My partner Judy and I recently visited China on a 12-day tour that my travel agent Fiona booked for us. The tour strung up Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu and concluded in Shanghai. We were both do-it-yourselfers in the past travel experiences. However, my partner and I decided that if we were going to China, a private tour would be the way to do it as we speak not a word of Chinese.

In my first experience on a private tour, Elysian Tour did an excellent job of coordinating everything. In every city, our English speaking guide met us on time and they were all knowledgeable and caring. The hotel in each destination was 5-star standard, with fabulous western breakfast buffet that was a perfect start to our day of touring.

In retrospect, a private tour was well worth the price. The tour kept us on a loose schedule and I know, like what I had learned before, the guided tour group needs to always stay together. Overall, China is a fascinating country and I'm glad I finally visited it. If you consider a well-looked-after China trip, you will like Elysian Tour!