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The Timeless Trail - Walking, Ancient Towns & Countryside

Tour Itinerery

Day 1: UK - Beijing

Our adventure begins as we board our overnight scheduled flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Arrival into Beijing you will be greeted by Oriental Travel Tour Manager and chauffeured to your deluxe class hotel.
Accommodation: 5* Oriental Bay Hotel

Day 3: Beijing

Our day begins with a stroll through the Tiananmen Square, before retracing the steps of the great emperors of China and wander amongst the imperial splendour of the Forbidden City. After lunch continue onto the sacred Temple of Heaven.

Day 4: Beijing

An active but rewarding day is in store as we head to the Great Wall at Jinshanling. We spend the day hiking on this section of the Wall to Simatai Great Wall. A tasty picnic lunch will be served in one of the ancient watch towers along the way!

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

After a relaxed breakfast we will visit the majestic Summer Palace where the emperors of the past once took their vacations. This afternoon a short flight takes us to Xian where we drive pass the ancient Drum Tower before settling in at our hotel.
Accommodation: 4*+ New World Hotel

Day 6: Xian

Spend a leisurely morning walking on the Ancient City Walls & South Gate. Journey to the Terracotta Warriors. Also stop at a workshop to view the production of Terracotta figurines by local craftsmen and perhaps purchase a replica for your home!

Day 7: Xian - Chengdu

Embark on a discovery tour of theTomb of the Emperor Han Yangling which showcases the style in which the West Han Dynasty decorated their tombs in preparation for the afterlife. In the late afternoon we will fly to Chengdu and chauffeur to our hotel in downtown.
Accommodation: 4* Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Day 8: Chengdu & Leshan

Our day begins with a visit to the Panda Sanctuary where you get up close to watch them at play and have the chance to feed a baby panda. Afternoon excursion to Leshan, home of the colossal Leshan Grand Buddha.

Day 9: Chengdu - Lijiang

This morning we take a short flight to UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Lijiang. After freshening up in our charming courtyard hotel in the old town, we board a scenic chair lift from Yak Meadow to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Accommodation: 4* Hansange Courtyard Hotel

Day 10: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the worlds deepest. The backdrop of the Jade Snow Mountains makes this the most famous and picturesque hike in China. Hiking along the Gorge is a wonderful yet challenging experience as the path is sometimes narrow and at times the view to the river at the base of the Gorge can be dizzying! Finish the day with a delicious dinner of fresh local produce straight from the farm.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike: we offer two options to cater for both regular hikers and leisure travellers: The Regular Hikers will have a day of intense hiking along the Gorge including the most challenging "28 Bends". The Leisure Travellers will be driven to explore the most scenic parts around the middle of the Gorge. After enjoying lunch with wonderful views by the river, set off for a relatively easy tow hours walk along the Gorge.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse - traditional wooden house with stunning view over the Gorge!

Day 11: Lijiang

This morning awake to the dramatic sunrise view over the snowy mountains & Gorge. Later we return to Lijiang Old Town and spend the rest of the day wandering around its cobbled streets and crisscrossing canals.

Day 12: Dali

Today we depart on a three hour coach journey to the ancient town of Dali stopping at Lake Erhai, Dali's Three Pagodas and local markets for some unique photo opportunities.
Accommodation: 4* Asia Star Hotel

Day 13: Kunming & Mile Hotspring

Travel to Kunming where we have an excursion to the Stone Foret. Here you will see an immense collection of ancient limestone peaks that jut from the earth in a variety of shapes and sizes. Later transfer to our deluxe hotspring resort set amidst the quiet countryside. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure indulge in the natural hotspring pools.
Accommodation: 5* Huquan Hotspring Resort

Day 14: Kunming - Yangshuo

After a relaxing breakfast and time to further enjoying the hotsprings, we transfer to Kunming for our afternoon flight to Guilin. On arrival transfer to our hotel in Yangshuo.
Accommodation: 4* Tulip Holiday Hotel

Day 15: Yangshuo

Today we set off to explore Yangshuo's tranquil countryside, water caves and rivers. We take a leisurley cycle along the flat back-road meeting locals and farmland. Next we visit the Silver Water Caves followed by a bamboo rafting along the river.
(* For those who do not wish to cycle we will arrange motorised buggy ride to explore the farmland)

Day 16: Yangshuo

Today is free for you to explore the stunning surroundings of Yangshuo as you choose. Your tour manager will be on hand to offer assistance and help plan activities.

Suggested Activities:
- Hiking to nearby farmlands & local villages
- Kayaking or swimming in the Yulong River
- Chinese cooking class
- Cormorant Fishing
- Evening Impression Show

Day 17: Longsheng Rice Terraces

Longsheng is home to a mixture of minority people that have retained their way of life and colourful embroidered costumes throughout the centuries. After a journey through rich fertile countryside we will be served lunch in a minority family restaurant nestling high up within the quilted patchwork of rice terraces known in Chinese as the "Dragon's Backbone". We then catch our evening flight to Shanghai and check into our hotel.
Accommodation: 4* Ambassador Hotel

Day 18: Shanghai

City walking tour of The Bund, Yuyuan Bazaar and Former French Concession. This afternoon is left free at your leisure.

Day 19: Shanghai - UK

Today bid a fond farewell to China as we board our return flight home. Extend your stay in Shanghai for only £35/person.

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Alternatively .... Hong Kong Option 20 Days

Already been to Shanghai? You have the option to visit Hong Kong instead.

Day 17: Longsheng & Guilin

Daytime explore the Longsheng Rice Terraces with the group. Overnight in 4* Bravo Hotel in Guilin.

Day 18: Hong Kong

Transfer for morning flight to Shenzhen. Make your way by airport coach (approx. 2 hr) across the border into Hong Kong where you spend two nights in the 4* Empire Hotel or similar. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 19: Hong Kong

Day free at leisure.

Day 20: Hong Kong - UK

Enjoy some leisure time before taking a taxi or shuttle bus to airport for return flight home. Arrival back in the UK is scheduled for the same afternoon or the following day (depending on flight schedule).
Optional extra night in Hong Kong - from £39/person
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Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 17 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 17 breakfast, 14 lunch/refreshment, 8 dinner
  Note - Set breakfast in remote areas. Room only basis in Hong Kong.

Tour Price exclude:

- Chinese visa fee (we can arrange for you)
- Travel insurance
- Optional programs or activities
- Gratuities to tour manager/guide

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
July 27	£2,590	Booked out
September 7	£2,590	Booked out
September 14	£2,590	Low	Book
October 19	£2,590	Booked out