The Grand Emperor
20 Days from just £3,490 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Jade Buddha Temple; Reed Flute Cave...... and much more!
Shanghai Skyline
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Shanghai
Depart from London Heathrow airport for British Airways or Virgin Atlantic direct international scheduled flight to Shanghai.
Day 2 - Shanghai
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in city centre. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. After dinner, take a leisurely walk on the Bund, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Shanghai’s famous waterfront, with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River. (D)
Accommodation - 5* Radisson New World Hotel
Day 3 - Shanghai
We start our tour today by visiting the Jade Buddha Temple. Later we then continue to the Yuyuan Garden and Old Town.
Finally today we visit the Shanghai Museum, which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art. This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Shanghai / Suzhou
This morning travel by coach to Suzhou - China's garden city renowned for it's canals, arched stone bridges and silk products. We will visit two of it's most popular gardens - Humble Administrator's Garden and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Also visit the city's famous Silk Museum and Panmen Gate.
Return to Shanghai in the evening. (B/L)
Day 5 - Shanghai to Beijing
This morning we will transfer to Shanghai Station for the high speed express train to Beijing. Upon arrival transfer to hotel in city centre. Rest of day at leisure. (B/D)
Day 6 - Beijing
This morning visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Continue to Beihai Park Imperial Restaurant for lunch, where you will be treated like real emperors and empresses.
In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace, with the largest imperial garden in China. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)
Accommodation - 5* Marriott Hotel Beijing City wall or Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 7 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, an original and remote section of the wall. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the wall whilst having the time to explore and photograph one of the wonders of the world.
This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Banquet. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Beijing
We start our tour today with a visit to the Temple of Heaven followed by 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 we will also visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. (B/L)
Day 9 - Beijing to Xian
This morning we take a short flight to Xian - the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom. Upon arrival we visit Han Yangling Tomb. We then visit the Ancient City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/D)
Accommodation - 5* Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel
Day 10 - Xian
Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Spring. (B/L)
Day 11 - Xian to Yichang
Today we have a relaxing morning before flying to Yichang in the afternoon. After dinner transfer to board the 5* Cruise. (B/D)
Accommodation - 5* Century Cruise or Victoria Cruise
Day 12 - Yangtze River*
Our cruise today visits the Three Gorges Dam, sailing through the Three Gorges Shiplocks and Xiling Gorge. (B/L/D)
* Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Day 13 - Yangtze River
Excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its Lesser Three Gorges or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream - drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers. (B/L/D)
Day 14 - Yangtze River
Today we have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Stronghold), one of the most spectacular sites along the river. (B/L/D)
Day 15 - Chongqing to Guilin
We disembark the cruise ship at Chongqing this morning and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Guilin, one of the most picturesque cities in China. Upon arrival transfer to hotel in city centre.
Later we will visit the Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. (B/L)
Accommodation - 5* Sheraton Hotel
Day 16 - Guilin / Yangshou
Today take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo - a small town near Guilin which boasts of stunning landscapes.
After lunch on boat, we will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo's lively local market. Return to Guilin in the evening. A tour to see cormorant fishing will be organised this evening. (B/L/D)
Day 17 - Guilin to Hong Kong
This morning is time to relax again before an afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival transfer to the luxurious 5* Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel or similar. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Accommodation - 5* Harbour Grand Kowloon
Day 18 - Hong Kong
Day time free to relax or feel the rush as you indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer.
This evening enjoy a romantic Harbour Lights and Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village Dinner Cruise, where you will be served a superb dinner at Lei Yue Mun seafood village, adored by seafood aficionados. (B/D)
Day 19 - 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 flight home. (B)
Day 20 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
Extra nights and additional sightseeing tours of Hong Kong can be arranged: please ask for details.
20 Days Package Price from just £3,490 per person (Single supplement £990)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Shanghai / Hong Kong - London
- 5* hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- 5* Yangtze River Cruise
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 25 Mar - 13 Apr 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 08 - 27 Apr 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 22 Apr - 11 May 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 06 - 25 May 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 20 May - 08 Jun 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 22 Jul - 10 Aug 2012 | £3,430 per person |
| 09 - 28 Sep 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 23 Sep - 12 Oct 2012 | £3,490 per person |
| 07 - 26 Oct 2012 | £3,540 per person |
