A comprehensive tour including China’s cultural and scenic highlights from the Great Wall to the Yangtze Gorges
Flight - 1 night
Beijing - 3 nights
Xian - 2 nights
Guilin - 2 nights
Chengdu - 2 nights
Cruise - 3 nights
Shanghai - 3 nights
The improvement and integration of air and rail services in China has enabled this arrangement, combining in just two weeks the great cities (Beijing, Xian and Shanghai) with cruises through the dramatic Yangtze Gorges and the stunning scenery of the Li River. Home to the 'Last Emperor' and the nation's capital, Beijing's greatest treasures are revealed at the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. The Great Wall was initiated by the first Emperor and revived during the Ming Dynasty against the invading Mongols.
In Xian, the life-size Terracotta Warriors stand in formation, with no two faces alike. Sheer cliffs and steep rugged mountains rise on either side of the turbulent, misty Yangtze, creating one of nature's most marvellous sights. The river scenes are enlivened by stories and legends and encapsulated by poets and painters, immortalised in particular by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai who wrote”... day dawns and we leave White Emperor City towering in the mist, one whole day to reach Yichang, as my frail craft scuds past soaring mountains...”.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
6 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Yangtze Gorges Cruise
High Speed Train Incl.
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 6 - 25
Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner in Beijing; dumpling dinner in Xian; acrobatic show in Shanghai and a Sichuan Opera in Chengdu.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Beijing.
Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Park Plaza Wangfujing Hotel for a three-night stay. (D)
Day 3 Visit the Forbidden City and Tian An Men Square, then the Summer Palace with a short lake cruise. (B, L)
Day 4 Visit the Temple of Heaven and the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu. Travel by cable cars up and down to the level of the wall is included. Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Travel by high-speed train to Xian (5 hrs), the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals, for two nights at the 4-star Titan Times Hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Dumpling dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Visit the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum and the Great Mosque. Fly to Guilin for two nights at the 4-star Bravo Hotel. (B, L)
Day 8 A half-day cruise on the Li River. Visit Yangshuo. (B, L)
Day 9 Visit Reed Flute Cave and fly to Chengdu for two nights at the 5-star Tibet Hotel or Minshan Hotel (Oct 2019). (B)
Day 10 Visit the Panda Breeding Research Centre and walk along ancient Jinli Street. Sichuan Opera. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Travel by high-speed to Chongqing (2½ hrs). Tour of the city at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Embark on the MV Century Legend for a three-night cruise. (B, L, D)
Day 12 An excursion to Shibaozhai. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Sail through Qutang and Wu gorges. An excursion to the Shennv Stream or Lesser Gorges. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Disembark in Maoping and visit the Three Gorges Dam site. Transfer to Yichang or Wuhan and fly to Shanghai. Stay three nights at the 5-star Pullman Jing’an Hotel. (B, L)
Day 15 Visit Yu Yuan Garden, the old town area, the Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum. Acrobatic show. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Free day. Optional day excursion by rail to Suzhou (£75). (B)
Day 17 Return flight via Beijing. (B)
Notes
Tour involves carrying luggage on and off trains and some uneven surfaces and inclines.
TRAVEL IN CHINA
Hotel facilities include restaurant/s, English speaking reception, WiFi (free) and air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, complimentary mineral water, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV. Included meals, often around large tables, are in the hotel or local restaurants, generally with a selection of Chinese dishes with a drink. Local expert guides accompany tours (except flights and rail journeys). Yangtze cruises may be altered due to navigational factors, water levels and congestion at sites.
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A modern 4-star hotel, close to Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden Square. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 216 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This modern 4-star hotel is a 10 minutes' drive from the centre. Restaurants, bar, gym, WiFi (free) and 335 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel is close to the centre of Guilin. Restaurants, bar, pool, spa, gym and WiFi (free). 481 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 5-star hotel features a Tibetan theme with modern art decor and it is a 15-minute walk from Chengdu train station. Restaurants, bar, gym, WiFi (free) and 275 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This modern 5-star hotel is a 10 minutes' walk from Chengdu's Tianfu Square. Restaurants, bar, gym, outdoor pool, spa and WiFi (free). 305 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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Modern 5-star hotel close to Shanghai Railway station. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 287 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Built in 2013 and part of the Century Cruises fleet, this elegant ship boasts a seven-storey atrium, restaurant, bars, indoor pool, lounge, fitness and beauty centre, shops, library, cinema and sundeck with loungers. Lectures, entertainment and other activities are offered on board. 199 outside cabins, over six decks, with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and balcony.
Hong Kong Extension
Explore the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ independently staying at the central 4-star Cityview Hotel, close to Nathan Road and Yau Ma Tei MTR station. Breakfast daily. (Return flight direct from Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific).
Day 1 Fly to Hong Kong for two-nights at 4-star CityView Hotel. (B)
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 Return flight. (B)
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A modern, central 4-star hotel close to Nathan Road and Yau Ma Tei MTR station. Restaurants, bar, gym, WiFi (free). 422 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Wuyuan Extension
Take a high-speed train to Wuyuan (4 hrs), an ancient protected village lost in the misty mountains of the untouched Jiangxi province. Spend two nights at Wuyuan Skywells, a restored 300-year old Qing merchants house. Explore the small villages linked by ancient limestone trails. Breakfast daily.
Day 1 Travel by high-speed train to Wuyuan (4 hrs) for two nights at Wuyuan Skywells. Tour of the house and Yan village. (B)
Day 2 Hiking tour along the ancient limestone trail connecting villages. (B)
Day 3 Travel by high-speed train to Shanghai (4 hrs) and transfer to 5-star Pullman Jiang’an Hotel for overnight. (B)
Day 4 Return flight via Beijing. (B)
A restored 300-year-old Qing merchants house. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 14 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and safe.
Modern 5-star hotel close to Shanghai Railway station. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 287 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Wednesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Air China from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £865
(Sep/Oct £925)
Flight Options
Air China Business Class from £1695
Extension Options
Extension - Wuyaun (Jun-Nov only)
3 nights - £445
Single supplement £245
Hong Kong Extension
Hotel Cityview - 2 nights £795
(Jul/Oct 745; Sep 795; Nov £1225)
Single supplement £165
(Jul/Sep £145)
Beijing Extra Nights
Park Plaza Wangfujing Hotel
(per night) £70
Single supplement £65
Shanghai Extra Nights
Pullman jing'an
(per night) £75
Single supplement £70
Optional Excursions
Suzhou by Rail £75
Privately Guided
Add £695 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £400
Arrival transfer add £25
Departure transfer add £40
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 15 nights' hotel and cruise accommodation, breakfast daily, 11 lunches and 9 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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