2008
China Highlights - Classic Escorted Tour
A highly rewarding and immensely picturesque spectacular Kuoni Classic tour.
Our opinion
From the bustling cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, to the garden city of Suzhou, the ancient capital of Nanjing and the unique scenery of Guilin, this journey through China is an unforgettable experience.
Escorted
The services of a professional, experienced Tour Manager from London, throughout the tour and back to London again.
Itinerary
- Beijing: 3 nights
- Nanjing: 2 nights
- Suzhou: 2 nights
- Shanghai 2 nights
- Xian: 2 nights
- Guilin: 2 nights
- Hong Kong: 2 nights
Day 1 Thu London/Beijing
Meet your Tour Manager at Heathrow who will accompany you throughout China. Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Beijing.
Day 2 Fri Beijing
Arrive in China’s capital city and transfer to the Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel for a three night stay. Relax or explore Beijing on your own.
Day 3 Sat Beijing
Beijing is an amazing city combining the unique historical sights and ancient traditions of Imperial China with the legacy of Chairman Mao and the new 21st Century push for modernity. Today we concentrate on the heart of Beijing, beginning with Tian’anmen Square and Forbidden City before journeying further afield to the Summer Palace. This evening enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sun Beijing
One of the special highlights to any trip to China is an inspiring day tour to the mighty Great Wall at less crowded section at Mutianyu, where a cable car ride is included. Enjoy plenty of time to walk along its ramparts and absorb the breathtaking views. Optional evening visit to the Peking Opera. (B,L.)
Day 5 Mon Beijing/Nanjing
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven, China’s largest temple and altar complex. After lunch fly with Hainan Airlines to Nanjing, the former capital renowned for it’s attractive tree lined boulevards. Situated on the Yangtze River, Nanjing is a city with plenty to enjoy. Upon arrival transfer to the Grand Hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to discover this attractive city. (B,L).
Day 6 Tue Nanjing
Your full day of sightseeing includes the Mausoleum of China’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, set amidst the picturesque Purple Mountains. Also included are the Yangtze River Bridge, the Confucius Temple area and the Zhong Hua Gate and City Wall. (B,L).
Day 7 Wed Nanjing/Suzhou
Take the morning train to Suzhou. Transfer to the Bamboo Grove Hotel for two nights and later enjoy a tour of the classical Garden of the Master of Nets. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Thu Suzhou
Your full day tour of Suzhou includes a boat tour of its scenic canals and a guided walk of the Garden of the Humble Administrator, a world of bridges, ponds, plants and pavilions. Later enjoy a silk spinning workshop and Embroidery Institute. (B,L)
Day 9 Fri Suzhou/Shanghai
The morning is free for you to explore more of this enchanting town. After lunch transfer to Shanghai and the Jianguo hotel for two nights. In the afternoon journey back in time at Yu Garden and Shanghai’s Old Town. (B)
Day 10 Sat Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s most vibrant city with a long and colourful history. On your city tour, stroll along the historic Bund, cruise on the Huangpu river, and visit the Jade Bhudda Temple and Shanghai Museum. This evening enjoy dinner followed by an amazing acrobat show! (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sun Shanghai/Xi'an
The morning is free for you to explore more of this bustling city. After lunch transfer by Maglev Train to the airport then fly with Shanghai Airlines to Xi’an. Upon arrival transfer to the King Dynasty hotel for two nights. Known as the City Of Eternal Peace, Xi’an is perhaps better known for the recent archeological discovery of 8,000 terracotta warriors. In the evening enjoy a traditional dinner. (B,D)
Day 12 Mon Xi'an
An unforgettable full day tour including the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974, this army of life size soldiers was erected to protect the tomb of the first Qin Emperor. They are grouped in battle order, some on horseback and others armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Later visit the ancient city wall and the Wild Goose Pagoda. Optional evening experience to the Tang Dynasty show. (B,L)
Day 13 Tue Xi'an/Guilin
Enjoy breakfast and visit the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter and en route to the airport stop by the historic Han Yang Tombs which house thousands of miniature TerracottaWarriors and animals from 153BC. Fly with China Eastern Airlines to picturesque Guilin, home of China’s most famous landscapes and inspiration for many Chinese artists. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel Guilin Bravo for two nights. (B,L)
Day 14 Wed Guilin
A leisurely cruise along the River Li is another highlight, witnessing spectacular limestone rock formations and rural life along the river banks. The more energetic can climb to the top of one of the karsts for a fabulous view of the city. End the day with a Farewell Banquet at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Thu Guilin/Hong Kong
Morning at leisure. Later visit the Elephant Trunk Hill Park and Reed Flute Caves, beautifully illuminated to highlight their beguiling rock formations. In the late afternoon fly with China Southern Airlines to the former British colony of Hong Kong and transfer to the Excelsior hotel (SUP) for two nights (B,L.)
Day 16 Fri Hong Kong
Time for some optional sightseeing or explore this fascinating city on your own and indulge in some last minute shopping
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/London
Fly late evening with British Airways to Heathrow arriving early in the morning the next day.
Bali Extension
China Highlights: 15 nights
Bali: 5 nights
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/Bali
Cathay Pacific flight to Bali. Transfer to the Melia Bali (SUP), or a hotel of your choice at the appropriate supplement for five nights or more.
Day 18 Sun to Day 21 Wed Bali
Four days in which to relax on this beautiful island. If you have time you may extend your stay.
Day 22 Thu Bali/Hong Kong/London
Fly Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong arriving Heathrow early the next day.
Japan Extension
China Highlights: 15 nights
Tokyo: 2 nights
Kyoto: 3 nights
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/Tokyo
Cathay Pacific flight to Bali. Transfer to the Melia Bali (SUP), or a hotel of your choice at the appropriate supplement for five nights or more.
Day 19 Mon Tokyo/Kyoto
Transfer to the train station for your three hours journey by the superfast Bullet Train to the ancient capital of Kyoto for three nights. On arrival transfer to the New Miyako Hotel.
Day 20 Tue to Day 21 Wed Kyoto
A city of beauty and charm, make sure you see the great Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace or shop for traditional crafts or choose optional experiences including a city tour and Naro tour.
Day 22 Thu Kyoto/London
Transfer to Osaka for your Japan Airlines flight, arriving Heathrow later the same day.
Sanya Extension
China Highlights: 15 nights
Sanya: 5 nights
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/Sanya
Depart Hong Kong in the afternoon for your Dragonair flight to the southern tip of Hainan Island and China’s premier beach resort of Sanya.
Day 18 Sun to Day 21 Wed Sanya
Spend the next four days relaxing on the beach or by the pool at the Sanya Marriott Resort in a Deluxe Garden View room. (B).
Day 22 Thu Sanya/Hong Kong/London
Fly Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong arriving Heathrow early the next day.
Thai Beach Extension - Cha Am
China Highlights: 15 nights
Cha Am: 4 nights
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/Bangkok/Cha-Am
Cathay Pacific flight to Bali. Transfer to the Melia Bali (SUP), or a hotel of your choice at the appropriate supplement for five nights or more.
Day 18 Sun to Day 20 Tue Cha Am
Three days to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy delicious Thai cuisine.
Day 21 Wed Cha Am/Bangkok/London
Enjoy a further day of relaxation before transferring by road from Cha-Am to Bangkok to connect with your British Airways flight arriving Heathrow later the same day.
Thai Beach Extension - Hua Hin
China Highlights: 15 nights
Hua Hin: 4 nights
Day 17 Sat Hong Kong/Bangkok/Hua Hin
Cathay Pacific flight to Bali. Transfer to the Melia Bali (SUP), or a hotel of your choice at the appropriate supplement for five nights or more.
Day 18 Sun to Day 20 Tue Hua Hin
Three days to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy delicious Thai cuisine.
Day 21 Wed Hua Hin/Bangkok/London
Enjoy a further day of relaxation before transferring by road from Hua Hin to Bangkok to connect with your British Airways flight arriving Heathrow later the same day.
