Although my husband I much prefer to travel on our own (we have never taken a tour), we feel that we should go on a tour for our first trip to China due to our inability to speak the language. Can you recommend good tour companies? We would hope to go to Beijing, a Yahntzee River Cruise, Xian, and perhaps a couple of days in Tibet. As far as cost goes, we have never splurged with first class air tickets or hotels, but neither do we worry about saving pennies when we travel. We will greatly appreciate feedback from those of you who have been on great tours. Thanks....Flo

I went with Pacific Delights Tours, which is based in the US and was very delighted. My tour started in Shanghai, then up through Suzhou, Hangzhou, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Guanzhou, and Hong Kong. It was not extremely expensive and the accommodations, guides, and food was excellent!

Our trip to China this past May was the first tour we ever took. We chose Abercrombie & Kent - with many reservations about the cost, but we decided that China was not a place we wished to undertake a budget tour. It was worth every penny. We started in Hong Kong, then went to Guilin, Shanghai, Suzhou, Yichang, cruised the Yangtze, Chongqing, Xian and ended in Beijing. We had the best tour guide you could ask for and were so glad we spent the extra money. It was a long journey for, and we will definitely use A&K for future trips to places like Africa and India. We have always been budget travellers, so this was a super big splurge trip for us, but again, I can only say ... it was worth every penny.

I used Rim-Pac international when I toured last year. They offer different types of itinerary, but I chose the 17-day that went to Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Huangshan. They supposedly use 4-star hotels but all the ones we stayed in had excellent service and were clean and comfortable. In Shanghai, it was the Peace Hotel, better than 5-star hotels I've used in other parts of the world. <BR>The flight was by Northwest; other members in the group used China Air and the only complaint they had was the very old movies shown. <BR>All meals were included - buffet at breakfast (western and Chinese), lunch and dinner were multi course. Personally, Chinese food in the US or Canada is tastier (I'm Asian). China should not be expensive. <BR>I picked this company mainly because I was very much interested in Huangshan. They turned out to have one of the most reasonable price. Huangshan is most scenic and unique; fortunately for us, nature was most cooperative when we were there. <BR>Our tour was locally hosted, but the local guides met us at each arrival and checked us in for each departure; also took care of our baggages. I don't know if their other tours are fully escorted. <BR> <BR>By the way, the tour included a day cruise on the Li River while we were in Guilin. On the boat with us were people who just came from a Yangtse River cruise. They were unanimous in their opinion that Li River scenery beats The Yangtse. <BR>Phone number is 800-701-8687 or 212-986-2090. Web site is www.rim-pac.com. <BR>

China Focus is a good deal. Check out Frommer's China message board for more information or to e-mail folks who have recently taken a China Focus tour.

Just returned last week from a three week tour with Overseas Adventure Travel out of the Boston area. Very inclusive, Beijing, Xian, 5 day Yangtze cruise, Chongqing, ChengDu, 3 days in Lhasa, Tibet, ending in Hong Kong. Would recommend them, and they never have more than 16 travelers. OAT has a web site.

My name is clarence guo,a taxi driver and tour guide in <BR>xi'an----the home town of terra-cotta figures,i often take <BR>travellers to visit terra-cotta museum,banpo site,and cave dwelling village where you'll find some family still live in the cave houses which built hundreds of years ago,and meet local farmers ,kids there.that's different from the large group. <BR>For one day tour like this I charge RMB500($60) <BR>My web site:http://www.taxitour.com <BR> <BR>I have friend in Beijing and other cities,they will help you there if you like. <BR>pls visit:http://www.cbw.com <BR> <BR>Good luck <BR>

Hi Flo, <BR> <BR>My first time to China was this march, we used http://www.chinapac.com. They were great and we can't wait to go back.

Hello <BR> <BR>I would not automatically be intimidated by the language barrier when going to China. If you have travelled before without a tour and enjoy it, think carefully before signing up for one. I and a friend travelled to China recently on our own and had a great time. It is somewhat more difficult to get around than other places, but definately doable and there are plenty of people doing it.

Hi, <BR>I have been taking students to Beijing for 4 years now and use Braga Travel Consulting in Florida. Bonnie is the woman who owns the company and she is exceptional in her ability to manage all types of details at a very affordable price. I have always used her to my great delight and she can really make the difference. Since she is in Florida she is readily available to help and has wonderful connections in China. Her webpage is ChinaLife.com/tours. Good luck and know this trip will change your life...it is that incredible.