Asian Capitals Tour

Arrive in Tokyo, where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will assist you with transferring by train or shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight Tokyo

Distances and journey time:
Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo City (95 km): 1 hr 30 min
Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo City (25 km): 50 min

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 2 – TOKYO (B)

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel for a full day sightseeing utilizing Tokyo’s super-efficient metro system.
Begin the day you with an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine; perfectly timed to avoid the crowds.
Tokyo’s most famous shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji and the park that surrounds the shrine is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, making your forget you are in the world’s largest city.
Next to Meiji Shrine is Harajuku – Tokyo’s youth fashion mecca. Whether you are a goth, punk or anything in between, there is a shop in Harajuku that caters for you.
Neighboring Harajuku is Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree lined avenue features a multitude of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects within a short distance of each other. Feel free to stop for a coffee in one of the area’s many stylish cafes and watch the beautiful people walk by.
From Omotesando, take the metro to Ginza. Named after the silver coin mint established there in 1612, Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. One square meter of land is worth over 10 million yen (€ 90,000) Adjoiing Ginza lies the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor. Whilst the Palace itself is not open to the public, you can take a stroll through the Palace East Gardens.
Our last stop for the day is Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change according to the location of your hotel.
Overnight Tokyo

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 3 – TOKYO (B,L)

NikkoToday is a free today for you to explore this amazing city. Make an early start to visit the world Famous Tsukji Fish Market, visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world class museums and art galleries.
Or, you can use your included Japan Rail Pass to make an excursion outside of Tokyo to one of the following:
Kamakura
One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha.
Sitting high in the mountains of Nikko National Park, Nikko houses the Toshogu Shrine complex and mausoleum, Japan’s most extravagant display of religious architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will provide you with detailed information of all the options available to you.
Overnight Tokyo

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 4 – TOKYO – BEIJING(B)

Today board a flight to Beijing. Transfer to hotel with your local guide.
Welcome to Beijing a thriving metropolis which, in recent years, and was brought to the attention of everyone on the world stage in 2008 when it hosted the Olympic Games. It would of course probably be more appropriate to say “brought back”, because Beijing was a major world player as capital of the Chinese Empire under the Yuan Dynasty (the Mongols) in the 13th century. It was however much before that time under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that Beijing truly created its own identity, with notable thanks to the Emperor Yongle who commissioned building of the Forbidden city (and not to forget the one million workers that toiled over this immense project).
According to your flight schedule (be careful with the 72 hours time limit!) you’ll be able to visit Temple of Heaven which is notable for its architectural simplicity and its symbolism reflecting early Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Here, emperors would forge the link between the round sky and the square earth through sacrificial rituals based on the founding principles of this ancient civilisation.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight Beijing

Distance and journey time:
Beijing airport – Beijing city (approx. 30km): 40 min

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 5 – BEIJING (B)

Most Chinese buildings face south, which according to ancient beliefs symbolised the barbarian threat and potential invasion from the north. This explains why the main entrance to the Forbidden City faces south towards Tiananmen Square, the third largest city square in the world.
The construction of the City was finished in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle, and served as the Imperial administrative centre throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties until the fall of the Empire in 1911. According to legend the Forbidden City is made up of 9999 different rooms.
In order to simplify this huge site, it is often divided into three parts:
– The official palaces which were used for lavish ceremonies, imperial exams and governmental meetings.
– The Imperial lodgings and gardens where the Emperor, Empress and visiting ambassadors resided.
– The surrounding areas which house temples, libraries and further gardens.

Lovingly restored for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Forbidden City has regained the youthful and vivid colours of its former glory. Take your time during this visit to such an unforgettable destination, and make sure you spend some time in the more serene surrounding courtyards and rooms. Climbing the artificial coal hill just behind the Forbidden City provides a spectacular view of the entire site and lets you get a grasp of the layout of the whole of Beijing.
Visiting the Forbidden City can take several hours. The rest of your day will be dedicated to walks around Beihai lake where young couples come for romantic boat trips and the more lively Houhai lake which is encircled by Hutongs. Hutongs are the famous Beijing alleyways home to traditional courtyard style homes, many of which have now been converted into pedestrianised streets boasting charming little restaurants and bars.
Your walk will then lead you to the Drum Tower. Here you can attend a demonstration of how, during the Ming Dynasty, the passing of each hour was marked with a drum roll. From the top you can also admire the rooftops of the neighbouring Hutongs and the Clock Tower just opposite.
Optional (with driver only): You will end your day by having dinner on a roof terrace overlooking traditional Chinese courtyard-style housing, also known as Siheyuan.
Overnight Beijing

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 6 – BEIJING (B,L)

Although, contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from the moon, it is nonetheless one of the most famous symbols of China and should not be missed. You have to go back to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago to find the first traces of defensive walls that were slowly unified and linked under the greater restoration project of the Ming Dynasty and created the Wall we know today.
The Wall stretches for over 6000km from ancient Manchuria to the fort at Jiayuguan at the edge of the Gobi desert in the west, one of the world’s most hostile environments to where criminals were banished in ancient China.
Running along high ridges, the Wall offered an excellent vantage point to the north allowing watch tower guards to raise the alarm on any potential threat from invading barbarian hordes. The wall was also high enough to slow the progress of expert Mongol Cavaliers who were forced to dismount in order to continue their attack.
Your trip will begin with an early morning departure from the hotel will mean that your photographs of the Wall will be graced with the spectacular morning light.
If you feel like the long walk up to the Wall is too much, you can take the cable car and coming back down children can enjoy the toboggan ride to the bottom.
Depending on time, you will also be able to have a picnic on the Great Wall whilst admiring the stunning, rugged scenery all around.
Once back in Beijing, you will visit the Summer Palace. At one time a simple imperial garden, the site was totally redesigned by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th Century becoming one of the capital’s major sites. The Imperial Court used to relocate to the Summer Palace during the summer months to escape the stifling heat of the Forbidden City. A mix of temples pavilions, lakes, pagodas and gardens make up this harmonious representation of Chinese culture and architecture. The Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill are the key landscape features of the Summer Palace gardens.
After your visit to the Summer Palace, you will be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight Beijing

Distance and journey time:
Beijing city– Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 75km): approx 2 hours
Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace (approx. 75 km): 1h45
Summer Palace – Beijing city (approx. 22 km): 40 min

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 7 – HONG KONG (B)

Head to the heart of the capital’s art scene: the 798 art district, situated in Dashanzi in the north east of the city, just outside the 4th ring road. 798 is made up of a number of abandoned factories which were renovated in the 90s by Chinese artists in a style similar to that seen in Berlin. ‘798’ as it is known locally, has become the mouthpiece for Beijing’s most popular contemporary artists and is probably the most vibrant art district in the whole of Asia. The famous Ai Weiwei had his first exhibitions at 798 and a number of other artists have followed in his footsteps. At the time of its opening 798 was noticeably influenced by the Maoist era whilst these days the collection has become much more eclectic. ‘Dashanzi’ as it is known, is becoming ever more popular. Cafés, restaurants and specialist boutiques selling clothes by exciting young designers, home ware pieces and pottery have grown in number over the past few years. You can spend hours wandering through the narrow alleyways browsing the shops stopping to relax and enjoy a coffee at any one of the cafés or bars.
We recommend that you check the upcoming exhibitions on their website (www.798space.com) so as to make the most of your time at 798.
You will be transferred to the airport (not far away from the Art District) and take a flight to Hong-Kong. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel.
Immersing yourself in Hong-Kong is an incredible adventure. The cars drive on the left and just like in London you will spot double-decker busses which make up part of the incredibly efficient city transport network. You will also find some of the best restaurants in the world offering, amongst pretty much everything else you could imagine, top quality Cantonese food. You can admire the city’s skyline, considered by visitors as one of the most stunning in the world, and watch the never ending flow of people made up of almost every nationality on the planet, surrounded by the bright neon lights and sweet perfume of dim sum and tropical fruits. Hong Kong is a real delight for all the senses!
Overnight Hong Kong

Distance and journey time:
Beijing city– Art district (approx. 17 km): 25 min
Art district – Beijing airport (approx. 17 km): 25 min
Hong-Kong airport – Kowloon district (approx. 35km): 30 min
OR
Hong-Kong airport – Hong-Kong Island (approx. 40km): 40 min

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 8 – HONG KONG (B)

Hong Kong is a city of markets, trade, exchanges, negotiations… In addition to the various stock exchanges and speculation, Hong-Kong has also more traditional street markets than Western travellers don’t even expect. This whole day trip will be on foot and by public transport to have a real local life experience!
In this tiny but enchanting corner of Mongkok, your Hong-Kong walking tour will start by Bird and Flower markets, breeding birds is one of favorite local hobby and you will see old men walking out their caged songbirds. Enjoy the colourful Flower Market which sell everything from Dutch tulips to exotic orchids and perfume the whole area with pleasant scents.
Head to Goldfish Market located in Tung Choi Street and famous for its exotic fish, corals, aquarium with very imaginative plant decorations but also its dogs, spiders, lizards or even snakes, a real zoological museum! Fish symbolise good fortune and wealth for Chinese people, hence their popularity.
Next stop at Langham Palace Mongkok, where you will discover an impressive and design shopping centre with giant metal spirals sculptures and revisited representations of Revolution, a visit which contrasts with the other traditional markets.
You’ll ride then the worldwide famous Star Ferry, an important part of the commuter system between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and essential journeys for visitors. The National Geographic Traveler named the ferry crossing as one of 50 places of a lifetime… Picture time! Capture some of the world’s tallest buildings that rivals the highest hills of city.You’ll reach North Point in Hong Kong Island and follow Chun Yeung Street, a multitude of wet markets, windows to a vivid and timeless world of food shopping that refuses to be extinguished by modern supermarkets.
You will end your day in Ko Shing Street where a seemingly endless number of Chinese pharmacies display all sorts of plants and dried roots reminding you how in this city traditional Chinese medicine coexists with the modern Western medicine introduced during colonial times. Pharmacotherapy is, as its name suggests, treatment using pharmacological methods. It is a collection of remedies that come in the form of pills, powders or brews derived from plants (such as Ginseng root), animals (scorpions, seahorses, snakes, rhinoceros horn…) or humans (for example, some people eat the placenta after the birth of a child).Its dispensary employees have earned a reputation for being highly knowledgeable.
Optional: You can enjoy your dinner in the authentic Temple street night market which offers a wide variety of seafood and local specialties in a lively atmosphere
Note: The order of the visits may be modified depending on the location of your hotel.
Overnight Hong Kong

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 9 – HONG KONG (B)

Departure with your guide by public transport (subway) from your hotel for Lantau Island. More precisely you’ll head to the subway station in new town of Tung Chung, from where you will take the Ngong Ping Cable Car for a 6km trip (taking 25 minutes), giving you a 360 degree view of the South China Sea, Tung Chung and the steep hills of Lantau national park.
Optionally: you can spice up your experience by electing to take the “crystal cabin”, which with its see-through bottom gives you a complete view of the surroundings! It is also possible to take a private cabin.
Arrival in the tourist village of Ngong Ping (we strongly advise against visiting) and ascent (238 steps) to the impressive, 34m tall Bronze Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
Visit to the over-100 year old Po Lin Monastery, one of the major Buddhist sanctuaries of Hong Kong, which for a long period was very difficult to access. You will then take the “Wisdom Path”, a wooded trail (taking 15 minutes) that will lead you to a cluster of 28 wooden headstones each measuring between eight and ten meters. On these are found “prayers” common to Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, all presented in works of calligraphy by the master Jao Tsung-I, and arranged in a “∞” shape, symbolising infinity.
Route to Tai’O (7km away, taking less than 15 minutes by public bus that leaves from Ngong Ping), founded by the Tanka fishermen, a southern Chinese minority who, in another time, were considered to be “sea gypsies” but are now settled (of course some maintaining their fishing lifestyle), and partially assimilated into Han culture. The Tanka live above a mud-flat in houses on stilts constructed many generations ago, and which give Tai’O its own particular character. Next a walk, during which time you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in some Street Food, including local specialties (not included) such as dried fish and shrimp, shrimp pâté, and rice cakes. Visit to Kwan Tai temple (also called Kwan Yu), constructed in the 15th century (the oldest temple on Lantau) and dedicated to the world-famous War God of the same name. Meet with a local artist (Chinese landscape gardener, calligrapher or contemporary artist, depending on their availability).
Departure by public bus to Cheung Sha, which is divided in two parts (Upper and Lower), and at 3km long is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong, and which is dotted with restaurants such as the famous “Stoep”. You’ll head by public bus towards Mui Wo to take the ferry and then subway in you stay in Hong-Kong island or back Tung Chung to take the subway to Hong-Kong island with your guide.
Note: You will have sometimes to queue for public buses on Lantau island – especially during week-ends. However we can arrange for the whole day trip.
Overnight Hong Kong

Distance and journey time:
Kowloon district – Lantau Island (approx. 30km): 30 min (by private car)
OR
Hong-Kong Island – Lantau Island (approx. 35km): 40 min (by private car)

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 10 – HONG KONG – BANGKOK (B)

After breakfast we will visit the Hong Kong Museum, located in the Tsim Sha Tsui East area. From its geological development to the return of the archipelago to Mainland China in 1997, passing by the birth of fishing villages, the integration into the Empire and the colonial period, the museum retraces the tumultuous history of Hong Kong in a lively, and sometimes interactive, manner. A space is dedicated to local folklore, a mixture of traditions of the local fishermen and the Hakka and Hoklo ethnic groups.
Depending on the time of your flight you can finish your trip by going shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui on the famous Nathan Road and the surrounding streets. Luxury goods shops, tailors, jewellers, cosmetic shops and electronics shops can all be found in this neighbourhood. If you don’t find what you’re looking for there you can always browse the gigantic shopping centre “The One” and finish your trip in style with a snack at the Wooloomooloo Restaurant located high up on the 29th floor, offering an exceptional view of Hong Kong (not included, consult us for more information).
Optional: You can also try a helicopter tour as your last activity in China that can take you in the view of Victoria Harbour and the spectacular skyscrapers of Central, down to the beautiful bays and beaches of South Hong Kong Island. Or fly across the magnificent Outlying Territories, across traditional farmlands and even along the border of Mainland China. You will find the ride exceptionally quiet and smooth, while the large, clear windows give excellent visibility all around.
Transfer to Hong- Kong airport and flight to Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met and greeted by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Free at leisure.
Overnight Bangkok

Distance and journey time:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Hotel (approx. 33.9 – 36.1 km): approx. 45 min – 1 hr
Tokyo City to Narita International Airport (NRT) (95 km): 1 hr 30 min
Tokyo City to Haneda International Airport (HND) (25 km): 50 min

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 11- BANGKOK (B,L)

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Wat Po in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 9am). One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Po is home of the famous 45 metre reclining Buddha as well as being the original school of traditional Thai massage. Continue to The Grand Palace, the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand. Your guide will show you the palaces used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and of course the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Note: Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on site).
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Upon being picked up from the hotel in the afternoon, the program will take you to experience an exhilarating long-tail boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klongs (canals).Be taken back in time to a more traditional way of life, far removed from Bangkok’s modern skyscrapers. Visit Wat Arun, the magnificent Temple of Dawn with its 79-meter pagoda or ‘prang’, built in the Khmer style. Following this, visit Wat Kalayanamitr, built in the reign of King Rama III with the combination of Thai and Chinese architectural style temple hall housing the biggest sitting Buddha in Bangkok. The last stop is Santa Cruz Church, on the Chao Phraya River’s western bank in Thonburi. This is an artifact of Thailand’s first European settlers, the Portuguese. The church also symbolises the religious freedom and cultural tolerance that has been a hallmark of the Thai kingdom for centuries.
Overnight Bangkok

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 12- BANGKOK (B)

Option A: Half Day Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak Floarting market
At just an hour’s drive south of Bangkok, Samut Songkhram Province offers visitors a glimpse into Thai countryside life. We will start the day with a stop at a local train station to experience a short regional train ride bounding for an amazing country market that has sprouted along the railway tracks. Here, you will witness the dexterity and speed of the vendors as they quickly pack their stalls right before 10:20 am when the train approaches; hence bringing shopping to a brief halt. It is a standard practice and stall holders have learnt the art of assembling and reassembling their wares at a moment’s notice!
Then we will visit Damnoen Saduak Floating market and take a long-tail boat ride through the canals and see how Thai people live alongside the labyrinth of canals in this area. Arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak market where you can stroll around the colourful floating marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.
(*Please note that, according to The State Railway of Thailand, the railway between Baan Laem and Maeklong Market will be closed for renovation for 180 days, effective from 13 May 15 until 08 November 2015.*)

Option B: Half day Bangkok Tasty Treats (Lunch and snack included)
After a light breakfast at your hotel, meet up with your guide in the morning and transfer to “Samyan Market” for a Thai fresh market experience. As you stroll through the market, meet locals on their morning shopping jaunts, learn about the ingredients used in Thai cooking and sample some tropical fruits. Continue to “Century-Year Old – Nanglerng Food Market”, it was one of the most important markets in inner Bangkok a hundred years ago when this area of the city was very flourishing. The market used to be a major trade centre for all the various communities living in the city back then. It now offers a lot of historical insights in terms of both the food and the architecture. Seeing a lot of old-style wooden shop houses in the neighbourhoods and pleasing your palate with local sweet and delicacies. A short ride takes you to a small but famous local restaurant near Bangkok City Hall to enjoy an authentic Thai lunch and wrap up the meal with sarim, a popular Thai dessert made up of colourful thin vermicelli served in savoury coconut milk.
Optional Tour: Glittering Bangkok
After a day of touring in this vibrant metropolis, a relaxing evening beckons with a drive through Bangkok’s old quarters that delivers sights of an illuminated Grand Palace, the Royal Ground, temples and the lit-up Ratchadamnoen Avenue. A lavish Thai dinner and cocktails against the stunning backdrop of the Rattanakosin skyline at “The Deck” riverside restaurant will keep your night pleasurable. Then stroll along the Flower Market to see the myriad varieties of exotic orchids and sweet smelling flowers. The buzz in this market is best experienced at night during which busy vendors load their wares up and down their mopeds. A potential shopping opportunity awaits you at an adjacent local night market along the Memorial Bridge that overlooks the Chao Phraya River, where you can rummage for handicrafts or souvenirs to bring back home for your family and friends.
Time: 18.00 – 22.00
Departure: Daily
Note: Incl. Dinner
Overnight in Bangkok.

Asian Capitals Tour – DAY 13 – DEPART BANGKOK (B)

Transfer to Airport with your guide (time to be confirmed the day before).

Distance and journey time:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Hotel (approx. 33.9 – 36.1 km): approx. 45 min – 1 hr

Asian Capitals Tour – Our Services Include:
Accommodation in selected hotels (with breakfast)
English speaking guide without shopping (for other languages supplements apply)
Entrance fees for mentioned visits
Japan: Airport meet and greet and return transfers, and guided touring as mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
Japan: PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of USD13.-
China & Thailand: Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle

Asian Capitals Tour – Our Services Do Not Include:
Other meals not mentioned
Other services than mentioned
International and Domestic Flights (Quoted on request)
Visa of China
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Tips, Travel insurance

Asian Capitals Tour – Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Multi-country tour to your individual specifications.