Description
The Tour
15 days/14 nights - exclusive to Virgin Holidays, the Splendours of China is our most popular escorted tour. Enjoy the historic cities of Shanghai, Beijing and the Great Wall of China before flying to Xian, China's ancient capital with its walled city, mosque, Terracotta Warriors and Neolithic Village. Enjoy an overnight stay in Chengdu to visit the panda breeding centre, then on to charming Guilin and bustling Hong Kong.
Day 1: London - Shanghai
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2: Shanghai
On arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to the Holiday Inn Vista for the next 2 nights. This afternoon is at leisure. (D)
Day 3: Shanghai
The day begins with a visit to the lovely Yu Gardens and the Old Town, followed by a stop at the Shanghai Museum to view 5,000 years of Chinese culture. This afternoon, a cruise along the waterfront Bund on the Huangpu River is included. You will also have some free time at Xintiandi, Shanghai's newest landmark. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Shanghai - Suzhou
This morning, take a short train journey to the beautiful canal town of Suzhou, the quintessential Chinese city. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to retrace the 2,500 years of history that the city has enjoyed. Your base for the next 2 nights will be the Bamboo Grove Hotel. This afternoon, visit the Garden of Humble Administration, the silk-spinning factory and Tiger Hill. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Suzhou
This morning, take a 2-hour rickshaw tour of the city, stopping at the bustling local market and Suzhou Park. This afternoon, enjoy a cup of tea in the quiet Couple's Retreat Garden, with the accompaniment of ping-tan (a local musical form). Afterwards, you will have a short cruise on the Grand Canal and a walk on Old Street. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Suzhou - Beijing
Transfer by road to Shanghai airport for your short flight to Beijing. On arrival in China's capital, visit the famous Temple of Heaven before checking in to the Holiday Inn Downtown for the next 3 nights. This evening, visit the Peking Opera. (B/D)
Day 7: Beijing
Today, enjoy a full-day tour of the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, built over 500 years ago. (B/L)
Day 8: Beijing
Today you will embark upon a full-day tour of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. This evening, dinner is a Peking duck banquet in the original duck restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Beijing - Xian
This morning, enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xian, China's ancient capital. Upon arrival, visit the Grand Mosque, before checking in at the Grand New World Hotel for 2 nights. (B/D)
Day 10: Xian
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors today, followed by the dramatic Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L)
Day 11: Xian - chengdu
En route to Xian airport, visit the Yangling tomb of the Hang dynasty, dating back 2,000 years. In the early afternoon, fly to Chengdu and visit the amazing Dujiangyan, the oldest irrigation system in the world. Dinner tonight is a local Sihuan meal and your overnight accommodation is at the Minshan Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 12: chengdu - Guilin
In the morning, visit the Panda Breeding Centre to watch these endangered creatures feeding and playing, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a charming town on the Li River. You will have some free time to walk around Banyan Lake. Check in to the Hotel Bravo for your 2-night stay. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Guilin
Today, enjoy a memorable cruise along the Li River which winds through magical 'willow pattern' scenery, ending in the town of Yangshuo where you have an hour to explore, before returning to Guilin. Tonight, enjoy dinner together with the group. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Guilin - Hong Kong
Enjoy a half-day tour to an ancient local village just outside of Guilin, before a visit to Reed Flute Cave. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong and on arrival, check in to the Harbour Plaza Metropolis for the next 2 nights. Breakfast and lunch are included today, however your Hong Kong stay will be on a room-only basis. (B/L)
Day 15: Hong Kong
Explore this vibrant city at your own pace. See our wide range of pre-bookable excursions, including a Hong Kong Island tour, harbour cruise and full-day tours to Macau, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. Be sure to take a trip across the harbour on the famous Star Ferry, and for the best views of Hong Kong, take the tram up to Victoria Peak. (RO)
Day 16: Hong Kong - London
Take the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping and sightseeing before transferring to the airport this evening for your overnight Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow. (RO)
Thai Beach Extension
Day 16: Hong Kong - Cha Am
Fly from Hong Kong to Bangkok with Thai Airways International. On arrival, transfer by road to Cha Am (approx 2 hours 30 min) for your 5-night stay at the Holiday Inn Regent Beach Cha Am (page 189), on a room-only basis.
Days 17-20: Cha Am
Time to relax on the beautiful beach at Cha Am, or perhaps do a spot of sightseeing. See our range of pre-bookable excursions including a half-Day tour to Petchaburi Summer Palace or a full-day tour to Sam Roi Yod National Park and the stunning Pa-La-U Waterfall.
Day 21: Cha Am - London
Transfer by road back to Bangkok airport (approx 2 hours 30 min) for your overnight Thai Airways International flight to London Heathrow.
Tour Notes
- Tour operates with a minimum of 8 people.
- China domestic flights from Suzhou to Beijing, Beijing to Xian, Xian to Chengdu and Guilin to Hong Kong are ticketed and provided locally.
- Accommodation may be substituted to that of a similar standard.
2008 departure dates (from the UK)
04, 18, 25 Jan; 01, 08, 15, 29 Feb; 07, 14, 21, 28 Mar; 04, 11, 18, 25 Apr; 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 May; 06, 20 Jun; 04, 11, 18 Jul; 29 Aug; 05, 12, 19, 26 Sep; 03, 10, 17, 24 Oct; 07, 21 Nov; 05, 19 Dec.
2009 departure dates (from the UK)
09, 23 Jan; 06, 13, 20, 27 Feb; 06, 13, 20, 27 Mar.