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• Escorted Small Groups

The Great Cities 9 Days

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. Take the time to settle in. Later in the afternoon, we visit the majestic Summer Palace with a boat ride on the lake.
This evening enjoy a warm welcome dinner in our favourite restaurant with fusion imperial court cuisine. Accommodation: 5* Marco Polo Parkside

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 - Xian

Morning fly to Xian. En-route to the airport we drive pass and stop by the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium.
Upon arrival Xian, embark on 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. Drive past the Bell Tower to our deluxe hotel excellently located within the ancient walls.
Evening enjoy a Dumpling Banquet Dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel

Day 6: 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 7: Xian - Shanghai

Morning flight Shanghai. Shanghai is the economic powerhouse of China and one of the fastest developing cities in the world. Our visit here starts with a drive through the modern Pudong District with its financial centre where you can find some of the tallest and best modern buildings in the world, before returning to the old side of the river.
Stroll along the colonial Bund and the Old French Concession.
Accommodation: 5* Grand Mercure Hotel

Day 8: Shanghai

After a relaxed breakfast, we visit the City Planning Hall. This interesting little museum showcases the development & history of the city including a full size city model.
Stroll through the Shanghai Old Quarter and its lively neighborhoods and Yuyuan Bazaar for some bargain hunting.
Tonight enjoy the award-winning Shanghai Acrobatics Show.

Day 9: Shanghai - UK

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

Extend extra night(s) in Shanghai - for only £43/person/night

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Some Popular Extensions

Suzhou & Qiandeng Full Day
A full day tour of Suzhou and Qiandeng Ancient Town, about 1 hour drive away from Shanghai. Suzhou is famous for its fine gardens, canals and silk. Our visit include a relaxing walk of the Pingjiang Old Quarter, Humble Administrator Garden, a Silk Workshop and a paddle boat ride along the ancient water canals.
Qiandeng (meaning a thousand lanterns) is a small picturesque town approximately half way between Suzhou and Shanghai. Built over a series of canals, original period buildings line small cobbled streets, providing a stunning impression of an old imperial town. Some of the historic houses, gardens and other dwellings are open for exploration, as is the towns centrepiece: a Buddhist temple which contains the world's largest reclining Buddha made of pure jade.
The full day tour include English speaking guide, car with driver, entrance fee and a lunch.
Price is £60-£85/person depending on group size

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Post-Tour Hong Kong Extension 2 Nights 3 Days
Price include:
- Your choice of domestic flight or overland train from Shanghai to Hong Kong
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (extra nights available), room-only basis
- 1 day (24 hours unlimited use) ticket pass Open-Top Bus tour of Hong Kong(inc. return tickets on Peak Tram and Star Ferry)

4* Empire Hotel Causeway Bay hotel website
Low Season -- £355pp (extra nt £43)     High Season -- £395pp (extra nt £48)

5* Harbour Grand Hong Kong hotel website
Low Season -- £399pp (extra nt £65)     High Season -- £460pp (extra nt £86)

* Low Season = Mar,May-Aug,Dec; High Season = Apr,Sep,Oct,Nov
* Note: the train departs on alternative dates only and takes 25 hours
* Train option include single bed ticket in the soft sleeper (4-berth compartment), there may be an option upgrade to private compartment. Please enquiry with our team.
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Sanya Beach Extension 3 Nights
The South Sea Island with its wonderful tropical climate is the perfect place to relax, unwind and reflect on all your amazing Chinese adventures. Relax with a good book and a refreshing cocktail on the fine beaches, or for those a little more energetic, there is a fantastic array of water sports and excursions to the heart of the island offering some outstanding places of natural beauty.
Price starts from £395/person on 4* hotel; £498/person on 5* hotel. Extension nights available. Please enquire for accurate prices.

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Tour Price includes:

• Return international flights
• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• 7 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 7 breakfast, 6 lunch/refreshment, 3 dinner
• Oriental Culinary Experience - 6 lunch/dinner will be served in our hand-picked restaurants with either special local cuisine as the attraction such as imperial court cuisine, dumpling banquet and Shanghai delicacies snacks or in unique locations such as the delighful ambience of a courtyard restaurant or a picnic lunch on the Great Wall. The rest of 3 lunch/dinner will be served in standard local restaurant & onboard cruise.

Tour Price exclude:

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

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
March 24	£1,690	Booked out
April 1	£1,740	Good	Book
April 2	£1,740	Booked out
April 7	£1,740	Good	Book
April 17	£1,720	Good	Book
April 21	£1,720	Booked out
May 5	£1,720	Good	Book
May 24	£1,720	Good	Book
May 26	£1,720	Good	Book
June 2	£1,690	Good	Book
June 16	£1,690	Good	Book
July 10	£1,720	Good	Book
July 21	£1,740	Low	Book
July 31	£1,780	Good	Book
August 2	£1,780	Low	Book
August 10	£1,780	Good	Book
August 15	£1,780	Good	Book
August 18	£1,780	Good	Book
September 8	£1,740	Good	Book
September 15	£1,740	Good	Book
September 20	£1,740	Low	Book
October 4	£1,740	Good	Book
October 13	£1,740	Good	Book
October 16	£1,740	Good	Book
October 21	£1,740	Good	Book
October 27	£1,740	Good	Book
November 1	£1,720	Good	Book
November 10	£1,720	Good	Book
December 18	£1,780	Good	Book
December 26	£1,780	Good	Book