Your itinerary
Days
1-2: UK/Beijing
Fly to Beijing with British
Airways, where upon arrival we will be greeted by our National
Escort and transferred to our hotel for the next 4 nights. Our
welcoming dinner includes a sample of the delicacy '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.
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.
Day
5: Beijing
Indulge in a shopping spree at
the bustling Silk Markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our
evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic
Show.
Day
6: Beijing/Xian
This morning enjoy a leisurely
exploration of Liulichang's ancient shop fronts and Calligraphy
Market before boarding our overnight sleeper train to
Xian.
Days
7-8: Xian
Arrive in Xian this morning and
transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the Little Wild Goose
Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum, home to thousands of
priceless relics before taking a walk through the lively Muslim
Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting
Islamic food markets. Tonight enjoy a
traditional local specialty; a meal of Shui Jiao dumplings.
Tomorrow we will visit one of the most significant archaeological
discoveries of the 20th Century, the Terracotta Warriors and the
Ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of
China. Complete this magical day with a
live performance of traditional Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day
9: Xian/Yangtze Cruise
Fly to Wuhan and transfer by
coach (approx 6 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for
the next 4 nights.
Days
10-12: Yangtze
River Cruise
Enjoy a tour of the Three
Gorges Dam before cruising on the Yangtze River, through the
spectacular Three Gorges and some of the most beautiful scenery in
the world. Enjoy a side-trip to the striking Shennong
Stream.
Day
13: Chongqing/Kunming
We disembark from our cruise
this morning and visit the new Panda House at Chongqing Zoo before
flying to Kunming for 2 nights. Sample the 'Across the Bridge
Noodles' this evening, the most famous meal in the
province.
Day
14: Kunming
Enjoy a full day tour to the
picturesque Stone Forest, where vast limestone columns rise in
surreal shapes and images.
Days
15-17: Dali
Drive to the enchanting town of
Dali for 2 nights. The next day enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai
Lake, participate in a traditional tea tasting, visit the
picturesque Three Pagodas and explore Dali's Ancient Quarter. On
the following morning we visit Xizhou Village to explore the
bustling, local market and the Yen Family House, an ancient
courtyard home, before returning to Kunming.
Day
18: Kunming/Guilin
Visit the Bird and Flower
Market before boarding our afternoon flight to Guilin, one of
China's most beautiful cities.
Days
19-20: 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 Yangshuo. Transfer to our hotel for 1
night.
Day
20: Guilin
Visit colourful local markets
and wander through the charming town before returning to Guilin
where we will visit Mt Diecai for views of the surrounding karst
landscape.
Day
21: Guilin/Shanghai
This morning we visit the
dramatic Reed Flute Caves then fly to Shanghai for a 2 night stay.
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and known as the 'Paris
of the East'.
Day
22: Shanghai
We experience this exciting
city with visits to the majestic Yu Gardens and the Old Town, the
Shanghai Museum and the famous Bund. Our welcoming dinner will be a
meal of delicious Shanghai cuisine.
Day
23: Shanghai/Suzhou
Take a morning coach 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. Stay
overnight in Suzhou.
Day
24: Suzhou/Hangzhou
Travel by coach to beautiful
Hangzhou and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the local
markets and experience an oriental tea tasting.
Day
25: Hangzhou
Visit the Temple of Inspired
Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Relax in the afternoon on a
tranquil West Lake cruise.
Day
26: Hangzhou/Shanghai
Return to Shanghai for our
final night in China. This afternoon explore the Xintiandi area
with its 1920's style 'shikumen' buildings unique to Shanghai and
the Children's Palace (if time permits).
In the evening enjoy a Huangpu River cruise as our farewell
celebration.
Day
27: Shanghai/UK
Board our British Airways flight to
the UK arriving home later the same day filled with many wonderful
memories
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