China in a Week
8 Days from just £1,480 per person
Sites Visited as we travel: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Ming Tombs; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall
The Forbidden City
A unique Beijing and Xian travel experience...
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Beijing
Travel from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight direct* to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.
*Emperor Tours will always book direct flights - however during peak periods (eg. Christmas, Easter and summer holidays) airlines charge considerably more, so a small supplement may apply. Alternatively we will book indirect flights.
Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to hotel in the city centre. This afternoon we will start our travel around this beautiful city by visiting the Temple of Heaven - built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for good harvest for the year. Time permitting, we will visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
We conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant. (L/D)
Accommodation - 5* Beijing Xinhai Jinjiang Hotel or similar
Day 3 - Beijing
We start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. We will travel by foot through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with late Chairman Mao's huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City - which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since the 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress!
In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace - the largest imperial garden in China, where late Qing emperors and empresses stayed between May and October seeking escape from the pollution inside the city. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)
Day 4 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.
The afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs - 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet! (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xian
We start our tour today with a rickshaw tour around old Beijing’s Hutong (alleyways) area – visit a typical Beijing family in a courtyard house; also stop by a local school.
Later in the afternoon we take a short flight to Xian – the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom. Upon arrival transfer to hotel in city centre. Later visit the Ancient City Walls, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. We then continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex, the Temple was initially built in 589, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/D)
Accommodation - 5* Grand Noble Hotel
Day 6 - Xian
Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. Over 7,000 life-sized figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Later in the afternoon return to the city to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns, this is the landmark of Xian. We will also have time to browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L)
Day 7 - Xian to Beijing
Morning transfer to airport for flight back to Beijing. The rest of the day is free to either relax, do some last minute shopping, or explore the many other fascinating temples in Beijing, among which are the Yunju Temple, the White Cloud Taoist Temple, and the Temple of Confucius. Visiting these temples can help elucidate three primary philosophies that formed the basis for early Chinese life and culture. (B)
Day 8 - Beijing to London Heathrow
After breakfast we leave Beijing and transfer to the airport to travel home on the return flight.
End of itinerary. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights available upon request):
Day 7 - Xian to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for travel to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Accommodation - 4+* Harbour Plaza Metropolis
Day 8 - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village etc. Rest of day free. (B)
Day 9 - Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free to either relax or explore the amazing east west culture of Hong Kong. Late evening transfer to airport for travel home. (B)
Day 10 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
8 Days Travel Package Price from just £1,480 per person (Single supplement £190)
10 Days Travel Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £1,740 per person (Single supplement £260)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Beijing (or Hong Kong) - London
- 4*/5* hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- Meals as described (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
- Daily supply of bottled water
- Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
- All domestic flights
- All airport taxes and service charges
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Chinese visa
| Date (depart) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| Every Saturday: March 2013 | £1,570 per person | £1,830 per person |
| Every Saturday: April 2013 | £1,640 per person | £1,910 per person |
| Every Saturday: May 2013 | £1,640 per person | £1,910 per person |
| Every Saturday: June 2013 | £1,570 per person | £1,830 per person |
| Every Saturday: July 2013 | £1,690 per person | £1,990 per person |
| Every Saturday: August 2013 | £1,690 per person | £1,990 per person |
| Every Saturday: September 2013 | £1,640 per person | £1,910 per person |
| Every Saturday: October 2013 | £1,640 per person | £1,970 per person |
| Every Saturday: November 2013 | £1,570 per person | £1,830 per person |
| Every Saturday: December 2013 | £1,480 per person | £1,740 per person |
