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Beautiful China
19 DAYS FROM £1989

This holiday has departures available between: 23rd Sep 2008 to 30th Sep 2008

Experience the potent beauty and history of China on this magical holiday taking in Shanghai, Guilin, Beijing, a cruise on the mighty Yangtze and the legendary Terracotta Army.

Included Highlights

Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, evening acrobatic show
Suzhou Garden of the Couples, Garden of the Master of Nets
Grand Canal Cruise
Nanjing Train to Nanjing, Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, Zhonghua Gate
Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Peking Duck Dinner
Great Wall of China
Wuhan Provincial Museum
Yangtze River Cruise Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream), Shibaozhai pagoda
Xian Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Palace evening dinner show, City Walls
Guilin Cruise on the Li River, Reed Flute Cave

Included in the Price

Flights UK - Shanghai; Nanjing - Beijing - Wuhan; Chongqing - Xian - Guilin - Shanghai - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 17 breakfasts (B), 16 lunches (L) and 16 dinners (D)
Travel on tour by air-conditioned transport
English speaking guide on tour
Transfers between the 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: UK - Shanghai.
Overnight flight to Shanghai.

DAY 2: Arrive Shanghai.
On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (D)

DAY 3: Shanghai.
Once dubbed the Paris of the Orient, cosmopolitan and exhilarating Shanghai still retains much of the sophistication and ebullience of yesteryear. Your included sightseeing tour features the famous Yu Yuan Garden, the atmospheric old town and the stunning Jade Buddha Temple. The afternoon is at leisure to explore 'The Bund' riverside walkway and Nanjing Road. In the evening, join us for an exciting acrobatics show. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Shanghai - Suzhou.
This morning visit the splendid Shanghai Museum, which houses thousands of exquisite Chinese archaeological and artistic exhibits. After lunch drive to Luzhi, a 2000 year old 'watertown' with many small canals and bridges. Experience the life of local people living along the canals, before continuing on to Suzhou. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Suzhou.
Suzhou is famed for its silk industry and was dubbed the Venice of the East because of its many ancient canals and bridges. Your memorable time here begins with a visit to Tiger Hill, on the summit of which stands the Pagoda of Yunyan, before a short cruise along the Grand Canal. After lunch visit a silk factory, followed by a rickshaw ride along the canal banks to the Garden of the Couples. This evening, musicians with eight classical Chinese instruments, folk singers and dancers will entertain you in Suzhou's scenic Garden of the Master of the Nets. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Suzhou - Nanjing.
A morning's train ride takes you to Nanjing, a delightful walled city on the Yangtze with a rich Ming history. After lunch, soak up the breathtaking views from the Yangtze River Bridge and Zhonghua City Gate, China's greatest ancient city gate, followed by a stroll around the lively Confucius Temple area with its Ming-style shops. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Nanjing - Beijing.
A great morning's sightseeing at the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the pioneer of the Chinese Revolution, before an afternoon flight to Beijing for a three night stay in China's fascinating capital. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Beijing.
Beijing holds many wonders for the visitor, from the historic to the enigmatic and stirring. Highlights include the legendary, vast Tiananmen Square, home to the imposing city museum and Great Hall of the People and the magnificent Forbidden City, the palace complex that was home to successive Emperors for over 500 years. Afterwards, we continue to the glorious Summer Palace, with its exquisite gardens and landscapes. (B, L)

DAY 9: Beijing.
An unforgettable day travelling to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which criss-crosses forested mountain tops (return cable-car rides are included). One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Wall stretches nearly 4,000 miles and makes a spectacular sight you'll be sure never to forget. Your day ends with a traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Beijing - Wuhan.
After a morning visit to Beijing's Temple of Heaven, we fly to Wuhan for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Wuhan - Yichang - Yangtze River.
Your day starts at Wuhan's Provincial Museum to view its fine art collections, followed by lunch and a drive to Yichang, where after dinner, you board the President No. 1 cruiser for your exciting four night journey upstream. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Yangtze River.
After setting sail this morning, watch endless dramatic vistas unfold from your boat as it passes through the serenely beautiful Xiling Gorge, the Yangtze's longest. After a shore excursion to the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the world's biggest, you'll then sail through the Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Yangtze River.
Today experience the swift, crystal waters of the Shennong Stream - a Yangtze tributary - or the 'Lesser Three Gorges'. With both trips involving travel through magical, fairytale landscapes you won't find anywhere else in the world. Later you will pass through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Yangtze River.
Today we will visit Shibaozhai - an ancient pagoda, known as the shining pearl on the Yangtze. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xian.
We leave your cruiser at Chongqing for a short city tour around the atmospheric old town and city Zoo, which is home to China's famous giant panda, then continue to the airport for your flight to Xian for a two night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
Yet another highlight of your tour, the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, built in around 250 BC to guard an Imperial Tomb and comprising of thousands of full-size, hand-carved clay soldiers, chariots and horses. Next on to Ban Po, a Neolithic settlement, followed by a meander along the city's ancient walls. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with a Tang-era music show. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Xian - Guilin.
After a morning visit to Xian's Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered Buddhist pagoda built around 600 AD, we fly to Guilin for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 18: Guilin - Shanghai.
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise along the picturesque Li River, which snakes through limestone pinnacles and rice fields. After lunch on board and returning to Guilin, you'll visit the Reed Flute Cave - a vast cavern pitted with stalagmites and stalactites, named after the nearby reeds that were used to make flutes. Evening flight to Shanghai for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 19: Shanghai - UK.
Transfer to Shanghai Airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Shanghai: Ruitai (3*); Suzhou: Guanyun Glamour (4*); Nanjing: Manderin Garden (4*); Beijing: Plaza Hotel (4*); Wuhan: Holiday Inn Riverside (4*); Xian: Le Garden (4*); Guilin: Park (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. 1 DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    President No. 1 is a large, modern cruiser which comfortably accommodates passengers in 94 cabins and is designed for comfort, flexibility and the smooth navigation of the Yangtze's spectacular twists and turns.

    Public Rooms & Facilities
    Restaurant; bar; inner and outer observation areas; beauty salon; sauna; laundry service; shopping centre; massage room.
    Dining
    Your cruise includes full board. A Chinese and Western style buffet is available for breakfast and lunch while dinner will be Chinese cuisine.
    Cabins
    All twin bedded cabins are outside facing with large windows offering views over the river. Each cabin has air-conditioning, private facilities and satellite television. Your holiday price includes a standard cabin.
    Options
    Single Cabin. Cabin with balcony.
    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 anyway. Occasionally it may be necessary to use alternative cruise ships of the same standard and with similar facilities.

Holiday Extensions

  • Beautiful China + Hainan Island - 5 Extra nights from £550

    You can extend your China holiday with a 4 night stay in the picturesque beach resort of Sanya Bay on Hainan Island. Located just off China's south coast, Hainan Island deserves its reputation as the 'Oriental Hawaii', enjoying a pleasant year round climate, tropical scenery and white sand beaches.

    On the last day of your tour fly from Shanghai to Sanya for a 4 night stay at the Holiday Inn Sanya Bay. At the end of your stay, fly back to Shangahi for an overnight stay, before returning to the airport for your flight to the UK.

  • Beautiful China + Hong Kong - 3 Extra nights from £224

    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 China tour by adding 3 a night stay in Hong Kong before returning to the UK (via Shanghai).

Accommodation on Extensions

Beautiful China + Hainan Island - 5 Extra nights from £550

  • Holiday Inn Sanya Bay DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Set close to the beach, this well-appointed resort hotel offers a fine selection of relaxational, recreational and entertainment facilities. For those who wish to explore, colourful Sanya City is just 8km away (reachable by the hotel's shuttle bus - a small charge may apply) and boasts a lively downtown area with markets selling spices and local produce.

    Location: Next to Sanya Bay beach and 8km from Sanya City
    Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool with swim up bar; international restaurant; Chinese restaurant; bar and lounge area; pool bar; beach bar; jacuzzi; fitness centre; sauna; spa; tennis court; billiards; cycle hire; gift shop; laundry facilities.

    Note: Some facilities may incur a local charge.

    Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with air conditioning; private bath and shower; hairdryer; satellite television; tea and coffee making facilities; mini-bar and safe.

Beautiful China + Hong Kong - 3 Extra nights from £224

  • The Mira Hong Kong DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    At the Mira Hong Kong, you will feel perfectly at home. The designer lobby of this luxurious hotel complements the 500 newly refurbished rooms, which are spacious and beautifully appointed. The hotel offers onsite dining and it is convenient to shopping, attractions and entertainment venues.

    Location: Conveniently located on Nathan Road, the hotel overlooks Kowloon Park and is a short walk from the famous landmarks and Star Ferry. Adjacent to the hotel, find retail promenades with boutiques, large shopping malls, outlets and eateries.
    Facilities: Indoor pool heated in winter; spa; restaurants/bar; minibar; coffee shop; fitness centre; shopping centre.
    Price includes: Room only with 1 king size bed or 2 doubles, bath; shower; air-conditioning; satellite TV; tea/coffee making facilities; safe.
    Options: Breakfast; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

  • The Park Lane DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The Park Lane, a top class hotel overlooking Victoria Park and the famous Hong Kong Harbour, offers the discerning traveller a deluxe address, superior service and easy access to Hong Kong's shopping mecca of Causeway Bay.

    Location: The hotel is in an excellent location for shopping and near all major transport systems including taxis, cross harbour tunnel and MTR (the Mass Transit Railway).
    Facilities: Laundry and valet service; florist; minibar; shopping arcade; broadband internet access in bedrooms; rooftop restaurant - Riva Restaurant & lounge and lobby bar; the recently opened, fashionable George & Co. bar and restaurant.
    Activities: Fitness centre.
    Price includes: Room only in a twin room with air-conditioning; satellite/cable TV.
    Options: Breakfast; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.