Day 3: Beijing - Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour, along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Start your journey in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, with a morning visit to the Summer Palace, which is ranked among the most noted classical gardens in the world. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Your afternoon includes a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. See the new habitat that has been created for those pandas rescued from the earthquake region who are now happily residing in their new home. Tonight a traditional dumpling dinner is included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Beijing - Begin your day with a visit to the famous site of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other rooms & buildings which have been home to 24 Chinese Emperors over 491 years. This evening you will be treated to a dinner featuring Peking Duck, followed by a colorful performance of the Peking Opera. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5: The Great Wall - No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Behold this awesome site and have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs where you will walk along the Sacred Way, or Divine Road, which means "the road leading to heaven". Feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics during a visit to the Olympic Green, where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird's Nest and Water Cube! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6: Beijing - Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating, constantly changing city independently. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions on how best to spend your day. Breakfast included.

Day 7: Beijing - Enjoy a full day of leisure to relax independently explore this wonderful city. You may take an optional tour to Xian, which includes a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum. Breakfast included.

Day 8: Beijing - This morning you'll visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for the good harvest and pray for the new harvest. You will also see the locals doing their morning Tai Chi exercises, playing cards or board games. Afterwards, experience ancient Beijing on a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local family's history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making. Next, visit with a kite master and learn the history of the favorite pastime of many locals. During your visit, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 2: Opatija, Croatia - Welcome to Opatija, an elegant resort and long-time favorite destination of European nobility. Opatija welcomes you with swishing palms and stately seaside villas. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner. Dinner included.

Day 3: Opatija, Moscenice, Pula, Poree - Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour, along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with locals. Travel to the medieval hill town of Moscenice, perched on a dramatic precipice overlooking Kvarner Bay. Enjoy free time to wander its narrow streets and soak up its romantic charm. Enjoy a tour of the local museum, learning about the history behind their olive press and indulge in a sample of locally-made brandy. Continue to the beautiful coastal city of Pula, on the southern end of the Istrian peninsula, dating to the 10th century B.C. A walking tour highlights the imposing and well-preserved first-century amphitheater and the city's many artifacts from its time as a Roman colony. Next, visit the charming seaside city or Porec. More than 2,000 years old, Porec's city center still follows its ancient Roman street plan. Visit the Euphrasian Basilica Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkably intact 6th century Byzantine art and early Christian masaics dating to the 2nd and 6th centuries. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Opatija - Enjoy the many charms of Opatija at leisure today. Or join an optional excursions to the staggeringly beautiful Plitvice Lakes, a Croatian national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Opatija, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Bled - Today you travel to Croatia's neighbor to the north, Slovenia. Stop in its vibrant and friendly capital, Ljubljana, for a locally guided tour revealing the unique character of Stara Ljubljana, Ljubljana Old Town, where distinct Baroque and Art Nouveau edifices blend with the striking creations of the visionary 20th century architect, Joze Plecnik. Continue your journey to the historic and enchanting lake resort of Bled, nestled in the rugged Julian Alps. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a "pletna" boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary's Church, and the "wishing bell". The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore this fairy tale resort on your own before returning to Opatija. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6: Opatija, Lipica - Discover the historic home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses when you visit the Lipica Stud Farm. Charles II, Archduke of Austria, founded the farm in 1580 to breed horses for his powerful family, the Hapsburgs. Tour this fascinating facility and learn about these docile and elegant creatures. Your next stop is one of the finest wine producing areas in the region where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7: Opatija - Your day is at leisure. Relax along the shore, enjoy Opatija's many sights and pleasures or you may choose to join an optional excursion to one of the world's most romantic cities, Venice, Italy, featuring a walking tour that includes historic St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the "Bridge of Sights". Breakfast included.

Day 8: Opatija, Hum, Motovun - Today, travel to the world's smallest town, Hum. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, Hum is home to some of Istria's most famous and renowned frescoes. While here you will have the opportunity to sample their famous mistletoe brandy. Then it's on to Motovun, a beautiful medieval city spread over the top of a 740 foot vineyard-covered hill. Step into the past as you explore this one-time colony of the Venetian Republic, its architecture reflective of its colonial days. Finally, visit a local farm where the family will show you their way of life in the Istrian countryside. Join your hosts as you learn about the ingredients harvested from their land. Complete the evening with a wonderful farewell dinner on the farm. Breakfast and dinner included.