China Insight(Trip #59897)

Tour Overview

Beginning in bustling Hong Kong, we fly to Guilin and cruise the Li river to Yangshuo, through the heart of some of China’s most stunning scenery. Travelling to Chongqing we board our air-conditioned cruise boat and sail along the Yangtse River passing through the scenic Three Gorges section. We continue to vibrant Shanghai and onto Xi’an - home of the Terracotta Warriors. Finishing in Beijing, we stay in the city centre to explore its wealth of historic sites and also journey out to walk along the unforgettable Great Wall.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, HONG KONG
Arrival day.

Day 2, HONG KONG - GUILIN
We transfer to the most suitable airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take an evening stroll along the riverfront. (B)

Day 3, LI RIVER CRUISE - YANGSHUO
Cruise down the Li River through amazing landscapes to Yangshuo. In the afternoon we have a Chinese lesson to learn the basics of this fascinating language. (BL)

Day 4, YANGSHUO
A free day to explore on foot or by bike. Pass through beautiful rural scenes with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. (B)

Day 5, YANGSHUO - YANGTSE CRUISE
Return to Guilin and fly to Chongqing. Board our cruise boat. (B)

Days 6-7, YANGTSE CRUISE
Cruise the Yangtse in airconditioned comfort. Daily excursions. (BLD)

Day 8, YICHANG – SHANGHAI
Disembark and visit the impressive dam site. Transfer to Wuhan for the flight to Shanghai. (BL)

Day 9, SHANGHAI
A full free day to explore this vibrant city. In the evening we visit the spectacular Shanghai acrobats. (B)

Day 10, SHANGHAI - XI’AN
A tour to the Bund and some of Shanghai’s other famous sites. Overnight train to the walled city of Xi’an. (BL)

Day 11, XI’AN
A full day to discover the many fascinating sights of Xi’an. Perhaps visit the Muslim quarter, history museum or one of the many temples.

Day 12, XI’AN – BEIJING
Guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Overnight express train to Beijing. (B)

Day 13, BEIJING
Arrive in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. This evening you can visit the colourful Beijing Opera. (LD)

Day 14, BEIJING - GREAT WALL
A day at the Great Wall with the option to hike for 3-5 hours along one of the less visited sections. (B)

Day 15, BEIJING
Tour ends. (B)

Departure Dates

02/03/2008
27/04/2008
25/05/2008
22/06/2008
20/07/2008
17/08/2008
31/08/2008
14/09/2008
12/10/2008

Prices

Date: Base Price
02/03/2008: £1320
27/04/2008: £1320
25/05/2008: £1320
22/06/2008: £1320
20/07/2008: £1320
17/08/2008: £1320
31/08/2008: £1320
14/09/2008: £1320
12/10/2008: £1320

Local Payment: 440 USD

Inclusions
Activities: Optional hike along the Great Wall, extensive walking at sites, optional cycling in Yangshuo
Accommodation: 9 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights soft sleeper train, 3 nights private cabins on Yangtse cruise boat
Transport: Plane, ferry, private coach, sleeper train (soft class), boat on the Li River, air-conditioned cruise boat, taxi
Flights: Pearl River Delta to Guilin, Guilin to Chongqing and Xi’an to Shanghai
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Single Supplement: The single supplement option for this tour includes a single cabin on the Yangtse River cruise boat

Exclusions
Airport Transfer: Not included