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China - The Middle Kingdom
18 DAYS FROM £2096

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A relaxing Yangtze River cruise, an ultra fast Bullet train, the Terracotta Warriors, plus the great and glorious cities of China that hold the secrets of this extraordinary culture.

Included highlights

Beijing City sightseeing, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Hutong tour by rickshaw
Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs
Nanjing City tour
Bullet Train from Nanjing to Suzhou
Suzhou Lingering Garden, Garden of the Master of the Nets, Water Gate, cruise on small canal
Shanghai City sightseeing and acrobatic show
Yangtze River Cruise Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream), Shibaozhai (or Fengdu Ghost City)
Chongqing Short city tour
Xian Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Tang Palace evening dinner show, Wild Goose Pagoda, Hu Xian Farmers Painting Village

Price Includes

Flights: UK - Beijing - Nanjing; Shanghai - Yichang; Chongqing - Xian - Beijing - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 16 breakfasts (B), 15 lunches (L), 15 dinners (D)
Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
English speaking guide on tour
Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
All local and airport taxes

Not included in the price Tipping is at your own discretion, as a guide we recommend £3 per person per day

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city, glorified by 13th century Mongol leader Kublai Khan as the capital of his empire. (D)

DAY 3: Beijing. Included sightseeing.
Get ready to experience some of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. Your included city sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Then on to the Summer Palace, a park of lakeside pagodas and the site of a marble boat made for Empress Dowager Ci Xi. This evening you may wish to join the optional excursion to see the world famous Peking Opera. (B, L)

DAY 4: Beijing. Included Great Wall of China.
Today's included full day excursion takes you to the amazing Great Wall of China, approximately 4,000 miles long and at least 2,600 years old! You'll also visit the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried. The famous Peking Duck will be served for your evening meal. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Beijing - Nanjing.
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Nanjing, where you will stay for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Nanjing.
Located on the south bank of the Yangtze, Nanjing is a delightful, walled city with a rich Ming inheritance. Your full-day included sightseeing tour will show you the major attractions, including the Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the Nanjing Museum, Zhonghua City Gate, the Confucius Temple area and the bustling market. With lunch and dinner at a local restaurant, you'll truly experience Chinese culture. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Nanjing - Suzhou by Bullet Train.
Today you will journey to Suzhou, travelling on China's new bullet train at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. Upon arrival enjoy a short cruise along the small canal in a traditional boat. Later tour the ancient street of Pingjiang by rickshaw, with the chance to explore local life, before continuing to your hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Suzhou (included sightseeing) - Shanghai.
Famed for its gardens and silk making, Suzhou is one of China's loveliest towns. An interesting day lies ahead with a visit to the exquisite Lingering Garden, the Garden of the Master of the Nets, a photo opportunity by the Water Gate (Old City Gate) and a visit to one of the famous silk reeling factories, before a short train journey to Shanghai. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Shanghai. Included sightseeing.
Once known as the 'Paris of the Orient', pre-revolution Shanghai was a rich and decadent metropolis and remains one of China's most sophisticated cities. Your included sightseeing tour features visits to The Bund - Shanghai's famous riverside boulevard, Nanjing Road, the Yu Yuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple. In the evening, enjoy an included acrobatic show. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze River.
This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum of Urban Planning, which houses a fascinating exhibition detailing past and future life in Shanghai. In the afternoon fly to Yichang to join your Yangtze cruise boat for an exciting four-night journey down this famous river. Your cruise ship is the President No. 4.
Note: If there is no direct flight from Shanghai to Yichang, we will fly to Wuhan and then take a 5 hour drive to Yichang. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Yangtze River.
Your cruise boat passes through Xiling Gorge, known for its deep valley and serene beauty. You will also visit the Three Gorges Dam Project, one of the most incredible engineering projects ever undertaken. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Yangtze River.
Today sees a shore excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream), after which you sail through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Yangtze River.
Today you will visit Shibaozhai - an ancient pagoda (or the Fengdu Ghost City), known as the shining pearl on the Yangtze. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xian.
Disembark your cruise boat at Chongqing, situated at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, for a short city tour including the zoo and the old town area, before your flight to Xian for a three-night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
Today sees one of the real highlights of your trip as you visit the first emperor's funeral vault to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for this awe-inspiring spectacle: 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots and horses. Afterwards visit the Old Xian City Walls. In the evening, you'll enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Palace Theatre and Restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Xian. Included sightseeing.
This morning, visit the Hu Xian Farmer's Painting Village, where you will see local people painting and will also experience a glimpse of local life. In the afternoon visit the impressive Wild Goose Pagoda. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Xian - Beijing.
Today fly to Beijing, where you will enjoy a short Hutong tour in a rickshaw. (B, L, D)

DAY 18: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Beijing: Xiyuan (4*); Nanjing: Mandarin Garden (4*); Suzhou: Bamboo Grove (4*); Shanghai: Best Western New Century (4*); Xian: New World Hotel (4*).
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required for entry into China. This must be obtained prior to departure.

  • President No. 4
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    President No. 4 DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    President No. 4, also known as the 'Yangtze', boasts fully-equipped modern facilities with comfortable surroundings from which to view life on the river. The Chinese officers and crew add to the authentic Yangtze experience providing a warm and friendly service.

    Public Rooms & Facilities
    The ship has a restaurant; ballroom; bars, inner and outer viewing areas; barbers and beauty salon; foot massage room; laundry service; shopping centre; sun bar on the top deck.
    Dining
    Your cruise is on a full board basis. During the cruise, evening meals will be traditional Chinese cuisine made and arranged by a high class chef. Breakfast and lunch features a Chinese and Western style buffet.
    Cabins
    All twin bedded cabins are outside facing with large windows and views over the river. Each cabin has air-conditioning, private facilities and satellite television. Your holiday price includes a standard cabin with window.
    Options
    Single Cabin; upgrade to a cabin with balcony on the Bridge or Recreation Decks.

    Note: Please note sailing times and itineraries are subject to change. Whilst the order of the itinerary is subject to change the content will not be sacrificed in any way. Occasionally it may be necessary to use alternative cruise ships of the same standard and with similar facilities.

Holiday Extensions

  • Five Pagoda Temple, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
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    China - The Middle Kingdom + Hohhot - 3 Extra nights from £416

    Why not extend your tour to China with a visit to mysterious Mongolia, home of the legendary Genghis Khan? You'll stay for two nights in a 4 star hotel in Hohhot and one night in a Mongolian yurt for that 'real' grassland experience. Built with modern materials directly on the grasslands, the yurt comprises of basic accommodation including twin beds and private facilities.

  • A traditional junk in Hong Kong harbour
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    China - The Middle Kingdom + Hong Kong - 3 Extra nights from £216

    Experience the teeming streets of the Central District, Causeway Bay or Kowloon's 'Golden Mile'. Just an hour from the city's vibrant atmosphere are the paddy fields and mountain ranges providing a further dimension to this unique holiday destination.
    You can extend your tour with a 3 night stay in Hong Kong. Your choice of hotels in Hong Kong are the Eaton or the Harbour Plaza North Point.

Accommodation on Extensions

China - The Middle Kingdom + Hohhot - 3 Extra nights from £416

China - The Middle Kingdom + Hong Kong - 3 Extra nights from £216

  • Eaton
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    Eaton DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The Eaton Hotel is a quality, affordable hotel catering for both business and leisure travellers visiting Hong Kong.

    Location: The Eaton Hotel is located on Nathan Road, in the heart of Kowloon's shopping and entertainment district and within close proximity of local transportation.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; restaurants; bars; gymnasium; internet access; laundry facilities; lounge; cocktail bar.
    Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; cable/satellite TV; hairdryer; fridge; coffee maker.
    Options: Breakfast; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

  • Harbour Plaza North Point
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    Harbour Plaza North Point DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Located in the popular Causeway and Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong Island, this exquisite hotel offers high levels of comfort and service.

    Location: On Hong Kong Island, the hotel is close to Quarry Bay Railway station and is set in a convenient location for shopping and sightseeing.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; Hoi Yat Heen Chinese Restaurant; Java Mama Deli; The Point lounge bar; coffee shop; fitness centre; solarium; massage service; internet access; currency exchange; laundry.
    Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; telephone; satellite television; safety deposit box; hairdryer; tea/coffee maker; minibar.
    Options: Breakfast; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.