Group Tours:
The Panda Experience
Tibetan Adventure
The Historical Orient
Legendary Yangtze Cruise
China Explorer
China Delights
The Hidden Villages
China in a Week
Golden Waterway Voyage
The Grand Emperor
Winter Special
Other Far East Destinations:
Japan
Nepal
Mongolia
Singapore & Malaysia

China Explorer

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 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. (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)

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 take a short flight to Xian – the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom. Upon arrival, visit the Ancient City Walls, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. We then continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex, the Temple was initially built in 589, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).

Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/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.

This afternoon return to the city to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns, this is the landmark of Xian. We will also have time to browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L)

Day 7 – Xian to Chengdu
This morning we transfer to airport for a flight to Chengdu – the capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, take a trip to Leshan and visit the Grand Buddha Statue, the largest stone Buddha sculpture in the world.

This evening, after a Sichuan style dinner, enjoy a traditional Chuan Opera performance. (B/L/D)

Day 8 – Chengdu / Woolong
This morning visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre. Experience a close encounter with the rare and cute panda bears.

Afternoon continue to visit the Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Wu Hou Temple. (B/L)

Day 9 – Chengdu to Kunming
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Kunming – the city of everlasting spring. Upon arrival, visit the Stone Forest – a massive collection of grey limestone pillars found around 120km south-east of Kunming.

We stay overnight in 4* Jin Jiang Hotel. (B/L)

Day 10 – Kunming to Dali
This morning we take a short flight (approx. 45mins) to Dali – the autonomous region of the Bai ethnic group.

Take a cable car ride up the mighty Cangshan Mountain for a stunning view over the Erhai Lake. Also visit Dali’s landmark – the Three Pagodas, a must see in your Dali tour. Later in the afternoon we visit Xizhou Village, with local Bai’s bazaar, where you can enjoy local song and dance performed by the Bai people.

Enjoy dinner in Dali Old Town. (B/L/D)

Day 11 – Dali to Lijiang
In the morning have some free time to stroll around the old town.

Afternoon drive through the tranquil and beautiful countryside to Lijiang – home of the Naxi minority people. Lijiang is a beautiful shining jewel at the northwest Yunnan Plateau connecting the southeast side of the Tibetan Plateau. Later you will be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang. (B/D)

Day 12 – Lijiang
This morning start your tour with a stroll around the Lijiang Old Town and visit the Mufu Mansion. Later drive outside the town to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy the fabulous Impression Lijiang Show – directed by the famous Chinese film-maker Zhang YiMou (also director of Opening Ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games).

After the show take the chairlift up the snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain. Also visit Baisha Village. (B/L)

Day 13 – Lijiang
Today you will travel outside Lijiang to visit what is known as the First Bend of Yangtze River. This extraordinary turn, nearly 180 degrees, creates beautiful and marvellous views that startle the imagination.

Trek along the mountain edge and view the Tiger Leaping Gorge, with a drop of 3,000 metres. (B/L)

Day 14 – Lijiang to Guilin
Today we transfer to airport for a flight to Guilin via Kunming. Guilin is one of the most picturesque cities in China. On arrival we visit the Reed Flute Cave. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition.

After dinner, Emperor Tours will treat you to a refreshing traditional Chinese foot massage – a truly sensual experience. (B/L/D)

Day 15 – Guilin / Yangshuo
Today take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo – a small town near Guilin which boasts of stunning landscapes.

After lunch on boat, we will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo’s lively local market. Return to Guilin in the evening. Optional tour to see cormorant fishing will be organised if enough interest. (B/L)

Day 16 – Guilin to Longsheng to Hong Kong
This morning we drive to Longsheng (north of Guilin). 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 hotel and rest of day at leisure. (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 £2,660 per person (Single supplement £480)

Price includes:

International flight London – Beijing / Hong Kong – London
4/5 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

China Explorer Departure – Return Dates:

Date (depart – return)	Price
27 Mar – 15 Apr 2011	£2,660 per person
24 Apr – 13 May 2011	£2,660 per person
08 – 27 May 2011	£2,660 per person
05 – 24 Jun 2011	£2,660 per person
24 Jul – 12 Aug 2011	£2,760 per person
07 – 26 Aug 2011	£2,760 per person
11 – 30 Sep 2011	£2,760 per person
09 – 28 Oct 2011	£2,760 per person