China Explorer
20 Days from just £2,340 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Panda Research Centre; Reed Flute Cave; Li River; Rice Terraces.... and much more!
Terracotta Warriors, Xian
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 good harvest for the year.
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. Walking 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.
The afternoon tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace, with 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 Jinshanling and Simatai - two remote and wild sections of the wall relatively unspoilt by overflow of tourists. Spend the whole day walking from Jinshanling to Simatai, exploring this unique wonder, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the wall.
This evening after a traditional Peking duck banquet, we will take a closer look into Beijing people's night life by visiting the trendy Shichahai bar street - experience the Chinese pub culture. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xian
The morning is free to either relax or explore on your own. In the afternoon we depart from the hotel for 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. Relax and enjoy 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, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses - built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. 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 Chengdu
This morning we will fly to Chengdu – capital of Sichuan Province. First we visit Leshan to see the Grand Buddha Statue, the largest stone Buddha sculpture in the world.
This evening, after a Sichuan style dinner (full of spices and flavour) we will enjoy a traditional Chuan Opera. Be amazed by the skilful demonstration of changing masks. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Chengdu / Woolong
Today we travel to Woolong Nature Reserve to visit the Panda Research Centre, which also includes the Giant Panda Centre and Museum. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Chengdu to Kunming
This morning we fly to Kunming - the city of everlasting spring. We then take a drive to visit the Stone Forest - a massive collection of grey limestone pillars found around 120km south-east of Kunming. (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Kunming to Dali
This morning we will take a short flight (approx. 45 mins) to Dali - the autonomous region of Bai ethnic group. Take a cable car ride up the mighty Cangshan Mountain for a stunning view over the Erhai Lake. We also visit Dali's landmark - the Three Pagodas.
Later in the afternoon we will visit Xizhou Village, where you can enjoy local song and dance performed by the Bai people. (B/L/D)
Day 11 - Dali to Lijiang
In the morning we will have some free time to stroll around the old town. After lunch, drive through the tranquil and beautiful countryside to Lijiang - home of the Naxi minority people.
After dinner in a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional Naxi music concert performed by local elderly musicians. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Lijiang
This morning we start our tour with a stroll around the Lijiang Old Town and visit Mufu Mansion. Then we drive outside the town and take the chairlift up the snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain.
Later in the afternoon we visit Baisha Village. (B/L/D)
Day 13 - Lijiang
Today we travel outside Lijiang to visit what is known as the First Bend of Yangtze River, and then trek along the mountain edge and view the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dangerous white water sections of river in the world. (B/L/D)
Day 14 - Lijiang to Guilin
We take a morning flight to Guilin via Kunming - one of the most picturesque cities in China. Today we visit the Reed Flute Cave. After dinner, Emperor Tours will treat every customer with a refreshing traditional Chinese foot massage - a well deserved and sensual experience for all! (B/L/D)
Day 15 - Guilin / Yangshuo
Today we take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo - a small town near Guilin which boasts stunning scenery and landscapes.
After lunch on the boat, we will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo's lively local market before our return to Guilin in the evening. Optional tour to see cormorant fishing will be organised if enough interest. (B/L/D)
Day 16 - Guilin to Longsheng to Hong Kong
This morning we drive to Longsheng where you can enjoy the amazing scenery of Longsheng Rice terraces ("Dragon's Backbone").
Late afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel. (B/L)
Day 17 - Hong Kong
Half day tour to the famous sites of Hong Kong - Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village, etc. The rest of day is free for you to explore this vibrant city mix of east and west culture. (B)
Day 18 - Hong Kong
The day time is free for you to indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer. Open your senses to Hong Kong's amazing skyline, bustling harbour and peaceful countryside. (B)
Day 19 - Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free to enjoy the wonders of Hong Kong. Evening transfer to the airport for return flight home. (B)
Day 20 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
*Extra nights in Hong Kong are available upon request
20 Days Package Price from just £2,340 per person (Single supplement £355)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / 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 - return) | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 - 29 Jul 2010 | £2,440 per person |
| 24 Jul - 12 Aug 2010 | £2,440 per person |
| 07 - 26 Aug 2010 | £2,440 per person |
| 12 Sep - 01 Oct 2010 | £2,440 per person |
| 10 - 29 Oct 2010 | £2,440 per person |
