Golden Waterway Voyage
13 Days from just £1,650 per person
Sites Visited: 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; Jade Buddha Temple; ... and much more!
The Yangtze River
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.
We conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant - free flow of beer and soft drinks. (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 - serving as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since the 15th century, this massive palace compound never fails to impress.
This afternoon we continue the tour 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 stinking sewage smell 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. You will be given plenty of time to climb or take the cable car ride to the top. In the afternoon we visit the enchanting and mysterious Ming Tombs - the burial site for 13 Ming emperors!
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
After a leisurely morning in Beijing we fly to Xian - the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel in city centre. Later your tour manager will take you to visit the Bell Tower - beautifully lit with red lanterns this is the landmark of Xian. We later visit the Ancient City Walls, one of the largest ancient military defensive system in the world. 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 continue to visit the Huaqing Hot Spring and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Xian to Chongqing
This morning we fly to Chongqing, the "Mountain City", reputed for its wonderful scenery. We will visit the local market and old town. After dinner, transfer to board the 5* Cruise. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Yangtze River*
Early birds among us can take the opportunity to learn Taichi on the upper deck. After breakfast there will be a shore excursion to Fengdu - the ghost city (or Shibaozhai or Wanxian County, depending on the water level). (B/L/D)
*Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Day 9 - Yangtze River
Excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its Lesser Three Gorges or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream - drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers. Cruise staff will prepare a scrumptious farewell dinner and cabaret for us this evening. (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Yichang to Shanghai
After breakfast we will visit the Three Gorges Dam construction site - the largest water engineering project in history, which will create millions of migrants and generate enough power to feed the country's fast developing economy.
Noon disembark cruise at Yichang. After lunch, take a short flight to Shanghai.
After dinner your tour manager will take you for a leisurely walk on the Bund - Shanghai's famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of the Huangpu River. (B/L/D)
Day 11 - Shanghai
We start our tour today by visiting the Jade Buddha Temple. Later we then continue to the Yuyuan Garden and Old Town. Finally today we will visit the world famous Shanghai Museum, which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art.
This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic show. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Shanghai
Today is your last full day in China, and you have the whole day free to catch up on some last minute shopping or exploring.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 13 - Shanghai to London Heathrow
Morning transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 13 - Shanghai to Hong Kong
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Day 14 - Hong Kong
Whole day free to relax or feel the rush as you indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer. (B)
Day 15 - 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 16 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
13 Days Package Price from just £1,650 per person (Single supplement £350, or £190 if willing to share cabin on cruise)
16 Days Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £1,910 per person (Single supplement £410, or £250 if willing to share cabin on cruise)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Shanghai (or Hong Kong) - London
- 4-star hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- 5* Yangtze River Cruise
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 - 30 Mar/02* Apr 2008 | £1,650 per person | £1,910 per person |
| 12 - 24/27* Apr 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,010 per person |
| 26 Apr - 08/11* May 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,010 per person |
| 10 - 22/25* May 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,010 per person |
| 24 May - 05/08* Jun 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,010 per person |
| 07 - 19/22* Jun 2008 | £1,690 per person | £1,950 per person |
| 13 - 25/28* Sep 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,010 per person |
| 27 Sep - 09/12* Oct 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,050 per person |
| 11 - 23/26* Oct 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,050 per person |
| 25 Oct - 06/09* Nov 2008 | £1,750 per person | £2,050 per person |
| 08 - 20/23* Nov 2008 | £1,690 per person | £1,950 per person |