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Private Teas, Temples And Beatniks

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Hidden gems of Chinatown and the Beatniks of North Beach await you on this special private tour where you will also make your own fortune cookie while listening to traditional music on a Chinese two-stringed instrument called the erhu. Sample authentic, traditional Chinese pastries and learn the powers of traditional Chinese tea during a tea tasting with a tea master.

Private Teas, Temples and Beatniks

This private tour takes you to where east meets west, fortunes are told with more sincerity than your average cookie, and the legends of masters live on. Between the Beatniks of North Beach and iconic Chinatown, experience a taste of teas, temples, and culture, all with a local flare.

You will have your very own local, English-speaking guide who is friendly and knowledgeable in all things San Francisco. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you walk through history in colorful neighborhoods and taste the area's food and drink. This is your chance to experience first-hand two of the best neighborhoods in this area where you will compare the cultural and aesthetic contrasts between one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities outside of Asia, and the European charm of the Beatniks birthplace, North Beach.

Explore both Chinatown and North Beach, where the exotic East borders the birthplace of the Beat Generation culture. Spend a few hours with your local guide discovering places you never knew existed, whether down unassuming alleys or in plain sight.

Starting at the beautiful Chinatown Gate, your guide will lead you through the bustling streets of this vibrant area. Learn about the history of this Chinese community during San Francisco's gold rush, as well as America's train building boom. Stop in at one of Chinatown's oldest bakeries for an authentic mooncake pastry, the traditional Chinese delicacies served here are so good even former President Bill Clinton has stopped in to try one!

From here, make our way over to Waverly Place to visit the acclaimed oldest Chinese temple in America, where you'll have your fortune read as the smell of incense fills the air in this picturesque historic temple. Moving on, weave your way between performing street artists to taste fortune cookies hot off the press (and see if this fortune matches the one from the temple!). Then wash down all these sweet treats with an in-depth tea tasting session where you will learn about the different types and flavors of traditional Chinese tea.

Move on to North Beach to see the famous hangouts of Beat poets Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg, like the City Lights Bookstore, which still publishes the works of local poets in San Francisco. Get a feel for North Beach and the vibe of Little Italy as you wind your way through the cute shops and cafes of the Barbary Coast. Finish up your walking tour at the gorgeous Washington Square Park, adjacent to excellent Italian restaurants, Coit Tower, and within easy access to public transport. In only a few short hours you will see this tour option is jam-packed with the hidden gems of two of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods.

About Shore Excursions Group
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ABOUT US
Shore Excursions Group was created with one goal in mind: to provide exceptional travel experiences to cruise passengers in the ports they visit around the world. To accomplish this, we have compiled an exceptional array of tours delivered by local experts with decades of experience serving travelers and delivering excellent tours. Our owners and management team are comprised of seasoned travel industry executives who leverage their considerable experience to deliver memorie ...
from $178.00 (USD)
Per Person
 
Tour Type
Private
 
Group Size
Private
 
Activity Type(s)
Cultural, Active, Scenic, Walking
 
Tour Duration
2.5 Hours
 
Activity Level
Moderate
 
Tour Leaves From
An approximately 10 minute taxi (not included, approximately $10 US each way) is required to reach your departure location.
 
Food/Beverage Provided
Snack, Beverage
 
Special Instructions
We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate casual clothing and walking shoes.
 
Restrictions
This is a walking tour, guests should be in reasonable physical condition. Guests with any mobility issues should take this into consideration before booking. The minimum age to participate is 6 years of age.
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