Holiday Reviews: China & Asia

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Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

The whole trip was absolutely marvellous - so interesting. We saw so many wonderful sights and buildings, learned so much about the people and history of China, enjoyed so many delicious meals and luxurious hotels, and were conducted through the whole trip with efficiency and without delay.

The sun shone most of the time, even if through the haze, and our fellow travellers were good company. Altogether an unforgettable holiday.

Dave & Jane Pennell, UK

Holiday Review: Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery

Well what can I say? Archers have done it again.

My main reason to book this holiday was to see Angkor Wat but I thought I might as well do Vietnam as well. After a long flight we arrived in Hanoi, which was beautiful but crazy. After spending 3 days in Hanoi it was onto to see the real Vietnam including Halong Bay, which will never be forgotten, and hopefully they will make it one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World.

It was onto Hoi An for our next stop which was a beautiful old riverside town. It is worth going off the main street to explore the side roads and around the river area and there was a great shop there to have suits made.

The hotel was next to the river and we were greeted by the staff with a cocktail and shown to our rooms, which were in villas. Onto Hue, where unfortunately we couldn't go down the ''perfume river '' due to the end of a typhoon.

Thankfully Hanoi had prepared us for the hustle and bustle of Saigon, which was amazing. With the major sights included like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office you wouldn't have thought you were in Asia.

The Cu Chi tunnels were surely an eye opener. Then we travelled on to the main part of the holiday for me; Cambodia. I would have liked to have an extra night to see Phonm Penh.

The first sight of seeing Angkor Wat was unbelievable and will remain with me forever. Words cannot describe that sight and if you have the chance do go on the optional excursion of going up in the hot air balloon for $15.

Unfortunately I do not feel that I have given this review its full credit. I would like to say a big thank you to our reps as well.

Thank you Archers!

Sarah Peyton, UK

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

Over the years my husband and I have been on a number of holidays with Archers Direct and really enjoy travelling to places of interest.

We have been fortunate enough to have travelled on your China and Yangtze River trip, which was a truly unforgettable tour. Everything was really well organised and we were particularly impressed by the luxury of the hotels, the quality of the food and the experiences of all the different cultures plus the breathtaking trip on the Yangtze River, which we will never forget. The Captain and crew mixed really well and everyone on the trip also got on well.

So, this year we are off on your treasures of Northern India trip … which, having had such wonderful quality and well organised tours before we are really looking forward to…

So a big "thank you" for all our holidays so far enjoyed and please keep up your good work!

Angela & Lewis Jones, Swansea

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

I must write to you to thank you for the wonderful holiday we have just taken with you. We went on the "Wonders of China and the mighty Yangtze". It was without a doubt the best holiday we have ever had, everything was fantastic from start to finish.

Your rep who met us at Heathrow was very pleasant and helpful, check in was quick and smooth, the cabin staff on board our aircraft were wonderful and the food and service was great. All the tours were fabulous, the hotels and restaurants you chose could not have been better, they were just first class.

The cruise was really superb, all of the crew were just great, so friendly and helpful and they put on a great show every night. We had a cabin with a balcony, which was roomy and comfortable and the food was just fantastic.

All the local guides we had were very friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Our rep and guide throughout the whole two weeks, Kitty Shi, was the most friendly, pleasant helpful and knowledgeable rep we have ever had and we have been going abroad for almost forty years. She could not do enough for us; she really helped make our holiday fabulous and memorable.

We will definitely be going on holiday with Archers again and will recommend your company to all of our friends.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and thank you once again from my wife and myself for such a wonder holiday, one we will never forget.

Peter & Cecilia Shaw, Nottingham

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

I am just writing to tell you what an amazing and memorable tour myself and partner recently enjoyed. We travelled to China on the 4th June for the China & the Middle Kingdom tour and could not have been more impressed. The country was so welcoming and exciting to experience, and we have recommended your our to all our friends.

The itinerary was very well designed and allowed us to fully explore each location and enjoy what the well spoken and informative local guides could tell us. But also allowed a balanced amount of time each day to either rest or go solo and investigate the local area at leisure. A point that we would like to stress to other customers is how friendly, CHEAP and easy local taxi's are to use, so there is no need to fear individual excursions too.

We saw all the major sights including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund etc, but we also enjoyed seeing real culture in the Streets of the Chongqing markets and local villages in Xian. Transport was comfortable, spacious and air conditioned at all locations and we were particularly pleased with the sale of trustworthy water on the coaches.

Tipping was something we were apprehensive to deal with because we have no idea how much we should distribute between the various people that helped us! So when we found we could tip collectively and give the money to our tour guide we were very pleased. This system is really helpful and makes life so much easier, you just don't know how much is enough otherwise..

Food was fantastic! There was just so much! The buffets provided a brilliant range of dishes and it was really nice to get a taste of proper traditional cuisine, with the odd Western dish to remind you of home. Meals were something we really looked forward to because it was good quality food prepared and in good measure! We are now experts with chopsticks!

Finally, we would like to send thanks to our tour guide, Lucy Liu. Her talents were endless; whether we needed haggling or were feeling ill she was always there to help. She was friendly, funny and approachable at all times. We felt safe and confident wherever we were, and Lucy gave us a fantastic insights to every location we visited. Having someone so knowledgeable allowed us to gain a deeper understanding and learn so much more than we could have if we had visited China independently and we just wanted to say a massive thank you for entrusting the group in such capable hands.

Thank you for helping us experience this truly beautiful country.

Mrs K Horsfall, Hampshire

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

Thank you Archers....
We wanted to do something different to celebrate our
60th birthdays and have absolute confidence in Archers
Direct having been on several European tours before.

We have always appreciated the value for money coupled
with attention to detail so we decided to choose
something a little bit more adventurous.

We had an absolutely fabulous tour of China. The
organization was first class - trains, planes, boats
and delightful hotels. The Chinese guides, couriers
and not forgetting the Archers staff were all first
class. So many lovely memories we could not begin to
list them all. Hopefully our pictures speak the words
for us.

Wonderful. Thank you Archers and Thank you China.

Anyone for Australia next year?

Pat and Mac Campbell, Buckinghamshire

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

I just want to say a huge thank you for planning and organising such an exciting, fabulous trip. It was perfect from the moment your Chinese Travel guide (Carl) met us at the airport to the time he dropped us off on our way home. From start to finish we were treated as VIP guests and this has never happened before

We have travelled with you on a number of previous occasions (Europe and the USA) but this trip surpassed all expectations. People were so friendly, they wanted to talk, and we had our photos taken with them so many times we felt like film stars!

During our first Chinese meal with other group members another couple said why did we choose Archers - I said "wait and see how professional they are". At the end of the trip they agreed.

Nothing was too much, the hotels were superb, trips and excursions were well planned and Carl our representative was brilliant. It was an incredibly relaxing way to see a fantastic, vibrant country.

Mr B Hilton, Leeds

Holiday Review: Splendours of Sri Lanka

My husband and I have just returned from our trip round Sri Lanka. The holiday surpassed all our expectations in every way. It was very well organised, we were met at the airport and taken to our hotel and then later met by our guide for the tour Mr Upali.

All the hotels we stayed in were lovely and the food plentiful and moorish. Mr Upali our tour guide could not have done any more for us, he was a courteous driver, very knowledgeable about the history and culture of his country, thoughtful and added in little extras to the tour to make it special.

I would highly recommend this tour (though quite hectic, but we expected it to be as we knew we would be covering a lot of miles in a short time). The people in Sri Lanka are lovely and the country is very green and beautiful.

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the elephant orphanage but at the end of the holiday it was very difficult to pick out a highlight as every day brought a new experience for us which is something we will treasure (along with all the souvenirs we brought back of course!)

Angela & Ray Howcroft, UK

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

I am returning the questionnaire enclosed - but not filled in. We have not been on a cruise with your company, however we have just come back from China. This holiday was wonderful. So interesting and it was made largely due to the extremely good organisation of Archers. Our guide Philip was an exceptional guide and he took great care to help and support everyone.

We were very impressed with your company and are considering just which holiday to choose next year.

Mrs Parker, Wiltshire

Holiday Review: Beautiful China

Last year we booked our guided holiday "Beautiful China" with Archers Direct. This is the first time we used Archers and to tell you the truth at first we were sceptical whether we had done the right thing.

Having spent some time comparing what was being offered by the different companies in the high street, we found that Archers were extremely competitive. The itinerary to beautiful China covered more than what we actually expected and as much if not better than what others offered.

From the time we arrived in Shanghai to our departure 3 weeks later from Hong Kong, everything was well organised and things run so smoothly. The guides were absolutely brilliant, helpful, knowledgeable, professional and spoke really good English. We were so impressed with Archers Direct that we have already booked for South Africa this year and Australia and New Zealand next year

China was a tremendous holiday and so much to see, with Beijing and its Forbidden City , the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army at Xian, the Yangzte river cruise and last but not least the beautiful Guilin with it's limestone peaks. We will certainly recommend "Beautiful China tour" to anyone and if the tour is extended to cover Hong Kong, it will complete a marvellous holiday..

Joe Aquilina, UK

Holiday Review: Beautiful China

We travelled in April, which was a good month as it was not too hot.

On arrival in Shanghai we were greeted by Jenny the national guide who proved happy and helpful throughout the whole trip right up to departure at end from Shanghai - and she made sure no-one got lost - and also dealt with the horrid problem of tipping - we know payment up front of £52 per head did not go down well but it certainly saved us all a lot of worry - Jenny was passing out envelopes like confetti!!

The holiday was hectic to say the least, up at the crack of dawn, coach, aircraft, river boat always on time and ready to shoot us off to next attraction, meal or entertainment. The sights & sounds of China were quite exhilarating, interesting & enthralling.

We saw all we expected to see and more: the Terracotta Army, Great Wall, Temples, Theatres, Forbidden City, Three Gorges dam, etc., etc. however my favourite was a small exhibition at the provincial Museum Wuhan of the tomb of the Marquis Ye of Zeng, it gave new meaning to the phrase 'wine, women and song' - do not miss the playing of the musical instruments, it was all quite moving - particularly when they played 'Ode to Joy'

Our final morning was spent a leisurely cruise on the Lijiang River at Guilin

Certainly the description of this holiday as 'Beautiful China' was very apt.

We are left with piles of photographs and many happy memories.

John Gardiner, UK

Holiday Review: Beautiful China

The attach files are the daily diary I wrote on the holiday and the events we experienced.

SHANGHAI - DAYS 1+2

Following a trouble free coach ride and check in at Heathrow we departed at 9.00pm on an East China airlines flight which was quite smooth and was an introduction to English as spoken by the Chinese. The two meals provided on the flight were also Chinese and rice based with the customary melon and drinks provided being the staple Coca Cola, Sprite or relatively weak beer which were supplied at every restaurant during our trip.

Shanghai airport was very impressive - immaculately clean and with all the usual facilities. The luggage arrived sooner than I expected and as the party assembled I was exploring the concourse in consequence I was the last to join the group.

The coach trip from Pudong airport was uneventful on busy clearways with cyclists and scooters on service roads alongside and we tried to absorb the contrasting sights of modern skyscrapers and old ramshackle blocks ofappartments. One of the largest surprises was to see a B+Q store and IKEA as well as the local Land Rover/Jaguar dealership. The drivers are quite erratic, constantly changing lanes and crossing junctions after the lights change, they appear to lead a charmed life although we did see a few collisions during our stay.

We arrived at Ruital hotel about 6.00pm and had a mad rush to be ready for dinner at 6.30 with our initiation into the usual mix of Chinese dishes and chopsticks. Coach to city centre for evening excursion on Huangpu river, a tributary of the Yangtze. The quayside was packed with Chinese visitors and street traders celebrating the holiday following National Day on October 1 when many start a week's holiday.

Very friendly people on the trip and a superb kite flyer demonstrating his dexterity on the coach parking area. We were soon introduced to the persistent street traders selling souvenirs and packs of postcards who will not take no for an answer and a few beggars around but no aggression despite the number of people - one of the largest gatherings we experienced.

The Chinese do not believe in energy saving - it is their commercial centre - and rivalled Trafalgar square for lights with most modern skyscrapers and older buildings floodlit- very dramatic seen from the river with numerous passenger steamers taking visitors on one hour trips. Conditions were perfect - a fine mild evening with no wind and it appeared to be one of the main attractions in the city. To bed about 11.00pm and wondering how we have kept going.

SHANGHAI - DAY 3

Start the day with fruit, fry up, toast and marmalade with coffee for breakfast - the best meal of the day!

Caught the coach at 9.00 for a visit to the Jade Buddha located in a temple in the centre of the town where we were besieged by the usual street traders with post cards and souvenirs, a ritual that was to be repeated at every tourist spot we visited.

Beautiful traditional buildings and jade statues in a fairly confined space but actively used by visiting Buddhists and priests in a casual way. Several tourist parties in attendance and a bit anxious at first how we keep in touch with our leader with a party of 36 tramping round. The Buddha is made from Jade and came from Burma originally and escaped the cultural revolution by being disguised in a packing case.

Followed on with a visit to a silk carpet and wall hanging factory with showroom where the intricate weaving technique was demonstrated by female workers who start at a very young age. The building also housed a craft fair comprising about 10 stalls with various products including baby clothes, paper cuts, prints and jade sculpture etc. Lunch was provided in a Mongolian style buffet where the meat was heated on a hot slab and vegetables or salad were self service.

The afternoon started with a visit to Yu Yuan Garden which was renovated after the Japanese invasion and destruction. It comprised beautiful traditional buildings and small lakes with limestone outcrops from Suzhou in the style of the Ming Dynasty. Their gardens are relatively formal and contain few flowers or flower beds. The route to the garden through a shopping precinct was packed with Chinese and detracted from the impact of the traditional buildings.

On to a walk by the riverside - The Bund - with views across the river to the business area comprising towering skyscrapers, evidence of Western influence and involvement in Chinese markets.

Finally a walk along Nanjing Road, one of the longest shopping roads in China, also very busy due to the national holidays. Managed to be caught by three students anxious to try their English and show us their display of paintings in a department store room. The stores were willing to negotiate prices - Louis Vuitton(?) handbag priced at 448Y was offered at 220Y - although a very attractive design it was in the wrong colour! Evidence of old dilapidated buildings on route to be demolished for Expo 2010.

Dinner Shanghai style then onto Acrobatic Show - 20 odd performers all very young and energetic with amusing and daring displays. Eventually back to hotel about 9.00pm after a long day. Weather was warm and humid, no sun and poor visibility probably due to pollution.

SHANGHAI + SUZHOU - DAY 4

First stop Shanghai museum - an excellent modern purpose built exhibition centre on 3 floors with plate glass cabinets and dual language labels clearly displayed, our 1.5 hour visit was barely adequate. On route we also passed IKEA, B+Q stores and the local Land Rover dealer before reaching a local restaurant for lunch where we met John and Wendy who had also been to the museum - fantastic coincidence as they were travelling for 27 days over a similar route.

Continued after dinner to Luxi, a 200 year old water town built on a canal which was a rural community and quite a contrast after the commercial city. Comprising quaint old waterside shops with the proprietors selling all manner of produce and souvenirs with the Cormorants sitting on boats as part of the scene.

Travelled on to Suzhou (Chris home town) known as the Chinese Venice and found our hotel about 4.30 where we had an excellent dinner and used the internet facilities to contact the family. Although we had a small fruit market under our bedroom windows we were not disturbed and slept soundly on another hard bed.

SUZHOU - DAY 5

Prompt start after breakfast with a 45 minute rickshaw ride through the town centre - alarming situation on a busy Saturday morning but survived to tell the tale. We finished up at a small formal garden where two musicians gave a short recital and a poem. We transferred to the car park on a paddle boat serenaded by the paddle woman and onto a silkworm factory and display store.

Following a demonstration of manufacturing silk (including silk worms) we visited the well stocked showroom with a selection of duvet covers and designer clothes (in slim Chinese sizes!) before dinner in the same location where John and Wendy were also dining once again.

The afternoon started with a canal boat ride through the town with some old properties being restored under preservation orders and many new blocks of flats.

Onto the Tiger Hill pagoda of Yunyan, a walk uphill for about 20 minutes where a celebration was in progress with exuberant dragon dancers and a large audience which restricted our view but a few photos were obtained.

Following an excellent dinner we visited the Garden of the Master of Nets for an evening of classical Chinese entertainment by local musicians and dancers in a series of small pavilions, very pleasant atmosphere for a unique occasion. Relaxing end to a fine sunny day.

SUZHOU + NANJING - DAY 6

Early call for breakfast to leave hotel at 8.00 and catch train for a 2 hour journey to Nanjing - about 10 immaculate carriages with reserved seats all taken and equivalent of a female guard allocated to each carriage, when we reached Nanjing she cleaned the coat of arms on the side of the carriage and the handrails on the access doors.

Our luggage had travelled overnight in advance and was waiting at the hotel.

Our local guide, a lady called Wang met us at the station and we visited a bridge over the Yangtse - built in 1960 it was the first one to cross the river at Nanjing as previously the cars and trains were ferried across - a three hour trip.

The entrance hall to the tower has one of the few statues of Chairman Mao left on display as most were destroyed after the cultural revolution. The observation tower also had the usual souvenir gallery with an artist demonstrating painting on a crystal glass globe from the inside.

After a good lunch we visited the city gate and wall and followed on to a shopping centre in a pedestrian area which compared with a Western shopping market where the shops were predominantly modern clothes. The hotel was close at hand and we also visited the shops in the evening when they were floodlit.

A sunny hot humid day with haze from the pollution as Nanjing is a heavy industry manufacturing city with coal mines and iron works.

NANJING + BEIJING - DAY 7

Our coach departed at 8.00am to visit the mausoleum of Dr Sun Yatsen, (1866-1925) the first president of post imperial China. An imposing memorial built on a hillside comprising several pavilions built in white granite with blue roof tiles with 392 steps leading up to the Memorial Hall. Dr Sun is revered by the Chinese and a pilgrimage to his burial place is high on their agenda. The approach is surrounded by woodland and flowerbeds tastefully arranged and well maintained.

A short distance away we visited a fresh water pearl farm (commercial tourist centre) where mother purchased a pair of ear rings after much bartering!

After an excellent lunch onto the airport for a 1.5 hour flight to Beijing where we met Lily, our courier for Beijing - the least said the better!

Staying at Best Western, not the best as far as we were concerned but adequate and as good as you will find in a big city on a tourist holiday. Western style buffet for dinner in the hotel and an early night for a change.

As we were on the 13th floor we did not suffer from the traffic noise with two busy clearways passing the hotel but could see the effects of the pollution on the visibility.

BEIJING - DAY 8

Initially a few irritations with lifts overloaded and breakfast organisation a bit chaotic due to large parties depleting food and plates etc. Coach left at 8.30 for Tian'anmen Square which was very impressive with spontaneous friendly atmosphere among the large crowds of visitors and groups.

A large indicator on the National Museum of China building showed the number of days to the start of the Olympics in 2008 and large models of the icons for the games were mounted in the centre of flower beds. Souvenirs for games featuring the symbols were available at every tourist centre we visited and they are obviously utilising every opportunity to promote the occasion.

Following a group photo in the square we were guided through the Forbidden City - a series of imposing pavilions - reputed to contain 9,000 rooms in a vast area and impossible to contemplate in the time available with the vast number of visitors constantly streaming into the buildings. The guides keep you on the move otherwise you could spend a tiring day wandering around and we eventually found the exit about 12.30 and onto a restaurant for lunch. There are no refreshment facilities in the Forbidden City or opportunities to sit for a rest so it is quite a marathon effort.

After lunch the next location was the Summer Palace set in a large park area with a lake and a kilometre walkway under a decorated roof which had just been restored to include paintings on the beams every 4 metres. The marble boat was built at the end of the 19th century to the instructions of the Dragon Empress (Empress Dowager Cixi) with funds intended to equip the navy. A short half hour boat trip across the lake brought us back to the coach for return to the hotel and dinner.

Evening trip to the Peking Opera where we had the opportunity to see the actors applying their make up prior to the performance. Two operettas were featured, one a tragedy with high pitched Chinese style singing and a comedy based on a robbery which was quite simple and amusing, beautiful costumes and an unusual experience.

A relaxing end to a memorable day in the sun and warm temperatures - about 25C.

BEIJING - DAY 9

Another early start (8.00am) after breakfast for our 2 hour coach ride to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall which is little further than other sections but not so crowded.

First stop was another commercial break to visit a factory where copper products are hand beaten and wire patterns applied to provide a guide for the artists applying the paint by pipette which can be added to and fired up to 6 times. The finished designs are buffed with stone and charcoal before a gold outline is then applied.

Onto the Great wall in perfect weather - intermittent sunshine - approached by a pedestrian way uphill to a ski lift, flagged by souvenir stalls with the inevitable traders doing their best to intercept you, not surprising as it is their only opportunity to earn a living on this day with few visitors. On alighting from the lift it is awe inspiring with wooded mountains in every direction and the sun breaking through and the wall disappearing into the horizon. Pat managed about quarter mile and waited while I went as far as we were allowed on this section - a further quarter mile plus a bit as I recall with about 100 steps up at the end. A tasty packed lunch was provided which we enjoyed in the shade at a picnic spot in the coach park.

We were offered an extra excursion on the route back - a rickshaw ride around the Hutongs in a suburb of Beijing where an elderly couple showed us their home - quite primitive (no bathroom) but comfortable with television and fridge and fire providing limited central heating. They had a small courtyard with numerous pets including birds in cages, chipmunk and fish tanks.

The Hutongs are gradually being demolished and replaced with modern high rise apartments but an enterprising Englishman has organised the rickshaw tours and it is hoped that the remaining 1,000 or so of these small alleyways which enter the small courtyards will be retained. An old way of communal living is being eroded as the young families move out. Communal also means public baths and toilets as there are no sewerage facilities.

Excellent Peking duck dinner in the hotel and the opportunity to dress up in traditional Chinese costumes before dinner.

BEIJING + WUHAN - DAY10

Leisurely breakfast for a change before visiting the Temple of Heaven located in a large park which the local population use as a recreational area.

This proved a most inspiring location with groups spontaneously exercising or practising on their musical instruments, dancing, tai chi exercises, a large choir was rehearsing and people were playing cards or just talking among themselves - complete relaxation - we almost felt we were on holiday. We also saw an old fashioned baby pram with a basket that could be used for carrying the child on the back, the parents cooperated while we took photos and were very proud of their offspring.

The centre of attraction for the tourists was a large imposing Temple used by the Emperor after fasting for three days to pray for fine weather and a good harvest. To augment the Temple a large display room gave details of the construction and an explanation of its purpose. It was also a relief to find a tourist shop with correct prices displayed and no bartering to complete a really stimulating atmosphere.

After lunch onto the airport and a long wait for a 4.00pm flight to Wuhan where we were met by another local guide, Stephen an older man with experience of the Cultural Revolution 1966-76.

Excellent hotel (Holiday Inn) with our bedroom overlooking the Yangtze and our dinner was served on the terrace overlooking the river. Dinner was accompanied by a touring song and dance group performing in national costume from the NW province of Xinjiang . They were very entertaining and spirited with different characteristics from the areas we have visited so far and persuaded Pat to dance a few steps - interrupting her dinner which was a wide selection from the self service buffet based on very spicy recipes from Xinjiang.

The evening finished with a light shower - our first rain.

WUHAN - DAY11

Very misty morning after overnight drizzle and humidity but dry. Excellent breakfast with fresh coffee which had the usual reaction for the first time.

8.45 start to visit a Bonzai garden and natural history museum with beautiful grounds. Followed on with incredible music museum where we had a short recital on instruments based on those found in the tomb of the Marquis Yi (433BC) in 1978 - the first evidence of a 7 tonal range as opposed to the normal Chinese 5. He was buried with 21 concubines who were poisoned and his dog.

Following lunch at Wuhan we started the four hour coach trip to Yichang for dinner, both excellent meals. Fascinating views of farmers on route - hand ploughing with water bullocks and harvesting second crop of rice as well as various dwellings and vehicles.

We arrived at the dock above the three gorges dam about 8.30pm where our liner was moored and fortunately a cabin with a balcony was available on the ship as when we booked all the balcony cabins were taken and we soon retired to our beds after another long day.

RIVER YANGTZE - DAY12 (YICHANG TO BADONG 77 MILES)

Some displeasure among the guests as the standard of accommodation in the cabins is not up to 5 star but as long as they are comfortable and clean - well just about - we can survive as the lounges and food are a good standard.

We go ashore before we sail to visit the 3 Gorges Dam - one of the largest civil engineering projects in the world at present. Half of the generators are already in use and the balance should be up and running next year. One series of 5 locks are operating and a second run of locks are under construction together with a boat lift for smaller ships - subject to resolving a few technical complications in consultation with German specialists. The tourist area is well landscaped with flower beds and fountains as well as a large model to show the appearance of the dam when it is completed, with the usual souvenir shop.

The Rough guide for China listed the following complications - corruption over funds; displacement of thousands of the local population; flooding of villages; pollution in the dam; destruction of wildlife and will it prevent flooding as projected. The main purpose is to avoid flooding in the cities along the Yangtze and control the flow of the river throughout the year.

Back to ship for a good lunch before we set sail at 2.30pm taking advantage of the sundeck with beautiful scenery through the Xiling gorge but a bit misty for good photographs. The views are mainly wooded hillsides and cliffs with evidence of people living on boats along the shores. River traffic included large barges carrying coal and various cargos as well as fast hydrofoil ferry services for the local communities and on this first day we sailed 77 miles and moored at Badong for the night.

Evening entertainment provided by the crew with dance routines, kung fu and mime performers, very good and well attended.

Fairly hard bunks which appears to be the norm in China but we slept soundly after a relatively relaxing day.

RIVER YANGTZE - DAY13 (BADONG TO FENGDU 164 MILES)

Transferred to a smaller launch for a memorable tourist trip up the Shennong stream, one of the 900 tributaries feeding the Yangtze for about 90 minutes when we transferred into 'pea boats' holding about 20 passengers where we were issued with life jackets.

The boats like large canoes are effectively propelled by a crew of 4 using the crude oars, extremely hard work followed by towing the canoes with bamboo woven ropes between the boulders for about 100 metres when we reached the rapids. After turning round without any mishaps we drift back through the rapids providing entertainment for the local population waving and children shouting 'we love you' in broken English. As the water level is due to rise by a further 10 metres due to the dam the buildings and small villages have been relocated on higher ground.

More dramatic scenery on route and three coffins resting in crevices in the rocks about 30 metres above the water line - reputedly in place for 2,000 years - but no one can determine how they were positioned on a vertical cliff face and a large cave provided a nesting area for a large colony of swallows.

Our guides were a delightful group of young Sichuan girls speaking excellent English.

Back to President 1 for lunch and more sun bathing and frustrating time trying to take interesting photographs in misty conditions as we sailed through the dramatic Wu and Qutang gorges.

Evening entertainment by the crew featuring the costumes and dances of the various provinces across China. Finally docked at Fengdu after sailing a further 164 miles up the Yangtze.

RIVER YANGTZE - DAY 14 (FENGDU TO CHONGQING)

FengDu (The Ghost City) A damp start to the day which entailed crossing a line of pontoons to reach the shore and our coach for a short ride to visit the Shibaozhai Pagoda known as the shining pearl of the Yangtze. Unfortunately nobody told the weather Gods and as we ascended the site in a ski type lift a tropical storm broke with thunder and lightening flashing overhead, I thought we were about to be fried as an offering.

What we saw of the Buddhas and Gods was quite dramatic but gave up on the final ascent as we were drenched by this time and took cover in the inevitable gift shop whilst most of the party carried on. Fortunately we returned to the ship after an hour or so and changed into dry clothes and a welcome hot drink before dinner.

The crew provided several activities and demonstrations during the afternoon including pictures made with silk embroidery and acupuncture by a Chinese trained doctor after which we relaxed before starting the final hectic days.

Fortunately the rain stopped as we proceeded up the river passing several towns on route with varied scenery to our final destination at Chongqing.

The groups of guests provided the evening entertainment with national songs and dances from their different countries (except the Brits of course - sad to say!).

The city of Chongqing was floodlit when we arrived with skyscrapers surrounding the dock area and a contrast to the primitive living conditions we had seen on route.

The worst day for weather of the whole holiday so we can't complain as there was little opportunity for sightseeing apart from the river bank.

CHONGQING + XIAN - DAY 15

Short tour of Chongqing - a very hilly city which in consequence meant very few cycles and a large amount of building in progress to accommodate the 2 million city dwellers and additional 30 million population in the area as a result of relocation from the dam project.

Our first stop was the zoo where we saw several Pandas happily chumping away on bamboo shoots in their large paddocks. The zoo also had a couple of tigers and bears which showed signs of frustration in their pens and an aviary with numerous species of birds from across the world. The garden areas were well maintained and attractively landscaped and provided a welcome contrast to the city landscape.

A large art gallery and school of art was attached to the grounds where we had a demonstration of Chinese painting and opportunity to view the galleries and purchase a print for us and a jade tortoise for Gay and Michael.

Our only opportunity to visit an open air market with stalls of local traders and open fronted shops including live catfish and several vegetable baskets for the local population and not dominated by tourists. Painters and decorators were also evident awaiting employment from the locals.

Following lunch we flew to Xian in an hour and beat our luggage for the first time so we had to eat in our day clothes after a quick bath. Very good dinner and emerged from the dining room to find a group of clergyman, including the Archbishop of Canterbury departing from the hotel after a conference. Used our spare time after dinner to email the family and have an early night.

XIAN - DAY 16

Started with viewing the city wall at the South gate which was recently restored and is part of the 12km around the centre of the city and only completed this year, a short stay as the weather was overcast with light rain.

Onto a Neolithic settlement called Banpo with a museum featuring the artefacts found on the site which was only discovered in 1953. The village dated from 3,750 to 4,500BC and showed remarkable evidence of tools, decorated pottery and implements used in that early civilisation as well as a plan of the dwellings on the site.

After an indifferent lunch we arrived at the exhibition centre of the terracotta warriors which are housed in three large hanger type structures and are very impressive in every aspect of the display. A dramatic cinema in the round provides a short explanation of the history of their origination and how they were discovered.

The whole concept is well presented with some guidance and receives revenues to ensure it is maintained. It is quite rightly of course a renowned tourist centre and suffers in consequence from the number of visitors which detracts from an otherwise excellent site. For a more detailed explanation we purchased the official guide book which is ostensibly signed by one of the original farmers who discovered the site in 1974.

A quick bath and change of clothes for the evening visit to a Tang era musical which was quite dramatic and well performed although influenced by European staging for the benefit of the foreign visitors. The trip included an excellent dinner served in the theatre (see menu) but unfortunately a traffic jam - the first significant one we experienced in China - delayed our arrival and by the time we sat down we were expected to eat the four course meal in about 20 minutes.

In retrospect this was one of the best days of the tour which was spoilt by trying to squeeze in too much activity - particularly due to the traffic delays returning from the warriors site and the volume of cars in the evening rush hour.

XIAN + GUILIN - DAY17

A short coach ride to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where we suffered from the usual lack of time to explore more thoroughly. It was another tourist centre but retained a peaceful relaxed atmosphere with 100 monks still in residence and numerous pavilions used by the monks for their study, library, art studio and Buddha.

Our guide explained that as part of his role he was obliged to take us to another Jade showroom which had a discrete plaque stating it was an appropriate showroom for tourists and had the usual hoards of assistants and served free green tea. Quite interesting to see how the jade is worked and categorized as some of the craftsmen demonstrated their techniques for shaping the raw material.

Lunch was provided at an immaculate airport restaurant - a very modern building - which is scheduled to become an international airport. A one hour forty minute flight saw us in Guilin and a visit to the Reed Flute Caves while our luggage was sorted for the hotel.

The caves were picturesque and dramatically floodlit and the guide imaginatively interpreted the rock formations as animals etc. Despite the long days activities we volunteered to join a small party after dinner on a city coach tour and river trip (no pollution!) to see the fishermen successfully using their cormorants in the river to catch five or six fish. The city had a relaxed atmosphere with the river and plantations providing a backdrop as well as planted verges to the roads in some areas.

Eventually back to a comfortable bed in a well appointed hotel.

GUILIN - DAY 18

The day dawned misty and overcast with a promise it might improve later in the day - apparently this is normal for the river location and proved the case as the day progressed.

The launch was ideal for sightseeing with plenty of space on the open top deck and was perfect for taking photographs even if the weather was a bit dull at times. The river was so low that the launch scraped the riverbed on several occasions and the water buffalo were grazing on the shore line and in the shallows.

There is no escaping the traders as they punted out to the launch on bamboo rafts, almost colliding as they came alongside to try and sell their wares. They hitched a lift by hooking onto the launch and clambering aboard for a mile or so with their trinkets before casting off again - only for another trader to replace them for the next stretch in their anxiety to earn a living.

The scenery is absorbing and very dramatic with karst peaks dominating the skyline - quite unique as it changed every few minutes as we progressed up river. The crew also offered a few souvenirs including snake wine which we declined seeing three kinds of snake immersed in the wine - I dread to think what it tasted like.

The cruise lasted about 5 hours with lunch on board and was an opportunity to relax and chat to the other guests without food whizzing round or chasing your tail during a visit to a centre of interest.

We landed at Yangshuo, described by the guide as a hello market predominantly aimed at the tourists - it seems every stall holder tries to catch your attention shouting hello and holding out samples of their wares. It was a novelty at first but some are so persistent it became tedious and precludes you taking an interest in any goods without being enveloped in a negotiation whether you want the object or not. Some of the shops were quite appealing - particularly the artist supplies with a large selection of brushes and prints as well as a six month old baby in a pram which the father was very proud of.

An electric buggy took us to the coach park for our return to Guilin and the 10 passengers due to fly to Hong Kong stayed in Guilin while the rest of us had dinner and onto the airport for our final internal flight to Shanghai. A bit traumatic dragging our luggage round the airport at Shanghai as Chris mistook the coach park and we eventually reached the hotel about 11.00pm.

Eric Dent, UK

Holiday Review: Beautiful China

My wife and I returned from what has been an enjoyable, though tiring, tour of China, expertly put together by Archers Direct and the China Tourist Industry.

Putting together a total of eight flights, two train journey's, two cruise's and umpteen coach excursions, which ran to punctual timing was no mean fete and the hotel's we stayed at were first class, you must be congratulated.

Mr H Owen, Isle of Anglesey

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

My husband Graham and I have just returned from a fantastic holiday arranged through Archers Direct. We went on the Wonders of the China and the Mighty Yangtze tour - with a 3 days extension to Hong Kong.

The tour guide who was with us throughout was first class, he took away all of the worries about being in a different environment and did so with cheerfulness and efficiency.

We took three internal flights, plus and over night of a train, plus a four day boat trip, everything ran very smoothly and on time. We stayed in 7 different hotels/train/boat all very good, well positioned and the service was excellent.

One of the highlights - and there were many - was the food. We were served a wonderful array of local food, well served and delicious - we were experts with chopsticks by the end of the holiday.

The selection of places we visited was just right, although somedays were very tiring. We saw all the major site with Xian and the Terracotta Warriors being my particular favourite, they really are breathtaking. We even saw Panda's a real treat and a lovely moment.

There are street vendors at most of the major site, but they are not intimidating as they can be elsewhere and by and large what they are selling are worth buying and haggling is fun, they make great gifts for the kids.

For more serious purchases, jade of course, fresh water pearls, silk in every shape and colour and Chinese art, some of their pictures are charming and not to expensive.

One thing which surprised us was when the guide referred to 'the old days' he was often talking about 20 - 25 years ago, we tend to forget how much of China's culture was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. There has been a lot of restoration of the ancient sites and most of the city's are less than 15 years old, it is quite difficult getting your mind around the fact that in Shanghai for instance there are 30.7 million people, the skyline is magnificent.

We would totally recommend the trip, it is an experience but don't expect a rest.

Sharan and Graham White, UK

Holiday Review: Splendours of Sri Lanka

I am writing to say how much we enjoyed our holiday with Archers Direct recently. We under took your Splendours of Sri Lanka tour and resort holiday.

The tour is extremely well planned. We saw some wonderful places and had some really good experiences. Sri Lanka is an island of contrasts, from the hustle and bustle of Colombo and Kandy to the peace and quiet of the countryside. From the starkness of the dry zone, to the lush and green area of the highlands.

There were many items packed into the tour, we did not think so much could have been fitted in. Places visited included tea plantation, spice garden (where we had a really nice massage), gem factory and a fruit tasting session. The sights we saw were many and varied. We will never forget the climb up the Sigiriya rock to the fortress on the top, from where the view was amazing. It was also a climb up to the Dambullah Cave Temples but well worth it.

The rivers of Polowunarra covered a vast area and we had to transfer from one to the next in our mini-bus. We never realised that in Nuwara Eliya region there were waterfalls six hundred feet high. In Kandy we saw a culture show and visited the Temple of the Tooth.

For us the highlights were the elephant safari and our visit to the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. The safari was really enjoyable, especially when the elephant went into a lake and decided it did not want to come out. At the orphanage my wife got the chance to feed one of the youngsters with a bottle. When all the elephants, about seventy of them, were taken down to the river to bathe it really was a sight to see.

All the hotels we stayed at on the tour were excellent, indeed in my little book on Sri Lanka they were classed as the best in their area. I must mention the Sigiriya Village hotel which was situation in the jungle. There was a main building and the residential accommodation was in bungalows in the grounds. The grounds had lots of wildlife including monkeys, mongeese, giant squirrels and all sorts of birds. On the tour, we did see a lot of other wildlife, several kinds of lizards, porcupines, birds of prey and water monitors. Thankfully the only snakes we saw were in a show.

Our driver/guide for the tour, Alvis, was marvellous. His driving skills were top-class as was his knowledge of everything we saw. He always managed to put us in the best vantage points everywhere we went. He really helped us to enjoy the tour.

Our second week was spent at the Palm Garden resort at Berawela. This was a chilling-out week. The hotel was clear, food very good, rooms spacious and the beach clean. The entertainment team worked very hard, both in the day and at night. There was no pressure to join in if you did not want to; we just did our own thing. We were surprised now cheap the travel in tuk-tuks and taxis was. The relaxed atmosphere of the second week was in complete contrast to the tour but very enjoyable.

Our lasting impression of Sri Lanka will be the people. Always smiling and helpful, they could not do enough for you. To our eyes they do not seem to have much and yet seemed content and got on with life.

Every year we write to tell you how much we enjoyed our holiday with Archers. Each year they seem to get better, perhaps we are getting braver and going further afield. Once again, thank you.

Mr & Mrs Sandwell, Lancashire

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

We have just had the most enjoyable holiday we have had for years. This was our third holiday with your organisation and we are very pleased with the way in which it was organised and run. We were very impressed with Michael Zhang our Tour Guide who organised matters in such a quiet way and never ever got into a panic or lost his temper. We were particularly pleased with the way in which he handled a request from myself to see a cloisonné factory in Peking. This was not only appreciated by myself but also the other members of our party. It was a measure of how successful he was a guide and organiser.

Our overall impression after travelling some 5600 miles in China was that it is much more advanced than UK newspaper convey. The country is exceptionally clean, the roads are magnificent particular what they call Expressways.. The cars, buses and lorries are all very modern and the shops are woman's delight. We were very impressed with Peking, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Great Wall etc. There is so much to see and marvel at. They are very fast, clean and exceptionally punctual.

We went to the Peking Opera, pleasant and colourful but it is very traditional Chinese. There were a number of shows which we enjoyed very much and we bought the DVD's. There were the Acrobats of Shanghai who were absolutely stunning. How a person can get into the shapes some of these people managed is beyond belief in spite of us seeing them. The Tang Dynasty show in Xian was outstanding with incredible costumes and colours. The Terracotta soldiers in Xian were another highlight so was the four-night trip down the Yangtze. There is so much to see and tell that I could write a book.

Thank you once again for a super holiday. We are not sure where we are going next year but we intend to use your organisation.

R & J Richards, Abingdon

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

This was the holiday of a lifetime for me and it surpassed all my expectations. Some days were long and exhausting but necessary for such a full itinerary.

The reps were excellent and taught us a considerable amount about Chinese culture and history.

My memory of this holiday and the co-operation of all Archer's staff will stay with me forever. Congratulations on an excellent trip.

Mrs V Parker, Angus

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

We are just back from a two weeks tour in China - superb. First class five star hotels, six internal flights and a Yangtze cruise. I felt as if wee were in a very comfortable tourist cocoon and with bureaucracy completely removed by such an organised tour.

An extraordinary experience with outstanding highlights across a vast country.

Dr Hughes, Cumbernauld

Holiday Review: Splendours of Sri Lanka

My husband and I took the Splendours of Sri Lanka Tour, followed by a week in the Maldives, last November and have been recommending Archers ever since.

P Roberts, Bedford

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

I feel I must write in praise of a wonderful 2 weeks my husband and I spent with Archers Direct on the "China and Yangtse River" tour. Everything was really well organised for which we must say a special thank you to our very pleasant, humorous and knowledgeable guide. We were particularly impressed by the luxury of the hotels we stayed in, the quality and quantity of food and all the various travel arrangements that went so smoothly. It seemed almost unbelievable that in the space of two weeks we visited so many famous places and had such a variety of different cultural experiences.

We really enjoyed the holiday and felt that with almost everything included, it was incredibly good value for money. Thank you all concerned, we will definitely be looking to Archers again for next year's trip.

H & C Butler, Nottingham

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

Our tour of China with Archers Direct has been simply excellent. Everything has run incredibly smoothly with Alan, an extraordinarily good guide, who handled the group of 39 extremely well and given us personally great advice. The local guides too have been of a high standard with Michael in Shanghai and Chow in Xian standing out. The hotels have been of a uniformly good standard.

In terms of the itinerary highlights were the new …… at the Han Dynasty tombs in Xian, the Terracotta Warriors, the trip up Shenang Stream and the Great Wall. I guess the timings we enjoyed less were the Peking Opera and maybe we would have preferred more time walking on the wall rather than the Ming Tombs - but this probably would not have suited the rest of our more elderly party. We found it quite a hectic schedule but thought that was needed to fit in the wealth of China's attractions. We were pleased Alan was able to change the schedule at times to meet the group's wishes - for example, the trip to the imitation market.

Altogether we would not hesitate to recommend this tour and the service offered by Archers. It also seems amazingly good value.

P. Graham, UK

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

If you want a holiday experience, which is so much more than a holiday, let me recommend the China & Yangtze River touring holiday.

Within fifteen days we were exposed to an ancient culture and all it had to offer, history so different from ours it could have been hard to comprehend had it not been for the excellence of the tour manager and the local guides whose knowledge and fluency in our language made it easy for us to fully appreciate and value our differences, each enriching the other.

The internal flights were superb and the management of our luggage was excellent. The included shows have to be experienced and the food was excitingly interesting. Visits to the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors were overwhelming, however, for me the cruise on the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges Dam was the high spot, for when the area is flooded the world will never be the same again. Incidentally, they are one year ahead on this enormous project; do we have more to learn from them?

Our hotel accommodation was as good as any we have stayed in and compare favourably with those in the USA, which are renowned for their standards. The silk, jade and pearl factory/outlets are a must to visit and of course buy from ridiculously low prices. The traffic conditions in Beijing are inexplicable but a memorable experience, as are the squat type toilets. The gardens, pandas, temples, tombs, pagodas but especially the people are what will draw us back to China.

My husband and I have travelled widely, however, this was our first holiday with Archers but will not be the last, and the departure from our local airport was a definite advantage and a pleasant start to our holiday.

Well Archers, I can only thank you for creating this opportunity for us to explore a new country and hope to travel with you again in the not too distant future.

Mrs Nertney, Cleveland

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

This letter comes a little late but I wanted to write to you and say "Thank you" for a fantastic holiday.

My friends Mr Irestone and my husband and I went on your China & Yangtze River tour in March. I would like to say what wonderful value for our money. Our guide Michael was very good and so helpful.

Again thank you for a most memorable and wonderful holiday and good luck on your future tours.

Mrs J Saunders, Middlesex

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

We have just returned from one of your holidays; Wonders of China and The Mighty Yangtze plus Hong Kong. As this is the first time we have been with your company, and also with an escorted tour, I felt we had to let you know how much we enjoyed our holiday.

The organisation, planning, hotels and guides were all excellent; we will most certainly consider another of your tours, and again thank you for a great holiday.

Mr Mclellan, Ross-shire

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

I just want to thank you for a wonderful holiday.

We have just returned from China on tour (Wonders of China & The Mighty Yangtze). Everything was so well organised. We were on the go from early morning to night time, but enjoyed every minute of it, the highlights being the Great Wall and the Terracotta Soldiers, but everything was so wonderful and breathtaking. I would recommend this holiday to anybody. The cruise on the Yangtze was more than we ever dreamed of, and the crew entertained us every night.

Thanks to our courier, Jessica, we had a marvellous time, looking forward to our cruise in September, even looking at the brochures for next year.

Mrs P Chadwick, Shropshire

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

After 5 years of apprehension and being convinced by my wife we decided to visit China to cruise the Yangtze River before it was flooded to a height of 175 metres.

Passing through the Three Gorges Dam (was incredible and very relaxing) the visits to the various sites offered in the Brochure were amazing and the size of the Cities full of Neon Lights and with connecting motorways with lots of busy traffic and high rise buildings where ever you looked gave us a different impression of what we originally thought China would be like. Everywhere we went we found the people to be very friendly and wanting to speak and try out their English.

The tour guide and local guides were very informative and knowledgeable, Beijing was very crowded and busy although Xian was exceptional with vast open spaces and very tidy and clean, and to see the pandas was a delight. The food at the hotels and at all the chosen restaurants was of a very high standard. The Terracotta Warriors, the Hero Walk on the Great Wall and Yangtze were the Highlights of our tour although we enjoyed visiting the Summer Palace, Various Temples and Tiananmen Square.

We arrived back home with an entirely different view and hope to go back again in the future, we recommend China is now the place of the future for tourism so don't hesitate like I did. Go now and enjoy a different country with a different culture. You will not be disappointed.

Mr & Mrs Day, Mid-Glam

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

I went on my holiday abroad in 1947 and have been almost every year since as well as taking cruise holidays. I have been with a lot of different companies and travelled in various ways, by coach, train, air, car and caravan. I feel well qualified to judge the quality of a holiday and rate the above Archers' Direct as first class value. Previously I considered a safari holiday in South Africa as my favourite all time holiday but it has now been relegated to second place after visiting China with this tour.

We were met in Beijing Airport by Lily who was our guide throughout the tour. Lily was very efficient and cared for everyone in an unobtrusive manner, which made the holiday so perfect. The itinerary was packed but arranged so that we did not become exhausted. We soon became familiar with the others in the group as we shared the experiences. My friend, Doreen and myself came in for a lot of teasing from the younger members of the party and one of them took a photograph of us posing near the "other old relics" (enclosed).

The first hotel we stayed in was a very imposing building with a beautiful ornamental fountain in front of it. The bedrooms were spacious and the public rooms elegant and vast. We expected less in subsequent hotels but were pleasantly surprised to find they were of the same high standard. Doreen was concerned about the food as she does not enjoy highly seasoned dishes but her fears were groundless and there was plenty of choice at every meal. We were provided with a buffet breakfast with every imaginable type of food including fresh fruit and at the other meals an assortment of dishes was served so she never went hungry. We were also surprised to find shops selling our favourite ice cream in most of the places we visited.

The cruise on the Yangtze River and visit to the Three Gorges Dam was worth the long haul flight in its own right and our Dam Guide had a wicked sense of humour. The other excursions to the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, the climb up the Wall of China and the visit to the zoo at Chongquing were an added bonus. We also saw the China Opera, an acrobatic show and visited some unforgettable Bonsai gardens as well as seeing the seething cities.

Our overall impression of China was one of beauty, harmony and peace and we were made welcome wherever we went by local people anxious to befriend us. It would be very difficult to pick out a particular highlight. Thank you Archers Direct for making these fascinating places accessible to us. Hats off to Archers Direct for this tour and cruise.

Mrs C Chandler, Leeds

Holiday Review: Splendours of Sri Lanka

I am writing this just to say what a wonderful holiday the splendours tour of sri lanka and add on at the club palm garden beruwela was .

Travelling on my own with some trepidation i might add, this is one holiday i would not have missed . There was only one other lady on her own so we had a car to ourselves with an excellent guide called Lucky. I never realised what a contrast sri lanka would be from the beautiful waterfalls and mountains that surround Adams peak,to the beautiful beaches of the coast.

The tour is very well planned it would have to be to cover just over a 1,000miles in one week. The hotels were excellent including the Mahewelia Reach , St Andrews and Sigiriya village hotels. The staff are very friendly and helpful to say the least. In Kandy we visited the Temple of the Tooth and was lucky enough to see the Golden Relic.What can one say about the elephant orphange if only i could have brought them all home . Even though i'm not a bird watcher we saw 40 different species in the first week ,including the beautiful kingfishers.
Our driver Lucky was excellent with his driving skills due to the land slides that had been happening while we were there.

If there are travellers thinking about the Tamil Tigers out there please do not miss out on this wonderful holiday because you are not allowed in that area at all and if anyone is thinking of going on your own i would say go because you will be safe even on the last week of your holiday.

My second week was spent at the club palm garden in Beruwela - the staff are very helpful and friendly the food excellent but please girls do not go if you are dieting. The hotel is situated by a lovely beach where you can have a good long walk. This is the first holiday ive ever come back with some money.

I have travelled many times with my parents and friend with Archers but first time on my own with you and i would just like to say thank you again for making my time in sri lanka a very special holiday.

Sarah Peyton, UK

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

I am writing this letter of thanks to the company to express my great satisfaction with the recent holiday that I booked with Archers Direct "Tour of China and the Yangtze River Cruise".

The entire organisation of the tour was excellent throughout. The tour guide in China was a pleasure to be with (Mr Allen Chen) and he made sure that our holiday ran smoothly and was enjoyable the whole of the fourteen days. Our hotels were excellent, as was the Yangtze River Cruise on the "President 4 Boat".

This is the first time that I have travelled with Archer's Direct and if these standards are maintained then I am sure it will not be the last! It was good value for money. My thanks to the team who work to make this a successful holiday.

Mrs R Goodwin, Oxon

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

In May 2006 we went on a Holiday for 17 days to China and I really must say that the organisation, was supurb. The couriers, guides and drivers used were really good, funny and friendly as well as knowledgeable about their own particular areas.

We found that the removal and return of luggage was second to none and we were amazed at the fact that the cases disappeared as we left the hotel only to re-appear when we arrived at a new hotel and were delivered to the room is rapid time.

Each hotel we stayed at was to a very high standard, and the food was plentiful, and served with smiles and explanations, where necessary.

I would have no hesitation about using your company again (I had never heard of you previously) and would certainly recommend you to all my friends.

In fact we are looking to go on a Safari next year and your brochures will definitely be among the first that we look at.

Carol Lacome, UK

Holiday Review: Splendours of Sri Lanka

The following event took place last year when I was in Sri Lanka with some friends. I do not have a photograph of the episode, but you have photos in your brochure of the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka.

The story begins on the second day of our trip when my friend discovered he had left his medicine bag at the previous hotel. As he was diabetic and required tablets for high blood pressure, he was a bit concerned about how he would manage without his regular medication. However, help was at hand when he discovered that I was also diabetic, and carried an extra two weeks supply of my tablets, in case I got high jacked or some other unforeseen incident.

By this time, we were at the Elephant Orphanage where everyone was enjoying the babies being fed in a large compound. Cameras were popping like mad, when I discovered my friend's dilemma's I suggested we find a quiet place where we could discuss his requirements. We therefore retreated to a spot nearby where there was a pile of logs. Quite oblivious to everything else, we sat down on this pile of logs and began to pass tablets between us, carefully counting each tablet to make sure he had enough supplies to last for the rest of the holiday.

We were so engrossed in our deliberations, we did not notice that part two of the floor show was about to start, namely one large elephant and keeper lifting a pile of logs, as they were in the habit of doing in a days work! And they were making their way towards our pile of logs. It was only the crescendo of shouts and laughs from the assembled group of tourists that alerted us to look up to see what all the noise was about.

Yes, elephant and keeper were standing right behind us, ready to lift the aforementioned logs high into the air. Talk about move!!! Ian and I have never moved as fast in our lives!!!

Needless to say, the assembled tourists were taking photos nineteen to the dozen and enjoying the unintended floor show. Sadly, we did not get a photo for posterity, but at least Ian kept hold of his tablets and the holiday continued without further unintended excitement.

It was a wonderful holiday, and everything went like clockwork. We would recommend this trip unreservedly.

Mrs J Harris, Cumbernauld

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

We have just returned from your touring holiday China and the Yangtze River. What a superb time we've had. So many wonderful experiences, that it's difficult to decide which one was the highlight of the holiday.

We were so well taken care of by our tour guide, Allen Chen. He was everything a tour guide should be. The whole holiday ran so smoothly that we were able to relax and enjoy every day without having to worry about anything.

When we arrived at Heathrow we found that one of our suitcases was still at Beijing airport. That could have dampened our experience of Archers, but the suitcase was delivered to our door within 48 hours and we were kept informed by Air China, of its whereabouts throughout that time.

We would have no hesitation in recommending this holiday to our friends.

Mr S. Hackett, Northants

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

For several years my husband and I have been going on holiday with Archers Direct.

July 2006, we went on the China Holiday, it was absolutely unforgettable! Terracotta Warriors where my husband celebrated his birthday, and a walk along the Great Wall of China were just a few highlights of the trip. We extended our holiday to visit Inner Mongolia, only four of us on this trip and we were treated like celebrities! Chauffeur driven.

The most amazing experience was rising at 4.15am to watch sunrise over the grasslands, absolutely breath-taking! We spent a few nights sleeping in a yurt, and experienced the food and culture of Mongolia. Everything on trip was so well organised with Archers, which adds to the pleasure of the holiday. We would not even contemplate travelling with any other company now, and have recommended Archers Direct to a number of people.

February 27th 2007 is our Silver Wedding Anniversary and we look forward to celebrating it cruising down the Nile. Who else would we travel with? Archers Direct.

Mrs M Keightley, S. Yorkshire

Holiday Review: Taste of China

We have just returned from your Taste of China holiday. What a wonderful time we had. The rep Carl organised everything for us and was truly magnificent. We also had two local reps Rose and Lucy who were equally as good.

The itinerary was very full with some amazing places to visit. Excellent value for money. Would definately use Archers again.

Mrs K Hoile, Southampton

Holiday Review: Wonders of China & the Mighty Yangtze

We had an absolutely fantastic tour, it far exceeded our expectations. This holiday was booked for our silver wedding anniversary and we will certainly remember it for a long time.The tour guide (philip) was excellent he was always there if you needed him and a mind of information, as was the local tour guides in different locations. The only downside to a fab holiday was the lack of leisure time for being on your own for shopping etc, Hong Kong was amazing, there you can shop till you drop. I must say thankyou to the rest of the gang who were also on the tour many characters many memories made this special.

Archers organisation of this tour was spot on( besides leisure time). I will certainley be looking at booking another holiday with them in the future.

Mark & Lynn Rawling, West Yorkshire

Holiday Review: Thailand Experience

My wife and I read that Thailand was the land of smiles so we decided that Archers Thailand Experience holiday was ideal for us.

We left the UK on a cold January day and travelled to Bangkok where we had an excellent hotel and revelled in sunshine in the 80's as we marvelled at the palaces and temples of Bangkok with the sold gold Buddha and the wonderful reclining Buddha.

One of the highlights of the holiday was the visit to the floating marketing of Damnoen Saduak an experience not to be missed. It's colourful, noisy, total totally touristy but great fun.

We travelled across the bridge on the River Kwai on the death railway and visited Hellfire Pass and a cemetery where 6000 prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge are buried.

The villages in the Northern part of Thailand are a complete contrast to Bangkok and we found them well worth visiting. At the Golden Triangle , where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet we went for a boat ride on the Mekong River and visited part of Laos.

Another highlight was the thrilling elephant ride at Chiang Mai. We also saw the elephants at work, playing football, disco dancing and painting the most wonderful pictures.

As we are not adventurous with our choice of meals we were rather apprehensive about eating in Thailand but there was always a choice of menu with International cuisine.

The final week of our holiday was at Cape Panwa on the island of Phuket. Here we were able to relax, swim and have a Thai massage or two. The beach and the hotel were excellent. We went by local boat to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

I can heartily recommend the holiday. A camera with plenty of film is a must. From the moment we arrived we were impressed by the courtesy of the Thai people who made us welcome. We are now planning on visiting the Cambodia and Vietnam next year as we enjoyed this area so much.

Mr S Sinfield, West Yorkshire

Holiday Review: China & Yangtze River

I wanted to write and say that my husband and I have had a fantastic holiday to China with the Yangtze River Cruise and the Hong Kong option.

The whole tour was well organised and we saw all the places we wanted to see. We also had a bonus visit in Xian when our flight was delayed of seeing the Han Yangling tombs - this was amazing as this tomb is still being excavated and it is not yet on the tourist list of places to go.

The option of going to Hong Kong was beneficial as China was so busy that we needed some time to relax.

The accommodation was a good standard and the customer service exceptional.

The service to obtain visas from CIBT was seamless and the visa staff were knowledgeable and the service was quick. I was able to check the status of the visas via the web with our passports and visas being returned within 1 week.

I look forward to booking another holiday with Archers Direct sometime in the future.

Mrs. S. Pratt, UK

Holiday Review: Beautiful China

I enclose my holiday experiences from a recent trip to China. I would like to mention how much we enjoyed the holidays, it was the most exhausting one we have ever done, and although I have been back a few weeks my head is still buzzing with the sites (and sights) that we saw……

On a recent Archer's trip to China, the sights (and sites) were almost overwhelming from the immaculate city of Shanghai with it's towering buildings and horrific traffic, to the magic of the Terracotta Warriors, and the immensity (and history) of Tiannamen Square, the beauty of the Three Gorges and the wonderful and fascinating Great Wall.

One of the most enduring impressions were the signs that we saw, from the one outside the lavatories in the Forbidden City, which proudly boasted that it was a "5 star toilet" to one on the motorway which read "Please drive tiredly".

Most of the sites were very busy, and had signs saying "Please be a decent visitor and queue one by one", and also "Please be care of something with you". In the shops we saw "Everybody, if you don't take the escalator, please walk" and in a window "Genuine Rolex, Fake Rolex, Genuine Fake Rolex."

We were very pleased to be able to take a chair lift up the great wall, and took due note of the instructions.

Whoever got a heart condition or a seriously deformed body, please do not take the cable car.
When old man or child take the cable car they must be accompanied by an adult.
To march into the platform one by one, each must stand on the pointed place with the help of the staff.
Please sit on the hanging chair quickly, and put down the safety frame, while you taking do not smoke, swing or play.
Arrived, lift up your feet from the foothold and lift up the frame.
To get off it, one left, one right.
Passengers are prohibited from carrying inflammables, explosives and poisons on the cable car.
Perhaps the most poignant was at the Neolithic site. "A three-four year old girl was buried in a coffin pit that was usually used for burying the adults and she enjoyed a wooden coffin uniquely". In the same museum we saw a clearly marked "Fire Exiting User Box".

Rosemary Pratt, Notts

Holiday Review: China - The Middle Kingdom

Having recently returned from your tour of China - The Middle Kingdom Holiday, I would on behalf of my husband and myself like to say what a wonderful experience it was with every excursion a delight.

But the one thing we would really like to comment on was the national guide (English name Carl) he was the kindest, most helpful and efficient person we could have hoped to have, nothing was too much trouble for him and we hope Archers as a company realises what a treasure they have working for them.

Mrs S Mettrick, West Yorkshire