Oct 3-12, 2009 

and..

April 17-26, 2010

China took center stage during the Summer 2008 Olympics. And now it’s time for its encore, starring you and your Hermes small group. What’s on the playbill? How about an ancient wall 4,000 miles long … a city once forbidden to visitors … 8,000 stone warriors watching over an emperor … serene gardens that seek nothing less than metaphysical perfection. And along the way, we’ll learn about the lives of local gay and lesbians.

• Beijing, including the Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square,  and Forbidden City
• Xian, including the Terra Cotta Soldiers
• Hangzhou, including West Lake and a tea plantation
• Suzhou, including the Master of Nets Garden and a silk factory
• Shanghai, including the Old Town, Jade Buddha Temple, Huangpu River cruise, the Bund, and Jinmao Tower
• All guiding and entrance fees included
• Accommodations for 9 nights in 5-star hotels
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Beijing: Jade Palace Hotel - 5 stars
The Jade Palace Hotel is a luxurious hotel, which opened its doors to guests in 1998. The Jade Palace Hotel provides its guests with comprehensive Internet services, connecting guests with the information highway. Exclusive ends with Internet access are laid in all the offices, guestrooms, the business center and other areas for guest use.

Xian: Xi’an Sofitel on Remin Square - 5 stars
The majestic Sofitel Xian On Renmin Square is located in Renmin Square and complies with Chinese 5-star platinum standards, making it the most luxurious hotel in the region. The hotel houses several heritage buildings of historic importance and features 432 rooms, 4 restaurants and 2 bars. The hotel is ideally situated close to many of the city's historical sites including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, Shaanxi History Museum & the Forest of Steles stone library. The airport & Terracotta Museum are both 45 minutes by car.

Suzhou: Suzhou Nanlin Hotel - 5*
Suzhou Nanlin Hotel occupies an area of 35,000 square meters, with easy access and quiet surroundings. The hotel combines modernized service facilities and Suzhou's traditional garden architecture into a pleasing whole, adding radiance and beauty to its nearby famous gardens.

Hangzhou: Hangzhou Grand Metropark Hotel - 5*
Grand Metropark Hotel Hangzhou boasts 380 guest rooms of all types. Decorated according to 5-star hotel standard. Each room is most tastefully and comfortably appointed.and offers free internet service to all housed guest.

Shanghai: Shanghai Broadway Mansions Hotel - 5 stars
The hotel is a 26 stories building with 338 sets of room. The European-style rooms bring you the passion and romance, where the Japanese-style rooms remind you the tranquility found in nature.
The completed business facilities, which include the business center, multi-function conference, ticket center and broad-band internet, make people feel relaxed and become more informative.

Included:
Please note that the above cost includes all accommodation in 5 star, gay friendly hotels, with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges. All activities as outlined in the itinerary; all meals as per itinerary; economy class airl tickets between cities, the services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip; all ground transportation as per itinerary; Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary.

Not Included:
International airfare to/from China; airport transfers, passport & visa fees if applicable; personal travel and cancellation insurance; meals and activities not specifically included in the itinerary; services of a personal nature like alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes as well as customary tips to drivers and guides.

Visas:
Canadian and American passport holders are required to have visas to enter China for tourism purposes.

Shots and Immunizations:
There are no shots that are required for travel to China but Hermes Tours does recommend that your tetanus booster be up to date.

Currency and Money Issues:
It is very easy to withdraw money from ATMs located throughout the country as well as to use your Visa or MasterCard. The American Express card is less widely accepted. Travelers checks are also accepted however can carry a heavy commission fee. We recommend to travelers to bring only a small amount of cash and/or travelers checks and to rather use their ATM and credit cards while traveling.

Making a reservation with a deposit will be considered to be consent to the following conditions:
Hermes Tours reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 8 participants.

Hermes Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure. Travel cancellation insurance would cover these costs should the tour be cancelled.

Hermes Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.