Champion Holidays, www.china-discovery.com

My mother (age: 58) and I (age: 27) booked Champion Holidays' Best Cities of China tour (http://www.china-discovery.com/)for August 2009. It was an amazing trip and a fantastic deal.

We were expecting to be part of a large tour group, as they said that up to 20 people could be on your tour. But when we got to China, we found out that we were the only people. For the whole trip (10 days) we had our own drivers and tour guides, most of whom were fantastic! We paid Champion Holidays ~$2,000 USD each (plus airport fees) and in exchange received a round trip flight from New York to China, three flights in China, 10 nights in 4-5 star hotels, all our meals except one, a personal tour guide, admission to all sites and a driver. I don't know how the tour operator made any money.

The whole trip worked like clockwork and was seamless. My only warnings to potential travelers are:

- I believe that most tour operators in China are required to bring tourists to state owned shops (i.e. jade factories, tea plantations, silk shops, pearl shops, etc.) We fit in about one shop a day on top of all the site seeing. I didn't mind the visits, as you got to learn about each craft. However, if you don't like shopping, this may not be the tour for you. If you do like shopping, I suggest that you also fit in some bargain hunting in the markets on your last day (when you have free, unscheduled time). And buy silk bedding if you get a chance; it's worth the investment and has helped me recover from jet lag.

- China is a great country, but it is very different than the U.S. Be prepared for different food, toilets (squat toilets) and customs. If you get the chance, try to learn some basic Chinese before you go (there is a free podcast online). It's a wonderful place and a great adventure!