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China Discovery with Yangtze River Cruise 16 Days

A 16 days journey of discovery incorporating the highlights of mainland China & Hong Kong

Tour Itinerery

Day 1: UK - Beijing

Our journey begins as we board our overnight scheduled flight to Beijing.
(* For those who may experience jet lag, we recommend adding a pre-tour night in Beijing for a refreshing start of your holiday.)

Day 2: Beijing

Morning arrival into Beijing where you will be greeted by your Oriental Travel Tour Manager and chauffeured to your deluxe class hotel. Later, we drive pass the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadiums, en-route to our favourite traditional restaurant for a warm welcome dinner with fusion imperial court cuisine.
Accommodation: 5* Marco Polo Parkside / 4* Comfort Inn Suites

Day 3: Beijing

Our days begins with a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, before retracing the steps of the great emperors of China and wander amongst the imperial splendour of the Forbidden City. We then take a rickshaw ride along Beijing's old quarter "Hutongs".This afternoon move onto the sacred Temple of Heaven.
Conclude the day with a delicious Peking duck banquet dinner.

Day 4: Beijing

Enjoy marvellous scenery as we wind our way up to the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) - a much quieter and picturesque section of the Great Wall.Here you will have plenty of time to climb up to the top of this magnificent structure. Unforgettable views, and when the weather is good, a lovely picnic lunch will go to make this a day to remember! On our return to the city, we stop by a Jade Carving Workshop.

Day 5: Beijing - Yichang

After a relaxed buffet breakfast we visit the majestic Summer Palace. Later a short flight takes us to Yichang. After dinner with local delicacies, chauffeur to the pier and embark on our 4 nights cruising journey on the mighty Yangtze River.

Day 6-8: Three Gorges & Yangtze River Cruising

Experience the joy of waking up each morning to an endless procession of magnificent views slowly unfolding before you. The next three days you will sail through the famed Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu Xia and Xiling. Highlights include a sampan ride through the Lesser Gorges and shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam and Fengdu Snow Jade Cave.
Accommodation: 5* Victoria Cruises (private balcony cabin) or 5* Century Cruises (private balcony cabin)

Day 9: Chongqing - Xian

Morning disembark our cruise in Chongqing. There will be an excursion to Chongqing Panda Centre to watch the cute giant pandas at play before catching our flight to Xian.
This afternoon in Xian, we will visit the Tombs of Hanyanling and drive past the 14th century Bell Tower on the way to our hotel. Enjoy a Dumpling Banquet Dinner tonight.
Accommodation: 5* Grand Noble Hotel / 4* Grand New World

Day 10: Xian

Once the largest city in the world, Xian is a treasure trove of China's former glory. Our morning begins with a leisurely walk on the Ancient City Wall and South Gate. Next journey to the UNESCO heritage listed Terracotta Warriors. Here you will have plenty of time to personally inspect the eternal guard of the First Emperor.
After lunch and a chance to sample local specialty of hand-pulled noodles, visit a workshop to view the production of Terracotta figurines by local craftsmen and perhaps purchase a 6 ft replica warrior for you garden or home!

Day 11: Xian - Longsheng Rice Terraces

Morning fly to Guilin. Upon arrival we head north to Longsheng Rice Terraces, home to a mixture of minority people that have retained their way of life and vibrantly colourful embroidered costumes throughout the centuries. After freshen up at our mountain lodge perched on top of hill, we will hike through the rice terraces. Time is matched to catch the beautiful sunset over the quilted patchwork of rice terraces called the "Dragon's Backbone".
Dinner will be served in our lodge restaurant with fresh local produces. We stay overnight at a mountain lodge perched on top of hill.
Accommodation: 3* Mountain Lodge, Longsheng

Day 12: Yangshuo

Early raisers may wish to witness sunrise over the rice terraces. After breakfast we travel by coach to Yangshuo. After lunch and time to freshen up, we will take a bamboo rafting along a quiet section of Yulong River, away from the large tourist ferries popular among other sections. From your raft you can really appreciate the towering karst limestone spires that seem to emerge at random in every direction from the almost perfectly flat plains. Next we visit a well preserved ancient town exploring its village hall and residential houses.
Accommodation: Hidden Dragon Villa Lodge

Day 13: Yangshuo

After a leisurely buffet breakfast at hotel, we set off to explore Yangshuo's tranquil countryside and water cave. We take a leisurley cycle along the flat back-road through farmland. Next visit the Silver Water Caves.
(* For those who do not wish to cycle we will arrange a walk to the farmland)

Back to town. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore the stunning surroundings of Yangshuo as you choose. Our hotel is located close to the bustling West Street with its diversity of restaurants, bars, cafes and souvenir shops at the doorsteps. Your tour manager will be on hand to offer assistance and help plan activities.
Yangshuo offers various activities to suit everyone in the party. Suggested activities include: Hiking to nearby farmlands & local villages; kayaking in the Yulong River; Chinese cooking class; Cormorant fishing; Calligraphy introduction class; River Night Show...

Day 14: Hong Kong (or Shanghai Option)

Morning flight to Shenzhen. We cross the border by coach (approx. 2 hours) to the city center of Hong Kong and check into our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: 5* Harbour Grand Hong Kong (superior harbour view room) / 4* Empire Hotel Causeway Bay

Day 15: Hong Kong

Today we will provide you a day pass of the open-top bus tour stopping at various spots in the city. You can "hop on & off" at your own pace. The pass includes ferry ticket for crossing the famous Victoria Harbour and return tickets for the tram ride to The Peak for a bird's evey view of the famous city skyline.

Day 16: Hong Kong

Today you will take the airport shuttle bus or grab a taxi to the airport for your return flight home.
Alternatively you may wish to extend your stay in Shanghai to do some shopping or simply to relax and browse around at your leisure.

Extra night(s) in Hong Kong - from £58/person (Oriental Style) or £43/person (Oriental Standard)


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Alternatively .... Shanghai Option

Already been to Hong Kong? You have the option to visit Shanghai instead. Supplement is £45/person.

Day 14: Yangshuo - Shanghai

Morning flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, chauffeur to hotel and settle in. Shanghai is the economic powerhouse of China, this afternoon we will drive through Pudong District to see some of the best modern skyscrapers in the world. Then cross the river to glimpse another side of shanghai, by taking a guided walk along the colonial Bund. This evening you will have some leisure time at the Old French Concession.
(Meals included: breakfast, lunch/refreshment)

Day 15: Shanghai

Today you will visit the City Planning Hall, the Yuyuan Bazaar and a guided walk along the old Shanghai street. Evening free at leisure or there is an optional Acrobatics Show.
(Meals included: breakfast)

Day 16: Shanghai - UK

After breakfast transfer to airport for your flight home.
(Meals included: breakfast)

Extend extra night(s) in Shanghai - only £42/person (May, Sep, Oct, Nov) & £39/person (all other months).


Supplement is £45/person if choosing Shanghai option.

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Tour Price includes:

• Return international flights
• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• 10 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• 4 nights 5-star Century Cruise (private balcony cabin) including shore excursion fee
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 12 breakfast, 11 lunch/refreshment, 8 dinner. Room only basis in Hong Kong.

Tour Price exclude:

- Chinese visa fee (we can arrange for you)
- Travel insurance
- Programs marked as optional
- Gratuities to tour manager/guide

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
April 1	£2,790 (£2,650)	Booked out
April 19	£2,740 (£2,620)	Booked out
May 24	£2,740 (£2,620)	Good	Book
July 31	£2,890 (£2,750)	Good	Book
August 9	£2,890 (£2,750)	Good	Book
September 13	£2,840 (£2,690)	Low	Book
October 21	£2,840 (£2,690)	Good	Book
November 1	£2,790 (£2,650)	Good	Book