Review of 1 Day Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb by Diana

I went to this tour in May, and I was very impressed with their quick response. We had a very last minute request, and we got an answer right away, to have the tour the very next day. The bus was good (although our pick up time was 6.50am), the guide was very nice and we had a great time. The only reason why I do not rate this tour as excellent, is because there is some misinformation about the tour. As part of the tour, people are taken to a jade museum, a pearl museum, or any other museum. You don't have to buy anything, but it is mandatory, and you cannot skip this. This makes the tour a little longer than needed, or planned. So, if you book this tour, is good to know that you will have to go to these "surprise" locations. It is nice, and interesting if you really have the time, or the energy, you might even find a nice souvenir, but I think you should be told, especially if you have time restrictions or are not interested. If we would have known, we would have booked a private tour with them, instead of the shared bus. The visit to the great wall back and forth (even the Mutianyu part), can be done in about 4 hours, instead of 10-12, that becomes with the tour (you get picked-up at 7.00 and returned to your hotel at around 7.00-8.00 depending on traffic). Consider this, especially if you are travelling with children. Other than that, I would recommend chinatour for the visits around Beijing. They have very competitive prices, they are reliable, and they are very friendly and helpful.