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Classic China with Yangtze River Cruise

Definition of Classic (adj) - "A superior or unusual examle of its kind"

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 time to settle in. Later in the afternoon, we visit the sacred Temple of Heaven before enjoying a warm welcome dinner in our most favourite courtyard restaurant in town.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 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.
Move onto the majestic Summer Palace, set in beautiful surroundings atop Longevity Hill. We then pass by 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadiums en-route to our restaurant for a delicious Peking duck banquet dinner.

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 return to the city, we stop by a Cloisonne Workshop to view this unique artwork originated in the 13th century.

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

Morning flight to Xian, a veritable treasure trove of China's former glory. Emark on a tour of the Tomb of Han Yangling which showcases the style in which the West Han Dynasty decorated their tombs in preparation for the afterlife. Conclude the day with a sumptuous buffet dinner at our deluxe hotel overlooking the impressive City Walls.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza

Day 6: Xian

After a relaxed breakfast, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Warriors. Here you will have plenty of time to inspect the eternal guard of the First Emperor. We 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! Drive pass the 14th century Drum Tower, whose rich beat once brought closure to the city gates during medieval times.

Day 7: Xian - Chengdu

This morning enjoy a leisurely walk on the massive Ancient City Walls & South Gate before catching our mid-day flight to Chengdu in the Sichuan Province. After freshening up we visit the Panda Sanctuary where you get up close to watch them at play and have the chance to feed a baby panda.
Accommodation (superior class): 4*+ Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Day 8: Chengdu (Leshan) - Cruise

Excursion to Leshan to see the world's largest buddha - Leshan Giant Buddha - sitting at an impressive 233ft high, and having been fashioned out of a sheer cliff face. This stunning buddha took almost a century to complete.
Next we board our train for a two hour rail journey through the countryside to Chongqing where we embark on a 3 night voyage on the mighty Yangtze River.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Victoria Cruises (private balcony cabin)

Day 9-10: 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 and Xiling Gorges. Highlights include a sampan ride through the Lesser Gorges and shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 11: Yichang - Shanghai

Disembark our cruise in the early afternoon and from here we make our way to the airport and fly to Shanghai. After checking into our deluxe hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening at the Old French Concession.
Accommodation: 5* Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel

Day 12: Suzhou

Day excursion to Suzhou, which is famous for its fine gardens, canals & silk. We begin our visit with a relaxing walk of the traditional Pingjiang Quarter, with its cobbled lanes and glazed ceramic tiled rooftops. Next take a boat trip along the ancient water canals to Humble Administrator Garden. Continue onto a silk workshop to discover more about the fascinating world of silk production.

Day 13: Shanghai

Walking tour of the colonial Bund and Yuyuan Bazaar. You will then be left free giving you a time to further explore the city or try your hand bargaining in the bazaar. As always your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.

Day 14: Shanghai - UK

Today bid a fond farwell to China as we board our return flight home. Arrival is scheduled for the same afternoon.
Or extend extra night(s) in Shanghai for only £38/person

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Shanghai World Expo 2010

The Shanghai World Expo will take place between 1 May - 31 October, 2010. For those who are interested to attend, we can reserve the tickets for you. Please note you will need a full day to fully explore the exhibition due to its large scale & its relatively distance to city centre. An extension night in Shanghai is recommended.

Extra Night in Shanghai - £38pp inc. buffet breakfast
Shanghai Expo Entrance ticket - £25 (not applicable for below dates: 1-3 May; 1-8 October; 23-31 October)
Private transfer to airport (if required) - £20pp (if 2pax & up sharing a car) or £38 (if sole passenger)
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Post-Tour Hong Kong Extension 2 Nights 3 Days

Price include:
- Your choice of domestic flight or overland train (deluxe soft sleeper 2-berth) from Shanghai to Hong Kong
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (extra nights available), room-only basis
- 1 day (24 hours unlimited use) ticket pass "hop on and off" Open-Top Bus (inc. return tickets on Peak Tram and Star Ferry)

4* Park Hotel or Empire Hotel
Low Season -- £315pp (extra nt £35)     High Season -- £340pp (extra nt £40)

5* Harbour Grand or Langham Place Hotel
Low Season -- £395pp (extra nt £55)     High Season -- £440pp (extra nt £75)

* Low Season = Mar,May-Aug; High Season = Apr,Sep,Oct,Nov
* Note: the train departs on alternative dates only and takes 25 hours
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Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 9 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• 3 nights 5-star Victoria Cruise (private balcony cabin) including shore excursion fee
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 12 breakfast, 10 lunch/refreshment, 10 dinner

Tour Price exclude:

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

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
May 7	£2,290	Booked out
May 23	£2,290	Booked out
June 6	£2,290	Booked out
July 25	£2,390	Booked out
July 28	£2,390	Booked out
August 6	£2,390	Booked out
September 12	£2,340	Booked out
September 24	£2,340	Low	Book
October 3	£2,340	Good	Book
October 8	£2,340	Low	Book
October 15	£2,290	Good	Book
November 7	£2,195	Good	Book