| |
|
|
China Encompassed
25 Days/24 Nights - Gateway: Beijing
£2895pp (valid 3 Mar – 4 Dec 08)
Grade: Moderate to Adventurous
Deluxe upgrade available
|
|
|
| This exciting journey combines some of China’s most famous sights with forays into more remote and beautiful regions – from the contrasting cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the awesome Great Wall to the ancient history of Xian’s Terracotta Warriors, Longsheng’s impressive rice terraces and more. Experience China’s immense history, culture and geographic diversity on a truly memorable journey. |
Day 1-4: Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and explore her fascinating backstreets by rickshaw, where you will get to meet a local family for lunch in their home and see an age-old ritual at the Drum Tower. A picnic at the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a wander through the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and a view of the 2008 Olympic Games sites are sure to fascinate.
Stay 3 nights at the Novotel Xinqiao plus overnight train to Xian |
Day 5-6: Xian & Nanjing
The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory, but you will also make memories in the colourful Muslim Quarter and pagodas, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and see the Big Goose Pagoda, as well as Calligraphy Street.
Stay 2 nights at the Bell Tower |
Day 7-9: Hangzhou & Tunxi
Enjoy your cruise on the famed West Lake, visit ancient Buddhist rock carvings, traditional temples and local tea plantations. This lovely part of China is a world away from the bustle of Beijing; enjoy some free time to luxuriate in your peaceful surrounds and to explore the quiet backstreets.
Stay 1 night at Xinqiao and 2 nights at the Huang Shan International Hotel |
Day 10-11: Yellow Mountain
A cable car brings you Huang Shan, or Yellow Mountain. Hike around the summit of China’s most beautiful peak and encounter the rock formations and dense forests that make Huang Shan so enchanting. Come across aptly-named vistas such as ‘Cloud Dispelling Pavilion,’ ‘Grand Canyon,’ and ‘Refreshing Terrace on Lion’s Peak.’
Stay 2 nights at the Xihai Hotel |
Day 12-13: Shanghai & Zhujiajiao
In Shanghai experience the regal Bund on a walking tour, as well as ultra-modern Pudong. The Old Quarter has thankfully been preserved and offers you a glimpse into the China of old. Prepare to be amazed by an acrobatics performance, and relax into a day-trip to the canal town of Zhujiajiao.
Stay 2 nights at the Pacific Hotel |
Day 14-15: Guilin & Longsheng
In Guilin you will take in the beautiful limestone mountains set on the banks of the Li River, an inspiration to poets and painters for centuries. This is only the beginning; a relaxing foot massage at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute is a great warm-up for an evening walking tour through Central Square and to the Night Market.
Stay 2 nights at the Universal |
Day 16-17: Yangshuo
Cruise the picturesque Li River. You can cycle through Yangshuo’s verdant rice paddies and absorb this quaint town’s atmosphere and culture as well. You will have plenty of free time to soak up your surrounds. Enjoy a Tai Chi lesson with a local master to get an understanding of this centuries-old tradition.
Stay 2 nights at the Paradesa |
Day 18-19: Kunming & Dali
Fly to Kunming and continue on to Dali, an ancient town near Erhai Lake. Visit Xizhou Village and Market, learn about the regional history at Yen’s Family Home, walk through Dali Old Town and explore the Three Pagodas. A scenic chair lift affords magnificent views.
Stay 1 night at the Golden Dragon and 1 night at the Asian Star |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 20-21: Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang where you will discover an enchanting town of winding cobbled streets. Nearby rural villages will give you insight into the China of old; Baisha Village, Liuli Dian Temple and a visit to Dr Ho are not to be missed. Yufeng Monastery, the Museum of Naxi Culture and the home of Joseph Rock all provide a glimpse into the colourful history of Lijiang and surrounds.
Stay 2 nights at the Grand Lijiang |
Day 22-23: Zhongdian
Be inspired by Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Yangtze River has carved one of the world’s deepest chasms, and stay in Zhongdian, a town on the Tibetan frontier. In Zhongdian you can enjoy a walk through a Tibetan village and the Old Town to see an enormous (and beautiful) prayer wheel. Napa Lake is a nearby gem, as is Songzanlin Monastery, and when you share a mug of yak butter tea with a Tibetan family you will gain a unique understanding of the daily life in this remote part of China.
Stay 2 nights at the Gyalthang Dzong |
Day 24-25: Kunming
Return to Kunming to explore the city’s fascinating ethnic minority museum and peaceful Green Lake. Spend your free time exploring Yunnan’s capital, perhaps at the Flower & Bird Market, cycling the backstreets or doing some last-minute shopping. Depart on day 25.
Stay 1 night at the Golden Dragon Hotel |
|
24 night tour includes all breakfasts, three lunches, a ll road transport by modern air-conditioned vehicles, flights within China, overnight train, day train, Shanghai Chinese Quarter walking tour, cycling trip, English speaking guide and transfers if arriving and departing on day of tour. Entrance fees of approx. US170 to pay locally. An above average level of fitness is required. Price based on twin share (excluding flights). |
|
|
|
|
|
