Update (Jan. 25, 4 p.m. PST): This tour is now sold out for departures on March 18 and April 22.

Embark on a 10-night escorted vacation to five cities in China this spring for $1399 per person. This deal includes airfare, taxes, stays at 4-star hotels and guided tours.

This itinerary chops $1500 off the cost of booking the components separately and includes:

• Roundtrip airfare and all transfers
• Three nights at Four Points by Sheraton Beijing
• One night at Grand Metropark Hotel Suzhou
• One night in Hangzhou at Crowne Plaza Xanadu Resort
• Three nights at Renaissance Shanghai Putuo
• Two nights in Xi'an at Titan Times Hotel
• Daily breakfast, seven lunches and four dinners
• Several guided tours

Depart from Los Angeles for these prices (per person): $1399 on March 18; $1499 on April 22; $1699 on May 16. Depart from New York for these prices (per person): $1499 on March 5 or 11; $1599 on April 15 or 17.

Travelers tour each city with English-speaking guides; highlights include the Forbidden City, Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors. The itinerary is also unique because of stops in Suzhou -- called the "Venice of China" because of its many canals and elegant bridges -- and at West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets and artists.

Note: American travelers must purchase an entry visa prior to departure for $140 per person.