China Delights
9 Days from just £1,520 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Silk Market; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Jade Buddha Temple; Yuyuan Garden; Suzhou... and much more!
Tiananmen Square
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 city centre.
Later visit 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 a good harvest for the year. Time permitting, we will visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant. (L/D)
Accommodation - 5* Beijing Xinhai Jinjiang Hotel or similar
Day 3 - Beijing
Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (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 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 the world, 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. .
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
Start our tour today with a rickshaw tour around old Beijing’s Hutong (alleyways) area – visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house; also stop by a local school.
Later in the afternoon we fly to Xian – the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in the city centre. Later visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being on of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Later we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - 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 – Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-size figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
This afternoon return to the city to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns; this is the landmark of Xian. Also browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L)
Day 7 - Xian to Shanghai
This morning we fly to Shanghai – a vibrant modern city renowned as the “Oriental Paris”. Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, originally built in 1882 to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. Later we visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Finally today we will take you for a leisurely walk on the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River.
This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic show. (B/L/D)Accommodation - 5* Majesty Plaza Shanghai or similar
Day 8 - Shanghai
Today you have the whole day free in Shanghai to explore at your leisure.
*Optional tour to Suzhou (nearby garden city) is available.
This evening we arrange a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 9 - Shanghai to London
Transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
ADDITIONAL ADD-ON OPTION:
OPTION 1 - Chengdu 2 day tour (including Giant Panda Research Centre, Leshan Grand Buddha etc) from £350 per person
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights available upon request):
Day 9 - Shanghai to Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Accommodation - 4+* Harbour Plaza Metropolis
Day 10 - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village etc. Rest of day free. (B)
Day 11 - 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 12 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
9 Days Package Price from just £1,520 per person (Single supplement £220)
12 Days Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £1,850 per person (Single supplement £340)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Shanghai (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 - return) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| 05 - 13 / 16* Nov 2011 | £1,520 per person | £1,850 per person |
| 03 - 11 / 14* Dec 2011 | £1,520 per person | £1,850 per person |
| 22 - 30 Dec 2011 / 02* Jan 2012 | £1,670 per person | £2,020 per person |
| 21 - 29 Jan / 01* Feb 2012 | £1,560 per person | £1,890 per person |
| 11 - 19 / 22* Feb 2012 | £1,560 per person | £1,890 per person |
| 17 - 25 / 28* Mar 2012 | £1,640 per person | £1,970 per person |
| 31 Mar - 08 / 11* Apr 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 07 - 15 / 18* Apr 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 21 - 29 Apr / 02* May 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 05 - 13 / 16* May 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 19 - 27 / 30* May 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 02 - 10 / 13* Jun 2012 | £1,640 per person | £1,970 per person |
| 07 - 15 / 18* Jul 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 21 - 29 Jul / 01* Aug 2012 | £1,790 per person | £2,120 per person |
| 28 Jul - 05 / 08* Aug 2012 | £1,790 per person | £2,120 per person |
| 11 - 19 / 22* Aug 2012 | £1,790 per person | £2,120 per person |
| 01 - 09 / 12* Sep 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 15 - 23 / 26* Sep 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,060 per person |
| 06 - 14 / 17* Oct 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,120 per person |
| 20 - 28 / 31* Oct 2012 | £1,730 per person | £2,120 per person |
| 03 - 11 / 14* Nov 2012 | £1,640 per person | £1,970 per person |
| 01 - 09 / 12* Dec 2012 | £1,560 per person | £1,890 per person |
