Wider Hong Kong
Been to Hong Kong before? Thought you’d seen all there was to see? Think again.
Contrast Hong Kong’s British heritage with Macau’s Portuguese; see Bronze Age rock carvings and pirate hideouts on one of HK’s 263 outlying islands, and get deep into the New Territories to explore walled clan villages. This itinerary is for those who’ve done the classics and want to discover more.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
Besides two included airport transfers by private car, you’ll be getting around independently using Hong Kong’s excellent public transport system, including the ferry over to Macau.
What's great
This itinerary shows off so much more than just the same old HK highlights
You’ll still have your evenings in the city to hang out in sky bars or admire the views from the Star Ferry
You’ll have a private guide with you every day to tailor the experience to your needs and interests
It works wonderfully at any time of year
Things to consider
If you’re a first-time visitor to Hong Kong, you’ll probably want more free time to explore the classic highlights
Private guiding in Hong Kong is pricey, so consider including more free time for independent exploration if you’d like to save money
The experience
We designed this trip to show seasoned visitors a new side of Hong Kong, but if you’re a newbie, let us know — the classics are fabulous too!
Day 1-2
New Territories/Kowloon
Fanning out into the mainland from the edges of Kowloon, Hong Kong’s New Territories make up the lion’s share of its area — and yet most visitors never set foot in them. You’ll redress this imbalance as you venture into the countryside with your guide, visiting sites that reflect hundreds of years of history, from a pagoda built in 1486 to a beautiful 19th century merchant house. Browse the dried seafood and local sweets at Tai Po Market, then head back into the non-stop hustle of Kowloon, where you’ll wander through markets filled with twittering birds and heady floral aromas to Wong Tai Sin Temple, where you might like to get your fortune told by one of the local palm readers.
Highlights
Learn about Hong Kong’s Five Great Clans and their walled villages in the New Territories
Explore Kowloon’s eclectic markets, from electronics to jade and vegetables
Visit Wong Tai Sin, a temple dedicated to Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs
Day 3
Macau
A natural pairing with Hong Kong, Macau’s colonial history stretches all the way back to 1557, when it was leased to Portugal by the Ming Dynasty. Zipping across the Pearl River Delta by “Turbo Jet” ferry, you’ll have a full day to steep yourself in this rich fusion culture, from its pre-colonial sea temple to its baroque-mannerist cathedral carved with Chinese characters (as well as its delicious cuisine replete with coconut, cinnamon, turmeric and almond). Stuffed full of pork buns and custard tarts, you’ll even have time for an optional visit to the indoor canals and singing gondoliers of The Venetian — the 2nd-largest casino in the world — before your return to Hong Kong this evening.
Highlights
Learn about the 450-year history of Asia’s oldest European colony
Visit some of Macau’s 22 UNESCO-listed historical buildings
Sample Portuguese-Cantonese fusion food with a traditional Macanese lunch
The finer detail
What's included
- Breakfast every day
- One Lunch: a Macanese selection during the trip to Macau
- One half-day experience: Shared tour of Cheung Chau Island
- Two full-day experiences: Private Tour of the New Territories & Kowloon; Private Day Trip to Macau
- All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
- All internal transport & accommodation
Logistics & journey times
Day 1:
Car transfer from Hong Kong airport to hotel (40 minutes)
Day 3:
Round trip ferry to Macau (1 hour each way)
Day 5:
Car transfer from hotel to Hong Kong airport (40 minutes)
What's not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
- Tips for guides & porters