Incredible China

An outstanding comprehensive journey that embraces the very essence of China. Experience ancient Beijing, newly-fashioned Shanghai, the mighty Yangtze, archaic warriors, giant pandas, remote rural towns and stunning scenery. The perfect tour for those seeking a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ China experience.

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR
Incredible China tour includes:
→ The services of a professional, English-speaking local tour guide.
→ Transport by coach or minibus and any internal flights.
→ Sightseeing as indicated and all entrance fees.
→ Return flights by scheduled airline.

NB → Extensions are not escorted but assistance will be provided locally in each destination.

MEAL PLAN
•   Rather than offer 3 Chinese buffet meals per day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience. Where meals are not included, there will be a suitable choice of great value local or international restaurants available, serving a variety of cuisines.
•   Breakfast is included throughout, lunch is included on Days 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 16.
•   Dinner is included on Days 2, 5 and 7-11.
•   Full breakfast in Sanya and room only in Hong Kong with meals available at a supplement on request.

ACCOMMODATION
•   Four star accommodation as described.
•   Please note accommodation in Lijiang is of a more simple four star standard.

CRUISE ACCOMMODATION
•   En suite cabins with exterior facing windows.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 30 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers, please call for further details.

EXPERIENCES
•   Where suitable, we have arranged a selection of optional experiences throughout your tour to provide additional sightseeing and enhance your insight into the local culture.
•   All optional experiences are available and payable locally through your guide.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Please be aware this comprehensive tour involves a number of early starts, considerable travel and changes in food, climate and altitude.

NB
•   Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour, unless travelling on a private tour.
•   Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
•   Please note that local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of tour itineraries.
•   Vegetarian diets cannot be adequately provided for throughout China.
•   China celebrates The National Week Holiday around National Day (Oct01) and domestic travel increases dramatically so transport availability is limited. Many markets, shops and restaurants close although hotels remain open.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO BEIJING
Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Beijing, arriving the next day.

DAY 2 - BEIJING
Upon arrival in the morning you will be taken to visit the Temple of Heaven and also get the chance to catch the locals performing t’ai chi in the park. In the afternoon transfer to the Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the day is free to relax or sightsee at your leisure.  A welcome Peking duck dinner is prepared in the evening.

DAY 3 - BEIJING
Visit Tian’anmen Square and the enchanting Imperial palaces of the Forbidden City. After lunch visit the classical gardens of the Summer Palace, the seasonal retreat for the Qing Emperors (boat ride included April to October). An optional evening tour of the ancient ‘Hutong’ district of Beijing by rickshaw is available, returning also to Tian’anmen Square to see it brilliantly illuminated at night. Your final day in and around Beijing is spent at the breathtaking Great Wall of China at the less crowded Mutianyu section. Take a cable car journey to the top and enjoy a memorable walk along the fortified remains which offer amazing vistas. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 5 - BEIJING TO XI'AN
Fly to Xi'an and following a stroll around the bustling Muslim Quarter and the historic City Wall, transfer to the Garden Hotel for two nights and enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet dinner. The following morning explore the formidable Terracotta Warriors, an 8,000 strong army erected to protect the tomb of the first Qin Emperor. Return to Xi’an and visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Optional evening excursion to the Tang Dynasty show.

DAY 7 - XI'AN TO LIJIANG
Fly to Chengdu with Hainan Airlines and visit the endearing Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Although no actual handling is allowed, you will be able to observe the pandas at play close up in their simulated habitat. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the beautifully preserved Wenshu Monastery before your flight to Lijiang with Air China. On arrival transfer to the Wangfu Hotel for two nights. Begin the next day at the picturesque Black Dragon Pool before a visit to the Yak Meadow of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains, the southern-most glacier in the northern hemisphere. Descend to discover the Dongba Cultural Museum and decorative temples in Baisha before ending the day with a stroll around the charming Old Town of Lijiang and a colourful Naxi Orchestra performance in the evening.

DAY 9 - LIJIANG TO YANGTZE CRUISE
Fly to Chongqing and enjoy a tour of this modern port city. In the evening board the Century Sky for a magical river cruise. Relax over the next three days and absorb the magnificent views as you wind your way downstream along the Yangtze River through beautiful mountain countryside and dramatic gorges. Daily excursions and activities are also included.

DAY 12 - YANGTZE CRUISE TO SHANGHAI
Arrive in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival transfer to the Jianguo Hotel for three nights. The next day begins with a tour of the scenic Yu Gardens and historic Old Town. The afternoon is at leisure and there is an optional dinner and acrobatic show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre available in the evening. The following day is at leisure.

DAY 15 - SHANGHAI TO GUILIN
Awake refreshed for your early morning flight to Guilin. Discover the natural beauty that surrounds this picturesque town and visit Elephant Trunk Hill which lies at the junction of Li River and Peach Blossom River and resembles an elephant drinking water. In the evening witness the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing on an optional tour. Spend two nights at the Guilin Bravo Hotel.

DAY 16 - GUILIN
Start the day with a relaxing cruise through the stunning scenery of dramatic limestone karsts that frame the River Li to the scenic town of Yangshuo, where further exploration of its picturesque rice fields follows. Return to Guilin in the evening.

DAY 17 - GUILIN TO GUANGZHOU
Depart Guilin and fly to Guangzhou. Transfer to the Mandarin Hotel for one night. Afternoon visit to Chen Clan Temple which features ornate carvings and is a fine example of Lingnan architecture. You will then visit the Nanyue King Museum which features the king's mausoleum and a number of exquisite artifacts including Zhao Mo's jade burial suit, gold seals and silver trinkets. After lunch continue to the beautiful and tranquil Yuexiu Park which features seven hills, three lakes and the famous Sculpture of the Five Rams which is the symbol of Guangzhou.

DAY 18 - GUANGZHOU TO LONDON
Transfer to the pier and travel by speedboat to the former British colony of Hong Kong to connect with your British Airways flight to Heathrow, or alternatively extend your stay in Hong Kong (please contact us for details).

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS
HONG KONG
Combining modern living with ancient traditions, the vibrant city of Hong Kong is the perfect complement to a tour of China.
DAY 18 - GUANGZHOU TO HONG KONG
Transfer to the Park Lane hotel for three nights in a Superior park and harbour view room.
DAY 21 - HONG KONG TO LONDON
Transfer for your late evening British Airways flight to Heathrow, arriving early the following morning.

SANYA
The white sand beaches of Sanya provide the perfect relaxation opportunity after your exciting tour.
DAY 18 - GUANGZHOU TO SANYA
China Southern Airlines flight to Sanya for four nights at the Holiday Inn Sanya Bay in a Deluxe mountainview room.
DAY 22 - SANYA TO LONDON
Short transfer to the airport for your Dragonair flight to Hong Kong connecting with your overnight British Airways flight to Heathrow.