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Essential China with Cruising

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 greeted by Oriental's Tour Manager. Take the time to relax and settle in.
Accommodation: 4* Qianmen 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. Move onto 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.

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.
Stop by a Cloisonne Workshop on our way back to city. 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, fly to Xian, a veritable treasure trove of China's former glory.
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 14th century built Drum Tower, whose rich beat once brought closure to the city gates during medieval times.

Day 7: Xian - Chongqing

A leisurely morning is followed by a stroll along the massive Ancient City Walls and the South Gate, followed by the beautifully preserved Big Wild Goose Pagoda with its reverberating chant of Buddhist mantra.
A short flight takes us to Chongqing where we embark on a 3 nights voyage on the mightly Yangtze River.
Accommodation: 5* Victoria Cruises (cabin with private balcony)

Day 8-9: Three Gorges & Yangtze River Cruising

It is hard to describe the joy of waking up each morning to what seems like an endless procession of magnificent views slowly unfolding before you. Highlights include Fengdu's Ghost City "entrance to the underworld" and the "Lesser Gorges" whose towering walls of rock seem impenetrable and whose beauty is inspirational. In fact the final section of this clear water tributary is so secluded that it can only be reached by Sampan!

Day 10: Yichang - Shanghai

On the verge of completion, the enormous achievement of the Three Gorges Dam Project proves that man's legacies continue...
From here we will make our way to the airport and fly to Shanghai where we stay for three nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or in the Former French Concessionary.
Accommodation: 4*+ Redenzvous Hotel

Day 11: Shanghai

Half day city overview tour pointing out the highlights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden Bazaar and the Bund. You will then be left free giving you fantastic opportunity to further explore the city; sample the local cuisine; or try your hand bargaining in the local markets. As always your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.

Day 12: Shanghai - UK

After breakfast depart for return flight home. Arrival is schedule in the same afternoon. End of itinerary ..... or extend your stay in China as most of other travellers do? See below for sample selections.

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Post-Tour Hong Kong Extension 2 Nights 3 Days
3* Cosmo Hotel --- from £320 per person (extra night from £35/person)
4*+ Comsmopolitan Hotel or Harbour Plaza Metropolis --- £360 per person (extra night from £45/person)

Price include:
- Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong
- 2 nights at your chosen hotel (room basis only)
- Half day city coach tour in Hong Kong

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Other popular extensions include:
Guilin & Yangshuo 4 Days -- from £299 per person
Sanya Beach Resort 4 Days -- from £395 per person
Alternatively why not browse our Private Bespoke Holiday Section for some ideas?
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Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation and sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 7 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 - 10 breakfast, 9 lunch/refreshment, 5 dinner

Tour Price exclude:

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

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
March 21	£1,795	Booked out
March 28	£1,840	Good	Book
April 4	£1,960	Booked out
April 13	£1,890	Low	Book
April 25	£1,890	Good	Book
May 7	£1,890	Good	Book
May 16	£1,890	Good	Book
June 9	£1,890	Good	Book
August 1	£1,985	Good	Book
September 8	£1,960	Good	Book
September 24	£1,960	Booked out
October 17	£1,960	Good	Book
October 22	£1,960	Good	Book
November 14	£1,960	Good	Book
November 21	£1,960	Good	Book