^{The Very Best of}China

Day 1 Sunday

We gather at London Heathrow, Terminal 2, for the normal check-in formalities. Regional departures are available from some United Kingdom airports for a small supplement - details available upon request. Flight LH 4727 departs Heathrow for Frankfurt at 11.45, arriving at 15.10. Our direct flight, LH 720, from Frankfurt to Beijing departs at 17.25 hours. Shortly after take-off dinner will be served. Drinks throughout your flight are served with the compliments of Lufthansa.
(Meals: Dinner).

Day 2 Monday, Beijing - 4 nights

Breakfast is served prior to our arrival into Beijing at 08.30 local time. After customs clearance our coach will transfer us to the deluxe Beijing Intercontinental conveniently situated within minutes of the city’s cultural attractions. Your day has been left at leisure until early evening when, prior to dinner, we gather for drinks so we may become better acquainted for our forthcoming travels together.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 3 Tuesday

After breakfast we shall take a full day tour to explore this city in motion. Walk into Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and imagine the great historic events of the 20th century that took place here. The memory of Mao Tse-Tung dominates the square as his enormous portrait hangs above the ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’. Behind these walls the Forbidden City looms. Step inside the immense gates and tour the palace where China’s emperors ruled in total isolation. Later, enjoy lunch inside the authentic ‘Temple of Earth’. This afternoon we visit the ‘Temple of Heaven’ built in the 15th century and a sacred site of ancient Beijing. The round design of the halls, with their wonderful dark blue tiles, are symbolic of the heavens. This evening enjoy a fabulous Peking duck dinner in one of Beijing’s downtown restaurants.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 4 Wednesday

Following a leisurely start, this morning our journeys take us outside the city limits to the 18th century Summer Palace, once the summer retreat for emperors of the Forbidden City, today renowned as the most picturesque imperial park in China. Stroll amidst graceful pavilions and gardens before boarding a lakeside cruise on Kunming Lake promising magical views of the hills, bridges and pagodas that grace the palace grounds. Return to your hotel at midday where the rest of your day is at leisure to spend as you please.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 5 Thursday

Today we visit the Sacred Way and the Ming Tombs built between 1409 and 1644 where 13 Ming Dynasty tombs are located in this 40 sq km necropolis. We continue on to the Great Wall, one of the most remarkable feats of mankind, and after lunch we have the opportunity to walk along a stretch of the Wall admiring splendid mountainous scenery. Return to your hotel late afternoon where your evening is at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 6 Friday, Xi'an - 2 nights

This morning, prior to our midday flight, why not take a stroll outside our hotel. It’s fascinating! Hundreds of bicycles weave along the busy main road while food vendors serve street side breakfasts to a population ‘on the go’. Flight to Xi’an is scheduled to depart at 11.50, and our arrival into Xi’an for 13.40. Upon arrival we transfer to the deluxe Shangri-La Golden Flower located just minutes from the heart of Xi’an’s bustling city centre, where the rest of your day is left free.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 7 Saturday

Today will undoubtedly be one of your tour’s many highlights. First we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda situated within its own peaceful gardens dating from the early 7th century and where locals practice their daily Tai Chi. After a brief stop at the City Wall we continue on to see one of the world’s most incredible sights, the ‘Terracotta Warriors’. In 1974, while digging a well, farmers stumbled upon the 3rd century B.C. burial grounds of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. Since then, an archeological dig has uncovered an army of more than 8,000 life-size terracotta statues, each with distinctive physical features. These soldiers have been guarding their emperor’s tomb for over 2000 years. Enjoy a brief film before a guided tour of the various pits. This evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner and performance at the Tang Dynasty Dinner show.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8 Sunday - Yangtze River, 3 nights

Your morning is free to spend as you please. Perhaps visit the nearby historical museum or take a stroll around the shops prior to our transfer to the airport. Our flight to Chongqing is scheduled to depart at 13.10 hours. Upon arrival we will enjoy dinner at the Marriott Hotel situated close to the quayside, prior to boarding the M/V East King. Our cruise ship sets sail at 11o’clock for our three night downstream Yangtze cruise.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 9 Monday

This morning, awake to the beauty of China’s longest river through your large picture window. After breakfast simply relax and savour the views on the Sun Deck, alternatively enjoy a choice of onboard activities. Our afternoon shore excursion takes us to Shibaozhai. Here we will have an opportunity to climb the red wood pavilion built against a protruding 220 metre rectangular rock, with sheer cliffs on the north bank. This evening after dinner why not enjoy a drink in Valentino’s Lounge? (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 10 Tuesday

For thousands of years the Yangtze has served as the main highway into China’s interior. Today is undoubtedly another highlight of your tour, as you cruise through the river’s three gorges. The Qutang Gorge is the shortest but grandest, only 500 feet at its widest point. Sheer cliffs rise from the river, dwarfing the ship. Rich in history and legend we continue through Wu Gorge as the river twists and turns for the next 25 miles. Marvel at its twelve distinctive peaks frequently hidden in swirls of clouds and mist. Ancient carvings and inscriptions can be witnessed as evidence of the mythical characters and creatures which inhabited this landscape. Next we visit Shennong Stream, a small tributary of the Yangtze, boasting breathtaking gorges along its path; and travel upstream on wooden sampans pulled by skilled local men known as ‘trackers’. Once back on board we continue through Xiling, the longest of the Three Gorges, and past the Ship Locks of the Three Gorges Dam Project.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 11 Wednesday, Shanghai - 4 nights

Following a leisurely breakfast we disembark mid-morning in Yichang. After a short drive we arrive at the site of the main construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project where we take lunch and have the opportunity to witness one of the most amazing feats of mankind. Flight departs at 16.20 hours and is scheduled to arrive into Shanghai at 17.50 hours. Upon arrival, we transfer to the deluxe Radisson Plaza Xing Guo, located in the heart of Shanghai’s French Quarter set amongst several acres of manicured gardens.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 12 Thursday

Shanghai, once known as the ‘Paris of the East,’ is now a city with a population of over 13 million, and is rapidly becoming ‘the new Hong Kong’. This morning’s tour includes the Yuyuan Garden, which typifies the traditional Chinese sense of beauty and symbolism. Stroll through the streets of the old town before visiting the Jade Buddha Temple and the Bund. This evening we enjoy a daring and fascinating performance by the world renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 13 Friday

Today has been left completely free to spend as you please. Perhaps take a train journey to nearby Suzhou and visit the Garden of Master of Nets and Tiger Hill, or shop for bargains along Shanghai’s famous Nanjing Dong Road. Alternatively visit the superb Shanghai Museum.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 14 Saturday

Another day free to spend as you please in this fascinating cosmopolitan city.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15 Sunday, Guilin - 2 nights

A morning free prior to our departure to the airport. Flight to Guilin is scheduled to depart at 13.20 hours. Upon arrival we transfer to the first class Sheraton Guilin, superbly situated overlooking the Li River where deluxe river view rooms have been reserved for our group. Guilin is one of the most picturesque towns in southern China and it’s beautiful setting has inspired poets, artists and writers for many centuries. Following dinner this evening, why not explore the city’s night markets situated adjacent to our hotel? (Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments, Dinner).

Day 16 Monday

This morning we depart the hotel for a wonderful cruise along the Li River. Witness the quiet and tranquil village life along the shores in total contrast to the burgeoning cities of the north. Hundreds of limestone peaks jut skyward, creating a stunning backdrop for the sleepy Li River with its simple fishing boats that ply the waters as cormorants keep silent watch. After a buffet lunch on board we disembark at the village of Yangshuo and return to our hotel by coach via Elephant Trunk Hill. This evening, enjoy a banquet dinner with your fellow travellers in the hotel’s Chinese restaurant.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 17 Tuesday, Hong Kong - 4 nights

A morning free to enjoy this picturesque town at your leisure. Early afternoon we visit the spectacular Reed Flute Caves where magically lit stalagmites and stalactites create an extraordinary underground vista. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Hong Kong. Flight departs Guilin at 18.35 hours and upon arrival into Hong Kong we transfer to the deluxe Hotel Grand Stanford Inter-Continental situated overlooking the harbour on Kowloon. Harbour view rooms have been reserved for our group.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 18 Wednesday

This morning experience Hong Kong and its truly international flavour. Our morning tour begins with a ride on the funicular railway to Victoria Peak to take in the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and the islands of the South China Sea. Enjoy a Sampan boat ride around Aberdeen Harbour to take a closer look at this unique community of boat people who have lived afloat their entire lives. By contrast we see sophisticated Repulse Bay, and continue to Stanley Market for an opportunity for a little more ‘retail therapy’. We return to our hotel at lunchtime, and the rest of your day is free to spend as you please.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19 Thursday

A day left completely free. Perhaps venture off the beaten track with a visit to busy ‘Bird Street’ tucked away in a maze of shops and markets or cross the harbour on the famous Star Ferry.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 20 Friday

Another day at leisure in one of the world’s most incredible cities. Tonight you are invited to join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 21 Saturday

A morning transfer takes us back to Chep Lap Kok Airport in time to catch our Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt. Flight LH 739 departs at 13.30 and is scheduled to arrive into Frankfurt at 19.20. Our connecting flight, LH4744 to London departs at 21.40 and our arrival into Heathrow Terminal 2 is scheduled for 22.15. After clearing customs it is time to say farewell to our new found friends bringing our wonderful China adventure to an end. (Connecting flights to/from Frankfurt from limited regional airports can be arranged for a small supplement).
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Refreshments).