• Escorted Small Groups
• Private / Tailor-made Packages
• Business Travel
• School & Social Clubs

• Escorted Small Groups

Classic China with Yangtze River Cruise

Definition of Classic (adj) - "A superior or unusual examle of its kind"

Tour Itinerery

Day 1: UK - Beijing

Our adventure begins as we board our flight at London Heathrow to Beijing. (regional departure available).

Day 2: Beijing

Arrival in Beijing. You will be greeted by Oriental's Tour Manager. Take the time to relax and settle in our hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Oriental Bay Hotel

Day 3: Beijing

Our days begins with a walk 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. Move onto the sacred Temple of Heaven, a place of solitude, contemplation and where once the emperor's spoke in hushed whispers to the gods in heaven to pray for continuing prosperity & good harvests. This afternoon you will take a leisurely ride along the old city's historic alleyways (Hutong) in a ped-rickshaw.

Day 4: Beijing

An exciting day awaits you as we head to the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) where you will have plenty of time to climb up to the top of this magnificent structure. Unforgettable views, a glass of bubbly and when the weather is good, a lovely picnic lunch will go to make this a day to remember!
Stop by a Cloisonne Workshop on our way back to city. The rest of afternoon is at leisure enabling you to organise your own activites. Your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

You can't help being impressed with the majestic and beautifully landscaped Summer Palace, an extensive assembly of temples, pavilions and halls nestling on the banks of Kunming lake and re-built for Empress Dowager Cixi just before the time of the "last Emperor". We will also stop by the Bird Nest Stadium & Water Cube Stadium the two ultra-modern stadiums hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Later in the afternoon, fly to Xian, a veritable treasure trove of China's former glory. Check into our deluxe-class hotel overlooking the impressive Ancient Walls & South Gate.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza

Day 6: Xian

This morning journey out to the World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Warriors. Here you will have plenty of time to personally inspect the eternal guard of the First Emperor.We will also stop at 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!
After lunch and a chance to sample local specialty of "hand-pulled noodles", we find ourselves admiring the 14th century Drum Tower, whose rich beat once brought closure to the city gates during medieval times.

Day 7: Xian - Chengdu

A leisurely morning is followed by a stroll along the massive Ancient City Walls and the South Gate, followed by the beautifully preserved Big Wild Goose Pagoda with its reverberating chant of Buddhist mantra.
A short flight takes us to Chengdu where dinner will be served upon our arrival.
Accommodation (superior class): 4* Minshan Lhasa Grand Hotel

Day 8: Chengdu - Leshan

After a late morning breakfast we will depart for Leshan Grand Buddha - a stunning example of a Buddha, sitting at an impressive 233ft high, and having been fashioned out of the sheer cliff face, required tremendous dedication and took almost a century to complete. Back to the city, there will be options to visit a local teahouse, markets or the Wenshu Temple.

Day 9: Chongqing

Today is a day of anticipation. Our first visit is Chengdu Panda Sanctuary where we will discover all about this endangered species, which are only a few centimetres long when born and get up close to watch them at play.
Later we will experience the Chinese railway by taking a 3.5 hours train journey (reserved seats, comfortable & air-conditioned) through the countryside to Chongqing where we embark on a 3 nights voyage on the mightly Yangtze River.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Victoria Cruises (cabin with private balcony)

Day 10-11: Three Gorges & Yangtze River Cruising

It is hard to describe the joy of waking up each morning to what seems like an endless procession of magnificent views slowly unfolding before you. Highlights include Fengdu's Ghost City "entrance to the underworld" and the "Lesser Gorges" whose towering walls of rock seem impenetrable and whose beauty is inspirational. In fact the final section of this clear water tributary is so secluded that it can only be reached by Sampan!

Day 12: Yichang - Shanghai

On the verge of completion, the enormous achievement of the Three Gorges Dam Project proves that man's legacies continue...
From here we will make our way to the airport and fly to Shanghai where we stay for three nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or in the Former French Concessionary.
Accommodation (superior class): 4*+ Redenzvous Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton

Day 13: Suzhou

Today's excursion is Suzhou, an hour drive away. Historically the cultural capital of China, this traditional city is famous for fine gardens, canals & silk. We begin our visit with a boat trip along the water canal to Humble Administrator Garden and onto the Lingering Garden. Continue onto a silk workshop to discover the fasinating world of the silk worm and perhaps even indulge yourself in the factory shop!
Later in the afternoon return to Shanghai and conclude the day with the award-winning Shanghai Acrobatics Show.

Day 14: Shanghai

Half day city overview tour pointing out the highlights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden Bazaar and the Bund. You will then be left free giving you fantastic opportunity to further explore the city; sample the local cuisine; or try your hand bargaining in the local markets. As always your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.

Day 15: Shanghai - UK

Today bid a fond farwell to China as we board our return flight home. Arrival is scheduled for the same afternoon.

Extra night in Shanghai from £39/person inc. buffet breakfast
....................................................................................................................................................................................
Post-Tour Hong Kong Extension 2 Nights 3 Days -- £350 per person / extra night at £45
Price include:
- Your choice of domestic flight or overland train (deluxe soft sleeper 2-berth) from Shanghai to Hong Kong
- 2 nights at 4*+ Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel or Cosmopolitan Hotel(room basis only)
- Half day city coach tour in Hong Kong

* Note: the train departs on alternative dates only and takes 25 hours
....................................................................................................................................................................................

Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 10 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• 3 nights 5-star Victoria Cruise (private balcony cabin) including all shore excursion fee
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 13 breakfast, 11 lunch/refreshment, 9 dinner

Tour Price exclude:

- Chinese visa fee (we can arrange this for you)
- Travel insurance (we can arrange this for you)
- Gratuities to tour manager/guide

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
October 20	£2,390	Booked out
November 5	£2,390	Good	Book
November 12	£2,290	Booked out