The Essential China

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The Essential China

18 Days from £2508

Beijing (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Chengdu (1 night), Yangtze River Cruise (3 nights), Shanghai (2 nights), Suzhou (1 night), Hangzhou (1 night), Guilin (2 nights), Hong Kong (2 nights).

This is our most comprehensive tour and ideal for visitors who want to see and experience as much of this vast and impressive country as possible. Incorporating visits to all the main tourist sites – the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and the Yangtze River – you will also get chance to view the giant pandas in Chengdu, visit the garden towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou and enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Li River near Guilin, before two final nights in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong.

Highlights include:
• Private touring for maximum flexibility.
• A busy but satisfying itinerary including the majority of China’s key sites
• Spend time at the magnificent Forbidden City and Great Wall of China
• Visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors just outside Xian
• Enjoy memorable cruises down the mighty Yangtze River and the Li River
• Visit the giant pandas in Chengdu
• Stroll around Suzhou’s famous gardens and West Lake in Hangzhou
• Eat noodles at a street stall in Hong Kong

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

Day 2: Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven:
A full days sightseeing starting at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and home to Chairman Mao's mausoleum before proceeding through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the incredible Forbidden City, originally home to the Ming and Qing dynasties and the heart of the empire for over 500 years. Continue on to the vast Summer Palace complex to view the Marble Boat and painted long corridor. You will often see local Beijing folk practising their Tai Chi or calligraphy or playing chess in the grounds during the warmer summer months. Your final stop is the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s best examples of Ming architecture. Originally built in 1420 it is now the symbol of modern day Beijing. (B,L)

Day 3: The Great Wall and Hutong:
An early start for the drive out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu to spend time exploring this amazing spectacle. Please note the climb is steep in places and sensible walking shoes are necessary. There is a cable car however which may be prefered for the less agile (at own expense). In the afternoon return to Beijing to experiencing a fascinating rickshaw tour of the narrow backstreets of the 'Hutong'. For centuries Beijing residents lived in the courtyard houses that cram these cobbled lanes. Today only a small maze of streets still exist, but they afford an excellent insight into the Beijing of yesteryear. Dependent on the day of your tour, there is usually a chance to visit a local family and a nursury school. (BL)

Day 4: Beijing - Xian:
Spend the morning at leisure and perhaps visit the infamous Silk Alley and try your hand at hagglling before your flight to Xian – once the ancient capital of China and the start of the Silk Road. (B)
Accommodation: Accommodation: Grand Mercure Xian

Day 5 : Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter:
Spend the morning visiting the spectacular Army of 8000 Terracotta Warriors, discovered as recently as 1974. The three excavated pits reveal over 8000 figures and horses, each bearing a unique expression. Spend time at the impressive museum before returning to Xian to spend the afternoon exploring Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 AD, the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and its centrepiece the Grand Mosque. The narrow lanes of the Muslim Quarter are packed with interesting shops and stalls selling a wide variety of delicious Muslim snacks and artefacts. This is one of the best places to buy souuvenirs. (BL)

Day 6: Xian – Chengdu:
Depart Xian for Chengdu in the southwestern province of Sichuan to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre where currently over 40 pandas reside. Relax in the evening and perhaps try some of the spicy food that this province is famous for. (B)
Accommodation: Tibet Hotel

Day 7: Chengdu – Chongqing:
After breakfast depart for the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Spend the afternoon visiting the ancient town of Ciqikou perched on a hill to the west of the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps try the spicy hotpot which is Chongqing’s most famous dish. In the evening board your Yangtze cruiser which departs at approximately 9pm. (B)
Accommodation: President Cruise 1 or 3

Day 8: Yangtze Cruise:
The scenery along the Yangtze is fabulous and often the highlight of many visitors' trip. Your cruise lasts three days and today will allow you to enjoy a shore excursion to the ghost city of Fengdu. Continue down the river until you pass thorugh the stunning Qu Tang Gorge just before dinner. (BLD)

Day 9: Yangtze Cruise:
Pass through Yu Gorge and on to a shore excursion at Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze. Proceed to Three Gorges shiplock, which takes approximately three hours to pass through. Although water levels have risen, the Three Gorges are still a spectacular sight with sheer cliffs rising to a height of 1200m. (BLD)

Day 10: Yichang - Shanghai:
Take an interesting shore excursion to the huge Three Gorges Dam site which, paradoxically, has now become one of the highlights of the trip. Pass through Xiling Gorge just before you dock in Yichang and your flight to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai you will be met and transfered to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure. (BL)
Accommodation: Panorama Century Court

Day 11: Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden and the Bund:
Your full day tour includes the highlights of Shanghai – the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Gardens and the quaint Old Town where you can enjoy a dim sum lunch at a local teahouse. In the evening you may wish to catch an acrobatic show (own expense) or simply walk along the Bund and watch the locals pratice their Tai Chi. The Bund is now home to some of China's most exciting and innovative restaurants and bars and are well worth a visit. (BL)

Transfer to Shanghai railway station for your short journey to the town of Suzhou. On arrival you will be met and guided around some of Suzhou’s most famous gardens – the small but beautiful Garden of the Masters of Nets and the Humble Administrators Garden. In the afternoon there will be chance to visit a silk factory - Suzhou is famed for its fabulous silk.
Accommodation: Bamboo Grove Hotel

Day 13: Suzhou – Hangzhou:
Depart Suzhou for the attractive and tranquil town of Hangzhou set on the banks of the revered West Lake. Explore the lake, its banks edged with weeping willows and numerous islands at your leisure, and enjoy a day spent at your own pace. Shangri-La Hangzhou enjoys an enviable location and many rooms have views across over the lake - perfect for relaxing. (BL)
Accommodation: Best Western Hangzhou

Day 14: Hangzhou - Guilin:
After breakfast depart for the airport and your flight to Guilin. The scenery in and around this pretty little town has inspired painters and poets for centuries. Spend the afternoon visiting the renowned Reed Flute Cave with its incredible underground limestone structures. In the evening take a stroll along the river and dine at one of the main restaurants close by. (B)
Accommodation: Guilin Bravo

Day 15: Li River Cruise:
Enjoy a full day cruise down the delightful Li River passing towering limestone peaks common to this area. Lunch will be served on board. The cruise finishes in the charming small town of Yangshuo where you will have time to explore the main street and market before returning to Guilin. It is also possible to extend your tour and spend a few days here in this quaint town - many visitors hire bicycles to explore this beautiful area. Please ask for further details. (BL)

Day 16: Guilin – Hong Kong:
Leave the tranquillity of Guilin for your flight to the busy metropolis of Hong Kong. The contrast is striking and you have the afternoon at leisure to do some shopping, explore the many markets or cruise along the harbour. (B)
Accommodation: L’Hotel Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Day 17: Hong Kong Island Tour:
Your morning tour starts at Victoria Peak as you take in the incredible views of the harbour and Kowloon beyond before heading down to Repulse Bay and the old fishing village of Aberdeen. The final stop is Stanley and the famous market before your transfer back to your hotel. Sample some of Hong Kong's bars and restaurants in the evening - the view from the restaurant at the top of the Peninsula Hotel is not to be missed. (B)

Day 18: Depart Hong Kong:
At leisure until your return transfer back to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Prices Include:
• Accommodation and meals as specified (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• 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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The Essential China

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