This was my second completely independent trip to China with this tour operator. I worked with Kyle Lee to organize the itineraries and book hotels, guides, internal trains, and more. This year, I chose to visit Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as some areas of interest near these two cities. I was originally supposed to travel with my daughter, but at the last moment, due to a knee issue, she decided not to come (especially since the trip included some hiking and physical effort). So, I embarked on this journey alone.
What can I say? Impeccable organization. Kyle is extremely helpful and exceptional at tailoring itineraries and travel experiences. He is attentive and present, with an incredible ability to craft trips that let you see exactly what you wanted – and even more. The guides were extraordinary. Diana, incredibly friendly and super communicative, managed to show me the most important parts of an immense city like Chongqing in just one day, while still giving me the space to explore certain places on my own when I needed it.
Andy, who assisted me with logistical transfers in Chengdu, accompanied me with charm, elegance, empathy, and a great sense of humor. Even though he was with me for a short time, he left a lasting impression. However, the highest praise goes to Rosa, my main guide in Chengdu, Leshan, and Mount Emei. Calling her a guide feels reductive – she was a friend, a travel companion, and like family. Tireless, incredibly knowledgeable, and always available. Seeing that I was traveling alone, she joined me for dinners and accompanied me well beyond her working hours. We went shopping together, talked with locals (thanks to her interpretation skills), and shared so much culturally, relationally, and personally. She welcomed me into her world, and I welcomed her into mine. I don’t think I’ve ever traveled with a guide so prepared, kind, and open, who introduced me not only to her country but also to such meaningful human connections.
If I could give 10 stars to this company, to Kyle, and to the amazing people I met, I absolutely would. Since I can only give 5 stars, I’ll do that instead – but I’m already thinking about traveling with them again next year!
Our family had a great 15-day customized China tour experience with this tour company! Several months before our trip, I contacted the company and Thalia was our very responsive and helpful travel agent. She helped us plan an interesting itinerary with a variety of different activities that exposed us to the ancient history, vibrant culture, and beautiful outdoor landscapes of China. The English-speaking travel guides in each city we visited had warm, friendly personalities and shared great insights with us about life in China. They guided us on memorable visits to the water towns surrounding Shanghai, and to Xian, Guilin, and the beautiful countryside of Yangshuo. The company took care of all our travel arrangements including wonderful and well-situated hotels, private mini-van with driver, and train/airport transfers. These arrangements were very reassuring as this was our family's first trip to China. For all the activities, care, and excellent customer service we received from the company, we felt the overall cost of our family's customized tour was reasonable and well worth it! We would not hesitate to use this company again!
Discover the best of China from Shanghai on this 22-day Essentials tour. Enjoy the view over Shanghai from a rooftop bar and explore the lush scenery of Yangshuo by bike and bamboo raft. See giant pandas and other rare species in Chengdu, marvel at the fascinating Terracotta Army in Xi'an and opt to visit the Shaolin Temple. Walk along the Great Wall and camp beside a deserted section, discover the highlights of Beijing independently, learn Mandarin with several included lessons and hike to the top of Jiuyao Mountain in Hangzhou.
I arranged a group tour in Xiamen with Asia Odyssey in March, 2025. Zeva was my agent to organise the tour, and she was excellent - we were communicating for several weeks, sorting out every detail, she answered all my questions and was very patient with me, to make sure I would visit everything I wanted to and for the best price for me. Thank you, Zeva!
My guide Zico was also very good, he answered all my questions with a lot of detail and provided a steady stream of interesting information during the eight days (not too much, not too little) and providing recommendations for additional things to see and do in the evening. The driver was also very good, I felt safe the entire time. Definitely worth a second tour with them next year.
