Beautiful China
Experience the potent beauty and history of China on this magical holiday taking in Shanghai, Guilin, Beijing, a cruise on the mighty Yangtze and the legendary Terracotta Warriors.
Guilin's stunning landscape
Limestone karsts in Guilin's famous 'willow-pattern' landscape
The Bund - Shanghai
Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Nanjing
Dr Sun Yat-Sen's mausoleum, Nanjing
Wuhan, Hubei Province
The Great Wall - one's of the world's most awesome man-made wonders
Terracotta Warriors, Xian
Temple Of Heaven, Beijing
Xian City Wall
The Summer Palace, Beijing
Suzhou Garden
Marble Boat of the Empress Dowager Ci Xi, Summer Palace, Beijing
Tiger Hill, Suzhou
Wu Gorge, Yangtze River
Yangtze River
Three Gorges Dam
Aerial view of the Three Gorges Dam project
Longmen Gorge
Chongqing Gorge
Xiling Gorge
Terracotta Warriors, Xian
Shanghai
Enjoy the magic of Hong Kong on a 3 night extension
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Shanghai.
On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. (D)
DAY 3: Shanghai.
Once dubbed the 'Paris of the Orient', cosmopolitan and exhilarating Shanghai still retains much of the sophistication and ebullience of yesteryear. Your included sightseeing tour features the famous Yu Yuan Garden, the atmospheric old town and the stunning Jade Buddha Temple. The afternoon is at leisure to explore 'The Bund' riverside boulevard and Nanjing Road. In the evening, enjoy an exciting acrobatics show. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Shanghai - Luzhi - Suzhou.
This morning visit the splendid Shanghai Museum, which houses thousands of exquisite Chinese archaeological and artistic exhibits. After lunch drive to Luzhi, a 2000 year old 'watertown' with many small canals and bridges. Experience the life of local people living along the canals, before continuing on to Suzhou. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Suzhou.
Suzhou is famed for its silk industry and was dubbed the Venice of the East because of its many ancient canals and bridges. Your memorable time here begins with a visit to Tiger Hill, on the summit of which stands the Pagoda of Yunyan; and the Lingering Garden, before a short cruise along the Grand Canal. After lunch visit a silk factory, followed by a rickshaw ride along the canal banks. This evening, musicians with classical Chinese instruments, folk singers and dancers will entertain you in Suzhou's scenic Garden of the Master of the Nets. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Suzhou - Nanjing.
A morning's train ride takes you to Nanjing, a delightful walled city on the Yangtze with a rich Ming history. After lunch, soak up the breathtaking views from the Yangtze River Bridge and Zhonghua City Gate, China's greatest ancient city gate, followed by a stroll around the Confucius Temple area with its Ming-style shops. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Nanjing - Beijing.
A great morning's sightseeing at the Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the pioneer of the Chinese Revolution, before an afternoon flight to Beijing for three nights in China's fascinating capital. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Beijing.
Beijing holds many wonders for the visitor, from the historic to the enigmatic and stirring. Highlights include the legendary, vast Tiananmen Square, home to the imposing city museum, and the magnificent Forbidden City, the palace complex that was home to successive Emperors for over 500 years. Afterwards, we continue to the glorious Summer Palace, with its exquisite gardens and landscapes. (B, L)
DAY 9: Beijing and Great Wall of China.
An unforgettable day travelling to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which criss-crosses forested mountain tops (return cable-car rides are included). One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Wall stretches approximately 4,000 miles and is a spectacular sight you'll be sure never to forget. Your day ends with a traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Beijing – Yichang – Yangtze River.
After a morning visit to Beijing's Temple of Heaven, fly to Yichang where you will board your ship, the President No.1, for an exciting four night Yangtze River cruise journey upstream. (B, D)
DAY 11: Yangtze River.
Set sail this morning and watch endless dramatic vistas unfold before you as your ship passes through the serenely beautiful Xiling Gorge, the Yangtze's longest. After a shore excursion to the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the world's biggest, you'll then sail through the Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Yangtze River.
Today experience the swift, crystal waters of the Shennong Stream - a Yangtze tributary - or alternatively the Lesser Three Gorges. Both trips travel through mystical, fairytale landscapes that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Later you will pass through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Yangtze River.
Today, visit either Shibaozhai, an ancient pagoda known as the shining pearl on the Yangtze, or Fengdu Ghost City. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xian.
Disembark your cruise in Chongqing and enjoy a short city tour and a visit to the city zoo, which is home to some of China's famous giant pandas. Later, continue to the airport for your flight to Xian for a two night stay. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Xian and Terracotta Warriors.
Yet another highlight of your tour, the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, built in around 250 BC to guard an Imperial Tomb and comprising thousands of full-size, hand-carved clay soldiers, chariots and horses. Next, stroll along the city's ancient walls. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the Tang Era music and dance show. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: Xian - Guilin.
After a morning visit to Xian's Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered Buddhist pagoda built around 600 AD, fly to Guilin. (B, L, D)
DAY 17: Guilin.
Today take a cruise on the picturesque Li River which snakes through limestone pinnacles and rice fields to Yangshuo, with lunch on board. Return to Guilin by road in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
DAY 18: Guilin - Shanghai.
Visit the Reed Flute Caves - a vast cavern pitted with stalagmites and stalactites, named after the nearby reeds that were used to make flutes. Evening flight to Shanghai.
DAY 19: Shanghai.
A further day to explore this captivating city. (B)
DAY 20: Shanghai - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Hong Kong. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Shanghai: Xuhui International Executive Suites (4*); Suzhou: Castle Hotel (4*); Nanjing: Mandarin Garden (4*); Beijing: Grand Gongda Jianguo (4*); Xian: New World (4*); Guilin: Park (4*).
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for entry into China. This must be obtained prior to departure.
Tipping
Not included in the price
Tipping is at your own discretion - as a guide we recommend £3 per person per day.
Your Holiday Map
Beautiful China
President No. 1
Standard twin cabin, President No. 1
Lounge on board
Restaurant
Restaurant
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President No. 1
A large and modern river cruiser, President No. 1 was designed with comfort and flexibilityin mind and offers 94 well appointed cabins.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Restaurant; bar; observation areas; beauty salon; massage room; shops; laundry service; internet access.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. Breakfasts features a Chinese and Western style buffet. Lunch and evening meals will be traditional Chinese cuisine made and arranged by a high class chef.
Cabins
All cabins are outside facing and have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; floor to ceiling windows; balcony; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a standard cabin with balcony.
Options/Upgrades
Single Cabin. Upper deck cabin with balcony.
Beautiful China 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Beautiful China 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Apr 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 16 Apr 2012 | Manchester |
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| 17 Apr 2012 |
Make your own way
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Beautiful China
Price from £2424.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Shanghai; Nanjing - Beijing - Yichang; Chongqing - Xian - Guilin - Shanghai - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 18 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L) and 15 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Professional tour director on tour & local guide in each city
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between the overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
- All local and airport taxes
Included Highlights
- Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple
- Suzhou Garden of the Master of Nets
- Nanjing Zhonghua Gate
- Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
- Great Wall of China
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Xian Terracotta Warriors
- Guilin Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Caves
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
16 Apr 2012 to 16 Oct 2012
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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