Olivia,

I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU!  Our cruise was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed our tours with Lead to China. On our arrival to Shanghai, we had just a little difficulty locating Susan as there were so many people arriving at the same time and of course one is tired and unfamiliar with signs etc. However, once we located her all went very well. She was informative and gave us information on our ride to the hotel. Susan was with us during our check in and made sure we were taken care of and all was well before she left. We were very pleased with our transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Shanghai – Water Town tour

Our Water Town tour with Tom was wonderful. He was at the hotel to meet our group promptly.  His English was excellent, his personality was fun, he was informed and shared a lot of information with us. Since it was the first time we met any of the people on the tour and cruise you might think it awkward however we had such a great time from the very start and so glad many were also on the Beijing tour as well. Our itinerary was perfect. We enjoyed Zhouzhuang and our gondola ride as well as a bit of time for shopping. Our stop for lunch in Suzhou was wonderful and the food, service and atmosphere were great. Tom took great care of our group and assuring we were we happy and enjoying the meal.  I can speak for the group that we all enjoyed the Silk Factory tour and I wish I had bought a few more things. Our driver was impeccable in navigating traffic and keeping us safe and on time. I would highly recommend Tom again.

Arriving in Beijing

Our guide was Linda Wu, she met us promptly at the pier on our arrival with a great welcoming smile and bubbly personality. From the start we knew that our three days with Linda were going to be fantastic. She achieved that and more. We had one couple on our tour that sadly had not received their luggage prior to the ship departing Shanghai, therefore for the days in Beijing they only had the few clothes that they purchased onboard the ship and were concerned about the cruise line continuing to pursue getting their luggage prior to our ship departing after the three days in Beijing. Linda took it upon herself to assist and make several contacts by phone throughout those three days to affirm that the luggage will be on the ship when we returned. This is a testament on how much she cares about her guests.

On the bus she made sure we were all comfortable. She was informative about the area we were traveling as we took the 3 hour drive from Tianjin Port to Beijing. She told us how great the weather was going to be. She made sure we had rest stops when necessary. We reviewed the itinerary for the three days and she made suggestions to adjust based on weather, traffic and destinations. She suggested adding a stop at the Ming Tombs which I am so grateful that she had done so as a friend had told us to visit there and I had forgotten to contact you before we left. I am happy that was added and all on the tour agreed to the additional entrance fee to be paid. Our groups was wonderful, we had so much fun together. The itinerary was perfect, the weather could not have been better. Linda was such a wonderful person and so full of life, information and general happiness. Our hotel accommodations were good and the breakfast buffet was a perfect start to our mornings. Linda and the driver were always prompt at all stops. Linda was always with our group, keeping us on time but yet not feeling rushed or feeling that we were missing out.

Thank you for the all that you did for me as I worked through the planning and getting participants. Your communication via email was always prompt and very helpful. I appreciate your expertise in putting together the perfect three day package at a very reasonable price and for giving Don and I and I know the rest of the group the most amazing experience in China!

I appreciate Linda for her kind encouragement at the Great Wall. I have a problem with my knee and those few last large steps to get up to the wall. I just got very nervous, but she was there with me with kind encouragement to make sure I did take those last large steps. I am grateful for that extra push to accomplish that.

I would highly recommend Lead to China and those that took care of us during our time in China. You all are the best!

With regards,

Teri and Don Krutewicz