Fanning out into the mainland from the edges of Kowloon, Hong Kong’s New Territories make up the lion’s share of its area — and yet most visitors never set foot in them. You’ll redress this imbalance as you venture into the countryside with your guide, visiting sites that reflect hundreds of years of history, from a pagoda built in 1486 to a beautiful 19th century merchant house. Browse the dried seafood and local sweets at Tai Po Market, then head back into the non-stop hustle of Kowloon, where you’ll wander through markets filled with twittering birds and heady floral aromas to Wong Tai Sin Temple, where you might like to get your fortune told by one of the local palm readers.

A natural pairing with Hong Kong, Macau’s colonial history stretches all the way back to 1557, when it was leased to Portugal by the Ming Dynasty. Zipping across the Pearl River Delta by “Turbo Jet” ferry, you’ll have a full day to steep yourself in this rich fusion culture, from its pre-colonial sea temple to its baroque-mannerist cathedral carved with Chinese characters (as well as its delicious cuisine replete with coconut, cinnamon, turmeric and almond). Stuffed full of pork buns and custard tarts, you’ll even have time for an optional visit to the indoor canals and singing gondoliers of The Venetian — the 2nd-largest casino in the world — before your return to Hong Kong this evening.

Just 35 minutes from the mainland by ferry, car-free Cheung Chau is a different world. With a day to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to wander the quiet courtyards of Pak Tai Temple, dodge locals on bicycles as you pass racks of drying fish, and snack on some of Hong Kong’s best street food. Stop to have a dip in the sea and watch the windsurfers at Tung Wan Beach, check out the Bronze Age rock carvings left by the island’s prehistoric inhabitants, then hop in a sampan and putter around the coast, stopping in at fishing villages and pirate caves. Finally, return to Hong Kong for one last night in the big city.