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• Escorted Small Groups
• Private / Tailor-made Packages

Through the Middle Kingdom

Definition of Kingdom (n) - "A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant"

Tour Itinerery

Day 1: UK - Beijing

Our adventure begins as we board our non-stop Air China aircraft at London Heathrow to Beijing. (Regional departure available at a small supplement - please ask for details).

Day 2: Beijing

Morning arrival in Beijing. You will be greeteed by Oriental's Tour Manager. Chauffeur to our hotel in downtown. After time to relax and settle in a short drive takes us to 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.
Accommodation: 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. 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!
On our way return to the city, stop by a Cloisonne Workshop to view this unique & sophisticated art form originating in Beijing in the 13th century. 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".
Later in the afternoon we take a short flight to Xian. Settle in to our deluxe-class hotel overlooking the impressive South Gate.
Accommodation: 5* Howard Johnson Hotel

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 beautifully preserved Big Wild Goose Pagoda with its reverberating chant of Buddhist mantra.

Day 7: Xian - Chengdu

A leisurely morning is followed by a stroll along the massive Ancient City Walls, the South Gate and the 14th century built Drum Tower. Afteroon a short flight takes us to Chengdu. A sumptuous western buffet dinner will be served upon our arrival in the hotel.
Accommodation: 4*+ Yinhe Dynasty Intercontinental Hotel

Day 8: Chengdu - Guilin

Today is a day of anticipation. We will first pay a visit to the 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; followed by an excursion to Leshan Grand Buddha, the world's largest Buddha of its kind, sitting at an impressive 233ft high, and having been fashioned out of the sheer cliff face.
Fly to Guilin and overnight in our superior class hotel.
Accommodation: 4*+ Guilin Bravo Hotel

Day 9: Longsheng

Today we head north to Longsheng, home to a mixture of minority people that have retained their way of life and vibrantly colourful embroidered costumes throughout the centuries. After a journey through rich fertile countryside and a steady walk 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 10: Yangshuo

Today is a chance to capture the almost heart stoppingly beautiful countryside of towering karst limestone spires that seem to emerge at random out of an almost perfectly flat plain, as we take a relaxing cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. There is a buffet lunch onboard and the rest of the afternoon is left for you to discover the delights of "West Street", the heart of this picturesque riverside town.
Accommodation: 3* Magnolia Hotel or similar

Day 11: Yangshuo

A motorised buggy ride takes us deep into the countryside to explore the paddy fields, rivers,and peaks; see farmers in their fields and roaming water buffalo ... After finishing at mysterious Moon Hill, we will return to our hotel, conveniently located by West Street, with its wonderful array of market stalls, shops, cafes & restaurants.

Day 12: Yangshuo - Shanghai

This morning we catch our flight to Shanghai where we will have a city orientation tour to get you off a great start. Highlights include the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, and Former French Concession.
Accommodation: 4*+ Rendezvous Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton

Day 13: Suzhou

Today excursion is to Suzhou, which was historically the cultural capital of China. We will visit the exquisite Humble Adminstrator Garden. Then off to Tiger Hill to see the 7 storey, 1000 year old leaning tower. Suzhou is also famous for silks, so there will be the option in the afternoon to a visit a specialist silk shop. Late afternoon returns to Shanghai.

Day 14: Shanghai

Day free at leisure gives you the fantastic opportunity to further explore the city; sample the local cuisine; indulge yourself in some seriously opulent shopping malls or perhaps just wander around the cobbled streets of the old town. 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.
For those of you who would like to extend your holiday, we offer various optional extension choices in below section.

Tour Price includes:

• Escorted holiday with English speaking guides (plus Tour Manager throughout for size above 12)
• Return international flight with Air China
• 13 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 13 breakfast, 8 lunch/refreshment, 5 dinner
• Tour programs as mentioned including entrance fee
• Domestic flights and land transportation
• Airport taxes and service charges

Tour Price exclude:

- Chinese visa fee (£40 inc. embassy fee, we can arrange for you)
- Travel insurance (we can arrange for you)
- Gratuities to tour manager/guide

Extension Options

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
July 19	£1,840	Good	Book
July 26	£1,890	Booked out
September 13	£1,890	Low	Book
October 4	£1,850	Good	Book