Description
The Tour
9 days/8 nights - this is essential China. Enjoy the modern metropolis of Shanghai, the cultural capital city of Beijing and the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xian. See our optional extensions to the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong and the panda breeding centre at Chengdu.
Day 1: London - Shanghai
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2: Shanghai
On arrival into Shanghai, you will be transferred to the Holiday Inn Vista for the next 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore China's most vibrant city. Along the Huangpu River find modern Shanghai - designer boutiques, trendy restaurants and bars, and modern skyscrapers of a booming economic world. Explore the French area with its delis and boutiques, plus the bars and restaurants of the Bund. Known by some as the 'Wall Street of the East', this 1-mile stretch of waterfront is where Renaissance and Gothic architecture combine. Move into the western part of the city, however, and discover 'old' Shanghai - where traditional ways live on. (RO)
Day 3: Shanghai
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day private city tour to ensure you make the most of your stay in this modern metropolis. Sights include the Yu Garden, an oasis of peace in the heart of the bustling city, and the wonderful 19th-century Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai's most renowned temple, built around the white jade Buddha which was imported from Burma in the 19th Century. (B/L)
Day 4: Shanghai - Beijing
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai airport for your flight to Beijing. On arrival, transfer to the Novotel Xinqiao for the next 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore. (B)
Day 5: Beijing
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China and the Tombs of the Ming Emperors. It will take approx 2 hours to reach The Great Wall, where you can enjoy a memorable walk along a section of one of mankind's most incredible creations covering an incredible 6,500 km. (B/L)
Day 6: Beijing
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the stunning Summer Palace, the seasonal retreat of the Qing emporers, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City, once off limits to all but the Ming and Qing dynasty emporers. (B/L)
Day 7: Beijing - Xian
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival, transfer to the Grand New World Hotel for the next 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this ancient city. (B)
Day 8: Xian
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Xian is the cradle of Chinese civilisation and retains many relics of its rich and colourful past. The Terracotta Warriors are sure to be a highlight of your day. (B/L)
Day 9: Xian - Shanghai
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Xian airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to the Holiday Inn Vista for 1 more night. (B)
Day 10: Shanghai - London
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai airport for your flight back to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. (B)
Tour Notes
- Domestic flight tickets will be provided locally on arrival in Shanghai.
- Tour departs on fixed departure dates.
- Accommodation, flights, transfers, excursions and meals as specified in itinerary.
- Featured hotels may be substituted for those of a similar standard where necessary.
- Visa is not included.
Chengdu Pandas Extension
Follow the 'A Taste of China' itinerary for days 1-8.
Day 9: Xian - Chengdu
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Xian airport for your flight to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to the Minshan Hotel or Tibet Hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 10: Chengdu - Shanghai
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the panda breeding centre to watch these endangered creatures feeding and playing. You will have time to explore Jinli Cultural Street before transferring back to Chengdu airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to the Holiday Inn Vista for your overnight stay. (B/L)
Day 11: Shanghai - London
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai airport for your flight back to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. (B)
Hong Kong Extension
Follow the 'A Taste of China' itinerary for days 1-8.
Day 9: Xian - Hong Kong
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Xian airport for your flight to Hong Kong. On arrival, transfer to the Harbour Plaza Metropolis for the next 3 nights, on a room-only basis. (B)
Days 10-11: Hong Kong at leisure
Enjoy 2 full days at leisure in one of the best cities in the world! Perhaps take a ride on the Star Ferry, enjoy dim sum at a local restaurant or take the tram to Victoria Peak for fabulous panoramic views of Hong Kong harbour! For our full range of pre-bookable full-day and half-day excursions, please see page 261. (RO)
Day 12: Hong Kong - London
Transfer to Hong Kong airport for your overnight flight to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. (RO)
Chengdu Pandas and Hong Kong extension
Follow the 'A Taste of China' itinerary for days 1-8.
Day 9: Xian - Chengdu
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Xian airport for your flight to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to the Minshan Hotel or Tibet Hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 10: Chengdu - Hong Kong
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the panda breeding centre to watch these endangered creatures feeding and playing. You will have time to explore Jinli Cultural Street before transferring back to Chengdu airport for your flight to Hong Kong. On arrival, transfer to the Harbour Plaza Metropolis for the next 2 nights, room only. (B)
Day 11: Hong Kong at leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Perhaps you may wish to pre-book one of our half-day or full-day excursions? (RO)
Day 12: Hong Kong - London
Transfer to Hong Kong airport for your overnight flight to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. (RO)
2008/09 departure dates (from the UK)
2008: 04, 11, 18, 25 Jan; 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 Feb; 07, 14, 21, 28 Mar; 04, 11, 18, 25 Apr; 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 May; 06, 13, 20, 27 Jun; 04, 11, 18, 25 Jul; 05, 12, 19, 26 Sep; 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Oct; 07, 14, 21, 28 Nov; 05, 12, 19 Dec.
2009: 09, 23 Jan; 06, 13, 20, 27 Feb; 06, 13, 20, 27 Mar; 03, 10, 17, 24 Apr.