks, and then the last and most scenic of the gorges, Xiling Gorge. Lunch and dinner are also included today. May 24 (Sa) - Your last day on the river will bring a visit to the Three Gorges Dam sites. Continue on to Yichang at the pier to transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to Le Royal Meridien Hotel. Lunch is included aboard ship. Dinner in Shanghai is on your own. May 25 (Su) - Today you have the Shanghai City tour including: The Bund, the exhibits at the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuam Garden and the Old Town of Shanghai. Lunch is included at a nice local restaurant. Dinner on your own. After dinner you will be treated to an evening cruise on the Huangpu River. May 26 (Mo) - Today you can take an optional full day excursion to the ancient town of Suzhou where you will see some sophisticated Chinese garden styled homes. You will visit two of Suzhou's most famous gardens, "Lingering Garden" & "Garden of the Master Nets". After lunch at a nice local restaurant, you will cruise the ancient Grand Canal as the emperors once did. Return back to Shanghai. Farewell Dinner is also included tonight at the famous Shanghai Uncle Restaurant. May 27 (Tu) - Transfer to the airport for return flights returning to the U.S. on the same day as you left China. Or commencement of the Hong Kong extension. May 27 (Tu) - Departure to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Transfer to your hotel the Miramar-Hong Kong. The remainder day is free to relax or wander around Kowloon. Lunch and Dinner on your own. May 28 (We) - After breakfast in the hotel your half day tour of Hong Kong Island tour passes through Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Aberdeens floating community. Then drive up to Victoria Peak to obtain spectacular panoramic views of the city and it's splendid harbor. Lunch and Dinner on your own. May 29 (Th) - Today you have your final full day in China to more fully explore the wonders of Hong Kong. May 30 (Fr) - Transfer to the airport for return flights back to the U.S. on the same day as you left China.     
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