Odyssey (??) Tour to China

Posted by crooney55 on 05/15/26 07:28 PM

When I working, I spent time in China and promised myself that, one day, I would go back, on a tour, to better appreciate this amazing civilization. The last few years have seen many companies discontinuing their tours but we recently received a brochure from Odyssey that offers tours in 2027. I will be traveling alone (woman in her mid 70s) and am interested in art ands culture and, of course, food.

Does anyone have experience with Odyssey?

Are there other companies now offering tours?

Thank you so much.

Posted by LIZinPA 🧳

SE Pennsylvania

05/15/26 07:45 PM

3297 posts

I've taken 3 tours with Odysseys Unlimited, and will probably use them again. All 3 were in North America, so no experience with other parts of the world, but expect they would be good, too.

Posted by crooney55 OP

05/15/26 07:46 PM

366 posts

So good to hear. Thank you!

Posted by CJean

Ontario, Canada

05/15/26 08:04 PM

7316 posts

If you are referring to Odysseys Unlimited, I would recommend them. I haven't used them for China, but have done their tours in Scotland and Egypt and thought they were excellent.

Posted by renee

Minnesota

05/15/26 09:06 PM

747 posts

I have not used Odysseys Unlimited, but have always heard good reports about them. I have been happy with my five Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) trips and they now have China tours. I also had a very good experience with Road Scholar in India, and I believe they have China tours.

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

05/15/26 10:52 PM

10236 posts

I just signed up for a china tour through Gate 1

Posted by Bon Voyage!

West Coast

05/16/26 04:27 AM

469 posts

Another recommendation (assuming you mean Odysseys Unlimited) for your tour. I used them (solo woman, age 70) for Patagonia and they were excellent - from communication prior to seamless transportation to the lodgings and excellent local guides. Most of the others on my tour were multi- tour OU repeaters.

Posted by crooney55 OP

05/16/26 11:49 AM

366 posts

So appreciate everyone's thoughts. I had not realized that China tours are so readily available now - clearly, I have some research to do! Odyssey seems ton have the focus and itinerary I am looking for but it will be fun to explore other options. Thank you all!!

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

05/16/26 02:01 PM

18988 posts

I've traveled with Odysseys Unlimited in both Europe and Asia. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Their customer service is excellent.

Be aware that the prices they quote usually include airfare but you can always arrange that yourself and pay only for the land portion.

Posted by geovagriffith

05/16/26 04:15 PM

10066 posts

Haven't done a tour with Odyssey, but know others that had good reports about their tours.
We did China in 2012 on a 3 1/2 week tour with Vantage World Travel, which is out of business today.

If you do a tour of China it should include:
Beijing -to include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Royal Palace, Summer Palace and a day trip to see the Great Wall;
Xian- The Terra Cotta Warriors (so not miss this is amazing)
Shanghai--The Bund, known for its stunning waterfront views and colonial architecture, and Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden. Additionally, exploring the French Concession is nice.
Also, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Guilin and a Li River cruise, and Hong Kong.