Day
1
Depart from Heathrow or your preferred airport on scheduled flights
to Beijing. Meals on board.
Day
2 Beijing Being met at airport and transfer to hotel
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted at the airport by our
English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.
If your flight arrives in the morning, we provide optional afternoon tour to Lama Temple. Or, the rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from
jet lag and get ready for the adventures awaiting you.
Day
3 Beijing Walk along the Great Wall of China (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We start off your China holiday with a bang - the
highlight of today is a visit to the Great Wall of China.
We visit the Mutianyu Section of the wall, which is quieter and
less touristy. This section
is also equipped with a cable car for those who prefer an easier
way up (fee payable at local ticket office, approx £8).
After a full overnight sleep to rest our jetlegs, a full breakfast, and traffic peak hour, we then set off from our hotel.
* Walking on the Great Wall is often one of the most important highlights for our guests. We
make sure this experience is as magical as it can be. So, we allowed for a full day and you can stay on the wall as long as you wanted, or short if prefered. A simple pack lunch is provided as there is no restaurant on or around the Wall, but we will celebrate this occasion in style, with a glass of wine with photos time!
Afterwards we return to our hotel, for a blissful rest. This might also be the opportunity for you to refresh and change for your welcome evening dinner. Your guide will come to take you at an agreed time, for a delightful selection of Beijing style dishes, including Peking Duck.
Optional
Evening live show.
Day
4 Beijing Visiting must-see historical sites (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today,
enjoy a full day city tour to soak up the atmosphere of Beijing, includes the Temple
of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
After
a full day of touring, your tour disband at the last stop and we leave you to enjoy a relaxing
evening on your own. Our guide will happy to make recommendations as where to eat etc so please feel free to ask them. For travellers who wish to come back to hotel with the guide and driver, they will be happy to do so.
Many restaurants in Beijing have English menus. A good dinner of your choice (with a beer/drink) should
be around £10 per person, but it can vary depending on your choice.
Day
5 Beijing
to Xian Free time or joining optional tour (Breakfast)
Our flight to Xian is around mid afternoon so the morning is free for you to explore Beijing with leisure. Or you may wish to take a guided morning tour with us, visiting the Summer Palace. You may wish to try Rickshaw ride (pay fee on the spot) through the 'Hutong' traditional residential
area of Beijing. Then continues to see the 2008 Bird's Nest
Olympics Stadium (exteriors only). Time permitting,
we will have a stroll in the large Olympic square and see the Water
Cube (exteriors only).
Later on, your guide will accompany you to airport for checking in, and bid you farewell as you take a flight to Xian, the former capital of China
and starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
*For travellers who wish to experience overnight train from Beijing to Xian, we can arrange transfer to train station and train ticket (1 ticket per person for a soft-sleeper beth). Please note the train journey is about 12 hours overnight.
Day
6 Xian (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
An
exciting day awaits, as we head to the Terracotta Warriors Archaeological
Museum, home to over 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and their
horses. The warriors are meant to be the after life protectors of
the first emperor Qinshihuang, who united China (221BC-206BC).
Afterwards our guide will take you to the
majestic Bell Tower (exterior only) for a great photo opportunity. On the opposite side of the square we visit the famous Drum
Tower, which provides fantastic views across the city.
We enjoy a leisurely walk & optional cycle ride along
the ancient city walls. The smooth & well preserved walls
provide an ideal and safe walking & cycling route around the entire
historic city centre. This is a charming way to enjoy the local
lifestyle of Xian.
Evening
entertainment includes: a
re-enactment of the royal arts performance of a 7th century Tang
Dynasty Show, with a special dinner of dumplings included.
Day
7 Xian to Chengdu Free time or joining optional tour (Breakfast)
Our flight to Chengdu is around mid to late afternoon so the morning is free for you to explore Xian with leisure. Or you may wish to take a guided morning tour with us, visiting Muslim Quarter, Xian's Wooden Mosque and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Late afternoon, take a flight to Chengdu, the home of China's most
famous residents, the Giant Panda.
Day
8 Chengdu, Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Breakfast)
In the morning, as it is the best time to watch pandas when they having breakfast, we will take you to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Once again, we will allow plenty of time to watch the Panda's enjoying their playful
activities and Bamboo meals. The Breeding Centre provides photo opportunity (pay by yourselves on the spot) and please be patient as there is always a cue.
After this, which will approach
lunch time, our guide will drop you off at the popular food street Jin li Street and Kuan zai Ally where there are plenty local cafes, restaurants, tea houses and handicraft stalls.
You may choose either lingering in this charming place for a leisurely enjoyable afternoon by yourselves, or come with us for an optional tour to Leshan Giant Buddha Statue. Upon arrival
we will take a pleasant boat ride, during which there will be great
opportunities to photo the huge statue carved into the hillside.
Optional evening
entertainment*
Enjoy a variety style show in one of the best theatres in Chengdu,
which includes the famous face-changing performance. Ask
for prices & details at time of booking.
Day
9 Chengdu to Shanghai Shanghai city tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today, we take a flight to Shanghai and meet our local guide upon
arrival. After
checking into our hotel and having a short rest, we start our city tour of Shanghai. Our tour includes visiting Yu
Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds.
We then explore the famous promenade and marvel at the futuristic
landscape of magnificent towers and building situated along the Huangpu River and the Bund. Finally
our tour takes us to the historic districts of Shanghai and we visit
the former colonial French quarters, known locally as 'Heaven
on Earth'.
Optional evening
entertainment *Martial
art show, dance show etc.
Day
10 Shanghai
to Tokyo - JAPAN
(Breakfast)
Today,
you will be taken to the Maglev train station in Shanghai
(when service is available). Our local guide will assist you to
board the futuristic and super fast Maglev train with a top speed
of 267mph.
The
train will take you to the airport in time for your flight
to
Japan. Upon arriving at
Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by our tour assistant and transferred
to your Hotel.
Day
11
Tokyo
Morning city tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main
highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to
the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across
the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful
picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick
woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples
of Shinto Architecture. Next we drive by the 'Akasaka Guest House'
for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent
'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style.
We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building,
which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.
Our
tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace,
which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively
for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed,
we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge
instead). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza
high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands
in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping. We highly
recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic
electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway
to explore further areas of Tokyo.
Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional
afternoon Tokyo city tour. The optional tour includes visiting the
beautiful Hama-Rikyu garden, enjoying our Sumida River
Cruise and visiting the Asakusa Kannon Temple &
Nakamise shopping street. We then drive through Kappabashi,
Ueno and Akihabara districts of Tokyo before finishing the tour.
Ask for details at time of booking.
Day
12
Tokyo
- (Optional
Nikko tour)
Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure or purchase an
optional full day tour to Nikko.
The
optional professionally guided tour involves taking a Deluxe motor
coach to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural
Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of natural beauty and home to
some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture in
Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine,
which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
We also visit the stunning Tamozawa Imperial Villa, constructed
in 1899 and which served as the Tokyo residence of the Tokugawa
family and later a summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Afterwards
we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall. Japanese
style Lunch included.
The tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku at around 7-8pm,
where you will have ample restaurants and bars to choose from for
your evening meal and entertainment. If you prefer, you can return
to your hotel and our tour guide will be happy to provide you with
information on return transportation/directions. Overnight
in Tokyo.
Day
13
Tokyo - MT Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto
(Includes Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach
to Mount Fuji. Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of
rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous
peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we
will enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting).
Lunch
will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone. In the
afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we
will take a cable car ride with the opportunity to see the
magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel
to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient
volcanic craters with sulphurous fumes and clouds of steam spiralling
from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical
image. We then proceed with our tour for a boat cruise on
Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty, where weather
permitting spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted
in the lake. Proceed to Odawara and take the Shinkansen (Bullet
train) to Kyoto. Accommodation at the New Miyako hotel or similar
(includes:
Lunch).
Day
14
Kyoto - (Optional Nara tour)
Morning sight seeing tour of Kyoto including
a visit to Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa
Shogun built in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior
and 'nightingale floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn
of Ninja assassins. Next we visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden
Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese
Zen gardens in the world. We then travel to Kyoto Imperial
Palace, the impressive former residence of the Imperial family.
Tour ends around 1:00pm.
Afternoon
is free at leisure, or take an optional tour to Nara.
The optional tour includes visiting Nara Deer Park and the
Todaiji temple housing the Great Buddha in the worlds largest
wooden building. Next we visit the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine
which features 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Finally enjoy Nara
Nagomikan before retuning to Kyoto. (Optional tour includes
buffet lunch). Enquire at time of booking to include
the Nara tour in your itinerary)
Optional
overnight stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan is available (inc
Japanese traditional Breakfast & full course Evening Dinner).
Optional extension of 2 nights to Hiroshima & Miyajima, or 1 full day tour available - Contact us for details.
Day
15
Kyoto - Osaka
Check out of your hotel in the morning and leave your luggage with
the bellboy. You are then free to further explore Kyoto before taking
the train to Osaka (train
tickets provide). The JR train from Kyoto to Osaka, is a regular
local train service and does not require reserved seats. Therefore
you can take the train whenever you like. Upon arrival at Osaka,
check in to your hotel.
Our
standard hotel is the New Hankyu Hotel, which is very conveniently
located just minutes walk from the JR Osaka station, therefore making
your transfer very easy. Typical of many hotels in Osaka, room sizes
are small and basic at 20sqm. If you prefer a larger room, we can
arrange upgrades.
We recommend arriving early afternoon so that you still have free
time to explore Osaka city, which is easily navigated using the
underground subways. A must-see sight in Osaka is the magnificent
Osaka Castle located in the city centre. Then explore Dotonbori
which is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and runs adjacent
to a canal of the same name. Nearby
Domi domi shopping and eating areas are one of the
most exciting districts in Japan. Shinsaibashi
is probably the best shopping area and certainly the most frantic.
If you want to explore more historic culture, then visit the beautiful
and peaceful Shitennoji Buddhist temple. Shitennoji
is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan built by Prince
Shotoku (574-622 A.D)
Day
16 Osaka
- Homeward
You will be transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport
in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.
Cultural
China & Japan tour - 2017 Departure Dates (£)
Guaranteed Departure EVERY Saturdays
* To avoid the extreme busy period during Chinese national holidays, no tour is operated between 1-7 May and 1-8 October. The
price may be different around the bank holidays in the UK, and the
festival period in China & Japan.
Ref |
Months |
Twin
share £ from (Excl international flights) |
CCJ |
March - May |
£4699 |
CCJ |
June - August |
£4599 |
CCJ |
September - November |
£4699 |
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- All international flights.
- All
airport/hotel transfers within China and Japan.
- Selections
of quality accommodation in well furnished rooms with private
facilities. In China it is 4 star hotels, in Japan it is 3/4 star
hotels. Upgrade options available.
- Sightseeing
tours by professional qualified English-speaking tour guides.
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo & Kyoto.
Price
Does Not Include
- Travel
Insurance.
- Tips
for guides and drivers in China - recommend £3 for guide and £2 for driver per day but not compulsory. No tipping is expected in Japan.
- Chinese visa - we can provide service, currently £180/person. No visa is required to Japan.
- Optional
tour.
Your
tour arrangements Small
group guided tour in China and guided city coach day tours in Japan
(excluding free days). The tour includes airport greeting and transfer
service in each destination, entrance fees, transfers between destinations,
internal flights in China, luggage transfer in Japan and transport
included whilst on all guided tours. Tours in China & Japan
are all with professional English speaking local guides. This tour
is suitable for all ages of travellers.
Flights As agent of many airline consolidators, we can obtain flights in
various class, with all reputable airlines. Please let us know you
prefered airline at booking stage.
Your
Accommodation for this tour Carefully selected very good
4 star hotels in China and 3 to 4 stars in Japan. Hotel upgrade
option available at a good rate. Please enquire at the time of your
booking. For details of our hotel collection, please visit our China
hotels and Japan hotels web pages.
Meals
: Breakfasts are included in China each day and lunches
and dinners are as shown in the itinerary. Breakfast is not included
at the hotels in Japan, but can be booked in advance or payable
locally directly to the hotel. Alternatively, there are many places
around the hotels where you can buy meals far more reasonably. Breakfast
at hotels in China is included.
Nijo
Castle (Kyoto) is closed (every Tuesday in Jan, July, Aug &
Dec), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit
Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends
and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead.
The
itinerary is designed according to the most updated information
of flights schedules available, although occasionally the sequence
in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city
can change due to local conditions which are out of our control.
The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to
be visited each day. MT Fuji - Hakone - We reserve the right to
change or amend our tour itinerary due to heavy traffic conditions
or bad weather.We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the
itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle
any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms
& conditions.
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