Day 1 – Depart to Thailand
Starting our journey from JFK Airport to the beautiful city of Bangkok, Thailand.
Day 2 - Bangkok
Our grand Asia journey begins as we arrive in Bangkok. Check into the Dusit Thani Hotel and spent the rest of the day free at leisure. (B, L, D from flight)
Day 3 - Bangkok
Experience the local culture of this “City of Angels” as we venture to the colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Board a long-tail boat and glide through the labyrinth of canals, passing by vendors on wooden canoes piled high with fresh fruits and vegetables. After lunch we continue onto the Rose Garden. Stroll through the gardens of the cultural village and learn more about Thailand’s rich heritage at the Thai Culture and Elephant Show. That evening, we are treated to a Welcome Dinner complete with a Thai Classical Dance performance. Overnight at the Dusit Thani Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Bangkok
Sightseeing begins with a visit to the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s must-see site and former residence of the Thai monarch. Walk through the lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards, admiring the marvelous displays of Thai art and architecture. Stop by the Coronation Hall and arrive at the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the most famous of Bangkok’s 400-odd temples. The temple houses the most respected religious object, a seated jade Buddha, which was lost and rediscovered in the 15th century. After lunch we visit the Reclining Buddha Temple and stop by a Thai silk store and Gems Factory. Dinner is served at local restaurant. Overnight at the Dusit Thani Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Bangkok
Today we take an excursion to Ayuthaya tour the dazzling remains of the monasteries and temples which showcase the past splendor of the dynasties, then continue south of Ayuthaya to visit the exquisite Bang Pa In (Summer Palace). Dinner is served at hotel. Overnight at the Dusit Thani Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Singapore
Board a southbound flight to the “Lion City” of Singapore, where we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner is served at local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Rendezvous. (B, D)
Day 7 - Singapore
A truly modern metropolis, Singapore is home to a great diversity of lifestyles, religions, and cultures. We begin our city tour at Merlion Park, passing by the national half-fish, half-lion symbol. Continue to visit Thian Hock Temple, or Temple of Heavenly Happiness, and then stop by a handicrafts center. Walk through the colorful streets of Little India, past a variety of shops and street vendors. After lunch we visit Botanic Garden. Dinner is served at local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Rendezvous. (B. L, D)
Day 8 - Malaysia
This morning we cross the border to Malaysia, an intoxicating country bordering Thailand and Singapore. Enjoy lunch in the historic port city of Malacca and take a city tour, exploring its rich cultural heritage and architecture. Begin at the Dutch-built Christ Church and then stop at the Melaka Ethnographical and Historical Museum at the Stadthuys Town Hall, followed by the Porta De Santiago, St. Francis Xavier Church and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. After our full-day of sightseeing we board our motorcoach to Kuala Lampur, Malaysia’s capital city. Overnight at the Grand Millennium Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Kuala Lampur
Kuala Lampur has grown from humble beginnings as a tin-mining town to the sleek, modern metropolis that it is today. We begin our city exploration at King’s Palace, followed by a visit to the original city center at Merdeka Square, the National Mosque and the National Monument. Marvel at the 1482-foot high Petronas Twin Towers, which once held the title of world’s tallest building. Continue to visit Batu Caves, a massive cave complex and the principle site of worship for Hindus. Complete our city tour with a visit to a Pewter Factory, KLCC Shopping Mall and a traditional Batik Demonstration. Overnight at the Grand Millennium Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day - Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transfer to hotel. In the late afternoon visit Victoria Peak and western set dinner at local restaurant. Visit open air market and board harbor cruise on a Chinese junk with unlimited drinks. Overnight at the Harbour Plaza Metropolis. (B, D)
Day 11 - Hong Kong
Explore the dynamic island of Hong Kong on a city tour beginning at Victoria Peak. Board a tram on the world’s steepest funicular railway to the top of the Peak and enjoy the full expanse of Hong Kong’s dazzling skyline. Continue to visit the Repulse Bay and Aberdeen Fishing Village. Enjoy the Chinese Dim Sum lunch at Jumbo Floating restaurant. After lunch we visit Bird Garden and Jade Market. Enjoy Chinese dinner at Peking restaurant. Overnight at the Harbour Plaza Metropolis. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Our voyage through Asia comes to an end as we board our international flight back to the US, arriving home later the same day. (B)