The Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce is offering two trips to see far-away places in 2011.

In October there will be a nine-day trip to China, followed in November by an eight-day trip to Barcelona and Madrid.

This follows the success of the trip to China offered by the Chamber last year.

"Once we saw how successful the China trip was and we talked to the travelers, they were all saying 'Where are we going next year?'" said Chamber staff member Stephanie Layson.

Chamber President Fred Boscarino pointed out, "You’re not going to be able to find the type of pricing on the internet." These trips are specially designed and offered for Chambers of Commerce, he said, although this trip is open to non-Chamber members.

A pre-tour information session will be offered for the trip to Spain on Feb. 10 and May 5, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Corner Market at the intersection of Flat Shoals and Parker Road. The pre-tour informational meeting date for China is to be determined.

The nine-day trip to China, which costs around $2,099 per person and includes round-trip international airfare, four and five star hotel stays, three meals a day, in country transportation and English speaking tour guides, will leave from JFK on Oct. 14.

Travelers will arrive in Beijing at 6 p.m. the next day. On Oct. 16 the chamber travelers will visit Tian’an Men Square and the Temple of Heaven built in 1420. Sightseeing will also include the Palace Museum and the Forbidden City.

The trip will remain in Beijing on Oct. 17 with a visit to the Great Wall, and enjoy a roasted Beijing Duck Dinner.

Oct. 18 will be in Shanghai/Suzhou after a morning flight followed by a tour bus trip. Sightseeing will include the Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple There will also be a visit to the National Embroidery Institute showcasing the 1,000 year history of the silk embroidery craft. Dinner will feature traditional Chinese Music.

On Oct. 22 there will be a morning flight to Beijing followed by the trip to JFK.

A non-refundable registration fee of $200 is required per person at registration with a deadline of July 1. Full payment is due by July 15.

The trip to Barcelona, costing $2,199 per person, includes round-trip air from Atlanta, four and five star hotel stays, six breakfasts and two dinners, in-country transportation and English speaking tour guides.

Chamber members will leave Atlanta on Nov. 13, arriving in Barcelona on the following day, enjoying an included welcome dinner.

On the first full day in Barcelona travelers will get tours of Las Ramblas Boulevard, which is the most famous in Barcelona, known for bird and flower stalls.

On Nov. 16 there will be a leisure day with optional tours available.

The trip will include an introduction to the city, its history and language, followed by a trip past Catalunya and Castilla Leon to Madrid.

The first full day in Madrid will be Nov. 18 at the Prado Museum. Visitors will see Madrid’s historic center, the Puerta de Sol and Plaza Mayor, along with the museum, which opened in 1819.

Another leisure day will follow in Madrid on Nov. 19, followed by a farewell dinner celebrating the end of the trip.

Chamber members will travel home on Nov. 20.

For registration and info please contact The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce at (770) 483-7049.