For nearly 5000 years, tea has been an integral part of Chinese life. Via the famous trading routes of the Silk Road and the Tea/Horse Road, tea  spread from the source to the outside world. Guided by some of China's leading tea authorities, discover first-hand the lore and lure of tea. Explore remote mist-covered mountains where the legends of tea were born. Visit ancient cities where Emperors once ruled with teacup in hand. Tour ornate temples, lavish palaces, and historic landmarks. And, experience the charm of China's many colorful traditions as we visit famous tea producing and cultural regions.

Some exceptional tour highlights include: walking the Great Wall; touring the expansive Forbidden City; strolling through the scenic Temple of Heaven; excursions to verdant tea gardens where you can pick and even hand-make your own tea; attending a tea culture practicum; guided tea factory tours; meetings and tea tastings with experts in tea production and trade; touring the inspiring Potala Palace in Tibet; wandering through handicraft and street markets looking for treasures and shopping to your heart's delight at a tea Supermarket.

Journey to Central China to investigate the processed of making rare Yellow tea, tour the magnificent burial site of the  Terra Cotta Warriors, look far back into ancient history at the National History Museum, peek into the colorful, ritual-filled lives of China's Minority groups, enjoy the special 3 Course Tea of the Bai people in remote Dali, taste exquisite teas just freshly made, behold the breath-taking beauty of the majestic Yellow Mountains and take a boat ride to a remote island tea garden.

Learn how the prized Pu Erh tea bowls are made;  stay in a real Qing Dynasty village, Delve into the spiritual essence of Chinese culture visiting temples and monasteries, meet and make friends with local people, hear folk tale stories of the days of the Tea/Horse road, peek into the mysterious world of a Tibetan Medicine Hospital, see the colorful displays of culture performances, indulge your appetite at an all-dumpling banquet, learn how to make then enjoy traditional Tibetan butter-tea in a local home, view inspiring mountain ranges and other natural scenery, take in the ambiance at numerous tea houses plus many more surprises.


And, on the amazing Darjeeling post-tour extension, see the magnificent Himalaya's from the other side. In the most famous tea region in the world, you will have the unique opportunity to  delve into the "Champagne of Tea" as you visit the offices of a busy tea broker for a guided tea tasting, actually attend the vibrant tea auction, join lectures on tea history and manufacture, visit several tea estates to learn how these prized teas are made, behold the spectacular sunrise on Mt. Kanchenjunga, shop for Pashmina and silks in the markets of Darjeeling town, even stay in the elegant bungalows on a tea estate. Also, take in some sights of historic Delhi before heading for home.

 

This twelve day tour is packed full of exciting, interesting, and authentic experiences. With the exhilarating three day Beijing pre-tour and five day Darjeeling post-tour extensions, delight in even more memorable experiences. This exciting itinerary is sure to delight both tea professionals and novice tea drinkers, providing invaluable education and special memories that will last a lifetime. Due to the unique nature of this tour, space is limited, so please make your reservations early.