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

• Escorted Small Groups

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 flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

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 where we stay for two nights.
Accommodation: 4*+ New World 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.
Accommodation: 4* Minshan Lhasa Grand 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: 4* Tulip Holiday Hotel

Day 11: Yangshuo

Day free giving you the opportunity to choose your preferred activities. As usual your tour manager will be on hand to assist with planning.

There are various options to suit everyone in the party -
- Hiking to nearby farmlands & local villages
- Bicycle riding or motorized buggy to the countryside farmlands (£5/person for half day bicycle rental)
- Bamboo Rafting or Kayaking on the beautiful Yulong River (approx. £8/person for 3 hours)
- Chinese Cooking Class (approx. £15/person) see website
- Cormorant Fishing (£10/person)
- Rock Climbing (approx. £18/person, suitable for beginners) see website

- Other options include cruise on Li River; excursion to Longsheng Rice Fields; Impression night show; or simply sip down a cuppa of Chinese tea in one of the riverside cafes watching fishermen pass by?

Day 12: Shanghai

After breakfast depart for a morning flight to Shanghai. After freshen up embark on a city orientation tour pointing out highlights such as Jade Buddha Temple, The Bund, Yuyuan Bazaar and Old French Concessionary.
Accommodation: 5* Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel

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.

Day 14: Shanghai

Day free at leisure enabling you to try your hands bargaining in local markets or further explore the city. 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.

....................................................................................................................................................................................
Post-Tour Hong Kong Extension 2 Nights 3 Days
3* Cosmo Hotel --- fr £340 per person (extra night £35/person)
4*+ Comsmopolitan Hotel or Harbour Plaza Metropolis --- £395 per person (extra night £39/person)

Price include:
- Your choice of domestic flight or overland train (deluxe soft sleeper 2-berth) from Shanghai to Hong Kong
- 2 nights at your chosen hotel (room basis only)
- Full day open-top "hop on/off" bus 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
• 13 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• Daily buffet breakfast (set breakfast in Yangshuo) and most lunches & dinners - 13 breakfast, 9 lunch/refreshment, 5 dinner

Tour Price exclude:

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

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
July 27	£2,240	Booked out
August 3	£2,240	Booked out
September 18	£2,195	Low	Book
October 17	£2,195	Booked out