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

The Grand Emperor

Day 1 – London Heathrow to Shanghai
Depart from London Heathrow airport for British Airways or Virgin Atlantic international scheduled flight to Shanghai.

Day 2 – Shanghai
Upon arrival, transfer to 5* Radisson New World Hotel in city centre. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. After dinner, take a leisurely walk on the Bund, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Shanghai’s famous waterfront, with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River. (D)

Day 3 – 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 visit the 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 4 – Shanghai / Suzhou
This morning travel by coach to Suzhou – China’s garden city renowned for it’s canals, arched stone bridges and silk products. We will visit two of it’s most popular gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Also visit the city’s famous Silk Museum and Panmen Gate.

Return to Shanghai in the evening. (B/L)

Day 5 – Shanghai to Beijing
Today is free at leisure to relax or explore this wonderful city. This evening we will transfer to Shanghai Station for an express train to Beijing, where you will spend overnight on board in a first-class soft sleeper. (B/D)

Day 6 – Beijing
This morning you will arrive in Beijing and be transferred to the 5* Crowne Plaza Hotel in the city centre.

This afternoon you will visit Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. (B/L)

Day 7 – Beijing
Today we begin with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden City, which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since the 15th century. We then continue to the Beihai Park Imperial Restaurant for lunch, where you will be treated like real emperors and empresses.

In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace, with the largest imperial garden in China. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)

Day 8 – Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, an original and remote section of the wall. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the wall whilst having the time to explore and photograph one of the wonders of the world.

This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Banquet. (B/L/D)

Day 9 – 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 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 the 5* Hotel Sofitel On Renmin Square in city centre. We then visit the Ancient City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

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

Day 10 – Xian
Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Spring. (B/L)

Day 11 – Xian to Yichang
Today we have a relaxing morning before flying to Yichang in the afternoon. After dinner transfer to board the 5* Cruise. (B/D)

Day 12 – Yangtze River*
Our cruise today visits the Three Gorges Dam, sailing through the Three Gorges Shiplocks and Xiling Gorge. (B/L/D)

• Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.

Day 13 – 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. (B/L/D)

Day 14 – Yangtze River
Today we have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Stronghold), one of the most spectacular sites along the river. (B/L/D)

Day 15 – Chongqing to Guilin
We disembark the cruise ship at Chongqing this morning and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Guilin, one of the most picturesque cities in China. Upon arrival transfer to 5* Sheraton Hotel.

Later we will visit the Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. (B/L)

Day 16 – Guilin / Yangshou
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. A tour to see cormorant fishing will be organised this evening. (B/L/D)

Day 17 – Guilin to Hong Kong
This morning is time to relax again before an afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival transfer to the luxurious 5* Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel or similar. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)

Day 18 – Hong Kong
Day time free to relax or feel the rush as you indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer.

This evening enjoy a romantic Harbour Lights and Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village Dinner Cruise, where you will be served a superb dinner at Lei Yue Mun seafood village, adored by seafood aficionados. (B/D)

Day 19 – 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 flight home. (B)

Day 20 – London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.

Extra nights and additional sightseeing tours of Hong Kong can be arranged: please ask for details.

20 Days Package Price from just £3,290 per person (Single supplement £940)

Price includes:

International flight London – Shanghai / Hong Kong – London
5* 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

The Grand Emperor Departure – Return Dates:

Date (depart – return)	Price
10 – 29 Apr 2011	£3,390 per person
24 Apr – 13 May 2011	£3,290 per person
08 – 27 May 2011	£3,290 per person
29 May – 17 Jun 2011	£3,290 per person
24 Jul – 12 Aug 2011	£3,390 per person
11 – 30 Sep 2011	£3,390 per person
25 Sep – 14 Oct 2011	£3,390 per person
09 – 28 Oct 2011	£3,390 per person