Ancient History and Modern Glitz from China to United Arab Emirates

Though culturally divergent in many ways, the Middle East and the Far East have at least one thing in common. In both regions, ancient history rubs shoulders with the ultra-new. The signs of Beijing's booming market economy surround 600-year-old landmarks such as the Forbidden City, which still looks much the same as when Ming dynasty emperors occupied the palace in the 15th century. Some 4,000 miles to the west, the flamboyant skyscrapers and extravagant resorts of Dubai share real estate along the Persian Gulf coast with vibrant souks and sacred mosques carrying on rich Islamic traditions. During an 11-day, 8-night tour from SNA, English-speaking guides lead a globetrotting adventure that lets travelers experience these diverse, visually stunning cities for themselves.

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Days 1–3: An overnight flight whisks travelers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Upon arrival, a guide leads the way to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located in Beijing's business district, or the The Park Plaza Hotel situated in the Wangfujing shopping district.

A trip to Tiananmen Square lets travelers feast their eyes on the world's largest public square, home to the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Just north of the square, the Forbidden City houses the Hall of Supreme Harmony, site of Qing dynasty-era coronations, imperial weddings, and senior proms.

Days 4–5: The Great Wall of China was constructed during the third century BC to thwart intruders. Tour-goers can clamber across the wall's best-preserved section at Badaling in the mountainous terrain one hour from Beijing. Back at the Forbidden City, the cobalt-blue Temple of Heaven awaits exploration, and a trip 5 miles north leads to the ornate pavilions and grand bridges adorning the lakefront royal gardens of Summer Palace. Groups also get a chance to savor the culture of Beijing during a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, a tai chi lesson, and a rickshaw ride through the Hutong neighborhood.

Days 6–8: An evening flight delivers travelers to Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. Tour-goers proceed to Marco Polo Hotel in the city's business and leisure district.

Concentrated on the banks of Dubai Creek, traditional outdoor markets called souks dazzle with gold and jewels, fragrant spices, and back issues of TV Guide. For an entirely different shopping experience, the Dubai Mall offers 1,200 stores surrounding an underwater zoo and an indoor theme park.

For a break from Dubai's flash and sparkle, the journey moves on to UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. The city's crown jewel is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a colossal white marble monument commissioned by the country's late president. It boasts 82 domes, a 60,000-square-foot, hand-knotted carpet, and seven chandeliers encrusted with millions of Swarovski crystals.

Days 9–11: Deserts comprised of white and gold sand dot the landscape surrounding Dubai. During optional tours, guests can go "dune bashing" in four-by-four jeeps or traverse the desert on camelback. The trip culminates in a visit to the most ambitious of all the city's megaprojects—the Palm Islands. Made from reclaimed land at the bottom of the gulf, each of these three artificial islands is molded in the shape of a palm tree and sprinkled with beachfront hotels and multimillion-dollar homes. Finally, a flight departs from Dubai for the trip home.