Day
1
Depart from Heathrow or your preferred airport on scheduled flights
to Beijing. Meals on board.
Day
2
Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted at the airport by our
English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel by private
transport. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from
jet lag and get ready for the adventures awaiting you! (China is
8 hours ahead of UK GMT)
Day
3 Beijing
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today,
enjoy a full day city tour to soak up the atmosphere of Beijing.
This includes visiting must-see historical sites such as the Temple
of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Our
welcome evening dinner in the evening provides an opportunity
to sample a delightful selection of Beijing style dishes, including
Peking Duck.
Optional
Evening entertainment *
Acrobatic show.
Day
4 Beijing
(Breakfast, Lunch)
The
highlight of today's tour is a walk on the Great Wall of China.
We visit the Mutianyu Section of the wall, which is quieter and
less touristy, compare with many other access points. This section
is also equipped with a cable car for those who prefer an easier
way up (fee payable at local ticket office, approx £5). We
allow plenty of time for you to walk along the wall and enjoy the
unforgettable views.
Our
memorable day continues with a trip to see the 2008 Bird's Nest
Olympics Stadium and enjoy great photo opportunities. Time permitting,
we will have a stroll in the large Olympic square and see the Water
Cube (exteriors only).
After
a full day visiting the many highlights of Beijing, enjoy a relaxing
evening with free time for dinner on your own. This will give you
a better opportunity to sample various dishes to your own liking.
Our guide will be happy to make recommendations according to your
requirement. A good dinner of your choice (with a beer/drink) should
be no more than £10 per person.
Day
5 Beijing
to Xian (Breakfast,
Lunch)
After breakfast, we visit the stunning 12th century Summer Palace,
Kunming Lake and the Garden of Harmony. Next we take
the ferry alongside the famous Marble Boat and enjoy a fascinating
Rickshaw ride through the 'Hutong' traditional residential
area of Beijing. For a great place to experience shopping in China
and purchase some unique souvenirs, we can take you to the popular
Xiushui Silk Market and shopping mall.
In
the evening, we take a flight to Xian, the former capital of China
and starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
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).
Enjoy
a selection of Xian's speciality dishes for lunch and afterwards
we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist Monastery
during the Tang Dynasty. We enjoy the jovial atmosphere around the
beautiful Pagoda and picturesque boulevards, where Xian residents
come to socialise & relax.
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
(Breakfast,
Lunch)
After
breakfast we explore Xian's historic Muslim Quarter, home
to a large Chinese Muslim community who have lived in the city since
the silk road was first established.
Enjoy
walking through Muslim Square, along narrow winding streets
crammed with shop stalls selling an array of interesting handcrafts
and local food specialities. We also have opportunity to visit Xian's
Wooden Mosque. Afterwards we walk 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.
In
the afternoon 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.
Late afternoon, take a flight to Chengdu, the home of China's most
famous residents, the Giant Panda.
Day
8
Chengdu
(Breakfast,
Lunch)
Today, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and
allow plenty of time to watch the Panda's enjoying their playful
activities and Bamboo meals.
After
lunch, we take a stroll down the historic Jin li Street and
Kuan zai Ally to observe the local culture, traditional handicraft
stalls and numerous wooden tea houses.
Finally
we transfer back to our hotel following a most memorable and enjoyable
day. This will give you time to rest before making your own evening
dinner arrangements. Chengdu is home to the famous Sichuan spicy
cuisine and our guide will be happy to make recommendations according
to your preference - mild hot, medium hot, or non spicy food! A
typical good meal should be around £6 per person including
a drink.
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 Guilin
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning enjoy free time at your leisure to further explore
Chengdu, or take an optional tour to Leshan mountain to visit the
Giant Buddha Statue (approx 2.5 hours each way). 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.
In
the afternoon, we take
a flight to Guilin, where we meet our local guide upon arrival.
After
checking into your hotel, our guide will leave you to have a good
rest and to prepare for tomorrow's adventure.
Day
10
Guilin (Breakfast,
Lunch)
Guilin
is a beautiful city set among picturesque mountains alongside the
majestic Li River. Many of our travellers fall in
love with Guilin and Yangshuo, as they are often regarded
as the most scenic locations in China.
Our guided tour of Guilin includes visiting either the delightful
Fubo Hill or Elephant Trunk Hill (depends on local
situation). Later we visit Reed Flute Cave, a vast underground
cavern of exotic rock formations.
Optional
Evening entertainment*:
watching Cormorant fishing etc.
Day
11 Guilin - Yangshuo
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we take an hour drive to Zhujiang Dock and
board our boat for a leisurely cruise down the picturesque
Li River, surrounded by magestic limestone hills and rice
terraces. The cruise is a great opportunity to witness the lifestyle
of rural communities that live along the river banks. You are likely
to see many forms of river transport, farmers busy working in the
rice fields, children playing along the banks and water buffalo
cooling themselves in the river.
Lunch
will be served on board and we will disembark upon arrival at Yangshuo.
This is a charming ancient town that is famous for its beautiful
scenery and tranquil countryside.
Optional
Evening entertainment
*:The spectacular
Liusanjian Impression show is a outdoor performance set to
the scenic backdrop of Yangshou's mountains and rivers. This masterpiece
combining awesome natural scenery with an excellent theatrical production.
Highly recommended and a must see event.
Day
12 Guilin to Shanghai
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Today, we take a flight to Shanghai and meet our local guide upon
arrival. After
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, the Bund and Nanjing Road. 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
13
Shanghai - Suzhou (Breakfast,
Lunch)
After breakfast we travel to Suzhou,
renowned for its beautifully constructed stone bridges, pagodas
and meticulously designed gardens. Today we enjoy a garden tour
to Tiger Hill and 'The Master of the Nets Garden',
which is the most exquisite and best-preserved garden of all the
old residential gardens in Suzhou.
Day
14
Suzhou - Hangzhou (Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a relaxing walk along the tranquil West Lake
before visiting Ling Yin Temple. Afterwards we visit local
markets and experience the traditional Chinese tea culture.
Day
15
Hangzhou - Shanghai (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we enjoy a leisurely walk
around the town's narrow streets, explore unique local handcraft
shops and take a relaxing boat ride whilst soaking up the
local ambience. Drive back to Shanghai in the late afternoon.
Day
16 Shanghai
to homeward
(Breakfast)
Today,
you will be met at your hotel and taken by private transport to
the Maglev train station in Shanghai. 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 approx 8 minutes) for your
flight homewards.
Extension
stay in Shanghai can be provided on request.
***Hong
Kong, Seoul, Japan extensions available***
Please
Click here for 3 nights Seoul package extension...
Please
Click here for Japan Guided Tour extension...
Hong
Kong extension (from
£399* per person inc flight)
Day
16 Shanghai
to Hong Kong (Breakfast)
You will be met at your hotel and taken by private car to the Maglev
train station in Shanghai. With the assistance of our local
guide, board the futuristic Maglev train
which will take you to the airport for your onward flight to Hong
Kong.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (superior/moderate deluxe standard).
The rest of day is free at leisure.
Day
17
Hong Kong (Breakfast)
Today
enjoy a half day morning tour to visit some of Hong Kong's
must-see locations, such as the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and
Aberdeen Fishing Village. Rest of the day is free.
Day
18 Hong Kong
(Breakfast)
Airport
transfer from your hotel will be provided to suit your departure
flight times.
Alternative
Hong Kong option- For the same price, you may choose to have
3 nights/4 days in Hong Kong. (flight & accommodation only).
*supplement
apply for Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov.
Grand
China Tour Dates & Price 2016
Ref
|
Departure dates on Saturdays
|
Twin
share £
|
Twin
share £ (Excl international flights)
|
GC |
19 March - 03 April |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
26
March - 10 April |
full
|
full
|
GC |
09
April - 24 April |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
14 May - 29 May |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
04 June - 19 June |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
11 June - 26 June |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
18 June - 03 July |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
25 June - 10 July |
£2950 |
£2150 |
GC |
23 July - 7 Aug |
£2950 |
£2150 |
GC |
06 Aug - 21 Aug |
£2950 |
£2150 |
GC |
13 Aug - 28 Aug |
£2950 |
£2150 |
GC |
20 Aug - 4 Sept |
£2950 |
£2150 |
GC |
03 Sept - 18 Sept |
£2850 |
£2150 |
GC |
10
Sept - 25 Sept |
full
|
full
|
GC |
15
Oct - 30 Oct 2016 |
£2850 |
£2150 |
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- All
internal flights in China including
airport tax.
- All
airport/hotel transfers.
- Sightseeing
tours (including entrance fee) by professional English-speaking
tour guide.
- Selections
of good 4 star hotels in well furnished rooms with
private facilities. In Hong Kong it is 3 star in good location, upgrade choice can be provided upon request. Please view our Hotel Selection.
- All breakfast, most lunches and dinners
as specified in the itinerary. Several meals not included to allow more free time for you. Trying out food by yourselves can be part of the great holiday experience.
Price
Does Not Include
- International
flight from £600 per person. We can book it based on your prefered airline choice with full ATOL Protection.
- Travel
Insurance.
- Chinese visa - we can provide service, currently £110/person.
- Tips
- recommend £3 for guide and £2 for driver per day but not compulsory.
- Optional
tours and extensions.
- Single supplement £580.
FAQ
and further Tour information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour information.
The itinerary
is designed according to the most updated information of flights
available, although on rare occasions the sequence in which cities
are visited, duration of time spent 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. Further places
of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide
unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. 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.
|