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12 Days Scenic China & The Yangtze

from £1504pp

This is an exciting and comprehensive tour encapsulating many of China’s key attractions, including a memorable cruise down the mighty Yangtze River. Your starting point is the busy capital of Beijing, before a visit to the incredible Terracotta Warriors in Xian. After your leisurely three night cruise, continue on to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai to view the futuristic development of new China.


		Day
		1

Arrive Beijing

On arrival in to Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fine city.
Accommodation: Novotel Xinqiao, Beijing.


		Day
		2

Beijing Sightseeing

Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing, visiting Beijing’s main attractions including the vast Tiananmen Square, home to China’s Parliament. Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and visit the home of China’s Imperial Dynasties at the Forbidden City. Enjoy a traditional Beijing lunch before continuing on to the Hutongs, the small, atmospheric lanes and courtyard houses of old Beijing. (BL)


		Day
		3

The Great Wall of China

This morning travel to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. Spend plenty of time to explore this less-visited section of the Wall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch travel to the opulent Imperial Summer Palace where the emperors once lived, then head back to the city and indulge in some shopping or further exploration. Tonight head out for a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. (BLD)


		Day
		4

Beijing - Xian

This morning visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where the emperors would come to pray for successful harvests, and today is a place for locals to practice Tai Chi or ballroom dancing. You will have time to look around Hongqiao Market for souvenirs, before breaking for lunch then transferring on to Beijing airport for a short flight south to Xian. On arrival in Xian you will be met and escorted to your hotel. (BL)
Accommodation: New World Hotel, Xian.


		Day
		5

Xian & the Terracotta Warriors

A full day’s touring today takes you to see the ultimate highlight of Xian, the Terracotta Warriors. Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang to see how the warriors stand guard over his tomb - the thousands strong army of identical statues provide a fascinating sight. On return to Xian visit the Shaanxi History Museum, said to be one of the best in China, where many ancient Chinese artefacts are on display. (BL)


		Days
		6

Xian - Chengdu

Terracotta Warriors After breakfast visit the city of Xian. See the old city walls and join a short bike ride through the Islamic Quarter and past the Great Mosque and its beautifully, tranquil gardens. On the return to Xian airport, for your onward flight to Chengdu, we take a stop at the Warriors of the Han Dynasty, another impressive set of terracotta statues. (BL) Accommodation: Tibet Hotel, Chengdu


		Day
		7

Chengdu - Chongqing

This morning head to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute, one of the world’s leading research centres; here, take the opportunity to get up close to these beautiful bears. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Chongqing. On arrival your guide will escort you to the Yangtze cruise ship which sets sail late in the evening. (BL)
Accommodation: Yangtze Cruise Ship


		Day
		8

Cruising the Yangtze

Today the ship will call at Shibaozhai to make a visit to the Precious Stone Fortress; a twelve storey, wooden temple built on a hill and intended to resemble a jade seal. The afternoon is spent at leisure on board the ship.(BLD)


		Day
		9

Yangtze & the Three Gorges

Cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges today and enjoy a trip ashore riding in traditional sampans. Tonight your ship will arrive at the Three Gorges Dam. (BLD)


		Day
		10

Yichang - Shanghai

Take an excursion to the famous dam-site to get a bird’s eye view of this enormous engineering project. Then head to Yichang for your onward flight to Shanghai and the last two nights of your tour. (BL)
Accommodation: Panorama Century Hotel, Shanghai


		Day
		11

Shanghai Sightseeing

This morning walk along the Bund, see the Yu Gardens and visit an old teahouse. Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese lunch before spending the afternoon at your leisure. (BL)


		Day
		12

Depart Shanghai

Transfer to Shanghai airport for your onward journey. (B)

This tour does not operate December-February due to no Yangtze sailings during this time.

Tour Prices
Price per person, in £'s from
Day of departure	Twin	Single
01 Mar 08-31 Mar 08 01 Apr 08-30 Apr 08 01 May 08-31 May 08 01 Jun 08-31 Jul 08 01 Sep 08-30 Nov 08	1504 1665 1709 1665 1734	2592 2738 2860 2738 2860
Tour not available 01Aug08-31Aug08