Captivating China

Meet free roaming Giant Pandas face to face at the Giant Panda Sanctuary, Chengdu

Visit China's most impressive and unique natural sights, whilst allowing the engineering feats of this ancient civilisation to leave you truly inspired.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Beijing.

On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city, glorified by 13th century Mongol leader Kublai Khan as the capital of his empire. (D)

DAY 3: Beijing.

After breakfast, visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace and its ornate pavilions. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 4: Beijing.

An included full day tour of the legendary Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section. Stretching approximately 4,000 miles and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay etched in your memory forever. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Beijing - Xian.

This morning visit the Temple of Heaven before your flight to Xian. (B, L)

DAY 6: Xian.

Today, enjoy one of the highlights of your trip on a visit to the first emperor's funeral vault to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for this incredible display of 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots and horses. Later visit the ancient city wall, built in 1378 and surrounding the old city. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Dynasty Palace Theatre & Restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Xian - Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei.

This morning, fly to Chengdu then journey through the beautiful scenery to Leshan, to see the largest stone Buddha in the world. Carved into a mountain it is said to date to the Tang Emperor, Tang Xuanzong (713 AD). Continue to the foot of Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for your overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Mount Emei - Chengdu.

Today you will explore the impressive Mount Emei. Travelling to and from Wannian by cable car, you will visit Wannian Temple. In the afternoon return to Chengdu. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Chengdu.

This morning will surely be one of the highlights of your tour, a visit to the Panda Base Research Centre. You will have a chance to learn about these wonderful animals, as well as view them up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 10: Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River.

Drive to Dazu to view the Dazu stone carving. After lunch, continue to Chongqing. Upon arrival, board the President No. 2 (for details, see page 179)(for details, see page 117), for an exciting three night Yangtze River cruise. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Yangtze River.

Today, visit the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Yangtze River.

Another unforgettable day, with a shore visit to Shennong Stream (or the Lesser Three Gorges). Also pass through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and the west section of Xiling Gorge. Your cruise ship will then glide through the dramatic Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai.

Today visit the Three Gorges Dam project, before sailing through the east section of Xiling Gorge. After lunch you will disembark your cruise at Yichang and transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Shanghai, where you will spend the next three nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Shanghai.

Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai and tour the surreal Yu Yuan Garden, with its Ming Dynasty miniature landscapes, the Shanghai Museum, the Bund and the famous Nanjing Road. After dinner, enjoy an extraordinary acrobatics show. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Shanghai - Hangzhou - Shanghai.

Board the bullet train for a day trip to Hangzhou. Set amid verdant greenery alongside West Lake, this 2,000 year-old city was the seat of China's Song emperors and brims with historic relics and natural beauty. Begin with a cruise on West Lake before visiting a tea plantation in the Meijiawu Valley, famed for its Dragon-Well green tea. Enjoy a taste of this renowned tea and learn about its production process. After lunch, stroll on the ancient street of Hefang, visit a traditional Chinese pharmacy and visit the former residence of Hu Xueyan - a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture. In the evening, return to Shanghai. (B, L)

DAY 16: Shanghai - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Hong Kong or with a short tour of Lijiang and Kunming. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Beijing: Grand Gongda Jianguo (4*); Xian: New World Hotel (4*); Mount Emei: Hongzhushan Hotel (4*); Chengdu: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4*); Shanghai: Riverview Hotel (4*).

Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

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

Captivating China

Itinerary Map

President No. 2

The spacious yet elegant President No. 2, also known as 'Yellow Crane', is a deluxe river cruiser, purpose built for navigating the Yangtze River's mighty gorges and spectacular curves. Providing 6 spacious decks laden with a good selection of amenities and leisure facilities, President No. 2 offers accommodation for 201 passengers in 102 well-appointed, comfortable cabins and is an ideal base from which to explore the fascinating landscapes and cultures of central China.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck; restaurant; indoor observation room; bar and lounge; coffee bar; ballroom; reading and card rooms; fitness equipment; massage room; beauty salon; shops; clinic; internet access; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast features a Chinese and Western style buffet. Lunch and evening meals feature traditional Chinese cuisine made and arranged by a high-class chef.

Cabins

All cabins are outside facing and have twin beds; air-conditioning; TV; fridge; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a standard cabin with window.

Options/Upgrades

Single cabin.

Captivating China 15 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.

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Apr Sat 14 Apr Sun 15 May Sat 12 May Sun 13 Jun Sat 09 Jun Sun 10 Jun Sat 23 Jun Sun 24
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This is the price of the holiday without flights
     

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

 

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

 
Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 14:15
 

Departure Times

  • 14:15
 

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

 

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

   
Glasgow

Departure Times

  • 14:15
 

Departure Times

  • 14:15
 

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

       
London Heathrow

Departure Times

  • 09:10
  • 13:45
  • 16:45 (+ £250)
  • 20:25 (+ £150)
 

Departure Times

  • 09:10
  • 13:45
  • 16:45 (+ £250)
  • 20:25 (+ £100)
 

Departure Times

  • 09:10 (+ £150)
  • 13:45
  • 16:45 (+ £250)
  • 20:25 (+ £100)

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

 

Departure Times

  • 09:10
  • 14:15
  • 16:45 (+ £250)
  • 20:25 (+ £100)

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

   
Manchester

Departure Times

  • 09:25
 

Departure Times

  • 09:25
 

Departure Times

  • 09:25

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

 

Departure Times

  • 09:25

Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability.

   

Captivating China 15 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  
14 Apr 2012 Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 14:15
Select
14 Apr 2012 Glasgow

Departure Times

  • 14:15
Select
14 Apr 2012 London Heathrow

Departure Times

  • 09:10
  • 13:45
  • 16:45 (+ £250)
  • 20:25 (+ £150)
Select
14 Apr 2012 Manchester

Departure Times

  • 09:25
Select
15 Apr 2012 Make your own way

Make your own way

This is the price of the holiday without flights
Select

Captivating China

Price from £2074.00

What's Included

  • Flights: UK - Beijing - Xian - Chengdu; Yichang - Shanghai; Beijing - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
  • Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
  • English speaking guide on tour
  • Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
  • All local and airport taxes Not included in the price Tipping is at your own discretion, as a guide we recommend £3 per person per day.

Included highlights

  • Beijing Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors, City Wall
  • Mount Emei Wannian Temple
  • Panda Base Research Centre
  • Yangtze River Cruise
  • Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden
  • Hangzhou Cruise on West Lake

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • Glasgow
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester

Departures between

14 Apr 2012 to 14 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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