April 29, 2009 01:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Super-Hot Deal Includes Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Optional Hong Kong Extension for $999

JENKINTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Savvy travelers with their eyes on Asia had to blink twice this week, when Friendly Planet Travel, one of the Internet's leading group travel providers, unveiled their ultra-low-cost Taste of China vacation deal. The package, starting at just $999, visits three of China's most dynamic and culturally awe-inspiring cities: Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. The trip includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via Air China; all ground transfers; all intra-China flights; superior and deluxe hotel accommodations; daily breakfast; four lunches; and comprehensive sightseeing with a local, English-speaking expert guide. Yet, all of these fine features are included in the lowest priced China vacation package available from the U.S.

Travelers can also choose from an array of inexpensive optional tours plus a four-day extension in Hong Kong. Friendly Planet Travel's Taste of China is departing through March 2010, and has already sold out four departure dates. Packages are still available, but they'll sell out quickly, so vacationers should act now to reserve their spots.

“Great travel deals are the bad economy's silver lining,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “We've been able to reduce prices for many of our tours. And now, we have a $999 deal to China, with 10 days (eight nights) of superior travel, at a price that's lower than any I've seen in my 30 years in business. Vacationers will enjoy some of the most dynamic, culturally rich cities the world has to offer, terrific hotels and services, and all at prices that are unbelievable.”

China is one of the most attractive travel destinations in the world, with modern achievements interwoven with an ancient culture, and a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years. The tour, conducted by English-speaking, Chinese guides, immerses vacationers in the country's rich culture and history, starting with the capital, Beijing, where the group visits such important sites as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China.

Vacationers then fly south for two days in Xi'an, where they'll visit, among other fascinating sites, one of the world's archeological marvels: the army of 2,200-year-old terra-cotta soldiers, including more than 8,000 life-size ceramic soldiers, chariots, and horses buried to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor. Vacationers then fly to their final destination in Shanghai, China's most modern city, often referred to as “Paris of the East.”

“International tourism is down on average, but that hasn't stopped us from coming up with amazing deals for those who can't stay home,” Goldman says. “People are looking for the best deals and the best locations, and that's exactly what we've always done, since day one. We're creating amazing deals with the help of our industry partners, and as always, we're passing our savings through to our customers. That strategy has kept our bookings strong. Those who leap at the deals we create will enjoy many opportunities to experience the best of the world, for less than they ever dreamed.”