Review of 1 Day Tour: Great Wall, Summer Palace by Milena

Hey everyone! I had a one day tour of Great wall and Summer palace... I have to say that I had an amazing time. First to start with booking of the tour. I was in constant correspondence with the tour company for weeks before I came to China. My time was limited, so it was very important for me to be picked up and dropped off after the tour. They let me choose what part of the wall I wanted to visit and if I was gonna see summer palace or any other place of my liking. I've read some complaints here on visiting the teahouse and silk factory, but I have to say that I had a wonderful time there, I bought some gifts for my family (which no one's making you do it) and learned new stuff about how silk is made or how tea should be drank in chinese traditional way... It was both educational and interesting for me. My tourguide was extremely patient and was waiting for me at the airport for a longer time even though I had no way of letting anyone know that I got stuck in the line at the airport. So I was almost an hour late, yet they were still waiting for me with a name-board. My tour was private, so we drove in a big car where I was able to leave all my belongings with driver, and tour guide (Kathy) was going with me mostly everywhere (even to the wall), and she was kind enough to take pictures of me every now and then, without me even asking her to. THat is really nice of her because now I have memories which I normaly wouldn't have because I don't like bothering people with taking my photos... We've climbed to the wall by cable-car and after spending almost 2 hours there (which was enough for me), we came down on a slide. That was super fun! :D After that I was taken to a restourant where I had a really good lunch. I couldn't eat it all so they packed me leftovers which I was able to eat for dinner later in the day... I was taken to the silk factory after that, then summer palace, then teahouse... All in all, it was a great day. I've seen everything I was planing to. There was no rushing or pressure. We made it everywhere on time despite the heavy trafic (it was a holiday the same day we had the tour). Kathy spoke really good english and she told me a lot of interesting things about Chinese history, as well as the places we visited. If you plan on doing any tour in Beijing, I recomend you ask for her as a guide. At the end of the tour I was dropped off at my hotel and all in all, it was a perfect day. Next time I go to China, I am planning to repeat similar tour, hopefully with the same guide. Money well spent. :D