Ancient Towns, Secret Gardens and Water Villages

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Ancient Towns, Secret Gardens and Water Villages

14 Days from £1518

Beijing (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Shanghai (2 nights), Suzhou (2 nights), Nanjing (2 nights), Hangzhou (2 nights).

Providing an excellent insight into China's incredible history, this tour starts in the current capital of Beijing before moving on to the walled city of Xian. The eastern cities of Nanjing, Suzhou and Hangzhou are rich in cultural heritage and are famous for their gardens and lakes. They’re the ideal complement to your final destination of Shanghai.

Highlights include:
• Private touring for maximum flexibility.
• Spend time wandering round the magnificent Forbidden City
• Walk along the Great Wall of China
• Explore the sights of atmospheric Xian and the amazing Terracotta Warriors
• Gaze out at the Bund from modern Pudong in west Shanghai
• Stroll through Suzhou's famous gardens and the narrow streets and canals of Tongli
• Visit the Presidential Palace and Sun Yat Sen mausoleum in ancient Nanjing
• Wander around Hangzhou's impressive and fabled West Lake

Departures:
Daily

Day 1: Arrive Beijing:
On arrival transfer to your hotel for 3 nights and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Accommodation: Superior: Marco Polo Xidan

Day 2: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and 'Hutongs':
A full day’s sightseeing starting in central Beijing at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Continue on to the incredible Forbidden City, originally home to the Ming and Qing dynasties and the heart of the empire for over 500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant explore Beijing's fascinating maze of narrow lanes and ancient courtyard houses known as the 'Hutongs'. (B,L)

Day 3: The Great Wall and Summer Palace:
An early start for the drive out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace and its extensive grounds filled with temples and gardens. Watch local residents while away the hours practicing Tai Chi and calligraphy or playing chess. (B,L)

Day 4: Beijing - Xian City Tour:
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, the capital of the Shaanxi region which was the centre of Chinese civilisation for centuries and the eastern point of the Silk Road. In the afternoon take a tour of this atmospheric city starting at the old city walls which run for a total of 14 kilometres in a rectangular circumference. Continue on to the Bell Tower and the Provincial History Museum - one of the best in China. (BL)
Accommodation: Superior: Grand Mercure Xian

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter:
Spend the day visiting the spectacular Terracotta Warriors which were only discovered as recently as 1974 followed by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 AD, the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and its centre-peice the Grand Mosque. (B,L)

Day 6: Xian - Shanghai:
Depart Xian on your flight to Shanghai. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your leisure. (B)
Accommodation: Superior: Panorama Century Court

Day 7: Shanghai sightseeing:
Your full day tour includes the highlights of Shanghai - the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Gardens, the Old Town and a delicious dim sum lunch. (B,L)

Day 8: Shanghai - Suzhou city tour:
Depart Shanghai for Suzhou and on arrival tour some of the town's most famous gardens - the small but beautiful Garden of the Masters of Nets and the Humble Administrators Garden. In the afternoon visit a Silk Factory as Suzhou is renowned for its silk industry. (BL)
Accommodation: Superior: Bamboo Grove Hotel

Day 9: Tongli Water Village:
Enjoy a tour of the charming traditional water town of Tongli to browse the narrow lanes and the network of waterways, stone bridges and wooden houses before returning to Suzhou. (BL)

Day 10: Suzhou - Wuxi - Nanjing:
Depart for the attractive city of Nanjing passing one of the country's top tourist spots, Tai Lake. This huge freshwater lake is home to over 90 islands and dotted with parks and bridges. Continue on to the town of Wuxi, before arriving in Nanjing. (B,L)
Accommodation: Superior: International Conference Hotel

Day 11: Nanjing sightseeing:
The city of Nanjing twice served briefly as the nation’s capital. Steeped in history, stretching from the Ming dynasty to the horrific Japanese invasion in 1937, your city tour starts at Ming Xiaoling Tomb with its stone statue-lined avenue. Proceed to the Ming City Walls which once stretched for 33km, the longest city wall ever built, and on to Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum. Your final stop is the Presidential Palace set within a classical Ming garden. (BL)

Day 12: Nanjing - Hangzhou:
Catch an early morning train from Nanjing to the peaceful town of Hangzhou set on the banks of the Grand Canal. In the afternoon, visit one of Hangzhou's premier attractions - Lingyin Temple, built AD326. (B)
Accommodation: Superior: Best Western Hangzhou

Day 13: Hangzhou West Lake:
Spend a leisurely morning strolling around West Lake, one of China's most famous and beloved lakes. Popular with locals and tourists alike there are numerous gardens, ponds and willow trees adorning the perimeter and central islands. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the Six Harmonious Pagoda before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 14: Hangzhou - depart Shanghai:
After breakfast you will be transfered back to Shanghai airport for your onward flight. (B)

Prices Include:
• Accommodation and meals as specified (B = breakfast, L = lunch)
• Private tours and transfers with an English speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Domestic flights as stated. International flights from the UK are not included.

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Ancient Towns, Secret Gardens and Water Villages

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