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 Baotou (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 Baoto.
Day
6
Baotou to Huhhot (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Following breakfast we visit the ancient city of Meidai Lamasery
in Baotou. It is built by Altan Khan, the great grandson of Genghis
Khan and the Mongolian tribal leader in the fifth year of the reign
of Longqing (Ming Dynasty).
Afterward we visit Singing Sand Bay, which is situated
1,150 metres above sea level in the middle section of the Kubu Desert.
The sand dune measures 60 by 40 meters and is at an angle of about
45 degrees. On a sunny day, when a person slides down the dunes,
there is a mysterious natural phenomenon where the dune resonates
like a plane flying overhead. For those who wish to participate
you can enjoy sliding down the slope, or alternatively have a camel
ride (purchased locally) and enjoy seeing local dances. Later we
will transfer the Capital city of Inner Mongolia, Huhhot.
Day
7
Inner Mongolian Grassland (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Watch activities such as Mongolian wrestling, horse back
riding (which you can join and book in advance) and trips
to the aobaos (rock mounds that are normally festooned with flags,
meant for worship). We will have lunch with local families. Enjoy
the Mongolian folk song and dance performance by
the campfire in the evening, stay in a modern Mongolian
style yurt with private facilities overnight.
Day
8 Huhhot to Xian
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Watch the beautiful sunrise appear over the grassland plans whilst
enjoying a traditional Mongolian breakfast.
Today
tour of Inner Mongolia includes visiting the Dazhao Lamasery, Inner
Mongolia Museum and the Mengliang Mongolian Handicraft centre. After
the tour we taking an afternoon flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival our
guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for check in.
Day
9 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
10
Xian to Lijiang (
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 Lijiang,
a beautiful shining jewel on the Northwest Yunnan Plateau neighbouring
the Tibetan Plateau, is granted World Cultural Heritage status.
Day 11 Lijiang ( Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner )
We visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (by cable car),
Temple of Jade Peak, White Water river
etc. Watch Naxi Ancient Show.
Day 12 Lijiang to Chengdu
(Breakfast)
Morning is free until take flight to Chengdu, the home of China's
most famous residents, the Giant Panda.
Day
13
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
14 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.
Later
on we proceed to the airport for the flight to Guilin.
Our local guide will meet you upon arrival and we transfer to your
hotel.
Day
15
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
includes*:
watching Cormorant fishing etc.
Day
16 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
17 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
18
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
19
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
20
Hangzhou - Xitang - Shanghai (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we travel to Xitang, a historic water
town about 1.5 hours drive from Hangzhou. Xitang is a real microcosm
of ancient Chinese architecture and is often used as a film set,
including for Mission Impossible III.
Xitang
is a charming town criss-crossed by nine rivers linked with a series
of stone arched bridges. With over a thousand years of history,
boats remains the main mode of transport and the original way of
life still continues today. We enjoy a leisurely walk around the
town's narrow streets and take a relaxing boat ride whilst
soaking up the local ambience. Drive back to Shanghai in the late
afternoon.
Day
21 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 homeward
Extra
night extension in Shanghai can be provided from £48
per person, with free airport transfer re-arranged.
Hong
Kong extension (£399*
per person inc flight)
Day
19 Shanghai
to Hong Kong
(Includes: Breakfast)
Today,
you will be taken by private car to the Maglev train station
in Shanghai. Our local guide will assist you to board the super
fast Maglev train
to the airport in time for your flight
to Hong Kong.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, transfer to your hotel (superior/moderate
deluxe standard). The rest of day is free at leisure.
Day
20
Hong Kong (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, 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
21 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.
Ultimate
China Tour Dates & Price 2016
Ref
|
Departure dates on Saturdays
|
Twin
share £
|
UC
|
12 March - 01 April 2016
|
£4200
|
UC
|
19 March - 08 April
|
£4250
|
UC
|
26
March - 15 April
|
full
|
UC
|
09
April - 17 April
|
£4195
|
UC
|
14 May - 03 June
|
£4195
|
UC
|
04 June - 24 June
|
£4195
|
UC
|
11 June - 01July
|
£4200
|
UC
|
18 June - 26 June
|
£4200
|
UC
|
25 June - 08 July
|
£4200
|
UC
|
23 July - 12 Aug
|
£4300
|
UC
|
06 Aug - 26 Aug
|
£4300
|
UC
|
13 Aug - 02 Sept
|
£4300
|
UC
|
20 Aug - 09 Sept
|
£4300
|
UC
|
03 Sept - 23 Sept
|
£4195
|
UC
|
10
Sept - 30 Sept
|
full
|
UC
|
15
Oct - 04 Nov 2016
|
£4200
|
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Chinese
Visa service (worth £110pp)
- Twin
share price includes International flights with full ATOL Protection
(flights based upon London departure). We can also arrange departures
from your local airport.
- All
internal flights including airport tax.
- All
airport/hotel transfers.
- Sightseeing
tours (including entrance fee) by professional English-speaking
tour guide.
- Selections
of good 4 star hotel and 5 star cruise accommodation in well furnished
rooms with private facilities. In Hong Kong it is 3/4 star standard.
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary.
We
also arrange tailor made departure & private tours based upon
this itinerary, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Flight Prices may be different around the bank holiday period in
the UK, and festival periods in China Please contact us for confirmation.
Price
Does Not Include
- Travel
Insurance.
- Tips
to guides and drivers etc.
- Optional
tours and extensions.
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.
|