New China Train Journey from General Tours

General Tours World Traveler is now offering an 14-day affordable, luxury rail journey featuring the new Tangula Train, managed by Kempinski Hotels. The two-week trip begins with a privately-guided luxury stay in Hong Kong at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel. An included flight brings travelers to Beijing for a three-night stay at the Peninsula Hotel, with two full days of privately-guided sightseeing.

Travelers board the luxury Tangula Train for a five-day journey into southwest China’s scenic southwest, with excursions that explore the ancient temples of Xining, Delingha, home to more than 19 ethnic nationalities, and stops in Golmud and Cuono Lake on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Southern Himalayas. The luxury train crosses the 16,000-foot Tangula Pass on the fourth day of the voyage, the highest point of any rail journey in the world.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, a private car escorts passengers to the new Sheraton Hotel for a three-night stay with privately-guided sightseeing, featuring Norbulinka and the Potala Palace. General Tours’ Go Inside Tibet visit at the Sera Monastery engages clients in dialogue with resident monks, a rare opportunity for travelers to gain insight into Buddhist traditions.

The custom-built rail cars of the Tangula Train have twin and queen-bedded suites, picture windows, flat-screen TVs, entertainment systems, writing desks, complimentary service bars and private en-suite baths. The Tangula Train features 12 accommodation cars, each with four suites and a 24-hour butler. All dining and services are managed by Kempinski Hotels. The program includes 27 meals, sightseeing, rail excursions, and all internal flights. Guaranteed departures are available from April 2009 through April 2010, with prices starting at $8,199 per person, double. AARP Members save $210 per couple.

Visit www.generaltours.com.