| Great Wall + Ming Tombs + Olympics Park  Description After pick you up at the hotel by our guide, this comfortable tour starts at visiting Ming Tombs, the general name given to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the many emperors. Because of its long history, palatial and integrated architecture, the site has a high cultural and historic value. The layout and arrangements of all thirteen mausoleums are very similar but vary in size as well as in the complexity of their structures. We will also visit the 7km Sacred Way, which passes a giant tortoise bearing the largest stele in China, followed by 12 sets of fantastic stone animals and 12 stone-faced statues of generals, ministers and officials. Every other animal is in a reclining position, allowing for a “changing of the guard” at midnight. You will be amazed at the beautiful and fabulous Ming Tombs. After a nice and relaxing meal, we will head to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Zigzagging its way from east to west across the northern edge of the ancient Chinese empire, the Great Wall is an incredible exercise in large-scale construction. The Badaling section is well-preserved and manages to retain a sense of authenticity in spite of several "prettification campaigns". Pace yourself as you climb up this war- ravaged icon. Our tour guide will be at your side all the time enriching your experience with her broad knowledge and spicy anecdote about these historic sites. Our final destination is the Olympics Park, where you will have the chance to feel the exciting 2008 Beijing Olympics atmosphere and have an exterior view of the magnificent Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). Our guide will explain to you their construction history and the Olympics stories on the way. You will have enough time taking photos with those modern buildings. The tour ends with our guide escorting you back to your hotel and it must be an unforgettable day. Inclusions -Ming Tombs (Chang Tomb/Sacred Way) -Lunch -Great Wall -Exterior View of Bird's Nest and Water Cube -Private car or mini van transfers -Professional English-speaking private tour guide |