China Delights
9 Days from just £1,290 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Silk Market; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Jade Buddha Temple; Yuyuan Garden; Suzhou... and much more!
Tiananmen Square
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 city centre.
Later visit 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 a good harvest for the year.
Conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant - free flow of beer and soft drinks. (L/D)
Day 3 - Beijing
Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (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 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress.
n the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace - the largest imperial garden in the world, 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. .
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
Start our tour today with a rickshaw tour around old Beijing's Hutong (alleyways) area - visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house; also stop by a local school.
Later in the afternoon we fly to Xian - the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel in the 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 market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Xian
Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey - Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-size 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 Shanghai
This morning we fly to Shanghai - a vibrant modern city renowned as the "Oriental Paris". Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and the Bund - Shanghai's famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River.
This evening enjoy a spectacular Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Shanghai
Today you have the whole day free in Shanghai to explore at your leisure. We will provide free coach transfer to the Nanking road for those who wish to do some last minute shopping. Optional tour to Suzhou (nearby garden city) is available upon request.
This evening we arrange a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 9 - Shanghai to London
Transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 9 - Shanghai to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Day 10 - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village etc. Rest of day free. (B)
Day 11 - 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 12 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
9 Days Package Price from just £1,290 per person (Single supplement £160)
12 Days Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £1,560 per person (Single supplement £220)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Shanghai (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 fee (£40 per person for single entry normal visa)
| Date (depart - return) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| 05 - 13/16* Jan 2008 | £1,290 per person | £1,560 per person |
| 19 - 27/30* Jan 2008 | £1,290 per person | £1,560 per person |
| 16 - 24/27* Feb 2008 | £1,290 per person | £1,560 per person |
| 01 - 09/12* Mar 2008 | £1,380 per person | £1,650 per person |
| 15 - 23/26* Mar 2008 | £1,380 per person | £1,650 per person |
| 29 Mar - 06/09* Apr 2008 | £1,380 per person | £1,650 per person |
| 12 - 20/23* Apr 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,690 per person |
| 26 Apr - 04/07* May 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,690 per person |
| 10 - 18/21* May 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,690 per person |
| 24 May - 01/04* Jun 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,690 per person |
| 07 - 15/18* Jun 2008 | £1,380 per person | £1,650 per person |
| 13 - 21/24* Sep 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,690 per person |
| 27 Sep - 05/08* Oct 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,730 per person |
| 11 - 19/22* Oct 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,730 per person |
| 25 Oct - 02/05* Nov 2008 | £1,420 per person | £1,730 per person |
| 08 - 16/19* Nov 2008 | £1,380 per person | £1,650 per person |
| 06 - 14/17* Dec 2008 | £1,290 per person | £1,560 per person |