Day 1: London - Beijing
Our journey begins as we fly to Beijing with British Airways (non-stop from London Heathrow, regional departure available - please ask for details).
Day 2: Beijing
Morning arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted by Oriental's tour manager before being chauffeured to a superior class hotel. There will be time to settled in, relax and unwind after your journey.
Afternoon visit the sacred Temple of Heaven.
Travel Oriental Style: Join the rest of your travelling companions for a welcome dinner in one of our favourite restaurant in town. Whilst you are making new friends and getting acquainted you will be served a selection of authentic Peking dishes.
Day 3: Beijing
Our day beings with a walk through Tiananmen Square - the world's largest public square - before entering the Forbidden City to view the imperial splendour of the Emperors' palaces.
This afternoon you will take a leisurely ride along the old city's historic alleyways (Hutong) in a Pedi-cab. During this foray we will visit a local school, Prince Gong's Mansion and have the opportunity of visiting privately owned courtyard house.
Day 4: Beijing
Full day excursion to the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) where you will have plenty of time to climb up to the top with unforgettable views of this magnificent structure. When the weather is good, we will enjoy a lovely picnic lunch with sparkling wines on the Wall Tower!
Back to the city, you will have the rest of the day at leisure - perhaps enjoy one of the great shows in town or loose yourself in Shijiahai's lakeside cafes? Your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.
Travel Oriental Style: We visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. Avoiding the tourist traps at the Badaling section, this part of the Wall offers an authentic Great Wall experience. When the weather is good, we will enjoy a lovely picnic lunch with sparkling wines on the Wall Tower.
Day 5: Beijing - Xian
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at hotel, we will visit the majestic and beautifully landscaped Summer Palace with its sprawling imperial encampment of temples, pavilions and halls.
This afternoon a short flight takes us to Xian.
Xian is a veritable treasure trove of Chinese culture. After checking into our hotel, we should pay a visit to the 14th century built Drum Tower, beautifully lit at night.
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. En-route we will stop at workshop to view the production of Terracotta figurines by local craftsmen.
After lunch with a chance to sample the Xian speciality of "hand-pulled noodles", continue to the beautifully preserved Big Goose Pagoda - this is not only architecturally delightful but also the most significant Buddhist site in the province. Oriental's Box Office - Tang Dynasty Dinner Show Enjoy Xian's leading "Tang Dynasty Dinner Show" with traditional Tang dance, costumes and live music performance, as it would have been enjoyed by the Tang Dynasty Emperors.
Day 7: Xian - Chongqing
After a late buffet breakfast, we will visit the South Gate and take a leisurely stroll (or cycling option for the more adventuous) along the massive Ancient City Walls.
We then fly to Chongqing. There will be an excursion to the panda house to see the giant pandas in play before boarding our deluxe 5-star Victoria Cruise vessel.
Day 8: Yangtze River Cruising ...
Experience the pure bliss as you wake up each morning, pull back your curtains and be privy to the magnificent views. In the afternoon our cruiser will dock at Shibaozhai or Fengdu where you can enjoy a shore excursion. In the evening, join your fellow passengers for a welcome cocktail party.
Oriental Travel Quality Alert: Beware Imitations! - We only use Victoria Cruise Lines, an American run cruise specialist
which boast the largest 5 star fleet on the Yangtze. Some of our competitors however use a 4 Star "Victoria Cruise"
This is a Chinese run ship whose of an inferior quality. The official Victoria Cruise website is www.victoriacruises.com
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruising ...
Today is one of the most special highlight of our river journey as we sail through the magnificent Three Gorges with an exciting ride on the Shennong Stream.
Day 10: Yichang - Suzhou
The morning begins with an excursion to the colossal Three Gorges Dam site, the world's largest water engineering project to date, before disembarking in Yichang. After disembarkation fly to Suzhou. Dinner will be served in hotel upon our arrival.
Day 11: Suzhou
Historically the cultural capital of China, this traditional city is famous for fine gardens. We start the morning with a stroll along the city's traditional quarter Pingjiang with a close encounter to local lives followed by a boat ride along the city's oldest water canal to Humble Adminstrator Garden where we will be introduced to the classic Chinese garden landscape.
Suzhou is also famous for silks, so there will be the option in the afternoon to a visit a specialist silk shop. Travel Oriental Style:In the evening, we will pay a special visit to a smaller and more intimate garden mansion where our group will be presented with a host of cultural performances, including Kun Opera, flute and pipa, in a quiet setting.
Day 12: Suzhou - Shanghai
Morning visit the Tiger Hill to see the 7 storey, 1000 year old leaning tower.
After lunch we move onto Shanghai, just an hour drive from Suzhou, and easily the most vibrant city of China. Check into our hotel in downtown, relax and freshen up before an evening Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
Oriental's Box Office - With truly remarkably and sometime unbelievable acts of juggling, contortionism, chair stacking, plate spinning and so much more, is just lip smackingly marvellous!
Day 13: Shanghai
City orientation tour pointing out highlights such as the Jade Buddha Temple, The Bund and the Old French Concession - the most fashionable hub where you will be left free to stroll along the cobblestone lanes lined with traditional houses converted restaurants and cafes.
Day 14: Shanghai
A free day at leisure gives you a fantastic opportunity to further explore the city or perhaps try your hand at bartering and pick up bargains at the wonderful markets? Your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.
Day 15: Shanghai - UK
Today we bid goodbye to China as we board our return flight home. Arrival is scheduled for the same afternoon.
Optional Extension to Hong Kong, Sanya beach resort, or other Asian destination cities can be easily arranged. Please contact us for a quote.
Hong Kong Extension 4 Days
Day 15: Shanghai - Hong Kong
Morning fly to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to your superior class hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16: Hong Kong
Today we've included a half day coach tour to take in the major sights, covering the Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market and a vintage tram ride up to The Peak which affords a magnificent view of the Victoria Harbour.
Day 17: Hong Kong
Day free at leisure.
Day 18: Hong Kong
Daytime at leisure. Late afternoon check out of hotel. Own shuttle bus to airport for return flight to London.
Day 19: Hong Kong
Morning arrival UK. End of itinerary.
* Note some flights depart in the morning on Day 18 and you will arrive the same afternoon on Day 18.
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