AAA Hoosier - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

There is no better way to experience Asian cuisine than in its native setting, and there is no better inspiration than Certified Master Chef Martin Yan to guide you through your culinary and cultural journey. Yan is an award-winning author of more than 30 cookbooks and has charmed viewers for decades on his acclaimed PBS series, Yan Can Cook. "I want guests to be adventurous and curious and try everything," Yan says of his culinary AAA Sojourns tours. "I want them to say, 'Wow, wow, wow!'"

You will indeed say “wow” as you join Chef Yan on the ultimate Chinese culinary experience. Yan and his team have pre-selected the restaurants and organized the meals, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the sights as you savor one delicious dish after another. And like all AAA Sojourns tours, you’ll enjoy hands-on experiences such as a noodle making demonstration in Shenzhen and sampling yummy street foods in Shunde. Get behind-the-scenes access to cooking demonstrations in restaurant kitchens. And revel in the many regional sights and tastes of this ancient culture as you savor meals both traditional and gourmet.

On this custom-designed itinerary, culinary immersion is enhanced by cultural exploration. Visit the Opium War Memorial commemorating the Opium War between the British East Indian Company and the Qing Dynasty, then enjoy lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the largest restaurants in southern China. To get a flavor for China’s seaside cities, explore Guangzhou, a port renowned for its seafood markets where you’ll also enjoy a hands-on dim sum class with wine pairing. A fresh seafood dinner in the fishing village of Lei Yue Mun Seafood District on Aberdeen harbor tops off your epicurean adventure.

Price includes:
• 8 nights hotel accommodations: 2 nights in Shenzhen, 3 nights in Guangzhou, 1 night in Macau and 2 nights in Hong Kong
• Daily breakfast, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
• On-tour transportation with driver and local guides
• Guided local market tours where you will learn about traditional ingredients
• Cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes by local chefs
• Tours of: Splendid China Theme Park in Shenzhen; Opium Museum and silk factory in Panyu; 2,100-year-old Tomb of the Southern Yue Kings in Guangzhou; Wine Museum and ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral in Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage site; Hudaxian Temple in Hong Kong and more!
• Luggage handling (1 suitcase per person)

Note: Chef Yan will accompany the group on Days 3 - 9. Shared group arrival and departure transfers are not included but they can be added. An additional $50 per person may apply. Inquire at time of booking.

Day 1 - Depart for Hong Kong
Embark on your journey with a direct flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong.

Day 2 - Arrive in Hong Kong
Arrive in Hong Kong in the evening and be transported (about an hour ride) across the border to the modern city of Shenzhen. Settle into comfortable accommodations before dinner.
Accommodation: Golden Lustre Hotel - 2 nights

Day 3 - Cooking Demonstrations and Shenzhen Sightseeing
This morning, you may choose to join the locals (on your own) in a nearby park as they do their morning Tai Chi. Return to the hotel in time for breakfast. A motorcoach will be provided for a Chinese noodle making demonstration and lunch. After lunch, enjoy a tour of the Splendid China Theme Park and a cultural performance followed by a northern-style banquet dinner and cooking demonstration.

Day 4 - Shenzhen / Shunde / Guangzhou
After breakfast, drive by coach from Shenzhen to Shunde and visit Dafeng Printing Village. Lunch at Shunde Sheraton Hotel followed by a cooking class. Enjoy a walking tour of the old town in Shunde, known for its eccentric street foods such as crispy Shunde donuts and steamed sweet layered milk custard. This evening, savor a spectacular dinner and cooking demonstration at one of Shunde’s top restaurant.
Accommodation: Ocean Hotel - 3 nights

Day 5 - Panyu Sighseeing / Cooking Demonstration
After breakfast depart for Panyu. Visit the Opium Museum commemorating the Opium War between the British East Indian Company and the Qing Dynasty (1839-1842). Lunch includes a chef demonstration and behind-the-scenes kitchen tour of one of the largest restaurants in Southern China. Visit a silk factory then end the evening with a scrumptious banquet dinner.

Day 6 - Guangzhou Markets
Visit the wholesale, seafood and herbal markets at the Qingping Market. A city tour of Guangzhou includes Shamian Island, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and 2100-year-old Tomb of the Southern Yue Kings followed by lunch at a clay pot restaurant. Visit the jade market then enjoy dinner at a wine and dim sum banquet with a hands-on cooking class and demonstration.

Day 7 - Guangzhou / Macau
Travel from Guangzhou to Zhuhai and take a tour bus from Zhongshan to Macau. Visit the historic ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral whose facade was originally the Cathedral of St. Paul built in 1602. Enjoy the local snack food district in Macau. Stroll through the Wine Museum before dining at a Macanese banquet, which includes a chef’s demonstration.
Accommodation: Landmark Hotel - 1 night

Day 8 - Macau / Hong Kong
After breakfast, ride the ferry from Macau to Hong Kong. Lunch at a local Hong Kong style noodle restaurant and visit Cat Street, Lan Kwai Fong and Hudaxian Temple. The afternoon is free at leisure for shopping. End the day with a lavish Peking duck dinner.
Accommodation: Mira Hotel - 2 nights

Day 9 - Hong Kong Sightseeing / Cooking Demonstration
Today, visit Aberdeen seafood wholesale market and enjoy some time to shop at Stanley Market. A late morning dim sum demonstration class is followed by a dim sum lunch and tea. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Lei Yue Mun Seafood District. This fishing village began as a restaurant district over 150 years ago and has now developed into a well-known seafood dining area.

Day 10 - Depart Hong Kong
Your tour ends after breakfast. Transfer on your own to the airport for your flight back to San Francisco.