China Highlights Tour

14 November - 19 December 2009
27 Days from £1990 per person

Journey through many of China’s major sights and attractions; from the modern elegance of its cities, to the untainted charm of its local people, to its spectacular landscapes. As well as the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, highlights include the stunning garden cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou, the spectacular Li River and Chengdu’s adorable pandas.

Days 1-3 : UK - Shanghai

Fly to the exciting and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, where we will be met by our Tour Captain and enjoy a traditional welcome dinner. Explore the beautiful Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum, the fascinating Old Town and the unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings in the Xintiandi area.

Day 4 : Suzhou

Drive to Suzhou, the 'Venice of the East' to visit two of its finest oriental gardens: the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets. Also enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal and visit a local silk mill, still in operation today.

Days 5-6 : Hangzhou

Travel by coach to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China’s former imperial capitals. We visit the local markets and enjoy an oriental tea-tasting. Next day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Relax as we cruise on West Lake in the afternoon.

Day 7 : Wuzhen - Shanghai

Travel by coach to the picturesque town of Wuzhen and enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the intricate system of canals, ancient pavilions and overhead bridges before returning to Shanghai.

Days 8-9 : Shanghai

Visit the famous Bund and shop along Nanjing Road. Say farewell to Shanghai with an evening cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River. The following morning explore the Pudong area before flying to Guilin.

Days 10-11 : Li River Cruise - Yangshuo

Cruise the spectacular Li River and enjoy the views of stunning limestone columns that tower above the river, as we travel to the picturesque town of Yangshuo for the night. Return to Guilin the next day visiting Mt Diecai en-route.

Days 12-13 : Guilin - Kunming

Visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves before flying to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and sample the famous 'Across the Bridge Noodles'. The next day, enjoy a full day tour of the picturesque Stone Forest, where vast surreal limestone columns reach upwards into the heavens.

Day 14 : Kunming - Chongqing

Admire the Western Hills, known as the Sleeping Beauty Hills, resembling a woman’s prone body wrapping around Dianchi Lake before flying to Chongqing.

Day 15 : Chongqing - Dazu

Enjoy a city tour of Erlin Park, the People’s Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. Drive to Dazu, home to some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world: the Beishan Frescoes.

Day 16 : Dazu - Chengdu

Visit the Baodin Stone Carvings, before driving on to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its lush and dramatic landscapes as well as its cuisine. This evening enjoy a tasty Sichuan meal.

Day 17 : Chengdu - Leshan

Today, visit the remarkable Grand Buddha at Leshan, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We then take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river and also admire the head from the clifftop.

Days 18-19 : Chengdu

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in spectacular wooded surroundings; we also explore a local bamboo park. The next day, take a city tour of Chengdu followed by an overnight sleeper train to the former imperial capital of Xian.

Days 20-22 : Xian

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by a traditional Shui Jiao dinner. The next day, admire the world famous life-size Terracotta Warriors, visit the ancient City Wall and enjoy a live performance of Tang Dynasty dancing in the evening. Also visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum and the lively Muslim Quarter where we explore the Great Mosque and the Islamic food markets before our overnight sleeper train to Beijing.

Days 23-26 : Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and visit the majestic Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China and stroll across Tiananmen Square, before enjoying the local delicacy, Peking Duck for dinner. Tomorrow, walk along the Great Wall, marvel at the unique Temple of Heaven visit the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show. On your last day, a visit to Lama Temple is followed by free time to shop at the bustling markets.

Day 27 : Beijing - UK

Fly back to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.

Price includes
Return Flights, transport and accommodation. all meals, daily tours, and visa fees for UK residents.
PLUS FREE return transport from the Midlands to Heathrow.  

Price is per person based on sharing a twin room.