July 11, 2003 -- There seem to be so many great deals to China right now that even we are having trouble keeping up, though it seems our fellow travelers still are eager for more of them. And even with the rush to return to China, visitors have still more bargains to peruse, some starting from as little as $599 for airfare and five nights.
We've reported such efforts of newcomer-to-the-region Go-Today before, but now comes Ritz Tours, a long-time leader in Asian travel. They've just announced Super Summer Savers to Beijing, Bangkok, Shanghai and Hong Kong for travel during July and August, 2003. The packages include roundtrip air transport from selected gateways (add-ons are available), accommodations, sightseeing and most meals.
"Hong Kong in a Week" starts from $599 out of New York's JFK, Los Angeles or San Francisco on Cathway Pacific. Stay five nights at the upscale Kowloon Hotel (right on busy Nathan Road, the heart of Kowloon's business district), with sightseeing to Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen's Floating Village and Victoria Peak. Or for an additional $100, you can also stay at Hyatt Regency on the "Golden Mile" section of Nathan Road. You also receive a half- day tour of the city and an American breakfast each morning. There are also other great deals to Hong Kong.
Bangkok in a Week takes visitors from $599 out of the same three cities (New York, LA and San Francisco) to the Thai capital, where you spend four nights at a the four-star Emerald Hotel, with a special welcome dinner (performances of Thai classical dancing), along with visits to several temples and the Grand Palace.
Separately, the firm also offers a 10-day Summer Special from just $999, including air from LA or San Francisco (from New York the price starts at $1,199), for a trip encompassing Beijing, Shanghai and a Yangtze River cruise. This China and Yangtze River deal offers two routes of travel: The Downstream option where you begin in Beijing and end in Shanghai, or the Upstream option which begins in Shanghai and finishes in Beijing.
All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability. Prices do not include government and airport fees. You also get free travel protection insurance if you confirm reservations and make final payment at least 45 days before departure.
To make reservations or get more information, see your local travel agent or contact Ritz Tours at 800/900-2446 or 626/289-7777, fax 626/281-0117, e-mail china@ritztours.com, website www.ritztours.com.