2008
China Experience - Classic Escorted Tour
An exciting tour of China visiting all the main attractions of this fascinating country. Experience China’s scenic, historical and cultural sites including the capital of Beijing, the Terracotta Army, picturesque Chengde and exciting Shanghai.
Our opinion
A great introduction to China, ideal for the first time visitor. A less demanding itinerary than our longer featured tours.
Escorted
The services of a professional, experienced Tour Manager from London, throughout the tour and back to London again.
Itinerary
- Beijing: 3 nights
- Chengde: 2 nights
- Xian: 2 nights
- Shanghai: 2 nights
Day 1 Fri London/Beijing
Meet your Tour Manager at Heathrow who will accompany you throughout China. Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Beijing.
Day 2 Sat Beijing
Arrive in China’s capital city where you will be met by your tour guide and transfer to the central Novotel Xin Qiao hotel for a three night stay. Relax or explore Beijing at leisure.
Day 3 Sun Beijing
Beijing is an amazing city and today we concentrate on its heart beginning with Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City before journeying further afield to the Summer Palace. In the evening enjoy a special Peking Duck Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Mon Beijing
A leisurely day begins with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven, China’s largest temple and altar complex, often revered as the most perfect example of Ming architecture. The rest of the day is free for you to return to favourite attractions, shop for bargains or enjoy a range of optional activities available locally, for example a rickshaw ride through the traditional 'hutong district' (B).
Day 5 Tue Beijing/Chengde
One of the highlights of any trip to China is an inspiring visit to the mighty Great Wall at the less crowded section at Mutianyu. Enjoy plenty of time to walk its ramparts and absorb the breathtaking views before continuing your journey through stunning mountain scenery to Chengde, the summer retreat of the Manchu Emperors. Upon arrival transfer to the Yunshan hotel for two nights. (B,L)
Day 6 Wed Chengde
A busy but rewarding full day sightseeing includes the majestic Summer Mountain Resort, Temple of the Wooden Buddha and Putuozongcheng Temple, a dramatic replica of the Potala Palace in Tibet. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Thu Chengde/Beijing/Xi'an
Return to Beijing to connect with your flight with Air China to the ancient capital of Xi’an. Upon arrival transfer to the Garden Hotel for two nights. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening enjoy a traditional dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 Fri Xi'an
An unforgettable full day tour including the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, ancient city wall, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter and Wild Goose Pagoda. Optional evening experience to the Tang Dynasty show. (B,L)
Day 9 Sat Xi'an/Shanghai
Enjoy breakfast and visit the historic Han Yang Tombs before flying onto Shanghai with Shanghai Airlines. Transfer by Maglev train to the Jianguo hotel for two nights. Relax or explore Shanghai on your own. (B)
Day 10 Sun Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s most vibrant city with a long and colourful history. On your city tour, stroll along the Bund, cruise on the Huangpu river, discover the Yu Garden and Old Town and visit the historical Shanghai Museum. This evening enjoy a Farewell Banquet followed by an amazing acrobat show! (B,L,D)
Day 11 Mon Shanghai/London
Fly British Airways to Heathrow arriving later the same day. (B)
Hong Kong Extension
China Experience: 9 nights
Hong Kong: 3 nights
Day 11 Mon Shanghai/Hong Kong
Fly Dragonair in the morning to Hong Kong and transfer to the Park Lane (SUP), for three nights or more. (B)
Day 12 Tue to Day 13 Wed Hong Kong
Time to relax after your tour and enjoy the sights and shopping of Hong Kong. Optional sightseeing tours available locally
Day 14 Thu Hong Kong/London
Late evening British Airways flight to Heathrow, arriving early the following morning.
Sanya Extension
China Experience: 9 nights
Sanya: 5 nights
Day 11 Mon Shanghai/Sanya
Fly Dragonair in the morning to Hong Kong and transfer to the Park Lane (SUP), for three nights or more. (B)
Day 12 Tue to Day 15 Fri Sanya
Spend the next few days relaxing on the beach or by the pool at the Sanya Marriott Resort in a Deluxe Mountain room (B).
Day 16 Sat Sanya/Hong Kong/London
Depart Sanya early evening on your Dragonair flight to Hong Kong and onwards with British Airways to Heathrow arriving early the following morning. (B)
