8 Day Italian Cooking Class Vacations in Tuscany, Italy
FOR Singles & Friends

Tuscany is world famous for its food, its rich culture and its stunning landscapes. Get lost in Florence’s tangle of ancient streets taking in the facades of its art-studded churches and museums. Take a walk around Lucca’s city centre which is almost completely closed off to traffic and surrounded by medieval walls – the ideal place to stroll around and window shop. Discover San Gimignano, a small hilltop city full of ancient towers, and a lovely place to while away the afternoon. There’s lots to discover on our Italian Cooking Holidays in Tuscany.
April, May, October in Tuscany are quite mild, not hot or cold. There are less tourists around and the cities are quieter. June and September are lovely and warm without being too hot. This is the ideal time to travel weather-wise but also the busiest time to be in Tuscany. July and August are the hottest & sunniest months. If you like the heat, this is the time to go.

Tuscany Cooking Vacation Itinerary

Day1 (Saturday)
Our Flavours transfer will meet you at Pisa Airport. We will then take you to the villa for welcome drinks on the terrace followed by dinner prepared by our local chef.

After breakfast, a day to enjoy sight-seeing or shopping in Arezzo at leisure. Lunch will be at a trattoria. Return to villa late afternoon for dinner.

Day 4 (Tuesday): 
Enjoy your second hands-on cookery lesson, lunch and then visit a local winery for a private wine tasting. Return to the villa for dinner prepared by the chef.

Day 5 (Wednesday): 
Another cookery lesson this morning and then lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or walk through the olive groves. Dinner tonight is at the villa.

Day 6 (Thursday): 
This morning is your fourth cookery lesson, followed by lunch. An afternoon visit to Siena with a chance to explore before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 (Friday): 
After breakfast you have your final cookery lesson and lunch. Enjoy your afternoon relaxing at the villa and in the evening a farewell dinner.

Day 8 (Saturday): 
After breakfast and some time to relax, our transfer will collect you and take you back to Pisa Airport for your flight home.

Villa arezzo

The villa is one of four lovely Tuscan venues located between the Arezzo and Siena provinces. A beautifully restored, luxury farmhouse that is set amongst fifty hectares of olive groves, vineyards and woodlands. Excellent craftsmanship went into the renovation, taking care to maintain its unique old-world charm. The pool area, furnished with a gazebo, overlooking the rolling Chianti hills, makes this villa an ideal place to come and relax in the Tuscan countryside.

Cooking Vacation Price: $2,890 - 8 Days

Cooking Vacation Includes
5 cookery lessons with our Italian chef.
Private, en-suite accommodation in our Tuscan Villa.
Visits to local towns, eg Arezzo & Siena.
All meals and wine, including 2 meals at a local restaurant.

• • Deposit

  • A non-refundable $750 deposit is required at time of booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
    
    

• Cancellation and Change Vacation Policy
  Cancellations must be made in writing to us by the person who the booking. Any notice will become effective from the date of receipt by us of the notice. Up to 10 weeks prior to departure, full deposit and any additional costs (private transfers etc), paid before that point will be withheld. ii) Within 10 weeks of departure 100% of the full vacation cost and any additional costs paid will be forfeited.

  

8 Day Italian Cooking Class Vacations IN Sicily, Italy

FOR Singles & Friends

Discovering Sicilian cookery is like discovering Sicilian history. Various civilizations – Greek, Roman, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and British – have left their mark and from the gastronomic point of view, their influence is still in evidence in modern day Sicilian cooking. Courses in Sicily are 8 days/7 nights and are based at the enchanting Villa Sicily. To let you discover the flavors of Sicily, the venue in the south east of the island: the place where it all began. The surrounding area is dotted with well know historical sites – such as Siracusa Greek Theatre, the Temples of Agrigento and various Baroque towns such as Noto and Ragusa – as well as popular gastronomic locations such as Pachino for cherry tomatoes, Modica for chocolate, Avola for almonds and wine, Ragusa for Caciocavallo cheese and so on.

The villa where the Cooking Vacation is held, is situated on a private estate, is of typical Sicilian style and dates back to 1848. Chosen because of its location, it has some beautiful views of the surrounding areas. Upon waking in the morning, to a clear blue sky, you can enjoy breakfast outside and soak up the sea views.

The luxurious bedrooms, all decorated in a modern style, are ensuite. Each room has a view of either the sea, almond grove or the Sicilian countryside.

Within the grounds of the estate there is an outdoor pool, which is encircled by almond and olive trees. After a dip, you can sit back and relax on the terrace and enjoy the sight and sound of the sea.

Sicily Cooking Vacation Itinerary:

Day 1 - Sunday

Our Flavours transfer will meet you at Catania Airport and take you to the villa where you can enjoy welcome drinks and dinner prepared by our local chef.

Day 2 - Monday

After breakfast, your first cookery lesson with our local chef, followed by lunch. You are free in the afternoon to relax by the pool or in the grounds of the villa. Dinner is served this evening by your chef at the villa.

Day 3 - Tuesday

You will enjoy a private tour, lunch and wine-tasting at a local winery. In the late afternoon your second hands-on cookery lesson will take place, followed by dinner.

Day 4 - Wednesday

Visit the coastal town of Siracusa and have lunch. Travel to Noto to taste local ice cream at a classic Gelateria. Tonight’s dinner will be at the villa.

Day 5 - Thursday

After breakfast, enjoy another hands-on cookery lesson and lunch at the villa. This afternoon is free to relax by the pool. Dinner this evening is at the villa.

Day 6 - Friday

Another cookery lesson in the morning before heading to Modica, to taste its famous chocolate. Have an evening meal at our favourite local restaurant.

Day 7 - Saturday

Following breakfast, a cookery lesson and lunch you will be free to relax for the afternoon at the villa by the pool. In the evening, we will enjoy our final meal at the villa.

Day 8 - Sunday

After breakfast our transfer will take you back to Catania Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci!

 Villa Carrubo

Vacation Price - $2,350

Vacation Includes

• 5 cookery lessons with our Italian chef.
  Private, en-suite accommodation in our Sicilian villa.
  Explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Siracusa.
  All meals and wine, including 2 meals at a local restaurant.

• Deposit

• A non-refundable $750 deposit is required at time of booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
  
  

Cancellation and Change Vacation Policy

8 Day Italian Cooking Vacations in Puglia, Italy
For Singles & Friends

The Cooking Vacations is held in the beautiful Casino Pisanelli. The venue was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by acres of olive groves. It has recently been featured in Homes & Gardens magazine, in an article entitled Italian Renaissance.

With a long and beautiful coastline you are never far from the sea in Puglia so it’s not surprising that fish is a local staple and a focus of our Cooking Vacation in Puglia. Other ingredients close to the local chef’s heart include mouth watering ricotta cheese, chickpeas, capers, green peppers, aubergines, mozzarella and basil. There are fantastic market gardens in this region so the vegetables are locally grown, very fresh and often organic. The itinerary includes a visit to the Otranto Market, so that you can experience one of these wonderful markets for yourself!

Undiscovered and off the beaten track, Puglia forms the "heel" of Italy, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south. An ideal location for a gourmet holiday, it has the longest coast of any Italian region, eight hundred kilometres of coastline stretching down the Adriatic and around the heel into the high arch of the lonian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. This heel reaches out towards the Eastern Mediterranean, and at times the landscape has the look and feel of Greece rather than the gentler Italy of Rome and the North.

Described as one of the most beautiful houses by the sea (Elle Décor 2005) and featured in the September 2007 issue of Homes & Gardens Magazine, the property dates back to the 18th Century when it was used by the local aristocrat, Count Pisanelli as a hunting lodge. It has recently been lovingly restored using the skills of local craftsmen and artisans to produce a stunning blend of modern and traditional Italian style. As well as the swimming pool, cleverly integrated into the formal gardens, there are also courtyards with lemon and orange trees - the perfect setting for meals al fresco! Surrounding the lodge are acres of olive groves which provide delicious extra virgin olive oil throughout the week.

Cooking Vacation Itinerary: 

Saturday

Our Flavours transfer will meet you at Brindisi Airport and take you to the villa for welcome drinks and time to relax before dinner prepared by our local chef.

Sunday

After breakfast, you will have your first cookery lesson with our lovely local chef, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, a visit to Santa Maria di Leuca (at the very tip of the Salentine Peninsula, where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet). Enjoy an aperitivo before dinner at the villa.

Monday

After breakfast, enjoy your second hands-on cookery lesson followed by lunch. Afternoon is free to relax by the swimming pool or take a cycle ride to a nearby village. Dinner at the villa.

Tuesday

Leave after breakfast for shopping and sight-seeing in Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South.’ Lunch is at a local trattoria. Drive to Otranto situated by the sea, and visit the famous cathedral. Return late afternoon for dinner.

Wednesday

This morning, another cooking lesson with your chef followed by lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a private wine tasting at a local winery. Dinner at the villa tonight.

Thursday

After breakfast, a cooking lesson followed by lunch. Late afternoon visit Gallipoli and wander around the old town. Dinner at an excellent local fish restaurant.

Friday

Enjoy your final cookery lesson this morning and then lunch. The afternoon is free to sunbathe or relax. A farewell dinner will be prepared for you.

Saturday

After breakfast your transfer will collect you and return you to the airport.

Cooking Vacation Price: $2,890 - 8 Days

Vacation Includes

5 cookery lessons with our lovely local chef, Antonio.
Private, en-suite accommodation in our Puglian villa.
Day trips to local towns such as Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South'.
All meals and wine, including 2 meals at a local restaurant

• Deposit

• A non-refundable $750 deposit is required at time of booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
  
  

Cancellation and Change Vacation Policy

Vietnam Travel Information, Tips and More

Country Information

Located on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

With over 4,000-years of history, Vietnam has many valuable architectural monuments and there are more than 3,000 relics and landscapes classified national heritage. In addition there are over tens of millions of valuable antiques and national treasures being preserved and on display all over the country.

With over 4,000-years of history, Vietnam has many valuable architectural monuments and there are more than 3,000 relics and landscapes classified national heritage. In addition there are over tens of millions of valuable antiques and national treasures being preserved and on display all over the country.

The photo opportunities are endless as we travel past landscape dotted with rice paddies and water buffalo. Bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles fill the wide city avenues, which make crossing an experience. Expect to find bargains everywhere and anticipate tasting a new and unique cuisine. See daily rituals and traditions performed for hundreds of years.

Passport and Visas:

All travelers need a visa to visit Vietnam except citizens of certain Asian and Nordic countries.

You can get the visa by visiting a Vietnam Embassy and processing time is about 1 week. The easiest way to get your visa is the On Arrival / E-visa. You will need to fill out an "Online Application Form", pay a service fee and you should get your "Visa approval letter" within 2 working days, by either email or fax. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at the International Airports.

You can google Vietnam Visas or here are a few links - http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/  or http://www.getvisavietnam.com/ to get you started.

Take that letter along with at least 2 photos of standard passport size with you to either the Hanoi airport or Ho Chi Minh airport upon arrival. When you arrive in Vietnam, the Immigration officers will have those documents. The entire procedure should take about 15 minutes.

Vietnamese visa-on-arrival fee includes both the approval letter fee and stamping fee at Vietnam airport. As of 2016, the stamping fee is $25 for single entry visa (both 1 month and 3 month type) and $50 for multiple entry visa (both 1 month and 3 month type). Price is in US dollars and may change with advanced notice.

Weather

Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Center and South and each region has distinct climates.

*  The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp.

*  The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The center often receives storms during October and November.

*  The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.

Time

Vietnam Standard Time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12 hours ahead of EST / 15 hours ahead of PST

Currency

The official currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is pretty widely accepted. In tourist centers, most hotels will accept either, while other businesses may prefer dong.

1 USD = 22,675.74 VND   or   0.000044 VND = 1 USD

Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000 and 500.
Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200, but they are no longer used.

It’s a good idea to check that any big dollar bills you plan on exchanging do not have any small tears or look too tatty, as no-one will accept them in Vietnam.

Many travellers are concerned by the safety of their money when travelling, and travellers cheques are popular for those who do not like carrying around cash or cards. Sadly, it can be quite difficult to cash travellers cheques in Vietnam and many major hotels will only exchange currency for current residents.

You’ll find several ATMs at Vietnam’s major airports. They’re also plentiful around city streets and next to convenience stores, bars and restaurants. Vietcombank has the most ATMs in Vietnam. A number of international banks also have ATMs across the country. These include ANZ, Citibank and HSBC.  ATMs in Vietnam use six-digit PINs. If your PIN is four digits long, you can usually get around this by adding two zeros in front. However, it’s best to ask your bank about this. Also, it is a good idea to let your bank know when you’ll be in Vietnam, so they won’t flag your transactions as suspicious and freeze your card.

Electric Plugs

Most plugs in Vietnam are still the two-prong electric plug variety, so you will need to use a plug adapter to adapt three-prong electronics to two-prongs. The more modern hotels may use the British style three-prong plugs.

Tipping

Tipping is not part of the culture in Vietnam, and you are not required to tip anywhere. There will be a service charge for more upscale restaurants. People more accustomed to receiving tips are tour guides and in Western style hotels.

On a private tours, tip your tour guide around 3-5 dollars per day per traveller. Also, be sure to tip your driver as well. One to two dollars should be sufficient. Also, you can buy small gifts for your tour guide or driver in lieu of tipping.

Cuisine

Because Vietnam is a typical wet rice country, rice is strongly worshipped here. Visitors to Vietnam will be amazed with the number of dishes made from rice: steamed rice (com) in daily meals, glutinous rice cake (square cake or banh chung), rice noodle, rice vermicelli, steamed rice pancakes (banh cuon) and many other ones. A common fish sauce bowl is also a a staple at most meals..   Even though steamed rice, fish sauce, pho and square cakes are symbolic dishes of Vietnam, each city, province, district, commune and village has its own unique special dishes.

Vat Refund

VAT refund for purchases by foreigners when leaving Viet Nam has been officially implemented in 9 international border gates, including Noi Bai International Airport (Ha Noi), Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang City), Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa Province), Phu Quoc International Airport (Kien Giang Province), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang International Seaport (Da Nang City), Nha Trang International Seaport (Khanh Hoa Province), Khanh Hoi International Seaport (Ho Chi Minh City), Ben Dam Con Dao Seaport (Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province).

When purchasing goods in stores with VAT refund, you must present a valid passport (original) to receive an invoice and the VAT refund declaration form

Before doing the procedures to check in luggage, visitors must present passport, invoice cum VAT refund declaration form (originals) and VAT refunded goods to customs authority at goods checking counters, so that customs official stamps “Checked”;

At the VAT refund counters in the restricted areas of the airport, you need to present your passport (original), boarding pass, invoice with the VAT refund declaration form stamped “Checked”.
VAT refund amount will be 85% of  the VAT amount noted in the invoice and VAT refund declaration form;

VAT refund currency: VND; then exchange the VND to your preferred currency at the VAT refund counters according to the current exchange rate.

Wifi

Believe it or not, it is a lot easier to find a free wireless network hotspots in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City than major cities in North America. In Vietnam, visitors can get free access to the Internet at most coffee shops, Fast food franchises, hotels and office buildings.

Water

Do not drink from the taps. Always use bottled water. Ice in most restaurant is made with clean water and is safe.

Traffic Safety

Vietnamese drivers think the white lines in the road are for decoration. Pedestrians are reasonably safe but do be aware that motorbikes will mount the pavement should traffic be dense, and frequently travel the wrong way down a street, driving on both the left and right sides of the road, so please make sure you are looking around you as you walk the streets and before you cross the road.

Etiquette

When visiting Buddhist pagodas, dress conservatively and remove shoes before entering. It’s also considered impolite to have your back facing Buddha statues. Donations for the upkeep of temples are welcomed but not expected. Always ask for permission before photographing people or places of worship.

Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture during your time in Vietnam holiday. Here you can find unique handicrafts, food items, and apparel at relatively affordable prices. Whenever shopping at local markets, art galleries, and craft centres, it’s wise to take your time searching for good Vietnamese souvenirs and gifts. Bargaining (at least 75% lower than the retail price) is a must for better deals as vendors often charge higher for tourists. Locally produced coffee, conical hats and dipping sauces can be found in most markets, but if you’re looking to purchase authentic Vietnamese silk, jewellery and antiques, make sure you’ve done your research and shop in a reputable store.

Vietnamese coffee beans can be found just about anywhere in Vietnam, from local markets and quaint cafes to shopping malls and international airports. Hanoi is the place for coffee, where you can get a 2.2 pound bag of whole or ground Robusta beans for about $4 USD.

Vietnam is a producer of Akoya cultured pearls. Many farms are located in region around the Halong Bay in northern Vietnam. Akoya cultured pearl encountered at a pearl farm in the Halong Bay, Vietnam. Saigon Pearls widely known as the best place in Vietnam for authentic pearls and jewellery.

Silk in Vietnam is made from the cocoons of silkworms using manual looms, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. You can find plenty of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops selling shirts, ties, accessories, and dresses at relatively affordable prices. Unfortunately, counterfeit goods are very common in Vietnam, so if the price is too good beware.

Purchasing a conical hat may seem silly, but it’s one of the most practical items for travelling, especially during Asia’s downpours and hot summers. Also known as non la, these hats have been around since the 18th century and are typically handwoven using bamboo, palm leaves, and the bark of Moc trees.

Lacquerware is a traditional form of craftsmanship commonly used on furniture, dishes, bowls, vases and paintings, which takes up to four months to produce.

Hand embroidery in Vietnam often depicts natural scenes and wildlife. If you have time you can have you can create your own design.

Snake wine is very popular in Vietnam, and is produced by infusing whole snakes (mostly venomous ones) in a glass jar of rice wine. A popular souvenir, you can find one sold at most markets and touristy shops for about USD25. Locals believe that drinking snake wine helps increase one’s virility and alleviate rheumatism, though those claims have yet to be verified by professionals.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Hong Kong - Taipei, Taiwan - Ancient to Modern Vacation Itinerary

Day 1- Arrive Hong Kong

Upon arrival at the Hong Kong international airport take the shuttle to the group's hotel. No activities are planned for the day to give everyone a chance to arrive. Meet your hostess at 7pm for a meet and greet and optional dinner. 

Day 2 - Hong Kong

Put on your walking shoes for our guided tour of Hong Kong Island and the street markets in Kowloon. Hop on an open-top tour bus that brings Hong Kong's colorful history to life. Off the bus our private guide will take us to some of the oldest Chinese neighborhoods, where shops specialize in dried Chinese food, spices and medicines. Window shop along the antique shops of Hollywood Road and shop the old oriental flea-markets. Ride on the world's longest escalator up through the mix of restaurants, stores, galleries and pharmacies.
 
Time for lunch before we cross the island to the South Side and Aberdeen Fishing Village, a typhoon shelter for ocean-going fishermen who live on their boats with their families. We will get a brief but vivid experience of the lifestyle of Hong Kong 'boat people' by riding in a sampan.

Experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders as we take the venerable Peak Tram to the top. Perching on The Peak at 1,300 feet above sea level is The Peak Tower, one of the most stylish architectural icons in Hong Kong. The Peak Tower boasts the highest 360° viewing platform, The Sky Terrace 428. Time to enjoy The Peak before our Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 - Hong Kong Touring

This morning we continue to explore Hong Kong utilizing the hop-on hop-off bus and our private guide.

Afternoon is free time to shop, explore or relax.

A visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without experiencing the famous ‘Symphony of Lights’ illuminations and the neon spectacle of Nathan Road. Tonight we take a panoramic tour of Kowloon and visit Temple Street. Also called 'Men's Street' it features rows of brightly lit stalls hawking a variety of inexpensive items ? including clothing, pens, watches, DVD and electronics. Fortune-tellers cluster at the end of Yau Ma Tei street, as do Chinese opera enthusiasts seek impromptu performances.

Day 4 - Lantau Island Day Tour

Today we travel across Hong Kong's spectacular suspension bridge and along the north of Lantau, the largest outlying island, to the town of Tung Chung.

From there, we begin our 25 minute ascent to the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery by Sky Rail. Enjoy amazing views and the natural serenity of rolling grasslands, forested mountains and the natural streams and waterfalls.

The Po Lin Monastery is an important Buddhist center and home of the 85 foot high Giant Buddha, the biggest sitting, bronze Buddha in the world. It sits atop a summit, overlooking a breathtaking landscape with the beautiful Lantau Peak as a backdrop.

A vegetarian lunch will be served at the monastery and there will be free time to look around before we visit the three hundred year old fishing village of Tai O. People still live in closely packed wooden dwellings on stilts along the Tai O stream and the sights and smells of the market street will leave you with a strong and fragrant memory.

We will return to Hong Kong Island by boat through one of the world's busiest harbors and see the most famous skylines.

Day 5 - Macau Day Tour

Sail across the sea on our day trip to Macau, once the oldest European settlement in the Orient. Tour the Historic Centre of Macau, a World Heritage site which dates back to the 15th century as a Portuguese possession.

Our tour will include the Na Tcha Temple, a Buddhist temple; the Museum of Macau and Mount Fortress, built in conjunction with the Jesuits and completed in 1626; The Temple of A Ma, dating probably from 1488 with additions and renovations up to 1828.

Our last stop is the Macau Tower standing 1,110 feet high offers great views. An observation deck with panoramic views, restaurants, theaters, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim, are found at the tower's 764 foot level.

Day 6 - Hong Kong - Taipei, Taiwan

After breakfast we depart Hong Kong for our next Asian destination, Taipei Taiwan.  Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel and begin our city tour.

Visit the National Palace Museum which houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Song dynasty.

Typical Taiwanese snacks are found everywhere, but Taiwan's night markets in particular.  Each night market has its own traditions and characteristics and we will visit a few markets while in Taipei.

Day 7 - Taipei City 

Our full day tour takes us to some of the famous sites of Taipei. Built in 1987, the National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall are the first national-level cultural venues in Taiwan. The Presidential Office Building, built during Japanese colonization period, was the governor's mansion at that time. The building has been used as the presidential mansion after the central government of R.O.C. was re-instated in Taiwan.

Longshan Temple is for worshiping Guanshiyin Budda and other divine spirits. The temple was built in Qianlong 5th year in Ching (Qing) Dynasty. No visit would be complete without a visit to Taipei 101, the world's tallest building. We will stop at the observatory for a bird's eyeview of the city..  

The Shilin night market has snacks from all over Taiwan, including such famous delicacies as knife-sliced noodles, pork kidney soup, oyster omelet, Kaohsiung meat balls, little-cake-in-big-cake, Shilin sausages, tomatoes in ginger juice, Shandong duck heads, frogs-laying-eggs, stir-fried squid, and chili-sauce dumplings. What will you try?

Day 8 - Taipei - Jiufen

Morning at leisure to relax or shop.

Our afternoon tour takes us Northeast to Nanya, a coastline filled with amazing rock formations, a sea-eroded coral shore. The patterned stone is unique in Taiwan and formed through the weathering of the sandstone that lines the shore. The oxidation of iron ore within the stone gives it a beautiful striped pattern.

Next we travel to the quaint little village of Chiufen Village (Jiufen), once the gold mining center of Taiwan. The gold is gone, but Jiufen built of closely-packed houses clinging to steep mountainsides, continue to offer enchanting scenery, unique teahouses and fascinating glimpses into the lifestyles of the past.

Day 9 - Taipei - Beitou Springs

Today we board the MRT and take the train to Beitou hot springs. Emitting sulfur mist year round, the place is bestowed with abundant hot spring resources.  There are white sulfur, green sulfur and iron sulfur springs.

We will stop at the Geothermal Valley, consisting of a lake of water and sulfuric acid that reaches temperatures of 212° Fahrenheit . The boiling water below is made even stranger by the wafting sulfuric smoke dancing around the top of the lake and floating off into the clouds above.

After seeing the source of the area’s hot springs, it’s time to venture into a hot spring bath. The pools range from hot to “Oh my gosh!”, so there is a pleasant soaking opportunity for everyone. For those who go in the summer or who want to cool down a bit, there is also a pool with cool water.

Tonight we enjoy our Farewell at a Taipei restaurant.

Day 10 - Depart Taiwan

After a final breakfast we have to say goodbye to all our new single travel friends as we are transferred to the airport and our flights home. 

Splendor of China Singles Vacation Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrive Beijing, China

Arrive at the Bejing airport (remember you are flying home from Shanghai) where you will be met and transferred to our hotel. Meet and greet your tour leader at 7:00pm and go for an optional dinner and the beginning of a wonderful vacation.

Day 2 - Monday: Beijing

Walking shoes today are needed as we explore the fascinating Forbidden City. Magnificent marble courtyards, huge halls, gilded temples and ornate pavilions are a masterpiece of architectural history. The Forbidden City (also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum) was commissioned by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times. The Forbidden City was the seat of Imperial power for 500 years, and is now a major tourist attraction. The total area of the complex is 183 acres, so it takes quite a while to walk through.

Walk in the footsteps of Emperors in Tiananmen Square; gaze across the vast space to the Great Hall of the People and stand before the massive Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace) Gate.

Climb aboard a rickshaw for a fascinating tour of Beijing’s old Hutong district. Ride along an intricate maze of narrow alleys, old houses and hidden courtyards. You can find an old man walking his bird, a housewife bargaining with the vegetable market and children frolicking in a kindergarten. It is a true moment in Beijing daily life.

Toniight we eat Peking Duck at our Welcome Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday:   Beijing - Great Wall of China

Another Highlight Day - the Great Wall of China! We drive north to the mountains outside Bejing to stroll the ramparts of China’s famed Great Wall at Mutianyu. Among the orchards and pines the Great Wall was built and reconstructed to keep out the Normadic tribes to the North. Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is linked to the Gu Bei Kou section on the east and the Badaling section on the west. It was used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs.

Why walk up when we can take a cable car. There are two cable cars that will take us to the top of Mutianyu Great Wall. At Cable One stop you can take a walk down to the lower car, or up as high as you can to the point where the Wall renovation has stopped. Cable Two will take us up to the top of the Wall, to the East and at a lower elevation than the first. The platforms in this area offer a wonderful view of the wall. as well as access to Zheng Guan Tai gate which is the most famous and most striking of the Mutainyu gates.

After lunch we visit the Summer Palace with its beautiful ornamental plantings, languid willows and painted pavilions surrounding a scenic lake. Located in a northwest suburb of Beijing, the Summer Palace was originally a royal garden and a temporary dwelling palace for emperors of Qing Dynasty, It’s hardly surprising that, during the hot Beijing summers, the Imperial Family preferred the beautiful gardens and airy pavilions of the Summer Palace to the walled-in Forbidden City.

Tonight after dinner enjoy the Kungfu show at Red Theatre. The story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. On the road to enlightenment he encounters many difficulties and temptations.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Beijing

This morning we visit Beijing Olympic Green and have a photo opportunity at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

A trip to China would not be complete without viewing the cute Giant Pandas. so let's visit the Beijing Zoo. The zoo contains a diverse collection of animals, a number of exhibition halls and some sites of historical interest. The zoo is home to around 450 different species and has a population of some 5,000 animals.

Visit the Temple of Heaven one of the most holy places in China for more than five centuries. It was used as a complex of sacrificial buildings for the Ming and Qing emperors, and is one of the largest Beijing royal altars to Heaven, Earth, the Sun, the Moon and other deities or symbolic forces of Nature.

Then we stop at the Pearl Market, a 5 floor mega-market with vendors selling everything from Pearls to electronics.  Just remember to haggle.

Day 5 - Thursday: Beijing-Xi’an

After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. Upon landing we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection of Chinese artifacts, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here.

Day 6 - Friday: Xi’an - Terra Cotta Warriors

A highlight of our tour is the remarkable archaeological site where the Terracotta Warriors, who guarded the tomb of China’s great unifier and first emperor Qinshuang, was discovered. Found by local farmers, so far over 700 warriors, 100 chariots, and 400 horses have been excavated from four pits.   

What makes the Terracotta warriors in Xi'an so amazing is that each one is life size and unique. Each soldier was armed with a real bronze weapon and face, clothing and hairstyles had individual characteristics. . The charioteers had fully functional wooden chariots pulled by terracotta horses. Archers, spearmen, infantry, and generals have been excavated. When new, each soldier was covered with paint and had the appearance of a real living man.

Situated at the northern foot of Mt. Lishan in Lintong County, 18.6 miles from Xian City, Huaqing Hot Spring is famed for both its dainty spring scenery and the romantic love story of Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his concubine Yang Guifei in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Its long history and location among the wonderful landscapes of Xian should entice any visitor to visit and bathe in this hot spring.

Day 7  - Saturday:   Xi’an

Today we explore the city of Xi'an.  The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located inside Jianfu Temple, is an important Buddhist site, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, 1300 years ago.The pagoda is a symbol of Chang'an (Constant Peace) city. Xi'an was called Chang'an until the Ming Dynasty when Beijing became the capital of China. 

The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre.

The Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower mark the center of the ancient capital. The wooden Bell Tower, which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, is 118 feet high and stands on a brick base 116.4 feet long and 28.2 feet high on each side. The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower. Both are called the 'sister buildings' or 'morning bell and dark drum'.

Then there will be time for the Market, a large shopping district made up of small lanes and alleys. The buildings are built in the architectural style of the Qing dynasty, and are quite colorful. Many vendors and peddlers set up booths along the narrow streets to sell local crafts and foods. There are also many tea houses where you can relax, have a cup of tea, and people watch.

Tonight enjoy a famaous Chinese Dumping Dinner.

Day 8 - Sunday:    Xi'an - Shanghai

Leave the countryside behind as we fly to Shanghai, the largest city in China.  Shanghai, an amazing mix of the ancient and hi-tech western civilization, is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Capture the essence of new and old China and experience the centuries of culture and history as we explore Shanghai together.

Ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center Observatory Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings (1,615.2 ft tall), for an astonishing view over the entire city.

Spend the rest of the day on Nanjing Road, the main shopping street of Shanghai, and one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

Day 9- Monday:   Shanghai

Walk along the famous Bund past the facades of the colonial buildings lining the Huangpu River and gaze across to the fantastic skyscrapers of the Pudong District on the opposite side. As we cross the Huang River view the Bund from this floating vantage point, see 80-100 year old buildings with diverse architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque.  

Yu Garden, a classical garden in downtown Shanghai, boasts a history over 400 years. Each pavilion, hall, stone and stream in the garden is expressing the quintessence of South China landscape design from Ming and Qing Dynasty. Over forty spots, divided by dragon walls, wound corridors and beautiful flowers, form an unique picture featuring one step, one beauty; every step, every beauty.

Best shopping in Shanghai is the secret shops where you can buy anything and this is our opportunity to visit one of these locations.

Tonight enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 - Tuesday:  Depart Shanghai

After our final breakfast together, we will be transferred to the airport for our flights home. Our singles vacation of China is at an end.  Zai Jian China!

Down Under Australia Singles Vacation Itinerary

Discover Sydney on our full one-day tour with the works! Highlights include the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and the Customs House. Learn Sydney's secrets and unravel its history as you're guided through the heart of the city's popular sightseeing district. 

Board our morning cruise of Sydney's harbor past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Then we will cruise past palatial waterfront homes, parks, beaches and marinas that reveal Sydney's relaxed lifestyle. Go behind the scenes at the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House. See what goes on behind the world's most recognizable sails. Hear the controversial story of the building's construction, as dramatic as any opera plot, brought alive by the new interactive audio-visual presentation.

Vacation Day 3 - Blue Mountains - Featherdale Wildlife Park - Scenic World

Take the Climb of Your Life with BridgeClimb Sydney! The Bridge Climb is an optional 3 ½ hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It will takes us along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 440 feet above Sydney Harbour. When we reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over!

Vacation Day 6: Cairns Rainforest 

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with unique rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches & magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. Snorkel, dive and swim in the warm island waters, view the spectacular reef from the coral viewing tours, explore Green Island National Park or just relax on the sandy beach.  

Vacation Day 8: Cairns to Melbourne