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Custom Itineraries

Experience China your way with personalized travel plans designed around your interests, preferences, and travel style

Tailored Travel Experiences

Our custom itinerary service transforms your travel aspirations into thoughtfully crafted journeys that reflect your unique interests and preferences.

China's vast geography, cultural diversity, and endless attractions can make planning a trip overwhelming. Our custom itinerary service eliminates this challenge by creating personalized travel plans that maximize your time and ensure meaningful experiences aligned with your interests.

The process begins with an in-depth consultation where we explore your travel style, interests, must-see destinations, and special requirements. Our China specialists then craft a detailed itinerary that balances iconic highlights with hidden gems, active exploration with relaxation, and structured activities with free time for spontaneous discoveries.

Unlike pre-packaged tours, our custom itineraries offer complete flexibility. We can design journeys focused on specific themes such as culinary exploration, historical immersion, or natural wonders. For families, we incorporate child-friendly activities and accommodations. Business travelers can blend work commitments with leisure experiences. Whatever your vision, we transform it into a seamless, memorable journey through China.

Service Highlights

  • Personalization: Tailored to your interests and preferences
  • Flexibility: Adjustable pace and activities
  • Expertise: Designed by China specialists
  • Exclusivity: Access to unique experiences
  • Balance: Mix of iconic sites and hidden gems
  • Efficiency: Optimized time management
  • Support: 24/7 assistance throughout your journey
  • Value: Experiences aligned with your budget

Our Itinerary Design Process

How we create your perfect China journey

1

In-Depth Consultation

We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your travel vision. Through detailed conversations, we explore your interests, travel style, must-see destinations, activity preferences, accommodation standards, dining expectations, and any special requirements. This foundation allows us to create an itinerary that truly reflects your personal travel aspirations.

2

Proposal Development

Our China specialists craft a detailed itinerary proposal based on your consultation. We carefully select destinations that align with your interests, recommend experiences that match your preferences, and suggest accommodations that meet your standards. The proposal includes day-by-day activities, transportation arrangements, and estimated costs, presented in a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand format.

3

Refinement & Adjustment

We review the proposal together, gathering your feedback on every aspect of the itinerary. This collaborative refinement process may involve several rounds of adjustments as we fine-tune the plan to perfectly match your vision. We can modify destinations, adjust the pace, upgrade accommodations, or incorporate additional experiences until the itinerary feels exactly right for you.

4

Confirmation & Booking

Once you're completely satisfied with the itinerary, we handle all bookings and reservations. Our team secures your accommodations, transportation, guides, and experiences, leveraging our established relationships to ensure availability and preferential treatment. We provide you with a final detailed itinerary document containing all confirmations, contact information, and important details.

5

Pre-Departure Support

As your departure approaches, we provide comprehensive pre-trip assistance. This includes detailed packing recommendations based on your destinations and the season, visa application guidance, health and safety information, cultural etiquette tips, and technology preparation advice. We ensure you're fully prepared for your journey with all necessary information and documentation.

6

In-Journey Assistance

Throughout your trip, our concierge team provides 24/7 support to ensure everything runs smoothly. We monitor your journey, proactively addressing potential issues before they arise. If you wish to make adjustments during your trip, we can modify reservations, add new experiences, or handle any unexpected situations. This ongoing support ensures peace of mind throughout your China experience.

Specialized Itinerary Types

Tailored journeys for every interest and travel style

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

Specially designed for families with children of all ages, these itineraries balance educational experiences with fun activities. We incorporate interactive cultural workshops, wildlife encounters, and child-friendly accommodations with connecting rooms or family suites. Pacing is adjusted to prevent overtiring young travelers, with plenty of downtime and early dinners when needed.

Cultural Immersion

Cultural Immersion

For travelers seeking deeper cultural understanding, these itineraries focus on meaningful interactions with local communities and traditions. We arrange private access to cultural sites, meetings with artisans and scholars, participation in traditional ceremonies, and stays in heritage properties. These journeys go beyond surface-level tourism to provide authentic insights into China's diverse cultures.

Culinary Journeys

Culinary Journeys

Food enthusiasts will delight in our culinary-focused itineraries that explore China's diverse regional cuisines. These journeys include market tours with local chefs, cooking classes, street food explorations, meals at renowned restaurants, and visits to tea plantations or vineyards. We can accommodate dietary restrictions while still providing authentic culinary experiences across different regions.

Adventure & Active

Adventure & Active

For energetic travelers, these itineraries incorporate hiking, cycling, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. We might include trekking along remote sections of the Great Wall, cycling through rice terraces, hiking in national parks, or rafting on scenic rivers. These active journeys are tailored to your fitness level and include quality equipment, experienced guides, and comfortable accommodations to recover after each day's adventures.

Luxury Experiences

Luxury Experiences

Our premium itineraries feature the finest accommodations, private transportation, exclusive experiences, and VIP access throughout China. We arrange stays at world-class hotels and resorts, private dining in extraordinary settings, after-hours access to cultural sites, helicopter transfers, yacht charters, and personalized shopping experiences. Every detail is meticulously planned to ensure unparalleled comfort and exclusivity.

Business & Leisure

Business & Leisure

For business travelers seeking to maximize their time in China, we create itineraries that efficiently blend work commitments with leisure experiences. We can schedule cultural activities around your meetings, arrange productive workspaces in scenic locations, coordinate business dinners with cultural performances, and ensure seamless transitions between business and leisure portions of your trip.

Special Interest

Special Interest

These highly specialized itineraries cater to specific passions such as photography, architecture, traditional medicine, martial arts, calligraphy, or religious studies. We connect you with subject matter experts, arrange specialized workshops, and provide access to relevant sites and communities. These journeys allow for deep exploration of your particular interest within the context of Chinese culture and traditions.

Multi-Generational

Multi-Generational

Designed for families traveling with members of different ages, these itineraries include activities that appeal to various generations. We balance the pace to accommodate both seniors and children, incorporate options for different activity levels, and arrange accommodations that provide both togetherness and privacy. These journeys create meaningful shared experiences while respecting the needs of each family member.

Celebration Journeys

Celebration Journeys

For milestone birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, or other special occasions, we create memorable celebration itineraries. These include surprise elements, exclusive experiences, special dining arrangements, and thoughtful touches that honor your celebration. We coordinate with hotels and restaurants to arrange decorations, cakes, champagne, and other celebratory details throughout your journey.

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom China journey

Classic China Highlights

12 Days | Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai

Perfect for first-time visitors, this journey covers China's most iconic destinations while providing deeper insights than standard tours. Experience the grandeur of imperial Beijing, the archaeological wonders of Xi'an, the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin, and the dynamic energy of Shanghai.

Highlights:

  • Private access to a less-visited section of the Great Wall
  • After-hours tour of the Terracotta Warriors with an archaeologist
  • Bamboo raft journey along the Li River with a picnic lunch
  • Private dumpling-making class with a Shanghai chef
  • Luxury accommodations in each destination

Family Adventure

10 Days | Beijing, Chengdu, Yangshuo, Shanghai

Designed for families with children, this itinerary balances cultural experiences with interactive activities. From hands-on workshops to wildlife encounters, every day offers engaging experiences that educate and entertain travelers of all ages.

Highlights:

  • Kung Fu lesson with a master at the Temple of Heaven
  • Volunteer program at the Chengdu Panda Research Base
  • Bicycle adventure through Yangshuo's countryside
  • Interactive science workshop at the Shanghai Science Museum
  • Family-friendly accommodations with connecting rooms

Culinary Exploration

14 Days | Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Hong Kong

A gastronomic journey through China's diverse regional cuisines, this itinerary delights food enthusiasts with market tours, cooking classes, street food adventures, and meals at both acclaimed restaurants and local hidden gems.

Highlights:

  • Private Beijing duck feast with the restaurant's head chef
  • Sichuan cooking class after a local market tour in Chengdu
  • Tea plantation visit and tasting ceremony in Hangzhou
  • Dim sum masterclass with a renowned Hong Kong chef
  • Specially arranged food-focused cultural experiences

Natural Wonders & Adventure

16 Days | Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan

For nature lovers and active travelers, this journey explores China's most spectacular landscapes. From mist-shrouded mountains to Tibetan plateaus, experience breathtaking scenery while enjoying hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.

Highlights:

  • Guided hikes through Zhangjiajie's dramatic sandstone pillars
  • Mountain biking along ancient tea horse trails in Yunnan
  • Meditation session with monks at a Tibetan monastery
  • Wildlife tracking in Sichuan's nature reserves
  • Comfortable accommodations in scenic locations

What Our Clients Say

Hear from travelers who have experienced our custom itineraries

"Our family of five, including three teenagers, had specific and varied interests for our China trip. Joleefly created an itinerary that somehow managed to include history for our daughter, martial arts for our sons, and culinary experiences for my wife and me. The pacing was perfect, with enough downtime to prevent exhaustion. Every accommodation was well-chosen for our family's needs, and the guides were exceptional with our teens."

The Johnson Family
The Johnson Family

United Kingdom

"As a photographer, I wanted an itinerary focused on capturing China's diverse landscapes and cultures. Joleefly designed a journey that took me to both iconic locations and hidden spots at the perfect times for lighting. They arranged special access to locations normally closed to the public and connected me with local photographers who shared insider knowledge. The flexible schedule allowed me to linger when the conditions were perfect or move on when they weren't."

Elena Kowalski
Elena Kowalski

Poland

"My husband and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary and wanted a luxury experience that combined relaxation with cultural immersion. The itinerary Joleefly created exceeded our expectations in every way. From the surprise champagne sunset on the Great Wall to the private cruise on West Lake, every detail was thoughtfully planned. The accommodations were exceptional, and the guides knew exactly when to provide information and when to give us space to enjoy moments together."

The Martinez Couple
The Martinez Couple

Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our custom itinerary service

For optimal availability and planning, we recommend starting the custom itinerary process 4-6 months before your intended travel dates. This timeline allows for thoughtful consultation, detailed itinerary development, and securing the best accommodations and experiences. For travel during peak seasons (April-May, September-October) or major holidays, 6-8 months advance planning is ideal. However, we can accommodate shorter planning periods when necessary, though some premium options may have limited availability.

The cost of a custom itinerary varies widely based on several factors: travel duration, destination selection, accommodation standards, transportation choices, included experiences, and seasonality. As a general guideline, our custom journeys typically start at $400 USD per person per day for premium experiences and can range upward for luxury options. During our consultation, we discuss your budget parameters and design an itinerary that maximizes value within your comfort range. We provide transparent pricing with detailed breakdowns of all included services.

Yes, flexibility is a key benefit of our custom itineraries. Before your departure, you can make adjustments to your confirmed itinerary, though changes may be subject to availability and potential price adjustments. During your journey, our concierge team can help modify arrangements to accommodate unexpected interests or circumstances. For significant changes during travel, additional costs may apply, particularly for last-minute adjustments to accommodations or transportation. We recommend travel insurance that includes "cancel for any reason" coverage for maximum flexibility.

We can arrange travel to virtually any destination in China, including remote or less-visited locations not featured on our website. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of China's diverse regions and can create itineraries that include emerging destinations, off-the-beaten-path locations, or specialized interest areas. For very remote areas, we conduct thorough research to ensure appropriate accommodations, transportation, and safety measures are in place. We welcome the opportunity to explore unique destinations that align with your specific interests.

We maintain a carefully vetted network of guides, drivers, and service providers throughout China. Our selection process includes rigorous background checks, personal interviews, regular training, and ongoing performance evaluations based on client feedback. We match guides to clients based on expertise, personality, and specific requirements such as language proficiency or specialized knowledge. For premium experiences, we work with subject matter experts such as historians, artists, chefs, and business leaders who provide insider perspectives and exclusive access.

Ready to Create Your Perfect China Journey?

Let our specialists design a personalized itinerary that brings your travel vision to life