Essential China - 15 Days
Tour Departed!
Departs:
Sydney: Tuesday 6th May 2008
Melbourne: Wednesday 7th May 2008
Cost (Melb, Syd & Bris):
Essential China
$3990 /person twin share/double
$825 Single Supplement
Status: Open for bookings,
Contact our office to check availability.
(Click map for full view of touring routes)
Day 1 Australia to Shanghai
Wednesday 7 May
We start the tour in Shanghai, where we will be met and transferred to the Bund Riverside Hotel for a two night stay. After time to refresh, dinner is included at a nearby restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Shanghai
Thursday 8 May
Start the day with a panoramic view over the city from the top of the Orient Pearl TV Tower. Here we learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the present metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. Enjoy a Mongolian BBQ lunch, followed by a stroll in People’s Square and a visit to the Urban City Planning Exhibition Hall. Enjoy a welcome banquet at a riverside restaurant along the colonial waterfront area known as the Bund, then take a pleasureble cruise down the Huangpu River as we see the spectacular city lights. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Shanghai to Hangzhou
Friday 9 May
The old lanes and villas of the former French Concession are explored this morning before we depart by coach to the beautiful lakeside city of Hangzhou. Visit Lingyin Temple, and Flying Peak, before checking in to the Lake View Hotel for two nights. Dinner is at a restaurant overlooking the lake. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Hangzhou
Saturday 10 May
We start the day with a morning cruise on West Lake, then visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, and sample the fine teas at a local plantation where traditional methods of growing and preparing green tea are demonstrated. A visit to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum is sure to intrigue. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Hangzhou to Wuzhen to Suzhou
Sunday 11 May
Drive to Wuzhen and wander the charming network of narrow streets and criss-crossing canals. We visit traditional workshops and see how the culture of the town flourished from the late Tang Dynasty through it’s proximity to the Grand Canal, an essential trade route. Travel on to Suzhou, famous for it’s silk production, exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. Stay two nights at the Nanlin Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Suzhou
Monday 12 May
Take a stroll through the classical Humble Administrator’s Garden. Here we learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. Visit Tiger Hill and make the gentle climb to the top to see the Leaning Pagoda. After dinner, be charmed by a variety of musical performances at the Master of Fisherman’s Net Garden. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Suzhou & Overnight Train to Xian
Tuesday 13 May
Time at leisure to explore the “Venice of the East” on your own. Late afternoon we transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Xian. (B)
Day 8 Xian
Wednesday 14 May
On arrival in Xian, we transfer to the Royal Hotel for our two night stay. After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of the city with a visit to the ancient city wall, the best preserved of its type in China, then the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is time at leisure this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Xian
Thursday 15 May
A tour highlight today is a visit to the amazing archeological relics of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. We will see a full circle movie presentation which provides the historical perspective for what we will see in the main exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is still going on. Later we visit the Forest of Steles Museum with its extraordinary collection of ancient stone ‘books’. End the day with a traditional Dumpling Banquet whilst enjoying the colour and music of the Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Xian to Beijing
Friday 16 May
Fly to Beijing and transfer to the Jianguo Garden Hotel for a four night stay. Our exploration of this imperial city begins with a visit to the imposing structure of the Temple of Heaven. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Great Wall excursion
Saturday 17 May
Witness the art of Cloisonne at a local factory, then we travel north of the city to the Ming Tombs and take a stroll through the unique statues of the Sacred Way. Travel on to the Great Wall of China. Marvel at the sight of this amazing construction snaking over the hills and valleys as far as the eye can see. There will be plenty of time to walk on the Wall and take photos. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Beijing
Sunday 18 May
A full day-tour of Beijing city includes Tiananmen Square, the majestic Forbidden City, and a cyclo tour of the Hutongs – an area of narrow lanes and traditional homes typical of early Beijing. A spectacular acrobatic show is included this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Beijing
Monday 19 May
Be delighted by the antics of the Pandas at Beijing Zoo before experiencing the graceful gardens and lakeside setting of the Summer Palace. There’s time this afternoon to hunt for bargains at the many stalls of the Silk Market. A special farewell Peking Duck Banquet is featured this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Depart Beijing
Tuesday 20 May
Free time this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight home. (B)
(Want to see more? Join our China Scenes
extension andl fly to Yichang this morning!)
Day 15 Arrive Australia
Wednesday 21 May
Bookings for this tour are open now!
Contact our office to request a booking form
All Tours include
- Airfares (where applicable)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Cruises and attractions
- Luxury coach transportation
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