TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST CHINA TOURS:

Zoe Enright, Cincinnati, OH - "This was a great opportunity to learn about modern China, and of course a chance to walk the iconic Great Wall and see firsthand the amazing terra cotta warriors of Xi'an."

Jodi & Jed Rosen, Reisterstown, MD - "Imperial Treasures of China trip was a fabulous introduction to unique architecture, historic sights and the colorful history of China."

Tracey Renaud, Raleigh, NC - "Seeing and walking on the Great Wall of China and seeing the Terracotta Army was amazing. It was wonderful to be able to visit this beautiful country and learn about its rich history."

Ruth Murphy, Spokane, WA - "My trip to China was more than expected. Craftours did a wonderful job opening China to me. I’m one of those ppl who don’t really know a country until I’m feeling the country from the inside. Craftours allowed me to do that by presenting me with the varied faces of China. Its ppl was the biggest surprise of all. Even with a language barrier, the Chinese were so friendly and helpful. I honestly think I could live there!"

Polly Conner, Granbury, TX - "China was a wonderful trip."

Sandra Kohtz, Hastings, NE - "This was a very interesting survey and was very educational regarding China and its culture. The tour group was a cohesive group. The tour guides were great."

Janet Ferguson, Lodi, CA - "Overall I thought the China trip was an extraordinary adventure."

Barbara Salazar, Tucson, AZ - "What a wonderful experience. This trip was beyond my wildest expectations."

Julie Campbell, Farmers Branch, TX - "Great trip. China was not what I expected. Much more modern."

Melanie Kesler, Dauphin, PA - "I’ve always wanted to travel to China, but was nervous about the language barrier. When my mom told me about Craftours, it combined my love of arts and history, so we signed up! I can’t say enough about how wonderful our Chinese tour guides were... we had one the whole time who was knowledgeable and very patient... he was always with us. Then, in each city we went to, there was an additional Chinese guide! I was very impressed with their professionalism and dedication to making our experience as wonderful as possible! I’m so glad I went on this trip!!!"

Betty Ritari, Colorado Springs, CO - "Good, but very fast paced."

Patty Latourell, Ventura, CA - "Wonderful trip, lots of stairs and walking. Some days too much. Loved the terracotta warriors."

Carl & Ellen Jensen, Raleigh, NC - "Great Trip, would do it again in a heartbeat."

Judy Kamman, Laguna Hills, CA - "This trip was an amazing trip check two things off my bucket list, walking The Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors. Not to mention the four wonderful crafts that were taught. Enjoyed every minute of this wonderful experience off to another adventure can’t wait to travel again soon with Craftours."

Gail Wilson, San Jose, CA - "It was a good experience. They kept us moving; we saw and did a lot."

Joyce Outten, North Pole, AK - "Non-stop exciting, educational and FUN tour with a wonderful guide, tour escort and many new friends."

Kathy Paye, Tucson, AZ - "I enjoyed myself immensely both doing the classes and learning about the history of the art."

Yael Hellman, Beverly Hills, CA - "The trip to China was amazing. The arts and crafts workshops were informative and fun. The sightseeing fabulous. I have been on many international trips and this was organized, professional, and well thought out. The accommodation were top notch. I would not hesitate to recommend CraftTours to friends and family."

Sharon Margiotta, Pheonix, AZ - "Jim does an excellent job of providing a great trip at a great value! Overall, my experience was excellent .... a good balance of scheduled time and free time. Really enjoyed it!"

Lorraine Brown, Plainwell, MI - "I really enjoy the small group tours. You get an opportunity to meet people from all over & share your experiences!"

Bernadette Phelan, Ocala, FL - "This tour was so much more than I expected!"

Ann Vix, Nashville, TN - "I just finished my third tour with Craftours - I've done Japan, India, and China, and they've all been fabulous. I've been doing handwork and crafts since I was a small child. I don't really specialize in anything - I quilt, sew and bead as the inclination takes me. I love art and history. China was a great tour of a great and very BIG country. It wiped me out physically but it was worth it. I really trust your company to take care of me and you did not let me down. The hotels are great and guides were with us every step of the way, including airports and customs. I really appreciate that."

Pat Christenson, Kirkland, WA - "The Arts and Crafts Expedition to China was an unforgettable experience."

Lois Adams, Trinity, FL - "The excursions were amazing."

Barbara Larson, Chaska, MN - "The crafts we learned were pretty cool. I have never heard of the bottle painting. It was fun to try out new crafts. The trip to the Great Wall and Tiananmen square was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing the Terra Cotta warriors. That was a great trip. The Yangtze river cruise was relaxing with some interesting side excursions. Then seeing pandas at the zoo was a highlight as well! We were fed well on this trip. Sometimes too well, I think. The food selections and choices were sometimes too much, but it was all good!"

Sara Borr, Norristown, PA - "A trip of a lifetime. We visited so many wonderful places of importance to China. Took are of several items on my "Bucket List". A very physical trip, lots of walking and hundreds of steps. Not for those who are physically challenged."

Deborah Torri, Morris, IL - "This tour was a phenomenal trip through the most important and exciting parts of China! It was extremely well organized and creative in all the venues we experienced from The Great Wall to a tea sampling experience! We could not have asked for more!"

Therese Whitt, Rotonda West, FL - "The trip was truly memorable. The arts and crafts were enjoyable."

Suzanne Doonan, Malvern, PA - "I enjoyed the craft experience, both the instruction and the many examples available in the markets. The interpreters shared their life experiences and answered questions that helped me appreciate Chinese culture. The trip to Central China provided exposure to the agrarian vs urban experience."

Margaret Bushaw, Laguna Niguel, California - "This China tour surpassed all of my expectations! It was inspirational, educational, and fantastically fun!"

Rhonda Denney, Canon City, Colorado - "Talk about a full tour trip! I had always wanted to see the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta Warriors. Each day was chock full of activity and sights."

Tamera Kaplan, Savage, Minnesota - "I enjoyed the entire trip. The people were fabulous Americans and Chinese. Always friendly and helpful."

Sheri Renaud, North Las Vegas, NV - "I had an occasion to take a quilting tour through McCalls and Craftours to Bejing, China in 2005, I believe. I have to say, I had no idea what to expect on the trip, but going with fellow quilters was reassuring. It turned out to be an exceptional experience. From the arrival in China to our final departure, things could not have been better. Craftours had thought of everything, including a place to purchase extra luggage for all our goodies when we were ready to come home. The hotel was five-star with excellent cuisine. The tours and tour guides were exceptional. All of the tours were well thought out to allow us to experience as much of China as possible without feeling overwhelmed. It was something I will never forget and I am so glad for the opportunity to experience it with a quality tour company such as Craftours.
Next chance I get, I will definitely tour with Craftours again, especially if it involves quilting."

Judge Jack Smith, - """Just wanted to thank you for another great ""adventure of a lifetime""! That phrase can be overused, but in the case of our recent trip to China it fits perfectly. Our first ""trip of a lifetime"" with you was to Kenya several years ago. West Africa is not the most stable region on our planet, but we knew you could trust your leadership and we signed on board. Kenya was memorable for two main reason: First was your absolute command of the many crucial details, and second was your choice of in-country guides once we got there. We made lasting friendships on the Kenya trip and saw indescribable beauty, wildlife and culture.
It was the Africa trip that compelled Nancy and I to join you on the China trip. Once again, trust in you was key. We were not disappointed in China. Our in-country guide, Charlie, was really a modern-day Confucius. He understands his country, his culture, and his clients - us! China is avast, ancient, and bewildering country. It is so unlike our culture in so many ways. But, through Charlie and other guides, we were able to see an almost bewildering range of scenes and people. When I think that we went from the ancient Great Wall all the way to the futuristic Shanghai bullet train, I realize we had spanned some 3000 years in time in just two weeks! And your foresight, planning and hands-on leadership made it possible and enjoyable.
Thank you, Craftours, for your vision, energy, and, yes, courage in providing such a memorable time.God bless you!"""

Jayne Willbur, Battle Creek, MI - "Exciting and awesome! What an adventure and one I thought would never happen for me. Everyone in the group was courteous to each other. We experienced some NEW things while on this trip and the sites and scenery -- wow! I can honestly say the food served us was exceptional, even though I learned to eat with chopsticks (fun) I can honestly say by the end of each meal I felt satisfied. We took in a lot of information in the two-week period and I felt there couldn’t have been better drivers, tour guides, and timeliness of each adventure done any better than what was done for us."

Judith Kirk, Unley, S. Australia - "China was great with so many new experiences in such a short time. And such a joy to meet Ali!"

Mary Ellen Francis, Weybridge, VT - "This was my first trip with Craftours. The only word that I would use to describe the experience was fantastic. All the tours, accommodation and food was first class. The trip was obviously well orchestrated, and ran smoothly. All the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any question and fulfill any request. I would not hesitate to go on another trip."

Barb Glasier, Kentwood, MI - "This said Ultimate China Trip and it was--every little detail and lots more than I expected. Loved every minute and felt I saw so much and learned so much about China. Enjoyed trying all the different foods of China. Really loved all the different arts and crafts we saw being done."

Debbie Rey, Richland, MI - "The Ultimate China Expedition was my second tour with Craftours, and it was absolutely stellar from start to finish. One of my favorite reasons for going with this company is that the trip is so much more than just sight-seeing. China (and my prior trip, Ireland) were both a terrific blend of history, culture, shopping, restaurant/food experiences and other unique experiences where I leave a country truly feeling that I have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and made some new friends as well. The handling of all of the details a group tour entails were impeccably executed. If you want to see the world, I can think of no better company than this one."

Bev Burington, Prineville, OR - "Really enjoyed the trip. Would like to go back and spend some more time in certain cities."

Gina Ellingen, Naperville, IL - "It was a tour with magic in almost every single day, a fantastic trip!"

Peggie Murray, Tampa, FL - "I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was just the right size for the type of tour. It allowed for everyone to feel like they had personal attention when needed. The individual tour guides were awesome. I learned a great deal about Tuscany while relaxing and enjoying my vacation."

Bev Palko, Okotoks, Alberta - "The trip was wonderful. It was very well organized. I would not have been able to see all of these places on my own."

Debbie McClelland, Groveland, Massachusetts - "I traveled with Kaye England and Craftours to China seven years ago. This was a dream of mine and I was not disappointed. This was the trip of a lifetime and we experienced the ultimate in travel. Craftours made sure we have first class accommodation and that we not only saw the sights but experienced the culture. Our guides were topnotch and enriched our experience."

Rosemary Hopkins, St. Louis, MO - "I took a trip to China with Craftours. It was amazing, even the cruise on the Yangtze where our accommodation were less than sterling. I would love to go to Ireland with you."

Lois Wolfe, Little Suamico, WI - "I have traveled with Craftours to China, New York, Ireland and France. I feel very blessed to have the wonderful memories of these trips with lots of laughs and wonderful friends that were made. The Travel Agency is very thoughtful when planning your dining, lodging, and sight seeing, its like they are planning it for themselves. All I can say is THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES."

Karen Cooper, Coralville, Iowa - "I have traveled on two of your trips, one to Ireland (This was before you had the quilt show over there) and the other to China. I had to find a partner to go on that one. That was the most fabulous trip I have ever taken. We were with a great group of people and everyone was very friendly and helpful to each other. Charlie was a fabulous guide. It was a very fast paced trip and the trip down the Yangtze was the number one best loved feature. I have done quite a bit of traveling, but I think your trips are the absolute best as far as organization goes. I hope to travel with you again."

Martha Lynn, - "The trip I took to China was the very best of all the trips I have taken abroad. Great hotels. Will go to South America as that is next on my bucket list."

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT CRAFTOURS ON CHINA TOURS:

Ruth Murphy, Spokane, WA - "My trip to China was more than expected. Craftours did a wonderful job opening China to me. I’m one of those ppl who don’t really know a country until I’m feeling the country from the inside. Craftours allowed me to do that by presenting me with the varied faces of China. Its ppl was the biggest surprise of all. Even with a language barrier, the Chinese were so friendly and helpful. I honestly think I could live there!"

Sandra Kohtz, Hastings, NE - "This was a very interesting survey and was very educational regarding China and its culture. The tour group was a cohesive group. The tour guides were great."

Melanie Kesler, Dauphin, PA - "I’ve always wanted to travel to China, but was nervous about the language barrier. When my mom told me about Craftours, it combined my love of arts and history, so we signed up! I can’t say enough about how wonderful our Chinese tour guides were... we had one the whole time who was knowledgeable and very patient... he was always with us. Then, in each city we went to, there was an additional Chinese guide! I was very impressed with their professionalism and dedication to making our experience as wonderful as possible! I’m so glad I went on this trip!!!"

Judy Kamman, Laguna Hills, CA - "This trip was an amazing trip check two things off my bucket list, walking The Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors. Not to mention the four wonderful crafts that were taught. Enjoyed every minute of this wonderful experience off to another adventure can’t wait to travel again soon with Craftours."

Joyce Outten, North Pole, AK - "Non-stop exciting, educational and FUN tour with a wonderful guide, tour escort and many new friends."

Yael Hellman, Beverly Hills, CA - "The trip to China was amazing. The arts and crafts workshops were informative and fun. The sightseeing fabulous. I have been on many international trips and this was organized, professional, and well thought out. The accommodation were top notch. I would not hesitate to recommend CraftTours to friends and family."

Roberta Allen, Ocean Side, CA - "From the moment I received my "welcome package" in the mail, I knew this was going to be an outstanding experience. I am a seasoned traveler and know if this much thought was put into a welcome package, then the trip is going to be very memorable... and it was!"

Sharon Margiotta, Pheonix, AZ - "Jim does an excellent job of providing a great trip at a great value! Overall, my experience was excellent .... a good balance of scheduled time and free time. Really enjoyed it!"

Deborah Parrish, Tucson, AZ - "This was my first Craftour and I loved it!!"

Susie Rikard, Ashland, VA - "This trip was handled very professionally. There was always a tour representative available if we had questions or needed assistance."

Steve Morris, Chillicothe, IL - "China trip was well organized, staffed, and executed. Craftours guides as well as Chinese support/interpreters did an excellent job of assisting guests and helping us understand Chinese culture and history. Originally thought I didn't want to do any crafts. But did do the clay figurines and enjoyed the class. Trip was a good value."

Sally Robinson, College Station, TX - "I enjoyed the trip very much. I would definitely travel with this company again."

Betsy Martinson, Denver, CO - "Like many Craft Tours Ultimate Expeditions, our journey to China removed the trepidation of exotic foreign travel, opening parts of the world I'd have difficulty visiting on my own."

Carol McDowell, Elkin, NC - "Great trip, knowledgeable guides, excellent group leaders willing to do anything to support travelers and always cheerful."

Arthur Maley, Rochester, MN - "Thanks for a wonderfully organized & enjoyable trip."

Ann Vix, Nashville, TN - "I just finished my third tour with Craftours - I've done Japan, India, and China, and they've all been fabulous. I've been doing handwork and crafts since I was a small child. I don't really specialize in anything - I quilt, sew and bead as the inclination takes me. I love art and history. China was a great tour of a great and very BIG country. It wiped me out physically but it was worth it. I really trust your company to take care of me and you did not let me down. The hotels are great and guides were with us every step of the way, including airports and customs. I really appreciate that."

Deborah Torri, Morris, IL - "This tour was a phenomenal trip through the most important and exciting parts of China! It was extremely well organized and creative in all the venues we experienced from The Great Wall to a tea sampling experience! We could not have asked for more!"

Suzanne Doonan, Malvern, PA - "I enjoyed the craft experience, both the instruction and the many examples available in the markets. The interpreters shared their life experiences and answered questions that helped me appreciate Chinese culture. The trip to Central China provided exposure to the agrarian vs urban experience."

Carol Dunn, Salem, Wisconsin - "This tour went way beyond my expectations. I found the tour guides to be informative, helpful and friendly."

Bonnie Holtz, Des Plaines, Illinois - "I loved the way Charlie took care of us all the time."

Sheri Renaud, North Las Vegas, NV - "I had an occasion to take a quilting tour through McCalls and Craftours to Bejing, China in 2005, I believe. I have to say, I had no idea what to expect on the trip, but going with fellow quilters was reassuring. It turned out to be an exceptional experience. From the arrival in China to our final departure, things could not have been better. Craftours had thought of everything, including a place to purchase extra luggage for all our goodies when we were ready to come home. The hotel was five-star with excellent cuisine. The tours and tour guides were exceptional. All of the tours were well thought out to allow us to experience as much of China as possible without feeling overwhelmed. It was something I will never forget and I am so glad for the opportunity to experience it with a quality tour company such as Craftours.
Next chance I get, I will definitely tour with Craftours again, especially if it involves quilting."

Judge Jack Smith, - """Just wanted to thank you for another great ""adventure of a lifetime""! That phrase can be overused, but in the case of our recent trip to China it fits perfectly. Our first ""trip of a lifetime"" with you was to Kenya several years ago. West Africa is not the most stable region on our planet, but we knew you could trust your leadership and we signed on board. Kenya was memorable for two main reason: First was your absolute command of the many crucial details, and second was your choice of in-country guides once we got there. We made lasting friendships on the Kenya trip and saw indescribable beauty, wildlife and culture.
It was the Africa trip that compelled Nancy and I to join you on the China trip. Once again, trust in you was key. We were not disappointed in China. Our in-country guide, Charlie, was really a modern-day Confucius. He understands his country, his culture, and his clients - us! China is avast, ancient, and bewildering country. It is so unlike our culture in so many ways. But, through Charlie and other guides, we were able to see an almost bewildering range of scenes and people. When I think that we went from the ancient Great Wall all the way to the futuristic Shanghai bullet train, I realize we had spanned some 3000 years in time in just two weeks! And your foresight, planning and hands-on leadership made it possible and enjoyable.
Thank you, Craftours, for your vision, energy, and, yes, courage in providing such a memorable time.God bless you!"""

Judith Kirk, Unley, S. Australia - "China was great with so many new experiences in such a short time. And such a joy to meet Ali!"

Lisa Bialock, Sun City West, AZ - "Craftours and their team do not just take you on a journey, they experience it with you."

Ute Jarasitis, Tacoma, WI - "When I travel with Craftours, I know we’ll go first class and everything will be taken care of with a smile."

Mary Ellen Francis, Weybridge, VT - "This was my first trip with Craftours. The only word that I would use to describe the experience was fantastic. All the tours, accommodation and food was first class. The trip was obviously well orchestrated, and ran smoothly. All the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any question and fulfill any request. I would not hesitate to go on another trip."

Debbie Rey, Richland, MI - "The Ultimate China Expedition was my second tour with Craftours, and it was absolutely stellar from start to finish. One of my favorite reasons for going with this company is that the trip is so much more than just sight-seeing. China (and my prior trip, Ireland) were both a terrific blend of history, culture, shopping, restaurant/food experiences and other unique experiences where I leave a country truly feeling that I have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and made some new friends as well. The handling of all of the details a group tour entails were impeccably executed. If you want to see the world, I can think of no better company than this one."

Peggie Murray, Tampa, FL - "I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was just the right size for the type of tour. It allowed for everyone to feel like they had personal attention when needed. The individual tour guides were awesome. I learned a great deal about Tuscany while relaxing and enjoying my vacation."

Bev Palko, Okotoks, Alberta - "The trip was wonderful. It was very well organized. I would not have been able to see all of these places on my own."

Debbie McClelland, Groveland, Massachusetts - "I traveled with Kaye England and Craftours to China seven years ago. This was a dream of mine and I was not disappointed. This was the trip of a lifetime and we experienced the ultimate in travel. Craftours made sure we have first class accommodation and that we not only saw the sights but experienced the culture. Our guides were topnotch and enriched our experience."

Rosemary Hopkins, St. Louis, MO - "I took a trip to China with Craftours. It was amazing, even the cruise on the Yangtze where our accommodation were less than sterling. I would love to go to Ireland with you."

Lois Wolfe, Little Suamico, WI - "I have traveled with Craftours to China, New York, Ireland and France. I feel very blessed to have the wonderful memories of these trips with lots of laughs and wonderful friends that were made. The Travel Agency is very thoughtful when planning your dining, lodging, and sight seeing, its like they are planning it for themselves. All I can say is THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES."

Karen Cooper, Coralville, Iowa - "I have traveled on two of your trips, one to Ireland (This was before you had the quilt show over there) and the other to China. I had to find a partner to go on that one. That was the most fabulous trip I have ever taken. We were with a great group of people and everyone was very friendly and helpful to each other. Charlie was a fabulous guide. It was a very fast paced trip and the trip down the Yangtze was the number one best loved feature. I have done quite a bit of traveling, but I think your trips are the absolute best as far as organization goes. I hope to travel with you again."

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THE CRAFTS ON CHINA TOURS:

Judy Kamman, Laguna Hills, CA - "This trip was an amazing trip check two things off my bucket list, walking The Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors. Not to mention the four wonderful crafts that were taught. Enjoyed every minute of this wonderful experience off to another adventure can’t wait to travel again soon with Craftours."

Roxanne Jueckstock, Peoria, AZ - "Enjoyed learning "native" art forms from a local artisan."

Yael Hellman, Beverly Hills, CA - "The trip to China was amazing. The arts and crafts workshops were informative and fun. The sightseeing fabulous. I have been on many international trips and this was organized, professional, and well thought out. The accommodation were top notch. I would not hesitate to recommend CraftTours to friends and family."

Steve Morris, Chillicothe, IL - "China trip was well organized, staffed, and executed. Craftours guides as well as Chinese support/interpreters did an excellent job of assisting guests and helping us understand Chinese culture and history. Originally thought I didn't want to do any crafts. But did do the clay figurines and enjoyed the class. Trip was a good value."

Ann Vix, Nashville, TN - "I just finished my third tour with Craftours - I've done Japan, India, and China, and they've all been fabulous. I've been doing handwork and crafts since I was a small child. I don't really specialize in anything - I quilt, sew and bead as the inclination takes me. I love art and history. China was a great tour of a great and very BIG country. It wiped me out physically but it was worth it. I really trust your company to take care of me and you did not let me down. The hotels are great and guides were with us every step of the way, including airports and customs. I really appreciate that."

Barbara Larson, Chaska, MN - "The crafts we learned were pretty cool. I have never heard of the bottle painting. It was fun to try out new crafts. The trip to the Great Wall and Tiananmen square was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing the Terra Cotta warriors. That was a great trip. The Yangtze river cruise was relaxing with some interesting side excursions. Then seeing pandas at the zoo was a highlight as well! We were fed well on this trip. Sometimes too well, I think. The food selections and choices were sometimes too much, but it was all good!"

Therese Whitt, Rotonda West, FL - "The trip was truly memorable. The arts and crafts were enjoyable."

Suzanne Doonan, Malvern, PA - "I enjoyed the craft experience, both the instruction and the many examples available in the markets. The interpreters shared their life experiences and answered questions that helped me appreciate Chinese culture. The trip to Central China provided exposure to the agrarian vs urban experience."

Sandra Geho, Marietta, Georgia - "I loved the opportunity to see and experience many beautiful places and historic sites. As a gardener, and quilter, the trips opened so many creative opportunities that will influence me the rest of my life."

Sheri Renaud, North Las Vegas, NV - "I had an occasion to take a quilting tour through McCalls and Craftours to Bejing, China in 2005, I believe. I have to say, I had no idea what to expect on the trip, but going with fellow quilters was reassuring. It turned out to be an exceptional experience. From the arrival in China to our final departure, things could not have been better. Craftours had thought of everything, including a place to purchase extra luggage for all our goodies when we were ready to come home. The hotel was five-star with excellent cuisine. The tours and tour guides were exceptional. All of the tours were well thought out to allow us to experience as much of China as possible without feeling overwhelmed. It was something I will never forget and I am so glad for the opportunity to experience it with a quality tour company such as Craftours.
Next chance I get, I will definitely tour with Craftours again, especially if it involves quilting."