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 in a Week

A unique Beijing and Xian travel experience…
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 the city centre. This afternoon we will start our travel around this beautiful city by visiting 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.

We 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. We will travel by foot 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!

In the afternoon the tour continues 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 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 Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.

The 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
We start our tour today with a rickshaw tour around old Beijing’s Hutong (alleyways) area – visit a typical Beijing family in a 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 transfer to hotel in city centre. Later 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. Over 7,000 life-sized figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Later in the 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 Beijing
Morning transfer to airport for flight back to Beijing. The rest of the day is free to either relax, do some last minute shopping, or explore the many other fascinating temples in Beijing, among which are the Yunju Temple, the White Cloud Taoist Temple, and the Temple of Confucius. Visiting these temples can help elucidate three primary philosophies that formed the basis for early Chinese life and culture. (B)

Day 8 – Beijing to London Heathrow
After breakfast we leave Beijing and transfer to the airport to travel home on the return flight. End of itinerary. (B)

Hong Kong Extension (extra nights available upon request):

Day 7 – Xian to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for travel to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)

Day 8 – Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village etc. Rest of day free. (B)

Day 9 – 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 10 – London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.

8 Days Travel Package Price from just 1,390 per person (Single supplement 160)

10 Days Travel Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just 1,620 per person (Single supplement 220)

Price includes:

International flight London – Beijing / Beijing (or 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 in a Week Departure Dates:

Date (depart)	Price	*with Hong Kong extension
Every Saturday: Apr – Jun 2011	£1,440 per person	£1,680 per person
Every Saturday: Jul – Oct 2011	£1,490 per person	£1,760 per person
Every Saturday: Nov – Dec 2011	£1,390 per person	£1,620 per person