Day 1: Home - Beijing
Our journey begins with flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
Midday arrival into Beijing, we will be escorted to our hotel, settle in and relax. (Guests may join in on arrival Beijing and we will arrange private chauffeur-driven to hotel).
This afternoon, our tour buddy will escort us on a leisurely walk on the Tiananmen Square, the largest plaza in the world. Time is matched for the Lower-Flag Ceremony! And if the political agenda is not busy on the day, we will step onto the red carpet of the The Great Hall of People (the Chinese Parliament) and glimpse the impressive banquet hall.
Tonight, all of us will be enjoying a warm welcome dinner set in a beautiful courtyard restaurant. (D)
Day 3: Beijing
This morning we'll tour the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. We'll sample a Beijing-style lunch with Peking duck and many local dishes in a traditional restaurant.
Afternoon continue to tour the Summer Palace, a favourite summer residence of Empress Cixi. (B,L)
Day 4: Beijing
A day trip to visit The Great Wall.
*Oriental Travel Exclusive - We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at the Great Wall tower - with unforgettable view over the snaking Walls!
En-route returns to Beijing, we'll drive pass the tranquil countryside and along a crystal water lake.
Afternoon at leisure. Guests who are interested may join your tour buddy on a short walking tour to the colourful local markets and sip a refreshing cup of tea in a traditional tea house. (B,L)
Day 5: Beijing - Xian
Today, your tour buddy will show you to the hidden treasures of old Beijing and meet with locals. After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, we'll take a rickshaw tour along the backstreets "Hutongs" of Beijing, taking in the Prince Gong's Mansion - a classic courtyard house of the imperial elites, and visit a local school.
Afternoon flight to Xian. Transfer to hotel and relax. (B,L)
Day 6: Xian
Xian is a veritable treasure trove of Chinese culture. Today we'll tour the incredible Terracotta Warriors, Big Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and a guided walk along the massive Ancient City Walls. (B,L)
Day 7: Xian - Guilin
Morning at leisure or join your tour buddy on a visit to the South Gate, a lively local hub.
Flight to Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. (B,L)
Day 8: Longsheng
Today we travel north to Longsheng where we will be treated to some of the most beautiful terraced rice fields in China. Energy permitting, you may want to climb up the lush hills and get a bird's eye view of the area. We enjoy lunch in a family restaurant (with home grown vegetables & rice, fresh dishes prepared by our friendly host)! (B,L)
Day 9: Yangshuo
Today we cruise on the beautiful Li River with the riverbanks fringed with feathery bamboo, limestone peaks and lush farms. We spend the day exploring the fishing villages and the surrounding countryside of Yangshuo on motorized rickshaw. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Guilin - Lijiang
After breakfast, we take a short flight to Lijiang.
Lijing is a UNESCO World Heritage site of ageless charm. It's also home of the Naxi, an ancient matriarchal society, descended from Tibetan nomads.
Your tour buddy will take you on a overview walking tour; visit the Yufeng Monastery and the frescos at Baisha Village. Dinner in a lovely local restaurant in the old town of Lijiang.
We stay 3 nights in a character guesthouse. Clean and comfortable room with private facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Lijiang
Day trip outside Lijiang to visit First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic canyons in the world, where the whole of the Yangtze River confined to a 20-meter width. (B,L)
Day 12: Lijiang
Day free at leisure to spend on the old town. (B)
Day 13: Lijiang - Dali
This morning we travel by motorcoach to Dali, seat of the Bai culture. During the three-hour journey to Dali, we will be treated to some of the most bucolic and quaint countryside in Southern China. We pass by many villages and numerous minorities in traditional dress can be seen along the road.
Your tour buddy will take you on a leisurely walk along the town. You will then have ample free time to browse around the old town yourself. Don't miss the thriving local markets!
We stay 2 nights in a character guethouse. Clean and comfortable room with private facilities. (B,L)
Day 14: Dali
Today we take a day trip to the surrounding countryside of Dali. We visit the Three Pagodas and take a cable car ride up the Cangshan Mountain which affords a stunning view over the beautiful Erhai Lake and surrounding countryside. Stroll along the Bai Fishing Village and take part in the traditional "Three-Course-Tea"! (B,L)
Day 15: Dali
Day free for you to meander through the cobblestone streets of the old town leisurely. You may want to hire a donkey cart to further explore the minority villages nearby. (B)
Day 16: Dali - Kunming
This morning we travel by motorcoach south to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, where we enjoy a half day tour to visit the Stone Forest and Birds & Flower Market. We conclude today with a farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in town. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Kunming - Beijing
After buffet breakfast at our hotel, transfer to airport for flight to Beijing. Enjoy your last day free in Beijing. Perhaps do some last minute shopping? (B)
Day 18: Beijing - Home
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, take return flight home. Arrival London or your home city the same day. End of itinerary. (B)
Extension Options:
Shanghai 3 Days - from only £220
Yangtze River Cruise 3 Days - from only £390
Other options available.
Please call us on 0207 3576979 or email for details
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