Your itinerary
Days 1-2:
UK/Beijing
Fly with
British Airways to Beijing, where upon arrival we will transfer to
our hotel for 3 nights. Tonight as our welcoming dinner enjoy a
sample of the delicious local specialty, 'Peking Duck'.
Day
3: Beijing
Beijing is a city full of
wonders. Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through
famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum followed by
a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City.
We also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional
Hutong areas.
Day
4: Beijing
Enjoy an exciting walk on the
Great Wall, a highlight of any trip to China, as well as a tour of
the unique Temple of Heaven built in the 15th century.
Day
5: Beijing
Indulge in a shopping spree at
the Silk Markets and then visit the exquisite Summer Palace. Our
evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic
Show.
Day 6: Beijing to Xian
Fly to the
ancient city of Xian for a 2 night stay. Upon arrival visit the
Shaanxi Provincial Museum before enjoying a traditional Shui Jiao
dumpling meal this evening.
Day 7: Xian
We visit the
most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the
life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by the Ancient City Wall,
one of the best preserved in all of China.
We stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great
Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food
markets. Complete the day with an evening
performance of Tang Dynasty Dancing.
Day 8: Xian/Yangtze Cruise
Visit the
Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan.
Transfer by coach (6 hours approx) to board our Yangtze
River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is
undeniably one of the world's great and legendary
waterways. Originating from a trickling
spring on the high Qinghai Plateau in Tibet and traveling over
6,300kms to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.
Days 9-11: Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour to
the magnificent Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty
Yangtze River. Along the way we will
cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and
take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and
tranquil landscapes of the tributary streams (subject to
change). Visit the captivating temples and
legendary statues of the 'Ghost City' in Fengdu, explore the Lesser
Gorges, see the 'trackers path' carved out of the steep, rock walls
of the gorges, or perhaps hop into a 'pea pod' boat to cruise up
the Shennong Stream.
Day 12: Chengdu
This morning we will
disembark our cruise ship and transfer to Chengdu. In the afternoon
we will take a half day city tour and for our dinner we will enjoy
a sumptuous meal of Sichuan cuisine.
Day 13: Chengdu - Pandas/Leshan
This morning, visit the
famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared
in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native
habitat. Afterwards we take an excursion
to Leshan, to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue
is carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain and is over 71 metres
tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its
feet. The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty
and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of
the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest
carved stone Buddha in the world.
Day 14: Chengdu/Guilin
Transfer to the airport and fly
to the beautiful city of Guilin, where we will stay
overnight. On
arrival we will visit Mt Diecai for views
of the dramatic limestone karst landscape.
Day 15: Li River
Cruise/Yangshuo
Relax on the spectacular Li River
Cruise, enjoying breathtaking views of this unique landscape, as we
travel to the town of Yangshou. Transfer to our hotel for 1
night.
Day 16: Yangshuo/Guilin
Tomorrow visit
the colourful local markets before returning to Guilin, where we
will visit the beautiful Reed Flute Caves.
Day 17: Guilin/Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai
for 4 nights. Shanghai is often referred to as the 'Paris of the
East' and later we will visit the superb antiquities and fine arts
of the Shanghai Museum and wander around the neighbouring People's
Square. Our welcoming dinner will be a banquet of delicious
Shanghai cuisine.
Day
18: Shanghai
- Suzhou
Take a day trip to the charming
city of Suzhou, famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional
silk production. We visit a Silk Mill still in operation today,
enjoy a cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and visit
some of the finest oriental gardens in China.
Days
19-20: Shanghai
Experience this exciting city
with visits to the beautiful Yu Gardens, the fascinating Old Town
and the famous Bund. On the following day visit the Pudong New
Economic Zone and explore the Xintiandi area with its 1920's style
'shikumen' buildings unique to Shanghai.
In the evening enjoy a stunning Huangpu River Cruise as our
farewell celebration.
Day 21: Shanghai/UK
Board our British Airways
flight to the UK arriving home the same day filled with many
wonderful memories.
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