The elegant classical gardens, the old - fashioned living quarters adjoined and made accessible by delicate bridges "rainbowing" over placid yet genteelly pressing waters, all captured and bathed in rain drops from a days sprinkle. The competing beauties overwhelm. The glorious lakes, the lush green hill sides, this is Suzhou, the "Venice of the Orient", a city of eternal and poetic charm.

We'll visit the dreamy Classical Chinese Gardens here, a pedi-cab tour in the old town and participate in Chinese painting class. Suzhou is considered the center of silk and embroidery in China. We will visit the Silk Museum before heading to the Suzhou Embroidery Institute where we will have the opportunity to partake in the art of embroidery making.

From Suzhou an overnight Boat Cruise leads us along the Grand Canal to Hangzhou, a journey which cruises us pass one natty yet smart village home after another until the sun finally sets as it did hundred of years ago. Then we will stop at a Water-Town proud of its museum quality homes, stone bridges and small canals that transgress the town like a snake to hot desert sands. Leisure time is all about pampering ourselves in local custom: the local opera, the teahouse, promenading the bustling streets to sneak-in a local treat or two before dinner.