Yangtze Cruise Summer 2008 Special
17 days for just £2,690 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; Panda Research Centre... and much more!
Mountains over the Yangtze River
22nd July (Day 1) - London Heathrow to Hong Kong
Depart from London Heathrow airport for international scheduled flight to Shanghai. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
23rd July (Day 2) - Hong Kong
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport and transfer to 4* hotel in city centre. Rest of day free to relax.
24th July (Day 3) - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village, etc. Rest of day free. (B)
25th July (Day 4) - Hong Kong to Guilin
Day time free. This evening we fly to Guilin - one of the most picturesque cities in China. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your 4* hotel in city centre.(B)
26th July (Day 5) - Guilin / Yangshou
This morning we take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo - a small town near Guilin which boasts of stunning landscapes. After lunch on the boat we will check into the 4* hotel in the city centre, and then you will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo's lively local market. .
After dinner we will see cormorant fishing by local fishermen. (B/L/D)
27th July (Day 6) - Guilin to Chengdu
This morning we will visit Fubo Hill and the Reed Flute Cave. In the evening we fly to Chengdu. Upon arrival you will be transferred to 4* hotel in city centre. (B/L/D)
28th July (Day 7) - Chengdu
We start today with a tour to the Panda Research Centre to experience a close encounter with the rare and cute panda bears. Later we visit a typical Sichuan teahouse, giving us the opportunity to sip Chinese tea and enjoy the warmth of local culture.
After a sizzling Suchaun style dinner (full of spices and flavours), we will enjoy a traditional Chuan Opera. Be amazed by the skilful demonstration of changing masks. (B/L/D)
29th July (Day 8) - Chengdu to Chongqing
Today we will be transferred by coach to Chongqing - the "Mountain City". You will have time to explore the local market and old town before boarding the 5* Yangtze River Cruise ship after dinner. (B/D)
30th July (Day 9) - 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.
31st July (Day 10) - 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)
1st August (Day 11) - Yichang to Beijing
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 Beijing. Upon arrival you will be transferred to 4* hotel in city centre. Rest of day free. (B/L)
2nd August (Day 12) - 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.
This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Banquet. (B/L/D)
3rd August (Day 13) - Beijing to Xian
This morning we travel outside the city to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight 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. (B/L/D)
4th August (Day 14) - 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.
We later visit the Ancient City Walls, one of the largest ancient military defensive system in the world. Our final destination today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/L/D)
5th August (Day 15) - Xian to Shanghai
Today we take a short flight Shanghai, renowned as the "Oriental Paris". upon arrival we visit the Yuyuan Garden and Old Town.
After dinner this evening 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)
6th August (Day 16) - 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)
7th August (Day 17) - Shanghai to London Heathrow
Today transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
17 Days Package Price for just £2,690 per person (Single supplement £510, or £300 if share cabin on cruise)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Beijing (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)
| Depart: 22nd July 2008 | Return: 7th August 2008 | £2,690 per person |
