China in a Week
8 Days from just £1,340 per person
Sites Visited as we travel: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Ming Tombs; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall
The Forbidden City
A unique Beijing and Xian travel experience...
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Beijing
Travel from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to 4* hotel in the city centre. This afternoon we will start our travel around this beautiful city by visiting the Temple of Heaven - built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for good harvest for the year.
We conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant - free flow of beer and soft drink. (L/D)
Day 3 - Beijing
We start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. We will travel by foot through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with late Chairman Mao's huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City - which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since the 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress!
In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace - the largest imperial garden in China, where late Qing emperors and empresses stayed between May and October seeking escape from the pollution inside the city. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.
The afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs - 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet! (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xian
We start our tour today by travel on rickshaw around the old Beijing Hutong (alleyways) area – visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house; also stop by a local school.
Later in the afternoon we will travel by short flight to Xian - the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom. Upon arrival transfer to 4*hotel in city centre and relax with dinner at the hotel. Later your tour manager will take you to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns; this is the landmark of Xian. Also browse around the colourful local food and antique market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Xian
Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-sized figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
In the afternoon we return to the city to visit the Ancient City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Xian to Beijing
Morning transfer to airport for travel back to Beijing. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or do some shopping on your own. (B)
Day 8 - Beijing to London Heathrow
After breakfast we leave Beijing and transfer to the airport to travel home on the return flight. End of itinerary. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 7 - Xian to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for travel to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Day 8 - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village etc. Rest of day free. (B)
Day 9 - Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free to either relax or explore the amazing east west culture of Hong Kong. Late evening transfer to airport for travel home. (B)
Day 10 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
8 Days Travel Package Price from just £1,340 per person (Single supplement £135)
10 Days Travel Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £1,520 per person (Single supplement £175)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Beijing (or Hong Kong) - London
- 4-star hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- Meals as described (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
- Daily supply of bottled water
- Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
- All domestic flights
- All airport taxes and service charges
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Chinese visa
| Date (depart) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| Every Saturday: Jul - Oct 2010 | £1,470 per person | £1,660 per person |
| Every Saturday: Nov - Dec 2010 | £1,340 per person | £1,520 per person |