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Grand China with Yangtze River Cruise

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 courtyard restaurant for a warm welcome dinner.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Oriental Bay Hotel

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. This afternoon move onto the sacred Temple of Heaven.
Conclude the day with a delicious Peking duck banquet dinner in a traditional restaurant.

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, a glass of bubbly 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 Cloisonne Workshop to learn this unique and sophiscated art form originating from the 13th century.

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

After a relaxed buffet breakfast we visit the majestic Summer Palace. Later a short flight takes us to Xian where we will stay two nights at the deluxe Howard Johnson Plaza . On our way to hotel, we drive pass the ancient Drum Tower before enjoying a sumptuous buffet dinner in our hotel.
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 inspect the eternal guard of the First Emperor. 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 beautifully preserved Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 7: Xian - Yangshuo

We take a leisurely walk on the Ancient City Walls & South Gate, followed by a discovery tour of the Tombs of Emperor Han Yangling. This tomb showcases the style in which the West Han Dynasty decorated their tombs in preparation for the afterlife. We then catch a late afternoon flight to Guilin and transfer to our hotel in Yangshuo.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Green Lotus Hotel

Day 8: Yangshuo

Today we set off to explore Yangshuo's tranquil countryside, water caves and rivers. We take a leisurely cycle along the flat back-road through farmland. Next we visit the Silver Water Caves followed a bamboo rafting along the river. From the raft you can really apprecite the towering karst limestone spires seem to emerge at random in every direction from the almost perfectly flat plains.
(* For those who do not wish to cycle we will arrange motorised buggy ride to explore the farmland)

Day 9: Yangshuo

Today is free for you to explore the stunning surroundings of Yangshuo as you choose. Our hotel is perfectly located by 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.

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

Day 10: Longsheng Rice Terraces

Today we head north to Longsheng, 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 called the "Dragon's Backbone".

Day 11: Chengdu - Leshan

Excursion to Leshan to see the world's largest buddha - Leshan Grand Buddha. This 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.
Accommodation (superior class): 4*+ Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Day 12: Chengdu - Chongqing

Morning visit the Panda Sanctuary where you get up close to watch them at play and have the chance to feed a baby panda. Next we board our train for a two hour rail journey through the countryside to Chongqing where we embark a 3 night voyage on the mighty Yangtze River.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Victoria Cruises (cabin with private balcony)

Day 13-14: 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 two days you will sail through the famed Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu Xia, Xiling Gorges. Highlights include a sampan ride through the Lesser Gorges and shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 15: Yichang - Suzhou

Disembark our cruise in the early afternoon and from here we make our way to the airport and fly to Suzhou. We spend the next two nights in a charming 400- years old heritage boutique hotel by the canal in the heart of the old quarter.

Accommodation: Pingjiang Lodge Boutique Hotel (a 400 years heritage garden mansion converted into a charming boutique hotel)

Day 16: Suzhou

Historically the cultural capital of China, Suzhou is famous for its silk, canals and landscaped gardens. We start with a stroll along the old quarter, Pingjiang, with its cobbled lanes and glazed ceramic tiled rooftops. Next take a relaxing boat ride along the canals to Humble Administrator Garden, the retirement home of an imperial court official.

Day 17: Suzhou - Hangzhou

After a leisurely breakfast we visit a local silk workshop to discover more about the fascinating world of silk production. We then travel by train or coach through the countryside to the qually splendid town of Hangzhou. Here we will visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda and then enjoy dinner with local delicacies.

Accommodation: 5* Zheijiang International Hotel

Day 18: Hangzhou

Hangzhou is truly blessed with an inspiring kaleidoscope of visionary delights. Our days begins with a boat trip on the famed West Lake and explore its beautifully landscaped islets. Next we visit the Tea Museum before driving through the lush green hills of tea plantation where you can sip the famous "Longjing tea".

Day 19: Shanghai

This morning we drive tow hours to Shanghai. On arrival we take a walking tour visiting The Bund, Yuyuan Bazaar and Old French Concession. Conclude the day with a fantastic Shanghai Acrobatics Show. Accommodation: 5* Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel

Day 20: Shanghai

We have left the day free giving you an opportunity to try your hand bargaining in the local markets or further explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to visit the Shanghai Expo 2010 (tickets can be purchased through us on request).

Day 21: Shanghai - UK

Today bid a fond farwell to China as we transfer to the airport for our return flight home.

Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 16 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 - 19 breakfast, 16 lunch/refreshment, 13 dinner

Tour Price exclude:

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

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
April 25	£2,840	Booked out
May 9	£2,840	Booked out
May 16	£2,840	Booked out
July 26	£2,940	Booked out
July 30	£2,940	Booked out
September 6	£2,890	Booked out
September 19	£2,890	Good	Book
October 4	£2,840	Low	Book
October 17	£2,840	Low	Book
October 24	£2,840	Booked out