12 Day National Geographic Award Winning China Signature
Premium Private Guided Tour
Home to one of the world’s oldest and most revered civilizations, astoundingly beautiful scenery, and cities where gleaming modern skyscrapers cast shade on historical sites that date back centuries, China is indeed a special place. This eye-opening journey introduces you to the history, culture, nature, and traditional life of this fascinating land as it was meant to be seen: with the expert guidance of private guides.
The adventure begins in Beijing, China’s political and cultural capital. As far as first impressions go, you won’t get a better introduction to the majesty of China than at the restored Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, which you’ll explore on a private full-day hike. Back in the city, get an early start with a guided tai chi session before heading out on a comprehensive tour of the city’s famous landmarks, including massive Tiananmen Square and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the stunning Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Finally, get a glimpse of traditional Beijing on a private tour of its maze of hutong neighborhoods before sharing lunch with a local family and heading out to explore the ornate temples and serene gardens of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO-protected site on the shores of Kunming Lake.
-From Beijing, the scene shifts to Xi’an, once the preserve of China’s powerful dynastic families. After an enchanting evening of dance and music at the Tang Dynasty Show, head out on a guided bicycle tour to meet Xi’an’s most famous residents, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terra-Cotta Warriors, and explore the sacred Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later en route to Yangshuo, you’ll have the chance to witness one of rural China’s most scenic sights courtesy of a private tour of the Longji rice terraces and villages near Longsheng. The landscape becomes somehow more impressive in Yangshuo where, after taking in Academy Award-winning director Zhang Yimou’s spectacular "Sister Liu" show, you’ll be treated to an up-close glimpse of the region’s majestic karst formations, rice farms, and small villages on a private biking and hiking tour that ends at a rural farmhouse and a gourmet cooking lesson.
Last stop: glittering Shanghai. First, marvel at the gravity-defying artistry of the performers of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, then spend the next day discovering this fascinating part of China via a private cruise through the canal-lined town of Zhujiajio (the "Venice of the East") and relaxing in the calming environs of Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in the middle of the country’s most bustling city.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
- Luxury
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
About Kensington
Learn More About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
