Hello,
I have been on this site before, and have read great general information. Now, I am narrowing down and just do not know what to do...I am traveling solo on a tour (50 yo), to China, and it seems like Pacific Delight and Chinaspree get the highest recommendations. I am an aritst and like to have a little time to record everything in a sketchbook. That being said, anyone recommend a first choice? Thanks!

I would skip the tour entirely and go on your own. That way you'd have all the time you need to sketch, and not have to travel on a tour' fast moving and inflexible schedule. You would also be able to go exactly where you wanted versus exactly where the tour goes.

kimjapan,
thank you- but how to get everywhere?
hire a guide once in each city?
any advice? and do you think it is ok to travel alone?
thanks!

Of course it's OK to travel alone.

Depending on what you want to see and where you want to go, there are planes, trains, buses, taxis, private cars...no transportation problems. You could hire a guide in advance if you want to, or not. Hotel tour desks/concierges can arrange for you to join a day tour with a group if you want, or a private guide/driver, or a driver...whatever you like.

This recent post might be interesting for you.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34981470

Thanks again-
this is an interesting story and I am going to read it with great interest!

I hear that Chinaspree doesnt take credit cards...I dont know how I feel about this. Who did you finally go with?

Paola

ChinaSpree takes credit cards. They offer a discount for payment in cash. http://www.chinaspree.com/china-tour...gProcedure.htm

we used Pacific Delight and loved them. although they did arrange some tours, we had plenty of time on our own to do as we pleased.

I haven't been back for a while-
an unexpected freelance job has turned my plans around, and I belive that I am going to delay my trip until next winter.

thanks to all.

For the future, azul, you should read ekscrunchy's account of her solo trip in "Back from 21 Superb Days in Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai". It really shows you how it can be done!

Just goy back from China with Pacific delight Tours. It was first class and good value for the dollar, but we did move fast. I don't think you want a tour if you wish to spend time at any one place in order to sketch along the way.