Dragon Challenge | Three City Tour | Beijing & Xi'an | Deluxe Beijing| Beijing Comfort
Three City Tour (Beijing | Xi'an | Shanghai) with Yangtze Cruise | Thirteen Night Deluxe Package: May 15-28, 2024 (minimum of 10 participants required)
(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel.)
Wednesday, May 15 - Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. Additional transfers can be booked on request. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.
Thursday, May 16 - Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course. It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required). (breakfast and lunch included)
Friday, May 17 - This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you rest time before race day. Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 18 - RACE DAY. It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K Fun Run. A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and a lunch from Subway is available after the race. Enjoy the post-race festivities, which also includes the opportunity to get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, May 19 - After breakfast we will take a coach bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China's architectural masterpieces. Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900's. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Monday, May 20 - After breakfast, check-out and be ready for our transfer to the Beijing Airport for our 90-minute flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, with an English-speaking guide, the group will tour the enormous Ming Dynasty City Wall and have a guided walking tour through the Muslim Quarter of Old Town. Following, you will check-in to the Hilton Xi’an. Please note that lunch today is on the plane. Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at Defachang's. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, May 21 - After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Join us this evening at The Tang Dynasty Dinner Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi’an, then Chang’an, was capital of China. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, May 22 – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. We will be greeted by our English-speaking guide and enjoy a local specialty, a hot pot lunch, before touring Chongqing and learning about the hilly city. Explore the People’s Liberation Monument Square, a well-known commercial area for food and shopping and visit Hongya Cave. After boarding the Century Victory Cruise Ship, enjoy a delicious dinner buffet. The ship will depart port around 10:00 PM. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday, May 23 – Join us for early yoga or Tai Chi on the sunshine deck before breakfast, or enjoy a leisure morning. As we travel down the Yangtze River you will see dramatic landscapes along the gorge. Learn about the culture of ghosts and the integration of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with Chinese traditions on the excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. Tonight is an optional show “The War Fire of Three Kingdoms” (sign up in advance for additional cost) (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Friday, May 24 – As we continue down the Yangtze River, see more of the dramatic landscapes carved by the mighty Yangtze River. Today we will offer you the option to visit the White Emperor City (additional cost applies), and then experience the smallest of the gorges, Wu Gorge. An excursion on Shennv Stream is included. We will board smaller sampan boats for a short cruise down the gorge to see the famous hanging coffins. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday May 25 – After breakfast, join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest hydro dam and water conservancy project in the world. We will disembark in Yichang after our tour, have lunch, and visit the local bungee jump site before heading to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. This evening we check into the Portman Ritz Carlton. (breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, May 26 – After breakfast today, we will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, located in the People’s Square where you will see a large-scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai. Afterwards, visit old town and Yu Yuan Garden, which dates back to 1559 and is known as the “Garden of Happiness”. Enjoy a dim sum lunch and visit the Bund/Waterfront followed by a visit to the French Concession and Xintiandi with your guide before returning to the hotel. (breakfast & lunch included)
Monday, May 27 – After breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure or take part in the optional half-day tour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town from Shanghai. This tour includes a boat ride and lunch. We will enjoy a farewell group dinner at a local restaurant and recount our adventure over local food & wine. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Tuesday, May 28– Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. (breakfast included)
Beijing & Xi'an | Seven Night Package: May 15 - 22, 2024
(minimum of 10 participants required)
(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel.)
Wednesday, May 15 - Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. Additional transfers can be booked on request. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.
Thursday, May 16 - Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 KM of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course. It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required). (breakfast and lunch included)
Friday, May 17 - This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you rest time before race day. Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 18 - RACE DAY. It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K Fun Run. A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and a lunch from Subway is available after the race. Enjoy the post-race festivities including a massage. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, May 19 - After breakfast we will take a coach bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China's architectural masterpieces. Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900's. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Monday, May 20 - After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport for a 90-minute flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an English-speaking local representative who will coordinate the transfer to the hotel. The group will tour the enormous Ming Dynasty City Wall and then have a guided walking tour through the Muslim Quarter of Old Town. This afternoon check-in to the Hilton Xi’an. Please note that lunch today is on the plane. Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at Defachang's. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, May 21 - After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and then enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi’an, then Chang’an, was capital of China. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, May 22 – After breakfast, say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. (breakfast included)
Beijing | Six Night Deluxe Package: May 15 - 21, 2024
(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel.)
Wednesday, May 15 - Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. Additional transfers can be booked on request. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.
Thursday, May 16 - Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 K of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course. It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section in order to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required). (breakfast and lunch included)
Friday, May 17 - This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch and some shopping time. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you rest time before race day. Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 18 - RACE DAY. It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K Fun Run. A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and a lunch from Subway is available after the race. Enjoy the post-race festivities and the opportunity to get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, May 19 - After breakfast we will take a coach bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China's architectural masterpieces. Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900's. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Monday, May 20 - After breakfast we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a tea house, and Lama Temple with lunch enjoyed at a local restaurant. We return to the hotel briefly before departing for a Peking Duck dinner and Chinese acrobat show. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, May 21 - After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport. There will be several scheduled transfers back to the airport starting at 7:00 AM and concluding at 3:00 PM. Private transfers may be arranged at additional cost. (breakfast included)
Beijing | Five Night Comfort Budget Package: May 15-20, 2024
(Please note: This package is not hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel.)
Wednesday, May 15 - Arrive to Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX) airport. Shuttle buses to Jizhou, Tianjin will run at set transfer times (starting at 7:00 AM every two hours with last transfer departing at 11:00 PM). If you are unable to book a flight that matches the set transfers, individual transfers can be purchased. Albatros representatives in the arrival halls will guide you to the bus. After checking-in at your hotel in Jizhou, Tianjin, your Race Pack will be handed out by the guide. The rest of the day is free to explore Jizhou (formally Jixian). No meals are included today.
Thursday, May 16 – After breakfast we will depart to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Race officials and medical staff will be present to answer any questions you have may have. The drive time is approximately one hour, and a box breakfast will be provided. All runners must walk the 3.5 K of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course. It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners are also welcome to participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).Plan to return to Jixian around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. (breakfast & sandwich lunch included)
Friday, May 17 - Today is yours to enjoy before your race tomorrow. Take in the local atmosphere of Jizhou, Tianjin, or go on the optional excursion that takes visitors to Qing Dynasty Tombs. Covering an enormous area and housing five of China's emperors, 14 empresses and 136 concubines, the Qing Tombs are more impressive than the famous Ming Dynasty graves, however are visited by relatively few. Lunch is included in this optional tour ($100/pp purchased in advance). (breakfast included)
Saturday, May 18 - RACE DAY. Today is the big day! After an early breakfast you will leave Jizhou at 5:00 AM. You must check out of your hotel room in Jizhou as we will leave for Beijing after the race. The race starts at 7:30 AM. Sandwich lunches will be provided for everyone after the race as well as a 20-minute massage. Buses will take runners back to Beijing between 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Enjoy the evening on your own. (boxed breakfast and sandwich lunch included)
Sunday, May 19 – Today is your recovery day! Sleep in, relax or do a bit of shopping in the Silk Alley Market. You may choose one of the two optional excursions (must be booked in advance): the Summer Palace Tour ($95 per person and includes lunch) includes a visit the Beijing Zoo (giant panda exhibit only), the Summer Palace and a pearl exhibition hall just outside the palace. The second option is a visit to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven ($90 per person including lunch), which will showcase classic Beijing highlights. In the evening, all participants will be picked up at their hotels and taken to the Gala Dinner venue. (breakfast and dinner included)
Monday, May 20 - Depending on your departure time, you might be able to do some last-minute shopping or take in more of Beijing's sights. Hotel check-out is before noon. Please note that the departure transfer is not included in the package, however you can pre-book one at an additional cost. Must be booked in advance. Please see pricing for details. (breakfast included)
Itineraries subject to change.
