Today we compare two urban breaks for two budgets. Is Shanghai or San Francisco right for your next vacation? You can savor city life with a weeklong escape in Shanghai, or make a quick Bay Area getaway. The choice – and the budget – is up to you.

Shanghai – 7-Day, $18,000 splurge

FLY – Stretch out on your fully flat seat in American Airlines’ new Flagship Suite First Class cabin while flying round-trip from Chicago to Shanghai. From $11,784 (including taxes and fees) per couple.

SEE – Dip into traditional dim sum, meet masters in calligraphy and the tea ceremony, and learn about natural herbal remedies at a Chinese medical clinic. That’s just a sampling of what’s possible on this private, totally personalized four-day tour — which features a choice of hotels including the grand Hyatt Shanghai — from one of Virtuoso’s on-site connections in China. Available through December31,2013 (some blackout dates apply). From $3,576 per couple.

STAY – Extend your time in the “Paris of the east” with a three night stay at The Peninsula Shanghai, where grand deluxe River Rooms offer corner views and every conceivable comfort. Virtuoso guests enjoy a room upgrade upon arrival, if available, breakfast daily for two, and lunch at Yi Long Court. Available through December 31, 2013. From $2,055 per three-night stay, per couple.

SPA – All that exploration calls for a relaxing foot reflexology treatment (from$115) and a bamboo Harmoniser massage (from $260) at the Peninsula Spa.

TOTAL: From $17,790 per couple

San Francisco – 3-Day, $3,000 steal

FLY – Post to Facebook with complimentary Wi-Fi while flying economy class round-trip between Chicago and San Francisco with Virgin America. From $690 (including taxes and fees) per couple.

SEE – Spend a tasteful day exploring the city and its surroundings with Virtuoso’s local on-site experts. Start with a culinary excursion at the San Francisco Ferry building, a showcase for some of the bay Area’s best food artisans. Then join a private car and driver for a trip to Muir Woods, one of the area’s last remaining old-growth redwood forests. Available through December31, 2013. From $1,080 per couple.

STAY – Arrive at The Fairmont San Francisco in VIP style with a complimentary airport pick-up before settling into an individually appointed suite. Virtuoso guests receive an upgrade upon arrival, if available, breakfast daily for two, and a $100 food and beverage credit to sample executive chef Chad Blunston’s seasonal cuisine at Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar. Available through December 31,2013. From $898 per two-night stay, per couple.

SPA – Rejuvenate with a Refresh Facial (from $87) and a deep tissue massage (from $102) at the Spa at Club One, located inside the hotel.

TOTAL: From $2,857 per couple

To plan your next Shanghai splurge vacation or San Francisco steal getaway, contact the expert advisors at Covington Travel.

Source: Virtuoso