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China Explorer

Available Dates

Traveling Between Departure Days Adult Price Child Price Infant Price
07/04/2019 - 06/10/2019 Sunday € 3,890.00 -- --

What's Included

  •  International flights and current taxes
  •  Domestic transportation
  •  Accommodation
  •  Meals as stated
  •  Touring with guides and entrance fees
  •  Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

More Information

Pairing the classical sights with a Yangtze cruise, visits to the atmospheric ancient towns and a hike on the Great Wall as it weaves on undulating alien landscapes; this itinerary will bring you closer to the authentic charm of China.
 
Tour Highlights:
  • Climb up Longevity Hill in the Summer Palace for stunning vistas over Kunming Lake
  • Hike the winding Great Wall fortifications of Jinshanling
  • Discover quaint charm in Pingle Ancient Town
  • Come face to face with the lovable Giant Panda 
  • Cruise the mighty Yangtze River
  • Do as the Shanghai locals with a taste tour of the city's best breakfast cuisine

 

ITINERARY
 
Days 1-2: Fly to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
 
Day 3: Forbidden City and Summer Palace Walk
Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Walking through this ornately designed complex offers an unsurpassed insight into China's colourful past. Continue to the idyllic Summer Palace and explore the magnificent grounds, before taking a short hike up Longevity Hill to enjoy panoramic views. (B,L,D)
 
Day 4: Beijing's Hutongs
Arrive early for a visit to the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with tai chi, dancing and card playing in a flurry of sociable activity you would never see in a park at home. Next, explore the Hutongs. Visit Yandaixiejie Hutong where you will have lunch with a local family. Drive to Gubei Watertown and ascend Simatai Great Wall by cable car for spectacular views. (B,L,D)
 
Day 5: Hike the Great Wall
Rise early to catch an unforgettable sunrise over the Great Wall. Jinshanling is much less frequented by tourists than other parts of the Wall. The stark, yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible structure hundreds of years ago. Your trek will last approximately 4-5 hours as the wall improbably courses through dramatic landscapes and rugged terrain. Later, head back to Beijing, where you'll have free time. Buzzing Sanlitun or lakeside Houhai are a great choice for the evening. (B,L)
 
Day 6: Cycling in Xian
Fly to Xian and enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Sample the delicious, freshly cooked snacks and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Take in an optional fountain and light show and be dazzled by the city at night. (B,L,D)
 
Day 7: Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter walking tour
Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China's first Emperor in the afterlife. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition.Return to Xian, which is used as a city thoroughfare. You’ll enjoy a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the wall and past many smiling locals, giving you a unique perspective of Chinese urban life. This evening is at leisure. (B,L)
 
Day 8: Pingle Ancient Town
Fly to Chengdu and drive to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouselined streets before walking through Jinji's dense bamboo forest, then see the forest and gorge from above by crossing Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Continue to Chengdu. (B,L,D)
 
Day 9: Dujiangyan Pandas
Visit one of the world’s finest panda conservation centres where you’ll gain a real insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. The pandas here are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later, ascend Mt Qingcheng, the most sacred Taoist mountain in China, by cable car. It is a truly beautiful area with numerous lush, green peaks and secluded temples. Take a stroll among the mystic scenery of Yuecheng Lake. (B,L,D)
 
Day 10: Ancient Ciqikou
Jump on the bullet train to Chongqing. Visit the charming old town of Ciqikou - there's time to wander the cobbled alleyways and learn about its colourful history., Later board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next three nights. (B,D)
 
Day 11 - 12 Yangtze River Cruise
During your Yangtze cruise, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take fascinating side trips to Shibaozhai or the Ghost City of Fengdu and Goddess or Shennong Stream. This is a chance to absorb extraordinary countryside and get a glimpse of life on the river banks. (B,L,D)
 
Day 13 Three Gorges Dam
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, then fly to Shanghai. On arrival the evening is at leisure to begin exploring this neon wonder. (B,L)
 
Day 14: Shanghainese Shanghai
Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai, and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Walk through the city's most fascinating districts, marvelling at monuments and rickety buildings before enjoying breakfast as the locals do - sample pancakes, fried bread sticks and tofu. Visit the Yu Yuan Gardens, the Old Town and the Silk Museum before taking an evening stroll along the Bund and a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Your final farewell to China will be a cruise down the huangpu River, serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong. (B,L,D)
 
Day 15: Fly Shanghai to Ireland
Fly to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
 
Price quoted is based on travelling on 07th April 2019 - 6th October 2019.

 

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