China Highlights Tour
From £1,990 - 27 Days
Fully Inclusive from the UK
Departures available from 12 Jun - 19 Nov 2011
Flights are based from Heathrow with British Airways. Flights are also available from Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow with Emirates.
Hotel details
Days 1-3: UK - Shanghai
Fly to the exciting and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, where we will be met by our Tour Captain and enjoy a welcoming dinner. Explore the beautiful Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum and the fascinating Old Town. Explore the unique 1920’s style Shikumen buildings in the Xintiandi area.
Day 4: Suzhou
Drive to Suzhou, the ‘Venice of the East’ to visit two of its finest oriental gardens: the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden. Also enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal and visit a local Silk Mill.
Days 5-6: Hangzhou
Travel by coach to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China’s former imperial capitals.We visit the local markets and enjoy an oriental tea-tasting. Next, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Relax as we cruise on the West Lake.
Day 7: Wuzhen - Shanghai
Travel by coach to Wuzhen to mix with charismatic locals as we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the intricate system of canals, ancient pavilions and overhead bridges.
Days 8-9: Shanghai
Visit the famous Bund and shop along Nanjing Road. Say farewell to Shanghai with an evening cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River. The following morning explore the Pudong area before flying to Guilin.
Days 10-11: Li River Cruise - Yangshuo
Cruise the spectacular Li River. Relax and enjoy the views of stunning limestone columns that tower above the river, as we travel to the picturesque town of Yangshuo for the night. Return to Guilin visiting Mt Diecai en-route.
Days 12-13: Guilin - Kunming
Visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves before flying to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Sample the famous ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’. A full day tour of the picturesque Stone Forest, where vast surreal limestone columns reach upwards into the heavens.
Day 14: Kunming - Chongqing
Admire the Western Hills, known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’, resembling a woman’s prone body wrapping around the Dianchi Lake. Fly to Chongqing.
Day 15: Chongqing - Dazu
Enjoy a city tour of Erlin Park, the People’s Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. Drive to Dazu, home to some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world; see the Beishan Frescoes.
Day 16: Dazu - Chengdu
Visit the Baodin Stone Carvings, before driving on to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.The area is renowned for its lush and dramatic landscapes as well as its cuisine. This evening enjoy a tasty Sichuan meal.
Day 17: Chengdu - Leshan
Today we visit the remarkable Grand Buddha at Leshan, the world’s largest stonecarved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river and admire the head from the clifftop.
Days 18-19: Chengdu
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see them being reared in spectacular wooded surroundings. A city tour of Chengdu is followed by an overnight sleeper train to Xian.
Days 20-22: Xian
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by a traditional Shui Jiao dinner. The next day admire the world famous life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to the ancient city wall. Other attractions include the renowned Shaanxi Museum and the lively Muslim Quarter where we explore the Great Mosque and the Islamic food markets before our overnight sleeper train to Beijing.
Days 23-26: Beijing
Visit the majestic Forbidden City, before enjoying local ‘Peking Duck’ for dinner. Walk along the Great Wall, marvel at the unique Temple of Heaven, and the exquisite Summer Palace.
Day 27: Beijing - UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.
Offer details
Staying from 12 Jun 2010 for 25 nights
Departing from London airport, arriving at Shanghai
